Sales as Service

Tamara Smith

Sales as Service is the podcast for creative agencies and solopreneurs who want to grow their businesses without feeling awkward about sales. If you’ve ever thought, “I hate selling,” or wondered how to get more clients, this show is for you. We make sales simple and approachable with practical tips on topics like: How to get clients for your creative businessEasy sales strategies for solopreneursOvercoming the fear of sellingBuilding a sales process that works Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or running your own agency, you’ll learn how to handle objections, close deals, and grow your business with confidence—without hard-sell tactics.  Listen in to discover how a simple change in your perspective can create a complex change in your business. 

  1. Nail Your Offer: Get Clear, Get Specific, Get Results with Becca Camp

    1D AGO

    Nail Your Offer: Get Clear, Get Specific, Get Results with Becca Camp

    What does it mean when your offer stops converting? Most founders go straight to the copy — rewriting, repositioning, polishing. Becca Camp says that's usually the wrong place to look. In this live episode recording, we get into the deeper reason offers don't land, and it has everything to do with what's happening in your body when you're in the room. Becca is the founder of Fearless Femmes and a former Silicon Valley product leader who now helps women transition from corporate into consulting businesses built around their authentic strengths. Her approach blends practical business strategy with somatic practice and nervous system training — and the conversation we had was one of those that went well beyond marketing advice. This is a live session, so you'll hear real questions from the room, real moments of recognition, and at least one concept — the glitter — that had me taking notes mid-interview. In this episode: Why 80% of whether your offer converts has nothing to do with the words you're usingThe three-part framework Becca uses to help clients package their expertise — including the question most people never think to askWhat your body is broadcasting in a sales conversation before you say a single wordWhy perfectionism is a physiological symptom, not a personality flawHow to build the nervous system capacity to show up consistently — and why that's the real competitive edgeFind the complete show notes here →https://studiothree49.com/podcast/ep-48-becca-camp Sales as Service Challenge — Start Now! Write your offer in one sentence. Not the polished website version. Not the paragraph. One sentence. "I help ___ achieve ___ by ___." Then use it in three real conversations this week — a networking conversation, a DM, a sales call, a coffee chat, wherever you naturally connect with people. Pay attention to where you hesitate. Where you ramble. Where you soften the value or pull back. Those moments are data. Not proof you're doing it wrong — just a signal pointing to where your next layer of clarity lives. Links & Resources: Learn more about Fearless FemmesConnect with Becca on LinkedInYour next client - Calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - Download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment CallHave an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    49 min
  2. It’s Handled: The Hidden Cost of Doing It All Yourself with Johanna Voss

    MAY 20

    It’s Handled: The Hidden Cost of Doing It All Yourself with Johanna Voss

    For a lot of women founders, being “the one who handles everything” becomes part of our identity. At first, it feels like a strength. We become dependable, resourceful, capable. We figure things out. We solve problems. We carry the business on our backs because that’s what it takes to get something off the ground. But eventually, the same habits that helped us build the business begin limiting its growth. In this episode of Sales as Service, I’m joined by fractional COO Johanna Voss for a conversation that goes far beyond systems and operations. We unpack the emotional weight many women founders carry inside their businesses, the resistance to asking for help, and why “I’ll just do it myself” often becomes one of the biggest barriers to scaling sustainably. Johanna shares what she sees behind the scenes when founders hit a plateau, how over-responsibility quickly creates operational chaos, and why gratitude and ambition are not mutually exclusive. Inside this episode, we discuss: Why women founders often become the bottleneck without realizing itThe hidden cost of over-functioning and “doing it all”How founder identity impacts delegation, hiring, and leadershipWhy asking for help feels emotionally difficult for so many entrepreneursThe mindset shift that allows businesses to grow beyond founder dependencyFind the complete show notes here → https://studiothree49.com/podcast/ep-47-johanna-voss Sales as Service Challenge — Start Now! This week, identify one place in your business where you are still operating from: “I’ll just do it myself.” Maybe it’s: A task you should have delegated months agoA conversation you’ve been avoidingA hire you know you need to makeOr an area where you know you simply need outside perspective or supportThen ask yourself honestly: “Is this actually serving the growth of my business… or just protecting my comfort zone?” Finally, take one concrete action this week: Send the inquiry. Post the job. Delegate the task. Book the strategy call. Start the conversation. Because momentum rarely comes from having everything figured out. It comes from deciding to stop carrying it all alone. Links & Resources: Learn more about how Johanna runs companiesConnect with Johanna on LinkedInFollow Johanna on SubstackYour next client - Calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - Download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment CallHave an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    30 min
  3. You Don’t Need More Proof - You Need to Choose Yourself with Samantha Kaye Harris

    MAY 13

    You Don’t Need More Proof - You Need to Choose Yourself with Samantha Kaye Harris

    The longer you’re in business, the more you realize—this isn’t just about strategy. It’s about how you see yourself. In this episode, I sit down with Samantha Kaye Harris, Workforce Retention and Confidence Strategist, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface for so many female founders and business owners. We get into the conditioning that keeps us second-guessing, waiting for validation, and holding back from fully owning our value—and how that shows up directly in our sales conversations and business growth. Samantha shares her Brag Bag™ Strategy and TRUTH Method™ as practical tools to help you move from self-doubt to self-trust, so you can communicate your value clearly, confidently, and without hesitation. In this episode, we cover: Why “waiting to be chosen” is keeping you stuck in your businessHow lack of confidence shows up in your sales process (and costs you opportunities)The Brag Bag™ Strategy and how to use it to articulate your valueWhat it means to stand in your truth—and how that changes how you sellThe direct connection between clarity, confidence, and revenueSales as Service Challenge — Start Now! Build your first version of a Brag Bag.  Set a timer for 15 minutes and write down: 5 problems you’ve solved for clients5 results or outcomes you’ve helped create5 reasons someone chooses to work with youWrite it down, print it out, post it where you can see it. Add it to the notes app on your phone for the moments when you need a reminder of just how capable and accomplished you are. Links & Resources: Learn more about Samantha Kaye HarrisConnect with Samantha on LinkedIn and InstagramYour next client - Calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - Download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment CallHave an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    28 min
  4. You Don’t Have a Lead Problem — You Have a Clarity Problem with Stacy Eleczko

    MAY 6

    You Don’t Have a Lead Problem — You Have a Clarity Problem with Stacy Eleczko

    If your pipeline feels inconsistent, it’s easy to assume you need more leads, more content, or more visibility. But what if the real issue isn’t volume—it’s clarity? In this episode, I sit down with messaging strategist Stacy Eleczko to unpack why so many service-based founders struggle to convert interest into real conversations—and how unclear, overly safe messaging is often the root cause. We talk about the discomfort around hearing “no,” the tendency to soften your message to stay likable, and what actually changes when you get clear on who you’re for (and who you’re not). This is a grounded, practical conversation about messaging that supports real sales—not just attention. In this episode, we cover: Why unclear messaging creates more rejection—not lessThe difference between being liked and being understoodHow people-pleasing shows up in your sales conversationsWhy “no” feels personal—and how to reframe itWhat to prioritize on your website to actually convertSales as Service Challenge — Start Now! This week’s Sales as Service Challenge: Practice clarity. Step 1: Identify one place where your message feels vague—your LinkedIn headline, website, or how you introduce yourself. Rewrite it in one clear, direct sentence. Step 2: Initiate three conversations using that clearer message. No pitch—just start the conversation. Step 3: Ask one direct question that allows for a real answer:  “Does this feel relevant for you right now?” Let the response be what it is. Every clear “no” gets you closer to the right “yes.” Links & Resources: Learn more about Stacy Eleczko and how to become the obvious choice.Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn. Join Stacy on her listening tour - book a time Your next client - calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - book an Alignment Call Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    30 min
  5. From Waiting for Clients to Creating Real Opportunities with Kimberly Boyd

    APR 29

    From Waiting for Clients to Creating Real Opportunities with Kimberly Boyd

    Referrals are a strong signal that your work matters—but they’re not a strategy you can rely on long term. In this conversation, I sit down with leadership coach Kimberly Boyd to talk about what happens when a referral-based business starts to feel inconsistent—and what it takes to build something more stable. When we started working together, Kimberly’s business was built almost entirely on word-of-mouth. It worked… until it didn’t. What you’ll hear in this episode is how she shifted from “cross your fingers and hope” to a more intentional, consistent approach to business development—and what changed as a result. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about understanding the difference between waiting for opportunities and creating them. In this episode, we cover: Why referrals can create a false sense of security in your businessHow referrals shortcut the sales process—and why that mattersThe mindset shift from “I’m bad at sales” to building a repeatable practiceWhat business development discipline actually looks like week to weekThe real opportunities that start showing up when you create consistency Sales as Service Challenge — Start Now! This week, I want you to stop waiting—and start initiating. Your challenge: Identify 5 people already in your network (past clients, warm leads, referral partners, or peers)Start 5 intentional conversations No pitch. No pressure. Just reconnect, check in, or share something relevant.Focus on connection—not conversionBecause this is where a real pipeline starts. Links & Resources: Learn more about Strategic ClarityConnect with Kimberly on LinkedInYour next client - Calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - Download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment Call Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    23 min
  6. DM Me: Turning Conversations into Clients with Sean Malone

    APR 22

    DM Me: Turning Conversations into Clients with Sean Malone

    Somewhere along the way, sales became more complicated than it needs to be. Funnels, tech stacks, automation all before we ever have a real conversation. But when you strip it back, every new client opportunity comes down to four simple steps: finding the right people, connecting with them, nurturing the relationship, and making an offer when there’s a genuine fit. In this episode, I’m joined by Sean Malone, Co-Founder of FlowChat, author of DM Me, and someone who has been part of more than 1.5 million direct message conversations. Together, we break down why most founders don’t have a lead problem—they have a consistency problem—and how direct messaging creates the fastest, most human path to starting real conversations that lead to new business. In this episode, we cover: The 4-step framework behind every client opportunityWhy inconsistency and not lack of leads is the real problemHow direct messaging removes friction and accelerates conversationsWhat most people get wrong about outreach (and how to fix it)Why human connection matters more than ever in an AI-driven landscape  Sales as Service Challenge — Start Now! For the next 5 days, block one hour on your calendar and follow this structure: 20 minutes: Nurture your network Respond to messages. Check in with a past client or connection. Make an introduction. 20 minutes: Build visibility Post something. Engage with people in your space. Show up in conversations that matter. 20 minutes: Strategic outreach Identify 2–3 people you want to connect with and send a thoughtful, specific message. No scripts. No overthinking. Just consistent, intentional action. This is how you move from waiting for opportunities to creating them. Links & Resources: Learn more about FlowChatConnect with Sean on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTubeYour next client - calculate what it takes Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment Call Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    48 min
  7. The Gap Between Attention and Decision - And How to Close It with Ashley Kruse

    APR 15

    The Gap Between Attention and Decision - And How to Close It with Ashley Kruse

    We’ve been taught that consistency and visibility are the keys to growth. Show up, post regularly, build an audience—and the clients will follow. But what happens when the content is working and the sales aren’t? In this conversation, I sit down with Ashley Kruse to unpack the gap between attention and decision. We get into what actually drives someone to take action, what needs to be in place before you ever spend money on ads, and why most content falls flat when it comes to conversion. Ashley brings a clear, data-driven perspective to marketing and challenges the idea that more visibility automatically equals more revenue. In this episode, we cover: The difference between content that gets attention vs. content that drives decisionWhat a “proven offer” actually means before investing in paid trafficWhy most messaging feels flat—and how to develop a stronger point of viewHow to turn visibility into real conversations and qualified leadsWhat founders need to understand about the long game of marketing and salesSales as Service Challenge — Start Now! Audit your messaging for neutrality. Look at your website, your social content, or your sales page and ask: Where am I trying to be agreeable instead of clear?Where am I softening what I actually believe?Where could this message belong to anyone in my industry?Then choose one belief you hold about your work—and say it plainly. No hedging. No watering it down. Next, anchor your content this week to one specific decision your buyer is trying to make. Links & Resources: Learn more about Baddie CreativeConnect with Ashley on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin us for the next SAS LIVE Office Hours Event! Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment Call Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    31 min
  8. Your Client Experience is Your Sales Strategy with Vance Morris

    APR 8

    Your Client Experience is Your Sales Strategy with Vance Morris

    There’s a lot of people out there who do what you do. From the outside, it can feel like you’re competing on the same offer, the same services, the same outcomes. But what actually sets your business apart isn’t what you sell—it’s the experience of working with you. In this conversation, I sit down with Vance Morris, former Disney leader turned entrepreneur, to break down how customer experience directly impacts retention, referrals, and long-term growth. We talk about the small, often overlooked moments that shape how clients perceive your business—and why those moments matter more than any new strategy or tactic. If you’ve been focused on finding the next big thing, this episode is a reminder that your biggest opportunity might already be inside your business. In this episode, we cover: Why customer experience is your real competitive advantageThe gap between the journey you design and what clients actually experienceSimple ways to elevate your client experience without more time or budgetWhere businesses unintentionally break trust (and how to fix it)How small moments drive referrals, retention, and repeat businessSales as Service Challenge — Start Now! Look at one part of your client experience—just one. Instead of asking, “What do I need to add?” Ask yourself: Where am I overlooking the obvious? Where could you be more thoughtful?More responsive?More intentional?Then choose one simple upgrade: Pick up the phone instead of sending the emailSend a handwritten noteImprove one moment that feels rushed or transactionalKeep it small. Keep it doable. Links & Resources: Learn more about Vance MorrisConnect with Vance on LinkedIn and YouTubeDownload 52 Ways to Wow Your CustomerJoin us for the next SAS LIVE Office Hours Event! Simply sales with the VIP Power Hour - download the FREE guideLearn how to consistently book 3–5 sales-qualified meetings each week - Book an Alignment Call Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know! — Nothing happens in business — or life — until someone says hi. That's the philosophy behind Tam Smith's work as founder of Studio Three 49. As a Sales Growth Strategist, she helps service founders build relationship-first sales systems through focused 1–3 day intensives — so they can stop relying solely on referrals, no cold pitching required. With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam believes sales is an act of service. It's about what you give, not what you get. And when you serve well, the results always follow. When she's not working with clients, you'll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.

    29 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Sales as Service is the podcast for creative agencies and solopreneurs who want to grow their businesses without feeling awkward about sales. If you’ve ever thought, “I hate selling,” or wondered how to get more clients, this show is for you. We make sales simple and approachable with practical tips on topics like: How to get clients for your creative businessEasy sales strategies for solopreneursOvercoming the fear of sellingBuilding a sales process that works Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or running your own agency, you’ll learn how to handle objections, close deals, and grow your business with confidence—without hard-sell tactics.  Listen in to discover how a simple change in your perspective can create a complex change in your business. 

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