When Erika Tebbens decided to start a business, she did what many experts advise and taught what she knew. In just a few months, however, she realized that what she was trying to sell wasn’t what her audience wanted to buy.
“My people weren’t worried about getting people to come back, they were stuck without being able to get enough clients in the first place,” Erika realized. Instead of doubling down and trying to find a new audience, she adjusted the offer.
Erika began teaching marketing and sales strategy in a way that wasn’t confusing, complicated, or sleazy—and her business took off. She learned that making a small but powerful shift (from customer experience to sales) can change everything.
More nuggets in this episode:
- “Clarity comes from action” and from listening to what your audience is telling you they need (5:50)
- Even if you hire a coach or seek advice from others, ultimately it’s important to listen to your gut (6:35)
- It’s easy to dismiss your special talent because it seems so obvious to you (7:45)
- The why of your business is far more important than the how (8:43)
- Pivoting in business can be frustrating, but also totally worth it (10:05)
- A 100% closing rate is an impossibility, and anyone who says they can help you hit that number is full of crap! (11:25)
- You can’t be everything to everyone, but saying no to some people can be really, really hard (13:15)
- Ready to pivot? Be open to going down a path you weren’t expecting and resist the urge to hurry along the process (16:25)
- Don’t wait for the “right time” in business because it will never arrive; get okay with imperfection (19:00)
- If you believe what you do helps people, you’re doing a disservice by not selling it (20:10)
Erika Tebbens is a Business Growth Strategist for ambitious womxn entrepreneurs. She’s an expert in selling and sustainably scaling your business without restoring to complex systems or sleazy sales tactics. She’s the creator of the No-Sleaze Sales Method and The Sell it, Sister! Podcast. She lives in Upstate, NY with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs. When she isn’t working, she’s probably listening to true crime podcasts or knitting.
Website | Instagram | Facebook Group | Podcast | No-Sleaze Sales Method (free download)
Resources:
“Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles
“Playing Big” by Tara Mohr
“The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks
“You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
“Chillpreneur” by Denise Duffield-Thomas
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