Dec 8, 2020
This week’s episode of She Sells Radio surrounds one of the most important concepts in sales. How often do you look outside of yourself for validation? While there is value there, the answers you seek are within yourself. This week, Elyse is sitting down with Marie Deveaux, an executive leadership coach whose mission is to magnify the voices and agency of women and minorities in their workspaces. She’ll share her personal experience, and break down why it’s essential to bet on yourself, how to be confident while being visible, and how to get out of our own way when growing our business.
Marie’s passion is very personal. She works and has worked in the non-profit and corporate sectors, uplifting marginalized voices in every way. When she found herself in a situation where her manager was actively working against her, she felt as though she needed to leave. There was a lack of trust and a lack of respect. When that time came, she pivoted to her coaching career. She teaches and believes that we spend a lot of time outsourcing our worthiness when in reality validation won’t always come from those we seek it out from. It’s important to find it within.
Marie’s relationship with sales is rooted in authenticity. At first, she was avoidant of sales because she didn’t like the idea of being “sold” something--forcing someone to need or want a product. When she entered the non-profit sector selling after-school programs, she realized sales isn’t sleazy when you truly believe in the service you’re selling. Then, it’s providing value. And you get to pay the bills! Money is a tool and there has to be an exchange. Money isn’t the goal. It’s a byproduct of doing what you love.
A lot of Marie’s sales work is based around uplifting women of color. In a broad sense, translating what you’ve learned and your passions to your job can be difficult. What happens when you sell for yourself, you’re attached to that validation. For women of color, often times the spaces they are in are not validating in any way. There is an expectation of “proving” themselves before they get any recognition. Being told to be quiet, fighting for promotions, you name it, are all part of working for someone else. When that shifts into working for yourself, that validation becomes incredibly personal. This manifests in a negative way--making yourself small and not trusting that you are worthy of the sale. Marie reminds us to not get attached to the result. If they aren’t a fit, that isn’t a reflection of your worth.
So, how do we start to validate ourselves? The starting point is unearthing it for yourself. What works for one person isn’t going to work for you. It’s about accepting that exploring can be fun! In a corporate environment, you can be given a script--and in an actual conversation, the script doesn’t feel right--it’s because it’s not. You aren’t allowed to be yourself. As an entrepreneur, you get to create it all yourself. It’s a sandbox! Check-in--does my process make sense for me? It should feel aligned and authentic to who you are.
Becoming visible is an intimidating concept. It can feel vulnerable putting yourself out there. Marie reminds us that nervousness doesn’t equal bad. It means you care! Additionally, don’t forget that you are coming from a place of service. When you show up, you’re in a position to bless people. The tension surrounding judgment can be released--you’re solving a problem--don’t overthink it. Part of the beauty of being visible is you’re never done growing. Get clear on who you serve, the problem you solve, and where your passions lie.
LINKS
Mariedeveaux.com
Marie Deveaux on LinkedIn
Interested in getting to know yourself and jump into entrepreneurship? Check out Marie’s website for more information!