Sales is NOT a Dirty Word

Most service providers think the goal is to impress the CEO because they’re the decision buyer. However in more complex deals with larger companies, you rarely get the CEO first. You speak with the CMO, the ops lead, the SEO manager, or the HR director. In other words, there is a person standing between you and the final yes. If you approach them the same way you would the CEO, there’s a bigger chance that you will lose the deal. In this episode of Sales Is NOT a Dirty Word, you’ll learn one of the most overlooked and costly sales mistakes and how to fix it. You’ll learn how to shift your conversations so internal stakeholders feel supported, not threatened or like you want to bypass them. Because the truth is, they are not focused on company-wide growth. They care about how your solution impacts their role. They are deciding if you make them look effective or replaceable. When you understand this, everything changes. Inside this episode: Why internal decision makers have different motivators than CEOs How to position your offer as support and relief instead of competition The questions that reveal what actually matters to them How to turn internal stakeholders into advocates who sell for you Why helping someone look good accelerates the close This is the shift that separates average sales conversations from ones that convert 6 figure deals with big companies. You are not just closing a deal. You are building an internal ally who helps you win it. If you’re ready to stop losing deals in the middle of the process and start closing with confidence, book a Sales Team Level Up Call and let’s build a strategy that actually works for your sales conversations: 👉 https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup 01:30 – Who you’re actually selling to first (and why it matters) 02:15 – Why internal stakeholders think differently than CEOs 03:10 – The mistake: pitching company-wide results too early 04:05 – What CMOs and internal teams really care about 05:10 – How to position your offer without threatening their role 06:20 – The “make them look good” strategy explained 07:15 – Discovery questions that change everything 08:20 – Turning internal stakeholders into advocates 09:10 – How to equip them to sell you internally 10:00 – Getting in front of the CEO (the right way) 11:00 – Creating a collaborative “team” dynamic 11:45 – Final takeaway: treat them like their own buyer #SalesStrategy #B2BSales #SalesCoaching #ServiceBasedBusiness #AgencyGrowth #ConsultingBusiness #SalesTips #CloseMoreDeals #DiscoveryCall #SalesProcess #EntrepreneurSales #HighTicketSales #LeadConversion #BusinessGrowthStrategy #SalesTraining #ClientAcquisition #SalesPsychology #BlackSheepSales #WomenInBusiness #SalesIsNotADirtyWord

Most people can describe their target audience. Very few can clearly articulate who they are not for. That blind spot is expensive. It shows up as nightmare clients who drain your energy and income more than adding to it. In this episode of Sales Is NOT a Dirty Word, you’ll examine what I call your anti-audience. The patterns, expectations, and behaviors that consistently signal misalignment with your work. This requires discernment. You have to be willing to walk away from revenue that looks good in the moment but quietly erodes your standards over time. When you identify who actually thrives inside your process and who consistently strains it, your decisions get cleaner. Your messaging sharpens. Your sales conversations feel steadier. You stop trying to accommodate everyone and start protecting the conditions that produce results. It also makes the people who are a fit for you want to work with you more. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: - How filtering makes more people want to work with you - How to spot patterns in who buys, who stalls, and who succeeds - The difference between ideal demographics and psychographics - How to structure intake forms that ensure alignment - What to say when someone isn’t a fit - Why long-term positioning compounds faster than short-term commission When you’re clear about who you’re not for, the right people feel it. Conversations get easier. Expectations rise. Conversions strengthen. If you want help identifying your patterns and putting language around them, book a Sales Level-Up Call and we’ll map it out together: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup 01:15 – Why mainstream manipulation tactics miss the point 02:30 – The real reason misaligned clients cost you more than they pay 03:40 – Patterns: who says yes and who doesn’t 05:00 – Identifying readiness indicators beyond demographics 06:20 – Using intake forms to filter before the call 07:30 – Why specialization builds desire 08:45 – The Facebook ads example: short-term commission vs long-term trust 10:00 – How transparency increases referrals 11:00 – Transitioning into your offer with clarity and confidence For more ways to sell without pressure, pretending, or psychological games: Website: https://aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #BlackSheepSales #AntiAudience #TargetAudienceStrategy #SalesClarity #HighIntegritySales #SalesWithoutPressure #ServiceProviderSales #SalesCoaching #ClientFit #DiscoveryCall #SalesStrategy #EntrepreneurSales #SellWithIntegrity #SalesMindset #BusinessGrowth #AlignedClients #SalesPodcast

You are in a phase most people do not talk about honestly. Your offer works. People are buying. You are busy enough to feel stretched but not stable enough to feel safe. So the idea of hiring a salesperson or team of them starts to sound like relief. It could be! But it can also create crippling pressure that causes hasty decisions. And there are often many other things that need to happen first before that step. Listen in to discover: Why selling at a higher price requires a different approach - and how to do it How hiring too early creates urgency that prospects can sense (and run away from) The risks of leadership stress compounds when profit margins are thin If you are considering scaling, raising prices, or building a sales team, this episode helps you slow down and make the decision in the right order. If you want help increasing your prices, strengthening your sales messaging, or building a sales structure that works without pressure, you can book a Sales Team Level-Up Call with me here: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup 01:05 What happens when you hire in anticipation of growth 02:10 How payroll pressure affects sales conversations 03:00 Why price increases expose weak messaging 04:15 Deliverables versus outcomes in sales 05:10 Why you cannot educate and sell in the same call 06:05 The leadership stress no one talks about 07:20 Why higher prices first create more space 08:15 The correct order for scaling 09:00 How sales teams should be structured to succeed #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesPodcast #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #WomenInSales #EthicalSales #SalesStrategy #SalesMessaging #HighTicketSales #SalesWithoutPressure #PricingStrategy #RaiseYourPrices #Underpricing #ProfitOverVolume #SustainableBusiness For more grounded sales strategy and honest conversations about scaling your business: Website: https://aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr

One of the phrases that can put many on the defense is, “We’re also talking to a few others.” Sometimes it’s said plainly. Other times it’s softened into something like, “We’re still exploring our options.” Either way, it tends to trigger the same reaction: the urge to explain, justify, or subtly compete. You start thinking about how to stand out, how to defend your pricing, how to make sure you’re not the one who gets cut. The trouble is, that instinct almost always works against you. Over-explaining erodes confidence. Competing in comparison pulls you into someone else’s frame. And trying to prove your value in that moment often does the opposite. In this episode of Sales Is NOT a Dirty Word, I break down how to handle competition talk without tightening up, avoiding it all together or overexplaining. Instead of reacting, I walk through how to slow the conversation down, stay anchored, and lead it in a way that builds trust rather than pressure. This episode covers: Why conversations about competitors don’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or forced How to redirect comparison talk with clarity, confidence, and intention The kinds of questions that help prospects think more clearly about what they actually need Why being genuinely comfortable with “this might not be the right fit” often increases your close rate A real client example where filtering out the wrong fit protected both the deal and the relationship If you’ve ever wished you had better words when someone brought up your competition, this episode gives you language that feels natural and authority that doesn’t need to be announced. Want help crafting what to say in your specific situation? Book a Sales Level-Up Call and we’ll build it together: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup 01:00 – What NOT to do when your prospect mentions other options 01:40 – How to empower instead of persuade 02:30 – Using client pain points with other providers to guide the convo 03:20 – Real example: ad agencies and account access red flags 04:15 – The difference between guiding and convincing 05:00 – When to gently suggest they're looking for a different kind of support 06:00 – Sample questions that highlight gaps in your competition 07:20 – Why trust comes from transparency, not perfection 08:00 – A simple phrase to offer value without attachment 08:45 – Final reminder: You’re not here to win a debate. You’re here to help them choose the right fit. #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesWithIntegrity #BlackSheepSales #ProspectEmpowerment #CompetitionInSales #SalesStrategy #SalesConversationTips #SalesBoundaries #TrustBasedSelling #AleashaBahr #ClientFitMatters #DiscoveryCallTips #SalesConfidence #ServiceProviderSales #SalesMessaging #HighIntegrityBusiness #SalesPodcast #HandlingObjections #NoMorePressureSelling For more insights on selling without pressure, pretending, or performative tactics: 📌 Website: https://aleashabahr.com/ 📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ 📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr

Repeat after me - some money is NOT better than no money. In this Sales is NOT a Dirty Word episode, I walk through a real client situation that exposes how easy it is to agree too quickly, stay vague to preserve harmony, or assume clarity will come later. Those small boundary lapses rarely feel urgent in the moment, but over time they erode trust, damage mental health and compromise results. What this conversation keeps returning to is a simple but often resisted truth: boundaries are not performative self-care. They are structural. They make responsibility, scope, and value explicit, which is what actually protects working relationships. Inside this episode, you will learn: Why exceptions and special arrangements tend to fail without shared context How to articulate scope clearly without defensiveness or rigidity What to say when requests drift beyond what was originally agreed upon Why betting on future potential creates misalignment rather than goodwill The language and reframes to use to prevent difficult conversations later, rather than managing them after the fact If you have ever felt uneasy about an agreement but moved forward anyway, or worried that naming your limits would damage the relationship, this offers a more grounded way forward. If you want support developing clear, humane boundary language or navigating complex client dynamics without escalation, you can book a Sales Level-Up Call and we will work through it together in real time: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup 01:18 – The “special rate” client story that sparked this episode 02:40 – When assumptions backfire: budget complaints and blurred lines 04:05 – The danger of betting on potential instead of present reality 05:15 – Why clients can’t value what you don’t name 06:30 – Three ways to respond to out-of-scope requests 08:10 – How to frame boundaries with confidence and clarity 09:50 – Why no boundaries = lost clients and revenue 11:00 – The myth of “some money is better than no money” 12:10 – A powerful reframe: boundaries make you more referable #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesBoundaries #PeoplePleaserRecovery #ClientCommunication #HighIntegritySales #ServiceProviderLife #ScopeCreep #ClientExpectations #SalesWithoutPressure #BlackSheepSales #AleashaBahr #SalesMindsetShift #PricingWithConfidence #SalesCoaching #SalesStrategy #EmotionalIntelligenceInSales #ClientRedFlags #SalesPodcast #NoMoreDiscountDeals #BoundariesBuildTrust Connect With Aleasha: Website - https://aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr

After reviewing hundreds of sales calls, there are phrases people use in sales conversations that quietly sabotage the sale. The intention is usually to be polite. However, on an unconscious level, they erode trust, clarity, and authority. Buyers do not need more politeness. They need clarity. And a confused mind always says no. In this episode of Sales Is Not a Dirty Word, I break down the most common language patterns I hear people unintentionally use on sales calls that make buyers hesitate or mentally check out. These are habits people use without realizing it, and once you hear them, you cannot unhear them. Phrases like “I think,” “kind of,” “maybe,” and “does that make sense?” weaken credibility and create confusion. You will also learn why the fear of overpromising often causes service providers to undersell themselves. That fear shows up in language, and buyers feel it immediately. Inside this episode, discover: • How uncertain language creates buyer doubt • Why confusion, not price, stops sales from closing • What confident, experience-based authority sounds like • How to ask check-in questions that create clarity If you want direct feedback on where your language may be costing you sales, book a Sales Level Up Call: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup Because the problem many times isn’t your offer - it’s your language. 03:10 Why saying “I think” undermines authority 04:25 How soft language creates buyer hesitation 05:40 Why “does that make sense?” causes confusion 06:55 Confusion vs price as the real reason deals stall 08:05 Opinion language vs experience based authority 09:15 How fear of overpromising leads to underselling 10:25 What buyers actually need instead of politeness 11:30 Final thoughts on clarity, confidence, and trust #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesConversations #SalesLanguage #SalesCommunication #AuthenticSelling #SalesCoaching #ServiceProviderSales #HighTicketSales #SalesConfidence #SalesStrategy #SalesPsychology #BlackSheepSales #EthicalSelling #SalesSkills #ConversionOptimization Connect With Aleasha: Website - https://aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@aleashaba

Most people are not bad decision makers. They are just repeating the same decision pattern (without realizing it) and wondering why nothing changes. In this new Sales is NOT a Dirty Word episode, I break down one of the most overlooked responsibilities in highly effective, ethical selling. Helping someone recognize the decision pattern that is keeping them stuck. Not through pressure, information dumping, or manipulation. Instead, it’s about clarity, asking better questions, reflecting behavior honestly, and allowing someone to examine their own choices without shame or force. If you sell a product or service that genuinely helps people, this will change how you think about sales conversations, objections, and what it actually means to serve someone well. What You’ll Discover When Listening: Why repeating the same decision always produces the same result How to identify decision patterns that keep buyers stuck The difference between telling (which creates resistance) and questions that create insight Getting clearer on qualification that protects you from nightmare clients If this resonates, there is a strong chance decision patterns are already showing up inside your sales process. Your messaging. Your qualification. Your close. Each one either reinforces clarity or quietly allows the same stuck loops to repeat. If you want a clear, honest look at what is really happening inside your sales conversations, book a Black Sheep Sales Audit. This is not a pitch. It is a diagnostic. 👉 Book your audit here: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup Key Moments [01:40] Why pushing for a yes creates refunds, resentment, and regret [03:55] Why telling is selling and why it never works [04:30] How to reflect someone’s priorities back to them without confrontation [05:10] The mindset shift that unlocks a different decision [06:00] Why clarity feels relieving, not salesy [07:20] How breaking decision patterns improves more than just sales #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #EthicalSales #SalesMindset #DecisionMaking #ConsultativeSelling #SalesLeadership #BusinessGrowth #BlackSheepSales #SalesPsychology #BuyerBehavior #SalesConversations #DecisionPatterns #SalesStrategy #FounderSales #ConsultativeSales #SalesCoaching #ClientAlignment #SellingWithIntegrity Connect With Aleasha: Website - https://aleashabahr.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr

Most salespeople spend their time perfecting their pitch, memorizing scripts, and thinking about how to close. But here’s the truth: what separates a top performer from someone average in sales is not what you say - it’s what you ask. When you lead with curiosity, you stop guessing. You stop assuming. Instead, you uncover what your prospects really want, what they truly need, and what they mean beneath the surface. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I break down exactly how to leverage curiosity at the center of every sales conversation to close more. You will discover: ✔ How curiosity builds trust faster than any sales pitch ✔ How to uncover the real reason behind surface-level questions ✔ What to say when a buyer asks for pricing or packages too early ✔ How curiosity can dissolve objections before they even appear ✔ The mindset that creates clarity, confidence, and focus in every sales conversation ✔ Why assumptions on both sides often lead to lost deals If you want to close more clients without pressure and turn every conversation into a partnership, this episode gives you the exact mindset and approach to make it happen. Sales teams struggling with listening, rushing scripts, or losing deals too quickly will benefit enormously from this episode. If you want to take your full sales system to the next level, book a Black Sheep Sales Audit today: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #CuriosityInSales #SalesSkills #ActiveListening #SalesStrategy #AuthenticSelling #SalesLeadership #BlackSheepSales #SalesConversations #SalesTraining #HighTicketSales #EthicalSelling #SalesCoaching #BuyerPsychology #FitFirstSelling

One of the most expensive mistakes founders make happens the moment a salesperson starts performing. Revenue rises. Momentum builds. …and then the first large commission check appears. Instead of celebrating the growth, the owner panics. They see the payout instead of the profit. Here’s the thing: a big commission check is not the problem. It is proof your business is scaling and that’s something to celebrate! If your sales person is making good money - that means you’re making good money. You should definitely be making more than when they weren’t there. And if you’re not - that’s a problem with the plan - not the rep. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, common comp plan issues, how owners unintentionally sabotage their best performers and the ripple effect that can end up costing you a lot more money than you save. Listen in to discover: ✔ Why flat commission plans cap performance ✔ The mindset shift that makes big commission checks feel good, not scary ✔ How changing a working plan destroys trust and pushes talent out ✔ Why competitive compensation attracts the top 1 percent of salespeople ✔ How to create a tiered monthly ladder that encourages performance ✔ Why reducing commission always costs more through turnover and lost deals ✔ The real financial impact of replacing a salesperson and why sales has the highest churn rate You’ll learn how to design a comp plan you never resent paying and how to use incentives to shape the behaviors that move your business forward. If you want a compensation plan that matches your margins and growth strategy, book a Black Sheep Sales Audit at calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesCompensation #SalesLeadership #CommissionPlan #SalesStrategy #SalesTeamSuccess #BlackSheepSales #SalesManagement #SalesHiring #SalesCoaching #SalesCompensationPlan #BusinessGrowth #FounderTips #SalesRetention #AuthenticSelling

Everyone is racing to automate sales. Buyers are racing to avoid anything that sounds automated. People are talking about AI in sales like it is the magic solution to every problem. But if you have actually used it, you already know it is far from perfect. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I break down what AI consistently gets wrong in sales, how to use it in a way that drives sales instead of damages them. AI tools are producing cold messages that sound robotic, repeat common errors, and chip away at trust with every send. Automation made it faster to reach people, but it also made it easier to sound like everyone else. Here is what you will learn: ✔ The real risk of relying on AI for sales communication ✔ How a high AI error rate can quietly damage your brand reputation ✔ What AI is actually useful for and where it should never be used ✔ Why trust and genuine human connection are now your strongest differentiators ✔ How creativity and personalization help you break through the noise ✔ The future of outreach and why pattern interrupts consistently win If your messages are not landing the way they used to, this episode explains why and shows you how to fix it quickly. When buyers are drowning in AI generated noise, you have to do something different to get a different result. 👉 Listen now and learn how to use AI as a tool, not a crutch. If you are ready to make your sales strategy more human, more personal, and far more effective, book a Black Sheep Sales Audit with me: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup. Let us build a system that helps you stand out, not blend in. #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesAndAI #AIFail #SalesLeadership #SalesStrategy #AuthenticSelling #HumanCenteredSales #SalesAutomation #SalesCoaching #SalesTraining #SalesSuccess #SalesProcess #SalesEthics #BlackSheepSales #TrustInSales

Most salespeople are trained to talk, not to truly communicate. We’re told to “use this script,” “say this line,” or “overcome objections” as if we’re robots following a formula. But the reality is that the best salespeople are the ones who understand their prospect the best and LISTEN to them. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I sit down with Shawn Karol Sandy, CRO and seasoned sales expert, to talk about the science of communication and why it changes everything about how we sell. Shawn breaks down how fear, empathy, and even basic human biology affect the way we connect and close. She shares how awareness, tone, and timing can completely shift a sales conversation from pressure to partnership. We get into what actually happens in your body when you sell, why so many people lead with fear without realizing it, and how small, intentional changes in how you communicate can make you instantly more trustworthy and effective. You’ll hear: ✔ The science of communication and how it shapes every sale you make ✔ How fear sneaks into sales conversations and shuts people down ✔ Why empathy and curiosity are the most powerful sales tools you have ✔ How to make every touchpoint a preview of what it’s like to work with you ✔ The small, 10% improvements that can completely change your results ✔ Why manipulation and outdated tactics no longer work in modern sales If you’ve ever walked away from a sales call thinking, “I said all the right things, so why didn’t it land?” this episode will show you exactly what’s missing. Because at the end of the day, selling isn’t about convincing. It’s about connecting. And once you understand how humans actually communicate, every part of your sales process becomes easier, faster, and more natural. 👉 Connect with my guest, Shawn Karol Sandy, on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/shawnsandy/ and keep learning how to sell with science, empathy, and confidence. #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesLeadership #SalesCommunication #EmpathyInSales #SalesPsychology #SalesCoaching #SalesTraining #ModernSelling #AuthenticSales #SalesSuccess #SalesStrategy #BlackSheepSales #HumanCenteredSales #SalesMindset #B2BSales

Let’s be real. Sales onboarding standards are so low they’re non-existent. There are none. In too many companies, new reps are thrown into the deep end and told to “figure it out.” They’re expected to sell a product they barely understand, position it without a strategy, and hit quota within 90 days. It’s not a learning curve. It’s a setup for failure. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I break down why poor onboarding is one of the biggest performance killers in sales teams today, and how redesigning it can instantly reduce turnover, strengthen confidence, and empower new hires close faster. You’ll learn what effective sales onboarding should include, why it’s the foundation of employee retention, and how it turns seemingly mediocre sales hires into consistent performers. Here’s what we’ll cover: ✔ Why “sink or swim” onboarding is destroying your sales potential ✔ What new reps actually need to start producing results in 30 days ✔ The difference between a salesperson and a sales strategist — and why it matters ✔ How to equip your team with tools, talk tracks, and clarity from day one ✔ The exact onboarding framework that cuts ramp-up time and increases revenue If your new hires are struggling to gain traction or your sales team feels like a revolving door, this episode will show you what’s missing and how to fix it fast. 👉 Want help building a sales onboarding process that actually sets your team up to win? Book a Black Sheep Sales Audit at https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup and turn your sales onboarding into a true launchpad for success. #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesOnboarding #SalesLeadership #SalesTeamSuccess #SalesStrategy #BlackSheepSales #AuthenticSelling #SalesTraining #SalesRetention #SalesPerformance #SalesCoaching #SalesProcessFix #SalesManagement #HighPerformingTeams #BusinessGrowth

You know that one salesperson who crushes their quota but leaves everyone else walking on eggshells? It happens more often than leaders want to admit. A “rockstar” rep brings in numbers, but the cost is high — low morale, high turnover, and a team that’s quietly burning out. This week on Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I sat down with Randi Deckard, SVP of Growth at Bessler, to talk about what happens when you let toxic high performers run the show, and how to stop letting revenue justify damaging behavior. Randi shares her firsthand experience managing a top performer who had all the results at the expense of the rest of the team. And how leadership’s decision to finally choose culture over chaos completely transformed their organization for the better. We dig into the uncomfortable truth every sales leader faces: real leadership isn’t about keeping your best sellers happy. It’s about creating an environment where everyone performs at their best — together. Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation: ✔ How to recognize when a high-performing rep has become toxic to the team ✔ Why company culture and profitability are directly linked ✔ The leadership practices that build trust, loyalty, and long-term results ✔ How to shift from ego-driven sales to values-driven growth ✔ What it takes to build a “fit-first” sales team that wins the right way If you like leaders who talk straight and lead with clarity, Randi’s LinkedIn is where you’ll want to spend your next scroll break. This episode is your reminder that just because a salesperson is good at sales doesn’t mean they’re good for the company. Choose wisely!

Positioning can make or break your sales strategy — and it’s most business owners are winging it or not doing it at all. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I break down what positioning really means in sales, how to use it in real conversations, and why it’s the biggest factor that determines whether your offer converts or gets ignored. Too many entrepreneurs sell deliverables instead of value. They list what’s included instead of showing what their offer actually does for the client. That mistake leads to low conversions, price objections, and long sales cycles. In this episode, I’ll share how to fix that fast with real world examples. Listen in to discover how to tailor your message to different audiences, connect with what truly motivates them, and position your service as the obvious solution. Key points you’ll discover in this episode: ✔ Why effective sales positioning shortens your sales cycle ✔ How to uncover what your audience truly values ✔ How to make your offer sound irresistible without pushing ✔ Why one offer can be positioned in multiple ways and still stay authentic ✔ How to help your sales team position with confidence and close more deals If you’re tired of price objections, long sales cycles and getting ghosted this episode is for you! 👉 Want expert help with your sales positioning? Book a Black Sheep Sales Evaluation with Aleasha Bahr: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup #SalesIsNotADirtyWord #SalesStrategy #OfferPositioning #SalesCoaching #AuthenticSelling #SalesLeadership #SalesMessaging #ValueBasedSelling #SalesTeamSuccess #SalesTrainingTips #BlackSheepSales #EntrepreneurSales #SalesConversion #BusinessGrowth #SellWithoutPressure

Hiring the right people shouldn’t feel like gambling with your time, money, and peace of mind. Yet for many founders, it often does. The problem isn’t a lack of good talent; it’s the absence of a clear and intentional structure behind the hiring process. Without it, even the most well-meaning entrepreneurs end up hiring reactively instead of strategically. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, Aleasha Bahr sits down with Madi Wagonner, founder of Building Remote, to explore what it really takes to build a hiring system that consistently attracts self-driven, resourceful people who take ownership and contribute real value. Madi is known for helping entrepreneurs “fire themselves” from day-to-day operations so they can focus on higher-level leadership, growth, and the work that fuels them. Her approach to hiring and onboarding doesn’t just fill empty seats. It builds alignment, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose that keeps teams performing long after the honeymoon phase ends. You’ll learn: ✔ Why most hiring failures happen before the first interview even begins ✔ How to write job descriptions that filter for the right people and naturally repel the wrong ones ✔ The 4–6 week hiring process that turns uncertainty into confident decision-making ✔ The onboarding method that creates motivation, ownership, and trust from day one ✔ How to recognize candidates who are resourceful, adaptable, and aligned with your company’s vision ✔ Why approaching hiring like a sales process helps you attract, not chase, top talent If you’ve ever felt drained by bad hires, or caught yourself thinking, “No one can do it like I do,” this conversation will challenge that mindset and give you a roadmap for doing it differently. With the right structure, you can build a team that not only supports your business but grows with it. 👉 Learn more from Madi Wagonner at buildingremote.co. It’s time to hire with clarity, lead with confidence, and build a business that thrives without burning you out.

Most sales teams are still managed the outdated way: fear, cutthroat competition, and impossible quotas. The cost is burnout, turnover (so expensive!) and lost revenue. In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, Aleasha Bahr exposes the top 3 mistakes sales leaders make when managing teams — and shares what to do instead to build a culture of collaboration, motivation, and long-term growth. You’ll discover: ✔ Why pitting sales reps against each other destroys culture — and how to replace it with a team-driven goal that boosts performance ✔ The hidden reason promoting your top rep to manager backfires — and how to choose the right leader instead ✔ Why tiered compensation ladders outperform flat commissions every time ✔ The specific leadership training sales managers actually need to succeed ✔ How to set goals that drive motivation instead of discouragement If you’re still managing with old-school tactics, this episode is your roadmap to higher performance, stronger retention, and scalable revenue growth. 👉 Ready to build a sustainable sales system that consistently closes without burning out your team? Book your Black Sheep Sales Audit today: https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup