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

Hiring your first VA shouldn’t feel like trial by fire. Yet for most entrepreneurs, the process is stressful, disappointing, and downright painful.

In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I sit down with Kris Ward, the creator of the Win the Hour, Win the Day philosophy, to talk about how to finally build a team that supports your business instead of draining it. 

Kris has helped thousands of entrepreneurs escape the cycle of overwork by teaching them how to hire, onboard, and lead virtual assistants in a way that actually works.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
✔ Why most VA hires fail (and how to avoid it)
✔ The 12-step hiring process Kris uses with a 90% retention rate
✔ The difference between assigning work vs. delegating (and why it matters)
✔ How to build systems that give you freedom, not more stress
✔ Why leadership is a learned skill — not something you’re born with

If you’ve ever thought “it’s easier to just do it myself,” this episode will show you a smarter, simpler way to grow your team and get your time back.

👉 To dive deeper into Kris’s methods and grab her free guide on the 12-step hiring process, visit freegiftfromkris.com.

#SalesIsNotADirtyWord #HireSmart #VirtualAssistantTips #VABusinessSupport #WinTheHourWinTheDay #BlackSheepSales #EntrepreneurLeadership #SalesStrategy #TeamBuildingForEntrepreneurs #ScaleYourBusiness #DelegateBetter #VAHiringMistakes #SmallBusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurProductivity

Most businesses think the sale ends once the contract is signed. In reality - that’s just the beginning.

In this episode of Sales is Not a Dirty Word, I break down why client retention and upselling are the biggest untapped sources of revenue for service providers — and how to build a system that keeps clients investing with you long after the first sale.

Too many founders chase new clients while ignoring the ones they’ve already won. 

As a result, they have unpredictable revenue from month to month that keeps them on edge and burnt out.

There’s a much easier way to create predictable revenue with less effort than constantly chasing new leads. 

Inside this episode you’ll learn:
✔ Why fulfillment should be even stronger than your sales process
✔ How to design entry-level offers that naturally lead to bigger investments
✔ A framework for “pre-selling” upsells inside your proposals
✔ The secret to client meetings that reinforce value and set up the next step
✔ Why your existing clients should account for the majority of your revenue

If you’re stuck on the new client hamster wheel, this episode will show you how to finally grow revenue without burning out chasing cold leads.

👉 Ready to experience more income with less stress? Book your Black Sheep Sales Audit at https://calendly.com/aleasha/salesteam-levelup and get a custom sales system that turns prospects into long-term, high-value clients.

#SalesIsNotADirtyWord #ClientRetention #UpsellingTips #SalesStrategy #SalesForServiceProviders #BlackSheepSales #AuthenticSelling #ClientSuccess #RetentionMarketing #GrowYourBusiness #SalesCoaching #ServiceProviderSales #SalesWithoutPressure #RevenueGrowth #CustomerExperience