5 practical, authentic ways to close deals

If the word “sales” makes you feel like you need a shower, you’re not alone. Most people picture awkward pitches, pushy follow-ups, and pretending to be someone they’re not. But real sales? It’s not about pressure—it’s about connection.

And the best part? You don’t have to fake anything. If selling feels weird to you, that might actually be your superpower.

SALES

Hate the idea of “selling”? You’re not alone.

Hate the idea of “selling”? You’re not alone.

For many founders, creatives, or even seasoned professionals, sales can feel unnatural—like you're putting on a show, pretending to be someone you're not.

But here’s the good news:

You don’t need to fake it, force it, or manipulate anyone.

In fact, the best sellers often don’t sound like sellers at all.

They sound like people who listen, solve real problems, and know when to step back.

Here are 5 authentic ways to sell when selling doesn’t come naturally:

1. Ask more questions than you answer.

Stop thinking like a pitch artist—start thinking like a curious problem-solver.

When you approach a conversation with real curiosity (not a sales agenda), you uncover pain points, blockers, and goals that canned pitches will never touch.

Try:

– “What are you currently struggling with?”

– “What’s stopping you from reaching [goal] right now?”

– “Have you tried anything else so far?”

These questions show you’re listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk.

2. Focus on solving, not selling.

Instead of saying “Here’s why we’re great,” say:

“Based on what you told me, here’s how I’d solve that.”

This shifts the conversation from persuasion to service.

It’s not about pushing your product—it’s about showing how it fits.

And if it doesn’t fit? Be upfront. People respect that.

3. Share simple, relevant stories.

You don’t need a slick pitch deck. You need real-world examples.

Talk about a customer you helped. Keep it casual.

Something like:

“A founder I worked with last month was in a similar spot—no traction despite great tech. We helped reposition their messaging, and now they’re seeing solid replies from cold outreach.”

Stories like these help people visualize success—without you sounding salesy.

4. Be transparent about the fit.

This is where most reps go wrong.

If the offer’s not right, they still try to close. That erodes trust fast.

Instead, say:

“I don’t think this will move the needle for you right now, but if that changes down the line, I’d be happy to revisit.”

Ironically, this often builds more trust than a hard close.

People want to buy from people who put their interests first.

5. Ask for the next step (without pressure).

You’ve earned trust. You’ve shared value.

Now close the loop—with calm confidence.

Try:

– “Does this sound like something that would help you?”

– “Would it make sense to continue the conversation?”

– “Should we get something on the calendar?”

It’s not a script. It’s a checkpoint. And it works.

Bottom line:

You don’t have to sound like a closer to close.

Selling can feel natural—if you lead with empathy, clarity, and honesty.

If you hate the idea of selling, you might just be doing it the right way already.

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