Howdy friend!
You know, I’ve always had a little rebel in me.
So sometimes, when a little rebellious suggestion is made, I don’t even think twice.
Heck yeah, I’m in.
Like drinking wine in the middle of the day on a work day.
We're all selling something. (Ideas, products, ourselves in job interviews, your kid trying to negotiate a later bedtime...)
But somewhere along the way, we learned to do it wrong. We picked up these stiff, robotic habits that make everyone - including us - want to run screaming in the other direction.
”But I'm not in sales," you might be saying to yourself.
Maybe you're right. Maybe you don't have "sales" in your job title. (Although you do... if you think about it.)
But you will probably try to persuade someone today.
To click.
To agree.
To give you a chance.
To try something new.
And here's the thing…. people LOVE to buy. They just hate being sold to.
Sales fatigue is real. And it's exhausting.
So why do so many businesses still rely on outdated sales tactics that make people tune out instead of lean in?
Because messaging—when done wrong—pushes people away. But when done right, it draws them in. The words you choose, the structure you use, and the way you frame your offer can mean the difference between resistance and engagement.
💡 Messaging is the difference between being ignored and being irresistible.
Here's how to transform your message from "ugh, sales pitch" to "ooh, tell me more":
1. Make It a Story, Not a Sales Pitch
What makes a message stick? A good story. Facts inform, but stories persuade. A relatable story helps your audience see themselves in the solution, making your message more compelling and personal.
That sign up there—“Drinking wine at lunch is not a crime”—that’s a STORY.
Too often, businesses default to dry, data-heavy messaging:
🚫 “Our software increases productivity by 30%.”
Informative? Sure.
Memorable? Not really.
Instead, paint a picture:
✅ “Working late on Fridays is not a badge of honor. Jessica used to spend her Friday afternoons drowning in spreadsheets. Now? She wraps up by 3 PM and can order a glass a wine before happy hour is over.”
When you weave storytelling into your messaging, your audience sees themselves in the narrative, and that’s when real engagement happens.
2. Ask, Don’t Tell
Nobody likes being talked at. People want to feel part of the conversation, not the target of a pitch. The best way to do that? Ask the right questions.
Too often, brands make bold claims:
🚫 “Our product saves you time.”
But bold claims don’t spark curiosity—questions do.
Claims create skepticism.
Questions create conversation.
Instead, ask:
✅ “What could you do with an extra 10 hours per week? Would you finally launch that passion project? Get home earlier to spend time with your family?”
When you frame your message around a question, you invite your audience to step into the conversation and discover the answer themselves.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Telling people you’re great doesn’t work. Showing them why you’re great does. Proof makes your message credible and persuasive.
Too many pitches rely on empty statements:
🚫 “Our CRM improves sales efficiency.”
Cool. But how?
✅ “Before using our CRM, Sam’s follow-ups were… sporadic at best. Now? He closes 20% more deals because he actually remembers to follow up.”
Efficiency is meaningless until you prove it.
Stories with concrete results build credibility and make your messaging impossible to ignore.
4. It’s About Them, Not You
Your audience doesn't care about your product. They care about what your product does for them. Instead of talking about what you offer, talk about how it improves their lives.
Example:
🚫 “We’re the leading provider of [insert generic industry jargon here].”
✅ “You know that feeling when your inbox is a disaster, your to-do list is mocking you, and you still have 57 tabs open? Yeah, we fix that.”
The best messaging centers on the customer's transformation, not your qualifications. Speak directly to their needs, challenges, and desires. Show them how their world changes when they choose your solution.
When you shift the focus to them, your message becomes instantly more compelling and relevant.
5. Create Urgency That Feels Natural
People take action when there’s a reason to act now, but artificial urgency turns people off. False scarcity feels manipulative. Real urgency makes sense.
Many businesses use tired tactics:
🚫 “Limited-time offer—buy now!”
People see through it.
Instead, make it real:
✅ “We’re only working with 10 clients this quarter to ensure each receives personalized support and strategy.”
When you frame urgency as a benefit, it feels genuine, not forced. And that’s what gets people to act.
Scarcity works—but only if it feels authentic. No fake “limited-time-only” offers, please!!!!!
The real job of a salesperson? Be a trusted guide.
Your job isn't to make sales pitches.
Your job is to open minds.
To guide.
To help.
To understand.
When you lead with value, people naturally want to work with you.
Here's your homework for this week:
(Yes, homework. But the kind that actually makes your work life better.)
✅ Take Action Now:
- Open your latest sales or marketing message
- Highlight every feature mentioned and rewrite at least one as a tiny customer story
- Circle every "we" or "our" - replace them with "you" and "your" where possible
- Read your message out loud - if it sounds like a typical sales pitch, revise until it feels like advice from a trusted friend
Your audience doesn't want another pitch.
They want insight. Solutions. Real connections.
Master this approach, and selling won't feel like selling at all. It'll feel like helping.
(And isn't that better than another "LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!"?) 😊
Now go forth and sell like a human. Your audience will thank you for it.
