EP 441 | Sales Is Service: How Interior Designers Sell with Confidence (Not Pressure) with Nikki Rausch
August 12, 2025
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Sales is one of the most misunderstood—and unnecessarily feared—parts of running an interior design business. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with sales expert Nikki Rausch to dismantle the myth that selling is pushy, awkward, or “icky.” Instead, Nikki reframes sales as what it truly is: service.
This conversation is packed with practical strategies that help designers approach sales with clarity, confidence, and integrity. From handling rejection without taking it personally, to spotting subtle buying signals and reviving quiet client pipelines, Nikki shares tools that feel good and get results.
Whether your business is booming or you’re feeling a slowdown, this episode will help you reconnect with past clients, strengthen relationships, and show up to sales conversations in a way that aligns with your values—and your expertise.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why sales isn’t sleazy—it’s about solving problems your clients already have
- How to reframe rejection and understand why “no” often means “not yet”
- What a client’s “convincer strategy” is and how to follow up effectively
- How to spot buying signals without fear or pressure
- Why past clients are your most valuable sales opportunity
- How to ask for referrals without feeling awkward or self-promotional
- Why soft selling works—and how to always offer a clear next step
TAKE AWAY
Seal the Deal: Hone Your Skills in Asking the Right Questions to close More Sales
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Watch your email tone. Reduce “I” statements and shift to client-focused language with questions that invite engagement.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.