If you’ve been feeling that weird mix of “I know what I do” and “why does explaining it still feel so hard?” — this episode is for you.

In this solo conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on why so many business owners stay stuck tweaking offers, rewriting copy, and questioning their sales… when the real issue is much more foundational.

This episode isn’t about adding more strategies or trying to “sell harder.” It’s about getting radically honest about what you actually do, the result you help people create, and how that clarity changes everything — from your messaging to your sales culture.

We’re talking about shifting away from fear-based selling, trend-chasing, and constant second-guessing — and instead building a business that feels grounded, simple, and sustainable.

If you’ve ever wondered:

1. “Why does selling feel heavier than it should?”
2. “Why do I keep explaining my work differently every time?”
3. “Why does it feel like my audience almost gets it… but not quite?”

This episode will help you reconnect to the source of your business — not the noise around it.

In this episode we will talk about:

1. Why confusion in your sales usually starts way earlier than your content
2. How clarity around outcomes changes how people respond to you
3. The subtle difference between what you do vs. what actually sells
4. Why simplifying your message can instantly reduce sales resistance
5. How to stop performing your business and start leading it

Episode Timestamps:

1. (00:00) Opening + grounding the conversation
2. (1:40) The “I can’t unsee this now” moment after noticing sales pressure
3. (4:05) Why this episode isn’t about rules, purity, or burning things down
4. (6:20) Moving from tactics into the deeper context of influence
5. (8:10) Where influence theory actually came from (Cialdini + original intent)
6. (10:45) How influence shifted from understanding to compliance
7. (13:20) Scarcity, urgency, and why they became the default
8. (15:40) Why these tactics appeared to work (and why they don’t now)
9. (18:05) Audience sophistication, trust erosion, and buyer awareness
10. (20:30) The difference between influence and pressure
11. (22:50) Discernment vs defaulting in selling decisions
12. (25:10) Ethical urgency, capacity-based boundaries, and transparency
13. (27:15) Dignity in selling: protecting both buyer and seller
14. (29:10) Integration, noticing, and the power of awareness
15. (30:20) Closing thoughts + preview of the next episode

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Tracie’s coaching philosophy around sustainable sales
2. Reframing sales culture without pressure or performance

Your Next Steps:

1. Work with Me: https://www.traciepatterson.com/connect
2. Ask Me Anything About Business: https://traciepatterson.com/ama
3. Free training: Build a launch that fits how you actually lead 👉🏼 https://traciepatterson.com/style
4. Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/thetraciepatterson

CREDITS:

Music: ColourfulSounds

Podcast Editor: Maia McLachlan

Photo: WorkPlay Branding