Episode 22 The Experts We Meet Part 1 with Nikki Rausch

Welcome to the first episode of Faithann's special series, Meet the Experts! In this series, she talks with experts who can help us become better at networking and building strong business relationships.

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Meet Our Guest: Nikki Rausch

Nikki Rausch is a sales expert, coach, and the creator of The Selling Staircase. She teaches business owners how to sell in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Nikki has helped many people, including our host, understand sales better and use it to grow their businesses.

How We Met

Faithann first discovered Nikki through Business Networking International (BNI), an organization that helps people connect and learn about networking. After watching Nikki’s Selling Staircase training, she became a fan and later joined Nikki’s Sales Maven Society—a group that offers coaching and support for business owners who want to improve their sales skills.

The Selling Staircase: A Simple Way to Sell

Nikki created The Selling Staircase to help people understand how to have successful sales conversations. Just like you wouldn’t jump to the top of a staircase in one step, you shouldn’t rush into selling without taking the right steps first!

The 5 Steps of the Selling Staircase:

1. Introduction – Make a great first impression.

2. Create Curiosity – Get people interested in what you do.

3. Discovery – Have a conversation to understand their needs.

4. Proposal – Offer a solution that fits their needs.

5. Close – Confidently ask for the sale.

Many people make the mistake of skipping steps, but following this process makes selling feel more natural and effective!

How This Relates to Networking

• Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building relationships.

• Creating curiosity is key! Instead of overwhelming people with information, give short, interesting answers that make them want to learn more.

• Avoid "word vomiting"—talking too much without letting the other person engage.

• Think of conversations like a game of catch—both people should take turns asking and answering questions.

Fun Tip: Dog Calling vs. Cat Calling

• Dog Calling (Too Pushy!) – Being overly excited and overwhelming people with information.

• Cat Calling (Creating Curiosity!) – Giving just enough information to make someone want to ask more.

Key Takeaways

• Sales and networking go hand in hand.

• Take your time and follow the steps of the Selling Staircase to build trust.

• Make networking conversations fun and engaging by creating curiosity.

• Anyone can learn how to sell with the right structure and approach.

Connect with Nikki Rausch

• Get Nikki's free e-book, Closing the Sale here.

• Listen to The Sales Maven Podcast for more tips!

• Join the Sales Maven Society for coaching and support.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who wants to improve their networking and sales skills!