147: Nikki Rausch - How to Improve your Sales in Photography

Welcome to Episode 147 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a sales coach known as "The Sales Maven" - Nikki Rausch. After 25 years of experience selling in the corporate world, Nikki decided to trade in her road warrior status so she could help others sell in a way that builds relationships, creates true connection, and results in more closed deals and long-term clients. Now, as a sales coach, author, speaker and founder of Sales Maven, Nikki transforms the misunderstood process of “selling” into techniques, tools, and tips that can be successfully incorporated into a process that can be replicated by you. When she's not helping business owners move their clients along the 'Selling Staircase', Nikki enjoys taking in all the beauty that living in the Pacific Northwest affords her. Stay tuned because I think all artists will gain something practical from this episode. Nikki and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: How to sell your artwork without feeling sleazy or slimy. The five steps of the "Selling Staircase": How to create a positive first impression Creating curiosity Discovery Delivering the high-end proposal Recognizing and responding to the buying signal Nikki's free e-book called "Closing the sale, which will help you uncover why you might be fumbling sales opportunities and what to do instead, how you can establish yourself as the expert, and language to use when asking for the sale. Over on Patreon this week, Nikki and I talk about an idea that will help you grow your client base and provide a product to them that is very unique to you. Head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get bonus content at the same time.Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Here is who Nikki recommended for the podcast:1. Melina Palmer - The Brainy Business. Other items mentioned on the show: 1. Out of Moab Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28. 2. Out of Acadia Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28.

Om Podcasten

This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography, and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.