EP71: Stop Desperate Selling: How Your Relationship With Sales Could Be Losing You Clients
Featuring Christine Corcoran on The Meaningful Marketing Podcast
If selling feels uncomfortable, pushy, or awkward — you’re not alone.
Many business owners love marketing but avoid sales. Yet without sales, marketing doesn’t convert… and businesses don’t grow.
In this episode of The Meaningful Marketing Podcast, Chantal Gerardy sits down with sales coach and mindset mentor Christine Corcoran to unpack:
- Why traditional “bro marketing” is no longer working
- How relationship-based selling converts better
- Why mindset plays a major role in sales success
- How to use DMs without sounding salesy
- How to learn to love sales (even if you hate it now)
Here’s the summary, insights, and key takeaways if you’d rather read instead of listening to the full episode.
Why Many Business Owners Struggle With Sales
One of the biggest challenges business owners face is their relationship with sales.
Many business owners:
- Feel uncomfortable selling
- Avoid sales conversations
- Worry about sounding pushy
- Undervalue their services
- Fear rejection
Christine explains that this often comes down to mindset and conditioning.
Many people associate sales with:
- Pushy tactics
- Pressure
- Manipulation
- “Used car salesman” stereotypes
But this is not what modern sales looks like anymore.
Today, sales is about connection, trust and relationships.
Why “Bro Marketing” Is No Longer Working
Christine describes the evolution of online marketing and why traditional tactics are losing effectiveness.
Many businesses still rely on:
- Urgency tactics
- Pressure selling
- Cold DMs
- Highlighting what’s wrong with people
- Convincing people to buy
These approaches often create:
- Distrust
- Resistance
- Buyer hesitation
- Poor client relationships
Instead, Christine teaches relationship-based feminine selling, which focuses on:
- Building trust first
- Inviting instead of pushing
- Listening instead of convincing
- Connecting emotionally
- Supporting decision-making
This creates better long-term clients and stronger conversions.
The Sales Process Most Businesses Miss
Many business owners try to move too quickly from:
Awareness → Sale
But Christine explains that buyers actually move through several stages:
- Awareness
- Interest
- Consideration
- Emotional resistance
- Decision
- Purchase
Most sales are lost during emotional resistance.
Buyers often think:
- Will this work for me?
- Am I ready?
- Is this the right investment?
- What if it doesn’t work?
If businesses don’t address these concerns, sales don’t convert.
The Role of Confidence and Self-Worth in Sales
Another key reason people struggle with sales is lack of confidence.
This can include:
- Not believing in your value
- Not feeling worthy of your price
- Fear of rejection
- Lack of clarity in messaging
Christine explains that people feel your energy.
If you’re:
- Desperate
- Uncertain
- Insecure
Your audience will sense it.
Instead, strong sales come from:
- Conviction
- Confidence
- Clarity
- Authenticity
Why Authentic Communication Matters More Than Ever
With the rise of AI and automation, Christine believes we’re now in a trust recession.
People are craving:
- Real conversations
- Authentic voices
- Human connection
- Transparency
This means communication is now more important than ever.
Business owners need to:
- Speak authentically
- Show personality
- Share credibility
- Communicate clearly
The Importance of Credibility in Sales
Christine and Chantal also discuss the importance of credibility markers.
Many business owners avoid sharing:
- Awards
- Testimonials
- Experience
- Results
But credibility helps buyers feel safe.
Examples include:
- Reviews
- Client success stories
- Experience
- Case studies
- Certifications
These build trust and increase conversions.
How to Sell Through DMs Without Being Salesy
DM selling can be powerful — if done correctly.
Christine recommends:
Step 1: Build Community First
- Engage consistently
- Reply to comments
- Build relationships
- Show personality
Step 2: Build Rapport
- Ask questions
- Show interest
- Start conversations
Step 3: Identify Need
- Understand their challenges
- Explore their goals
- Listen first
Step 4: Invite (Don’t Push)
Instead of selling immediately:
Ask:
- Would you like to learn more?
- Would it help to chat?
- Want me to share more details?
This keeps the conversation natural and respectful.
When to Sell in the DMs
Christine suggests:
- Under $1,000 offers → DM selling works well
- Higher-ticket offers → Move to call, webinar or funnel
This helps maintain trust and improve conversion.
Why Relationship-Based Selling Works Better
Relationship-based selling focuses on:
- Long-term trust
- Authentic conversations
- Understanding needs
- Supporting decisions
Instead of:
- Pushing
- Convincing
- Rushing
This creates:
- Better clients
- Higher conversions
- Stronger relationships
Learning to Love Sales
Chantal shares her own journey of learning to love sales.
She explains:
- Sales felt uncomfortable initially
- She invested in learning
- Practiced consistently
- Built confidence over time
She also shares her pre-sales routine:
- Change mindset
- Read testimonials
- Review results
- Focus on service
Christine agrees and adds:
To learn to love sales:
1. Shift Your Mindset
Identify beliefs about sales and reframe them.
2. Learn the Sales Process
Confidence increases when you understand how sales works.
3. Separate Yourself From The Outcome
Clients aren’t buying you — they’re buying the transformation.
4. Focus on Service
Sales is about helping people make decisions.
Key Takeaways From This Episode
Relationship-Based Selling Converts Better
Build trust before selling.
Mindset Impacts Sales Success
Confidence and self-worth matter.
Communication Is Critical
Authenticity builds trust.
DMs Should Be Conversational
Don’t sell immediately.
Sales Is a Skill
Anyone can learn it.
Focus on Service
Help clients make the right decision.
Final Thoughts
Sales doesn’t need to feel pushy or uncomfortable.
When you shift to relationship-based selling, sales becomes:
- Natural
- Authentic
- Enjoyable
- Effective
And most importantly — it becomes meaningful.
Want Help With Your Sales & Marketing?
If this conversation resonated with you, here are some next steps:
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
Continue listening to the full conversation here:
https://themeaningfulmarketingpodcast.com
Download Your FREE Meaningful Marketing Resources
Get access to Chantal’s free guides and tools:
https://onlibusinessmarketing.com.au/free-downloads
Get Support With Your Marketing Strategy
Want help building marketing that actually converts?
Learn more about working with Chantal:
https://onlinebusinessmarketing.com.au
Connect With Christine Corcoran
Podcast — The Next Level Life
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-next-level-life-with-christine-corcoran/id1276992872
Book — Turn Impostor Syndrome Into Your Superpower
Website
https://christinecorcoran.com.au
📸 Instagram
https://instagram.com/christinecorcoran_coach