3 Strategies to Close More Deals Without Feeling Salesy

Ed Troxell
Jun 4
2 min read

Tired of Feeling Awkward in Sales Conversations?

You’re not alone.

For many women CEOs, “sales” conjures images of pushy tactics and uncomfortable conversations. But here’s the truth: the most effective salespeople don’t “sell”—they connect, listen, and serve.

Let’s ditch the old-school playbook.

Here are three proven strategies to close more deals with confidence and authenticity—no sleaze required.

1. Lead with Curiosity, Not a Script

Instead of following a rigid script, approach every conversation with genuine curiosity.

Ask open-ended questions that help you truly understand your prospect’s needs and pain points.

“What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?”
“What would success look like for you in the next six months?”

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that asking thoughtful questions not only builds trust but also increases your influence and helps uncover the real issues driving a buying decision.

2. Share Outcomes, Not Just Features

It’s easy to get caught up listing what your product or service does. But prospects care more about the results you deliver.

Paint a vivid picture of the transformation they can expect.

Instead of: “We offer weekly strategy calls and a custom playbook…”
Try: “Imagine having a proven roadmap and expert support so you can finally scale without burning out.”

According to Gartner, buyers are 2.8 times more likely to purchase when they see the impact your solution will have on their business.

3. Invite, Don’t Push

No one likes feeling pressured. Shift your language from “convincing” to “inviting.”

Use phrases that encourage collaboration and empower your prospect to make the best decision for themselves.

“Would it be helpful if I shared how other CEOs have tackled this?”
“If you’re ready, I’d love to show you how we could work together.”

Salesforce highlights that sales success is rooted in building trust and rapport, not pressure tactics.

Bonus: Practice Objection Handling with Empathy

When objections come up, don’t get defensive. Instead, acknowledge the concern and explore it together.

For example:

“That’s a great question—let’s talk through what you’d need to feel confident moving forward.”

Empathy in sales isn’t just nice—it’s effective. A study in the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management found that empathetic sellers consistently outperform their peers.

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