Why “Sales” Isn’t the Strategy
How relationship-driven business development leads to sustainable success.
If the word “sales” makes you cringe—you’re not alone.
So many experts feel like selling means being pushy, aggressive, or transactional. But in my recent conversation with Anjel B. Hartwell (Scaling Expertise podcast, Ep. 110), she breaks down a very different path to growth.
A path rooted in relationships, authenticity, and long-term thinking.
Here’s what most people get wrong:
→ They jump into pitching before building trust.
→ They rely on copy-paste outreach instead of crafting messages with intention.
→ They chase quick wins, forgetting that the best clients come from long-term relationships.Anjel’s take?
"Business development is about building bridges, not burning through lists."
So how do you build those bridges?
Lead with value—before you ask for anything.
Focus on making quality connections, not collecting contacts.
Be the person who actually follows up.
This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t have to mean being pushy, it can come from generosity, curiosity, and consistency
Here’s the truth: Growth often hides in the follow-up.
Opportunities aren’t always missed because we weren’t good enough, but because we weren’t present enough.
So this week, pick one relationship. Reconnect with intention. You might be surprised by what opens up.
I’ll leave you with this question to ponder on:
What’s one relationship you’ve been neglecting that could change your business if you nurtured it?
P.S. You can catch this full episode with Anjel B. Hartwell here.
If this sparked something for you, forward this newsletter to a friend who’s ready to sell with more soul.
Productivity Without Paranoia - Using AI Legally and Ethically
Yes, you can move fast and not break things (like trust, contracts, or copyrights).
An optimistic guide for professionals who want to work smarter with AI—without tripping legal landmines or compromising client relationships.
Book Erin to teach your community of expert business owners or consultants.