30-Day Authentic Connection and Sales Mindset Course
If we're all going to eat, someone's got to sell. -- Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel
Day 1: Embracing Sales as Human Connection
Sales is fundamentally about people. Whether you’re a startup founder pitching your vision, a freelancer seeking clients, or an introvert building a network, remember that selling is not about tricking someone into a transaction – it’s about making a genuine human connection. In fact, the ability to build authentic relationships and understand others’ needs remains the foundation of successful sales. We are all involved in “selling” in some form in our daily lives, because at its core, selling means persuading or moving others. As author Daniel Pink notes, “we are all in the sales business” – no matter our profession – as part of our work (and life) involves convincing or influencing others through exchange.
Today’s Action: Begin a journal for this course. Write down what “sales” means to you right now and any words or feelings you associate with it (e.g. excited, nervous, helpful, pushy). Also list a couple of everyday situations (at home, work, or social life) where you had to persuade or influence someone – this is selling in daily life. Recognizing that sales is human and happens daily will set a positive tone for the month.
Day 2: Everyone Sells, Every Day
Selling isn’t confined to business or sales jobs – it’s a life skill. Think about it: when you convinced a friend to try a new restaurant or negotiated your salary, you were selling an idea or yourself. Realizing this helps demystify sales. It means you already have some sales experience to build on! For example, teachers sell students on the value of learning, and project managers sell team members on timelines. If you broaden the definition, everyone is selling something in everyday life.
Importantly, approach these daily “sales” as opportunities to form authentic connections. People respond best when they feel understood, not manipulated. Today, observe one interaction – perhaps asking a colleague for help or persuading your child to do homework – and note how being empathetic or listening made a difference. Jot down in your journal what tactics worked (or didn’t). This will heighten your awareness that positive influence is a part of life, not a dirty trick.
Today’s Action: Pick one non-business interaction from your day where you had to persuade someone or propose an idea. Write a short reflection on how you approached it. Did you focus on the other person’s needs or just your own goal? What was the outcome? This exercise reinforces the idea that sales = everyday communication. Over time, you’ll start approaching these situations with more intention and care for the human connection.
Day 3: Self-Awareness – Your Attitude Toward Sales
Before building new sales habits, let’s understand where you’re starting from. Many people (especially first-time salespeople or introverts) carry preconceptions about sales – some think it’s “sleazy” or feel they’re just not cut out for it. To grow, you must become aware of these beliefs. Self-awareness is the first step in changing any mindset. How do you feel about selling yourself or your product? Do you cringe at the thought of “pitching,” or worry about rejection? Write these feelings down.
Acknowledge any negative stereotypes you might hold. Perhaps you recall pushy telemarketers or spammy sales tactics – no wonder “sales” gets a bad name. But also think of times you enjoyed being sold to – maybe a salesperson took the time to understand your needs and you left grateful for their help. Noticing your emotions and experiences will help you pinpoint what you want to do differently. Remember, sales success starts with managing your own mindset and emotions. Salespeople with high self-awareness can regulate negative feelings and stay positive, which helps them build better customer experiences.
Today’s Action: In your journal, answer: “When I think of a salesperson, I think of….” and “My biggest fear/hesitation about selling is….” Be honest. Then, list one or two positive qualities you believe an ideal salesperson should have (e.g. honesty, helpfulness). This contrast will highlight gaps between old stereotypes and the authentic approach we’ll cultivate. Simply becoming aware of these thoughts is progress toward a healthier sales mindset.
Day 4: Shifting Negative Sales Stereotypes
It’s time to challenge and change those negative sales stereotypes. If you’ve felt that “selling is sleazy or tacky,” know that you’re not alone – and that this feeling largely comes from old-school, pushy sales tactics that you don’t have to follow. You can sell with integrity, aligned to your core values, and still be successful. Today, reframe your perspective: Think of selling as an exchange of value between two people. In a good exchange, both sides benefit. The customer’s problem is solved, and you gain a client or income – a win-win. There’s nothing disingenuous about that when done honestly.
Next, identify any internal “limiting beliefs.” For example, do you secretly believe “I’m too introverted to sell” or “People will think I’m annoying”? Challenge those beliefs. In truth, introverts can be excellent at sales by leveraging listening and empathy, and most people appreciate genuine recommendations when it helps them. Replace negative assumptions with positive truths: e.g. “Sales is about helping, not bothering.” By consciously flipping the script, you’ll start dismantling the mental barriers that have held you back.
Today’s Action: Take one negative belief or stereotype you uncovered on Day 3 (for instance, “salespeople are pushy” or “customers hate being sold to”) and reframe it in a positive light. Write the new belief in your journal. For example: