Episode 64: The 3 Hidden Reasons You are Struggling to Sell

Sales is one of the most uncomfortable topics for many solo and service-based entrepreneurs and it’s often the very thing holding their business back.In this solo episode, Jennifer Kok dives into Pillar #6: Sales, and unpacks the three biggest reasons business owners struggle to sell: negative perceptions shaped by past experiences, fear of bothering people through follow-up, and fear of rejection when it comes time to ask for the sale.Through relatable stories, real client examples, and practical reframes, Jennifer shows how sales doesn’t have to feel pushy or manipulative. Instead, it can become a clear, confident, and values-driven conversation that helps the right people say yes.If you’ve ever felt awkward following up, hesitant to ask for the sale, or discouraged by hearing “no,” this episode will help you rethink sales—and approach it with clarity and confidence.Episode OutlineTopic 1: How Your Perception of Sales Is Holding You BackJennifer explores how past sales experiences—like pushy door-to-door sales or manipulative presentations—shape our beliefs about selling today. She reframes sales as service and challenges listeners to reflect on how their mindset may be quietly sabotaging growth.Topic 2: “I Don’t Want to Bother People” and the Power of Follow-UpJennifer shares a powerful story about a client who watched her for nine months before reaching out and how a lack of follow-up cost valuable time and momentum. She explains why follow-up isn’t bothering people, why it often takes nine touchpoints, and why she calls this the fortune in the follow-up.Resource:  Link to Focus on the Follow up guideTopic 3: Asking for the Sale and Reframing RejectionThe final piece of the sales puzzle: asking clearly for the sale. Jennifer talks about why so many entrepreneurs avoid this step, how fear of rejection shows up, and why most “no’s” have nothing to do with you. Resource:Go for No! Yes Is the Destination, No Is How You Get There by Richard Fenton About the Host:Jennifer Kok is a business coach, strategist, and founder of Next Wave Business Coaching. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, she helps solo and service-based business owners gain clarity, make confident decisions, and grow profitable, sustainable businesses without stress or burnout.Podcast Website:https://www.nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/podcast⭐ Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show and help other business owners find it.Contact the Show:https://www.nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/contactSign Up for the Newsletter:https://www.nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/newsletterFollow Us on Social Media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/nextwavewithjenFacebook: https://facebook.com/nextwavewithjenLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kok-17441829YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nextwavewithjen8028Join the Conversation:Share your biggest takeaway from this episode on Instagram or LinkedIn and tag @nextwavewithjen.Share This Episode:If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow business owner who’s been avoiding sales and let them know they’re not alone.My name is Jennifer Kok, and I’m a profit and growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. I help women business owners make smarter, more strategic decisions so they can grow profitably, pay themselves consistently, and avoid burnout.Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?Those decisions carry weight, and they can impact your time, your profit, your energy, and your long-term growth.That’s why I created the Focused Growth Collective, a virtual mastermind for women business owners who want support making the kinds of decisions that move a business forward. Yes, we talk strategy, but we also look at the bigger picture like mental load, health, profit, and long-term sustainability.My goal is to help women build businesses that pay them well, support their lives, and still feel worth leading 10 years from now.Connect with me:Website:Facebook:Instagram:LinkedIn:YouTube: