The one skill every woman needs to increase her income with Megan Smyth / 83
For a lot of women, the word sales comes with baggage. Maybe it brings up images of pushy salespeople, awkward conversations, or the fear of sounding too self-promotional. If you've ever thought, I'm just not a sales person, you're definitely not alone.
But in this episode, sales coach Megan Smyth offers a completely different perspective. Instead of treating sales as something you have to force yourself to do, she explains why it can actually become one of the most empowering financial skills you build. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to feel more confident earning more money, learning how to communicate your value can create opportunities that extend far beyond business.
Episode highlights
[00:00] How Megan went from copywriting to helping women sell in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
[05:00] Why sales is one of the most valuable money skills you can build—especially if you work for yourself.
[08:30] Why you don't need social media to build a successful business, plus alternative marketing strategies that actually work.
[14:30] What's happening in your brain and body when you face rejection, income dips, or scary money conversations.
[19:30] Simple nervous system techniques that can help you feel calmer and more confident before high-pressure conversations.
[22:00] Why leaving the traditional pre-med path changed Megan's relationship with money, success, and identity.
[25:30] How to stop tying your self-worth to your income and start setting financial goals from a place of freedom instead of fear.
[30:00] Why great salespeople spend far more time listening than talking—and why empathy is your biggest advantage.
[38:30] How learning to create your own income gives you more stability, confidence, and financial independence over the long term.
Why so many women struggle with sales
Megan didn't originally set out to become a sales coach. She started her business as a copywriter, helping companies write sales pages and launch campaigns, and over time she noticed an interesting pattern. Her female clients consistently worried about sounding "salesy," bragging about their accomplishments, or coming across as too pushy — even when they had years of experience and incredible client results to share.
That hesitation rarely came up with her male clients, and it made Megan question whether the problem was really sales itself. More often, it seemed like women were trying to fit themselves into a version of selling that simply didn't align with their values.
That realization eventually led her to shift from writing sales copy to teaching women how to sell in a way that feels genuine. Instead of relying on pressure or persuasion, she encourages business owners to approach sales as a conversation rooted in trust, curiosity, and service.
Sales is one of the most valuable money skills you can learn
One idea that came up throughout the conversation is that sales isn't just another business skill — it's the skill of making money.
If you work for yourself, your business can't survive without revenue, no matter how passionate you are about the work you do.
That's why Megan sees sales as the foundation everything else is built on. A beautiful website, a polished brand, or a growing team all become possible because sales generate the income that makes those things sustainable.
Your nervous system matters more than you think
If you’re anything like us, sales conversations have always meant sweaty palms and a racing heart. Money conversations often feel emotional — even when we logically know we’re okay — because our brains can interpret these situations as threats to our safety.
Megan explains that when this happens, our nervous system shifts into fight-or-flight mode. Our heart rate increases, our thoughts race, and the logical part of our brain becomes harder to access. That's why it's so difficult to think clearly during stressful conversations, even when we've prepared for them.
Instead of trying to talk yourself out of feeling anxious, Megan recommends calming your body first. Here are two of her favorite techniques to help regulate your nervous system before a high-pressure conversation:
Take several deep breaths, making your exhales longer than your inhales.
Put something cold on the back of your neck.
It's a helpful reminder that confidence isn't always something you think your way into. Sometimes you have to help your body feel safe first.
Your income isn't a measure of your worth
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Megan was on a fast track toward medical school. Walking away from that path meant giving up a version of success that felt predictable and socially celebrated, and she put enormous pressure on herself to prove she'd made the right decision.
For years, that meant tying her self-worth to her income. If she hit a financial goal, she felt successful. If she didn't, it felt personal.
Over time, though, her relationship with money shifted. Instead of setting goals from a place of fear or needing to prove something, she began approaching them with curiosity and excitement. Financial goals became things she wanted to achieve — not things she needed in order to feel successful.
It's a subtle distinction, but an important one. When your identity isn't wrapped up in every dollar you earn, it's much easier to recover from setbacks, take calculated risks, and make decisions that align with the life you're actually trying to build.
The best sales conversations start with listening
One of our favorite moments from the conversation came when Megan challenged the stereotype of what makes someone good at sales. Instead of saying successful salespeople are the loudest or most persuasive people in the room, she argued they're usually the best listeners.
That idea is especially encouraging for anyone who considers themselves introverted or naturally empathetic. Asking thoughtful questions, understanding someone's goals, and making them feel heard creates far more trust than launching into a polished sales pitch.
It's also a reminder that selling isn't about convincing someone to buy. It's about helping them determine whether what you're offering is actually the right fit. That approach feels better for everyone involved — and, as Megan points out, it's becoming more effective as buyers grow increasingly skeptical of high-pressure sales tactics.
Learning to create your own income is empowering
Learning how to sell isn't just about landing your next client. It's about knowing you can create opportunities for yourself whenever you need them.
Markets change, industries evolve, and clients come and go. Those realities can feel scary, especially if you've ever experienced a lean financial season. But having the skills to communicate your value, find new opportunities, and consistently generate income gives you something even more valuable than certainty: It gives you confidence in your ability to adapt.
That kind of confidence creates freedom. It gives you more choices about the work you take on, the life you build, and the future you want to create.
TL;DR
Sales doesn't have to feel pushy — it can be rooted in empathy, curiosity, and genuine connection.
Understanding your nervous system can help you navigate difficult money conversations with more confidence.
Separating your self-worth from your income leads to healthier financial goals and greater resilience.
Learning how to create your own income is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward long-term financial independence.
✨ Resources ✨
Listen to Megan's podcast, Blaze
Learn more about Megan's signature program, Sales Liberation
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.
