Let’s be honest: for many entrepreneurs, selling feels like a dirty word. Maybe you imagine high-pressure tactics, slick scripts, and the fear of hearing “no.” Or maybe it just doesn’t feel like you. If you’ve ever said “I’m not a natural salesperson,” or “I wish I could just skip the selling part,”—you’re not alone!

I believe that selling doesn’t have to be sleazy, overwhelming, or draining. In fact, the best selling often doesn’t feel like selling at all. Believe me—I’m someone who hated selling. I always felt pushy, awkward, and unsure. Until I completely changed my mindset and realized: selling isn’t about pressure. It’s about purpose. That shift changed everything in my business—and it can for you too.

Here are my favorite tips for people who hate selling!

STEP #1 – Reframe Selling as Serving

The first shift is a mindset one: selling is serving.

If your product, offer, or service can solve someone’s problem, improve their life, or make their day easier—you’re doing them a disservice by hiding it.

You’re not forcing anyone into a decision. You’re inviting them into a solution.

Instead of asking, “How can I sell this?” try asking:

• “Who genuinely needs this?”
• “How can I clearly show them what’s possible?”
• “What would make this an easy ‘YES’ for them?”

This isn’t manipulation. It’s clarity. When you position your offer as a solution—and you believe in its value—it becomes natural to talk about it.

STEP #2 – Build Relationships, Not Just Revenue

Think about the last time you made a big purchase. Did you do it because someone was pushy? Or did you buy because you trusted the person or brand?

The truth is: people buy from people they like, know, and trust. So focus on building genuine connections before you make the offer. You’ll be amazed at how much easier it becomes.

Some practical ways to build trust before a sale:

• Offer value for free (blog posts, checklists, tips, etc.)
• Share your story so people can relate to your journey
• Engage with your audience genuinely in DMs or comments
• Highlight client transformations and behind-the-scenes of your process

STEP #3 – Use Language That Feels Like You

A big reason selling feels “off” is because you think you need to sound like someone else. The guru. The expert. The closing machine.

You don’t.

If your style is warm, friendly, and encouraging—then sell like that. Talk to your audience like you’d talk to a friend over coffee. Be real. Ditch the buzzwords. You don’t have to “crush objections” or “trigger urgency” if it doesn’t feel right.

Here’s an example… Instead of: “Buy now before this opportunity disappears forever!” Try: “If this feels like the right next step for you, I’d love to help. You can join us anytime before Friday.”

STEP #4 – Create an Experience That Sells for You

One of the best things you can do as a non-seller is design a client journey that does the talking for you.

What does that look like?

• A website that clearly explains what you offer and who it’s for
• A lead magnet that introduces your value and starts the relationship
• A welcome email sequence that nurtures the connection
• A sales page that educates, engages, and converts—without being aggressive

The more these systems work behind the scenes, the less pressure you feel to show up and “sell” every day. To succeed, you should design intentional systems that grow your business quietly, confidently, and profitably.

STEP #5 – Focus on Conversations, Not Conversions

Sales don’t happen because you followed a formula. They happen because someone felt seen, heard, and supported.

So don’t aim to close. Aim to connect.

Ask more questions than you answer. Listen more than you pitch. And when you make an offer, do it like this:

“Based on everything you’ve shared, I think this might be a great fit. Want me to walk you through what it would look like?”

No pressure. No awkwardness. Just a genuine recommendation for the next best step.

STEP #6 – Let Testimonials and Results Do the Talking

If you don’t love promoting yourself, let your clients do it for you.

Gather testimonials, screenshots, and case studies that reflect the transformation you offer. Share them regularly. Not in a braggy way—but in a way that says, “This is what’s possible when you work with me.”

Bonus: social proof is one of the most powerful marketing tools out there. You don’t have to “sell” when your results speak for themselves.

STEP #7 – Give People a Clear Path to Say Yes

Sometimes the reason we hate selling is because we’ve made it confusing.

If your potential clients don’t know:

• What you do
• How they can work with you
• What it costs
• What happens next…

…then of course the sale feels awkward.

The solution? Make your offers super clear and easy to access.

Have a simple Services page or Work With Me section. Add calls-to-action in your emails and content. And never be afraid to say:

“If you’re ready, here’s how to get started.”

Clarity is kind. Don’t make them guess.

STEP #8 – Don’t Skip the Follow-Up

This is a big one. Many business owners send a proposal or DM and then… disappear. Not because they’re flaky—but because they hate feeling pushy.

Here’s the truth: most sales don’t happen in the first conversation. People need time, reminders, and reassurance.

Following up doesn’t make you annoying—it makes you professional.

Try this script: “Hey [Name], just circling back on our convo from earlier this week. Let me know if you have any questions—I’m here when you’re ready!”

Short, simple, respectful. You’re not chasing. You’re staying available.

STEP #9 – Start Small and Practice

Selling is a skill—just like anything else in business. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start practicing in small ways.

• Share about your offer in one Instagram Story this week.
• Add a “Book Now” or “Learn More” button to your homepage.
• Tell a friend what you do and how you help.

Every small step builds confidence. You don’t have to go from silent to sales superstar overnight. Just keep showing up in your own voice, with your own style.

STEP #10 – Remember: Selling Is a Form of Leadership

You started your business because you believe in something—a mission, a vision, a message.

Selling is part of sharing that vision with the people who need it. It’s not about persuading everyone. It’s about showing the right ones that you can help.

When done with integrity and intention, selling becomes a form of leadership. And leadership isn’t loud—it’s clear.

You don’t need to shout. You just need to speak up.

If you hate selling, that doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for business. It just means you’re looking for a better way—one that feels aligned, honest, and human!

xox