That Icky Sales Feeling? Let's Transform It From Dread to Delight (Yes, Really!)
Okay, lovely, let’s have a real heart-to-heart, shall we? You, me, a cuppa (or maybe something stronger, no judgement here – it’s wine o’clock somewhere!). If the mere thought of “selling” makes your palms sweat & your stomach do a little flip-flop, you are absolutely, positively not alone. So many brilliant, ambitious female entrepreneurs I speak to, especially those of you who are just starting to build the foundations of your incredible businesses – Foundation Builders – confess that this is one of their biggest hurdles. It feels… icky. Pushy. Inauthentic. Maybe even a bit desperate. According to a recent study, over 60% of female entrepreneurs report feeling uncomfortable with self-promotion & sales (Source: The Diana Project, Babson College).
& if you’re juggling motherhood on top of all this, trying to carve out time for your business between school runs, nap times that are never quite long enough, & the delightful chaos of family life (trust me, with four of my own, from a teenager down to a baby, plus two rather excitable Miniature Pinschers, I get it!), the pressure to then “sell” can feel overwhelming. You pour your heart & soul into creating something amazing, something you’re truly passionate about, only to freeze when it comes to actually asking for the sale. Sound familiar? Thought so!
This fear often whispers insidious little lies: “Who am I to charge for this?”, “What if they say no?”, “I don’t want to sound like one of those salesy people.” It’s tangled up with imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, & a whole heap of societal baggage about women, money, & self-promotion. But here’s the truth, lovely: it’s okay to feel this way. & even better? We can change it.
From "Selling" to "Serving": The Big Reframe Your Business Needs
What if I told you that “selling” doesn’t have to be a dirty word? What if we could reframe it entirely? Instead of thinking about it as a high-pressure, manipulative tactic, let’s think of it as an act of authentic service & genuine connection.
Imagine this: you have a skill, a product, a service that can genuinely help someone, solve their problem, make their life easier or better. When you “sell,” you’re not pushing something onto them; you are generously offering them a solution. You’re guiding them towards a transformation they desire. It becomes a conversation, an invitation to explore how you can support them. I’m thinking about what Myron Golden says, “The only way to get what you want is to help other people get what they want.”
I remember when I first started out with one of my early ventures, Nisbett & George, creating bespoke fashion pieces. We’d do craft fairs, & initially, I’d feel so awkward stating my prices. It felt like I was asking for something, almost apologetically. I even recall one craft fair early on where I’d completely blank whenever someone showed interest. It was like I was allergic to closing the sale! I’d fumble with my words, avoid eye contact, & practically usher them away from my stall. Cringe, but true! It was a painful realization that passion alone wasn’t enough; I needed to get comfortable with the “selling” part.
But then I shifted my perspective. I started focusing on the joy a unique, handcrafted item brought to someone, the story behind the design, & the quality of the materials. Suddenly, it wasn’t about “taking their money”; it was about sharing my passion & expertise, offering something truly special. The conversations flowed more easily, & funnily enough, so did the sales.
This is about sharing your value from a place of confidence & integrity. It’s about showing up, shining your light, & letting the right people – your ideal clients – see how you can help them. This approach naturally aligns with how we at Femmeprenista view building a standout brand & connecting with your audience; it’s about clear, authentic communication that truly resonates because it comes from the heart & clearly articulates the solution you provide. To explore how this fits into a more holistic approach to business growth, you can learn more about our Business Flourish Framework™ Business Flourish Framework™.
The Real Secret Weapon? Mastering Your Mindset (Yes, YOU Can Do This!)
Here’s a truth bomb: overcoming sales reluctance is, at its core, a mindset game. & it’s a game you absolutely can win. It’s about taking that radical personal responsibility for this crucial part of your business. I know, I know, it’s easy to look at systemic issues or past experiences, but as I often say, while the path might be winding & sometimes feel uphill (especially when you’re juggling a PhD & four little ones, like me!), ultimately, owning your progress is what makes the difference. Seriously, who actually has the bandwidth for this unless it’s made super simple?
I’ll be honest, even just last week I found myself hesitating to promote a new offer – mum guilt hit hard, & I started questioning if I was spending enough time with the kids. But then I remembered why I’m doing this – to create a life of freedom & opportunity for them!
Those limiting beliefs we talked about? The ones whispering “you’re not good enough,” “your prices are too high,” or “people don’t want what you offer”? They are just thoughts, not facts. & thoughts can be changed.
- Self-Worth: Your worth as a person is inherent & non-negotiable. Your prices reflect the value of the transformation you provide, not your personal worthiness (which is infinite, by the way!). Try this: Write down three things you’re genuinely great at. Remind yourself of these when self-doubt creeps in.
- Money: Money is simply an exchange of energy. It’s a tool that allows you to continue doing the work you love, support your family, & make a bigger impact. It’s not greedy to desire it or to charge for your expertise.
- Value: You have unique skills, experiences, & passion. What you offer has genuine value. Focus on the incredible transformation or solution you bring to your clients.
This is where the real work – & the real magic – happens. It’s about digging deep, challenging those old narratives, & consciously choosing beliefs that empower you. Thinking about it, Sue Knight emphasizes, “Success comes from within. Our success depends on our ability to be excellent in everything we think, say, & do.” This dedication to mastering your inner game is a cornerstone of what we champion here, reflecting the profound importance of having a clear vision & resilient mindset, aligning with the Focus pillar of our Business Flourish Framework™. It’s a journey of continuous growth, & if you’re curious about the philosophy & personal drive behind Femmeprenista, you can read more about me About ervices/strategy-session/”>Freedom By Design Strategy Session is specifically designed to help you build that crucial groundwork with clarity & confidence. It’s a 4-week online group accelerator to get you moving forward, minus the overwhelm.
Questions This Post Answers
What do female entrepreneurs need to know about sales reluctance female entrepreneurs?
Struggling with sales? Transform dread to delight!
How do I overcome self-doubt as a female entrepreneur?
Recognise self-doubt as information rather than truth. Build an evidence bank of wins, find community support, and work with a coach who understands the unique challenges of running a business as a woman.
How can I get started with sales reluctance female entrepreneurs?
Start by identifying your biggest bottleneck. A Freedom By Design Strategy Session provides a personalised action plan and 72-hour Freedom Blueprint™ deliverable so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What do female entrepreneurs need to know about sales reluctance female entrepreneurs? Struggling with sales? Transform dread to delight!
How do I overcome self-doubt as a female entrepreneur? Recognise self-doubt as information rather than truth. Build an evidence bank of wins, find community support, and work with a coach who understands the unique challenges of running a business as a woman.
How can I get started with sales reluctance female entrepreneurs? Start by identifying your biggest bottleneck. A Freedom By Design Strategy Session provides a personalised action plan and 72-hour Freedom Blueprint™ deliverable so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
How does the Business Flourish Framework™ help with sales reluctance female entrepreneurs? The Business Flourish Framework™ (Focus, Flair, Flow, Fuel, Fusion) is the holistic backbone of all Femmeprenista coaching. It identifies which of the five pillars needs the most attention so your progress is balanced and sustainable.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Stay tuned for more!
