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Welcome to episode 199 and a big announcement! After nearly four years of never missing a Monday since launching in April 2022, we're taking a brief hiatus. But before we go, we're pulling back the curtain on everything: why we failed our big 2025 goal to double our podcast downloads, what we're learning about the difference between goal setting and feeling setting, and how the Odyssey Plan from Stanford's Design Lab is reshaping the next chapter of She Sells He Sells (and our lives). If you've ever wondered whether it's time to stay the course, take a calculated risk, or blow it all up and start fresh—this episode is your roadmap. Plus, Brian announces a major career change after 20 years in health tech, and we get real about midlife pivots, entrepreneurship journey, and what it means to experience failure without being a failure. Listen in to hear: Why Brian's back after his "forced vacation" from the Acorn HR team The profound message guiding our 2026 pivot: "All of us contain more liveliness than one lifetime permits" Why we failed our goal to double podcast downloads in 2025 and what we learned The Michael Phelps principle: Why people who achieve great things aren't necessarily better than you Our big announcement: Taking our first Monday break since launching and what's changing The Odyssey Plan from Stanford Design Lab explained: 3 scenarios for designing your next 5 years Scenario 1 (Status Quo), Scenario 2 (Calculated Risk), and Scenario 3 (Magic Wand)—and how to know which is right for you Brian's major career announcement leaving health tech after 20 years Why this is called "Odyssey Planning" not "Finish Line Planning" The danger of hyper-focused goal setting and why it makes you miss incredible opportunities Dave Evans' simple formula: Get curious. Talk to people. Try stuff. Tell your story. PRO TIP after listening: Try the Odyssey Plan exercise this week. Map out your three scenarios for the next 5 years, rate them on excitement level (feelings, not logistics!), and identify one small step toward the scenario that feels most alive. We're coming back in Q1 2026 with Episode 200, a fresh format, and bigger ideas. Want to help shape what's next? DM us @shesellshesellspodcast and tell us what you want more (or less) of! Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast

Feeling stuck in your online business or wondering how to pivot your business strategy? In this solo episode, Krista shares her business pivot story and how content creation became the path to brand partnerships, speaking opportunities, and diversified revenue streams - all without going viral or building a massive following. This isn't a typical content creator success story. Krista's Instagram grew by only 1,100 followers and her TikTok still has under 1,000 followers. But she landed brand partnerships with KiwiCo, Nuuly, Function Health, PrepScholar, and more. She shares the Michell C. Clark quote that changed her entire approach: "You don't need another rebrand in 2026 - you need a reunion with the version of yourself who knew what brought you joy before the world taught you to monetize it." Listen in for: - How to pivot from group coaching and memberships to consulting while building a personal brand through content - Why she stopped asking "is this scalable?" and started asking "do I enjoy this?" - a mindset shift for entrepreneurs T- he real numbers: modest social media growth that led to major brand partnerships and business opportunities - 5 actionable content creation tips for your own business pivot and personal brand building Why women entrepreneurs over 40 have a unique advantage as content creators and influencers - Content strategy tips: how to let content stand alone instead of always selling your offers Whether you're a coach, consultant, or online business owner feeling misaligned with your current business model, this episode gives you permission to pivot and practical content creation strategies to build your personal brand authentically - no viral moments required. What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast Follow Krista on Instagram: @kristademcher Follow Krista on TikTok: @kristademcher

Selling the transformation, not the transaction, is what separates amateur storytelling from sales stories that convert. In this final part of our Stories That Sell framework, you'll learn how to help customers envision who they become after working with you - not just what they get. Most entrepreneurs default to listing features and benefits: "You'll get 6 modules! It includes templates!" But transformation-based selling focuses on the shift, the change, the new version of your customer. When you master selling transformation through stories, closing sales becomes effortless. In this episode we cover: - How to sell transformation instead of features and benefits - Why customers buy identity shifts, not products or services - Tapping into feelings instead of features when selling - Real-life examples of transformation-based sales storytelling - The complete story-selling formula in action - How to help customers visualize their future selves This is Part 4 of our 4-part "Stories That Sell" framework: Part 1 (Episode 194): The 3 Core Elements Part 2 (Episode 195): Make Your Customer the Hero Part 3 (Episode 196): Become the Trusted Guide Originally released in 2022, this story-selling framework has helped thousands of entrepreneurs learn how to sell with stories that actually convert. Use these 4 parts together to transform your sales approach and turn content into customers. --- Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast Finished the series? Share these 4 episodes with an entrepreneur who's ready to master storytelling for sales!

If your customer is the hero of your sales story, then you are the guide. Learning how to position yourself as the trusted guide is essential for selling with stories that build authority and close sales. In Part 3 of our Stories That Sell framework, we break down how to position yourself as the credible expert without sounding like you're bragging. You'll learn the guide role in sales storytelling - think Yoda to Luke Skywalker or mentor to hero - and how this positioning builds trust and drives conversions. In this episode we cover: - How to position yourself as the guide in your sales stories - Building authority and credibility through storytelling for sales - The difference between bragging and establishing expertise - Using third-party stories to create trust with potential customers - Why the "cost of doing nothing" is your most powerful sales tool - Real examples of guide positioning that converts browsers into buyers This is Part 3 of our 4-part "Stories That Sell" framework: Part 1 (Episode 194): The 3 Core Elements Part 2 (Episode 195): Make Your Customer the Hero Part 4 (Episode 197): Sell the Transformation - COMING SOON Originally released in 2022, this story-selling system has helped thousands of entrepreneurs master sales storytelling and increase revenue through better positioning. ---- Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast Ready to master sales storytelling? Share this guide positioning episode with an entrepreneur who needs help selling with confidence!

Learning how to sell with stories means making your customer the hero, not yourself. This is the biggest mistake in sales storytelling - entrepreneurs focus on their own journey instead of their customer's transformation. In Part 2 of our Stories That Sell framework, we break down customer-centric storytelling techniques that actually convert. You'll learn how to craft sales stories where your customer sees themselves as the main character while you position yourself as their guide. In this episode we cover: - How to make your customer the main character in your sales stories - Customer-centric storytelling techniques for better conversion - Using universal desires to craft compelling sales narratives - The "learn the lyrics" method for understanding your customer's language - Real sales story examples that put customers first This is Part 2 of our 4-part "Stories That Sell" framework: Part 1 (Episode 194): The 3 Core Elements Part 3 (Episode 196): Become the Trusted Guide - COMING SOON! Part 4 (Episode 197): Sell the Transformation - COMING SOON! Originally released in 2022, this storytelling for sales series has helped thousands of entrepreneurs transform their content into customers. ---- Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast Found this helpful? Share this storytelling for entrepreneurs episode with someone who needs it!

You know you need to use stories to sell. But here's the problem - most people share their daily life and wonder why it's not leading to sales. Here's the truth: not all stories sell. But the ones that DO all have 3 core elements in common. In this episode, we're breaking down those 3 elements, common mistakes that make stories fall flat, and real examples of sales stories done right. We're bringing back our most-requested content - our complete 4-part series on how to sell with stories. Originally released in 2022, these episodes have been downloaded hundreds of times and form the foundation of everything we teach about storytelling in business. Whether you're new here or need a refresh, this is your story-selling masterclass. In this episode we cover: - The 3 essential elements every sales story needs - Why personal stories aren't converting to sales (and how to fix it) - Common storytelling mistakes that kill engagement - Real sales story examples that actually work - How to turn content into customers using strategic storytelling This is Part 1 of our 4-part "Stories That Sell" framework: Part 2 (Episode 195): Make Your Customer the Hero - COMING SOON! Part 3 (Episode 196): Become the Trusted Guide - COMING SOON!  Part 4 (Episode 197): Sell the Transformation - COMING SOON!  If you're posting consistently but not seeing sales, this storytelling series will change everything. ---- Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast Enjoying the show? Leave us a review and share this episode with someone who needs to learn how to sell with stories!

The holiday selling season is here, and it's tempting to default to discount-driven, spec-heavy messaging. 40% off! Buy one get one! Limited time only!  But here's the problem: when you lead with specs, you commoditize your business and become instantly forgettable. In this episode, Krista makes the case for why stories should always lead over specs, especially during the holidays.  From the legendary Demcher family "Guess Who Board" (a hilarious inside joke involving waiters, grocery store strangers, and misspelled group chats) to real-world examples for photographers and service providers, this episode will completely shift how you approach your holiday marketing. The bottom line? Holiday sales don't have to be transactional one-night stands. You can create buzz, drive revenue, AND build long-term customers who come back in 2026 and beyond. Listen in for: The story behind the Demcher family "Guess Who Board" and what it teaches us about creating memorable moments [01:00] Why leading with specs commoditizes your business and makes you forgettable [06:30] A step-by-step example of how a photographer can lead with story during holiday promotions [11:21] The 60/40 rule: How to balance storytelling with transactional messaging this time of year [20:55] How to "meet people where they are" without abandoning your brand story [21:01] Why different buyer types need different messaging—and how to serve them all [23:22] The brand awareness pyramid: How storytelling keeps the right people engaged until they're ready to buy [26:21] What car commercials can teach you about layering your holiday messaging [24:56] Whether you're a photographer, coach, product-based business owner, or service provider gearing up for Black Friday and the holiday rush, this episode will help you stand out in a sea of sameness. Related Episodes: Episode 87: Black Friday Sales Do's + Don'ts Episodes 12-15: How To Use Stories To Sell (Four-Part Series) Episode 132: An Easy Way To Change The Way You Tell Stories Forever What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast

What happens when you stop overthinking and just launch? Alex Schinasi, founder and CEO of Hulken Bags, turned a family invention into a viral sensation with zero VC funding and a whole lot of guts. In this episode, Alex shares the wild journey of building Hulken—from 50 bags in her apartment during COVID to creating an entirely new product category: the rolling tote bag. She gets real about dealing with copycats, why "schlepping made easy" became their rallying cry, and how moving fast became her secret weapon. If you're sitting on a business idea waiting for the "perfect time" to launch, this conversation will light a fire under you. Listen in for: How Hulken went from a family project to a cult-favorite brand without VC funding [06:00] The origin story behind "schlepping made easy" and why emotional core messaging matters [03:29] Why speed is the most important factor in launching a successful business [45:03] How one article in The Strategist during COVID changed everything [09:00] The reality of dealing with copycats and how to protect your brand value [40:00] Why customer obsession (reading EVERY comment and DM) fuels product innovation [30:00] The power of influencer marketing done right—authentically and organically [32:00] Alex's challenge to aspiring founders: Launch in one week, not one month [45:52] Whether you're an entrepreneur sitting on an idea, a founder scaling your business, or someone who just loves a good underdog story, Alex's insights will inspire you to stop waiting and start moving. Connect with Alex: Instagram: @alexschinasi Shop Hulken Bags: https://hulken.com/ ---- What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast

Are your Instagram Stories actually making you money? Or are they just random photo dumps that disappear after 24 hours?  In this juicy sales snack episode, Krista spills the tea on the 10 biggest Instagram Story mistakes that are killing your sales, and exactly how to fix them. Play along with the "put a finger down" game to see how many of these mistakes you're making. Listen in for: Why talking to the camera for more than 2 minutes is tanking your views (RIP attention spans!) [7:19] The "story flow" secret that keeps people watching from beginning to end [9:48] Why resharing every tagged story is making you look lazy (ouch, but true) [12:03] The link sticker trap that's secretly sabotaging your reach [16:24] How to use engagement stickers to hack the algorithm [18:49] The game-changing hack of batch-creating vs. posting throughout the day [27:33] Why your random coffee-to-workout dumps need a storyline ASAP [28:49] The house buying analogy that'll change how you think about Stories forever [31:11] And more! Krista's used her Instagram Stories framework to sell $1,200 in just 10 minutes, book speaking gigs, land brand deals, and build a multi-million dollar business. Learn how in the InstaStories Lab:  https://kristademcher.kartra.com/page/instastorieslab 4 weeks. Live coaching. All the templates, tools, and an AI bot to make it stupid-easy! Week 1: Quick wins + what's actually working in 2025 Week 2: Building that sticky brand recognition Week 3: The "Sell in a Day" system Week 4: Multi-day launch sequences that don't feel repetitive Investment: Less than your average grocery run (seriously) —---------------------------------------- Join the Insta Stories Lab: https://kristademcher.kartra.com/page/instastorieslab 

What happens when you're terrified to show your face on camera but know deep down that your business needs you to show up? In this episode, Krista sits down with ACORN client and NorasPawsomeTees founder Jen Gavalis to talk about her incredible transformation over the past 18 months - from hiding behind her products to confidently becoming the face of her brand. Jen's business was born out of her struggles with mental health and chronic pain, and in this raw, honest conversation, she shares how focusing on what she CAN do (instead of what she can't) led her to create a thriving business celebrating Schuylkill County pride through wearable joy. This episode is especially meaningful as it airs during World Mental Health Awareness Week. Krista's vulnerability in sharing her own mental health story last May prompted Jen to reach out, which led to them working together—and now Jen is paying that forward by inspiring others with her story. Listen in for: The SHE SELLS message behind Nora's Pawsome Tees (05:09) How Krista's mental health episode prompted Jen to reach out and share her own story (18:47) What made Jen terrified to show her face on camera and in videos (24:41) Her best advice: "Don't think about it, just do it" - the three-take rule (32:03) Why she almost gave up on graphic design completely before starting this business (36:54) Starting with silly stories: The decorated cabbage tale and finding your micro-moments (43:04) Why small businesses can't compete with Walmart on price, but can win on personal connection (48:25) The importance of repeating your message again and again (51:22) Connect with Jen: Website: NorasPawsomeTees.com Instagram: @noraspawsometees TikTok: @noraspawsometees Facebook: NorasPawsomeTees --- What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast

In this raw and vulnerable third annual birthday episode, Krista turns 47 and challenges everything we think we know about success, timing, and being "behind" in life. Spoiler alert: If you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and feel like you haven't hit your stride yet, you're not late...you're right on time.   Using the metaphor of the oak tree, which doesn't hit its prime acorn production until ages 50-80, Krista makes the case for embracing being a late bloomer and why your most productive, impactful years may still be ahead of you. Listen in for: The hard questions of midlife: "What am I doing this all for? Are my dreams really possible?" [06:58] How this past year looked different than any other in 15 years of entrepreneurship [11:04] The major life events that forced constant hustling and why there was never space until now [13:28] Why hustling hard was actually a mask for not pursuing the real dream [18:34] The statistics that prove you're not alone in feeling behind (hint: 57% of workers feel behind on retirement) [22:13] The oak tree metaphor that will change how you think about your timeline [24:19] Why years 50-80 are the oak tree's PRIME producing years (not 20-40 like society tells us) [26:49] How optimizing your "acorn production" creates a legacy that lasts 300+ years [29:28] Famous late bloomers who didn't hit their stride until their 40s, 50s, and 60s [31:46] Krista's late bloomer goal and why she's reclaiming the narrative [35:54] Whether you're questioning your timeline, feeling behind on your dreams, or wondering if it's too late, this episode is your reminder that life is long and your best work may still be ahead of you. Dedicated to: Kate Morgalis (October 9, 1978 - February 2, 2023) "They say it's your birthday, it's my birthday too, yeah." - The Beatles ------ What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast DM Krista your late bloomer goal: @kristademcher or @shesellshesellspodcast                                                                         

What if we told you that fun isn't just nice to have - it's actually essential for happiness? That's exactly what Krissy and Michael Chin, the married co-founders behind CHooZ FUN, believe and live by every single day.   In this special four-person episode (a She Sells He Sells first!), we dive deep into the story behind their hot pink Cybertruck-driving, mindset-focused lifestyle brand that's turning heads and changing lives one "yes" at a time.   From Michael's 20-year journey with the phrase "choose fun" that started at an EDM festival to Krissy's entrepreneurial background building million-dollar businesses, this couple has combined their unique skill sets to create something truly special - a movement disguised as a merch company.   Listen in for:   Why fun literally rewires your brain for happiness and the science behind it [07:00] The festival story that launched a movement: slap bands, weddings, and unexpected connections [12:30] How a hot pink Cybertruck became their best marketing tool (and why strangers stop them everywhere) [21:00] The difference between living life and living a life you'll remember [10:20] Why "saying yes more" is the simplest definition of fun [36:50] The Yesterday Challenge: 7 days to help you prioritize fun in your life [46:40] How to work as a married couple without losing your minds (or your marriage) [41:50] Why choosing fun becomes even more important in our current social media-driven world [34:40]   Whether you're stuck in a routine, feeling like you've lost your spark, or curious about turning your values into a business, this conversation will inspire you to choose fun today.   Shop Chooz Fun: https://choozfun.com/ Take the YEStoday Challenge: https://choozfun.com/pages/yestoday-challenge Instagram: @choozfun

Instagram Stories are the most underutilized tool for nurturing your audience, but most people are wasting this prime real estate by photo dumping random life moments.   In this solo episode, Krista teaches you why IG Stories viewers are your hottest audience and reveals a simple 3-step framework to transform boring daily moments into compelling brand-building content that creates real connection.   Listen in for:   Why Instagram Stories have two distinct functions: building connection vs. direct selling [06:51] The problem with "just share your life" advice and why it leads to boring content [09:20] How to think like a director and find stories in your everyday moments [14:07] The 3-step micro moment storytelling framework: Observe → Real Life Moment → Core Message [18:54] Real examples from Krista's Stories: Monday affirmation, late night newsletter, and family photos [22:28] Why you should want to binge your own Stories content if you're doing it right [16:32] How 3-4 story slides per day can build genuine thought leadership [35:39]   PRO TIP after listening! Try the 3-step framework in your Stories today: Find one observation from your week, connect it to a real moment, then whittle it down to a core message your audience can relate to.   Ready to master Instagram Stories for your brand? Follow Krista @kristademcher to see these patterns in action and join the waitlist for upcoming Stories templates and support!   Follow Krista on Instagram: @kristademcher   Join the waitlist for Instagram Stories templates: https://kristademcher.kartra.com/page/fall2025waitlist   Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz   Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g   Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast

Sometimes everything can change in one moment! In this episode, Krista and Brian share their experience at an Orioles vs. Dodgers game that became a powerful lesson about tipping points, momentum, and belief.   After catching up on life updates- Brian's new role at a healthcare data analytics company and the emotional process of sending Ava off to college - they dive into an incredible baseball story that perfectly illustrates how one person can shift the energy of 30,000 people in an instant.   From Jackson Holliday breaking up a no-hitter with one swing to companies like Lego, Netflix, and Starbucks finding their own comeback moments, this episode explores how entrepreneurs can recognize and create their own game-changing moments.   Listen in for:   - How Brian's new role in healthcare data analytics is redefining ROI for patients [03:00] - The emotional experience of dropping Ava off at Syracuse [07:49] - Why Jackson Holliday's home run changed everything in 8 seconds [21:58] - How Lego went from $800 million in debt to global success by going back to basics [31:03] - Reed Hastings' bet on Netflix streaming when everyone said go back to DVDs [35:38] - Howard Schultz closing 900 Starbucks stores to refocus on company values [40:20] - Why you control the energy and momentum in your business [42:41] - How belief in yourself is the one characteristic all successful entrepreneurs share [45:04]     Whether you're facing tough times in your business or looking for that breakthrough moment, this episode reminds you that you are your own Jackson Holliday, and it only takes one swing to change everything.   -----   Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz   Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g   Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcastRetryKD

HELP US GROW OUR SHOW! If you haven't already, PLEASE FOLLOW She Sells He Sells on your podcast app, and share this episode with a friend. THANK YOU!   It's back-to-school season, and whether you have kids or not, September brings that fresh-start energy that feels even more motivating than New Year's. But here's the entrepreneurial paradox nobody talks about: when you finally have more time, you often get LESS done.   In this solo episode, Krista gets real about why "more time equals less productivity" for entrepreneurs and shares the exact time management strategies that helped her build her business during just 2-hour windows when her daughter was in preschool.   Listen in for:   - Why entrepreneurship without boundaries is pure chaos (and how to fix it) - The "perfect week" concept that will revolutionize your calendar - Krista's "onstage vs. backstage days" system for maximum productivity - How to use the Pomodoro method to get laser-focused - The mindset shift that turns time protection into self-love - Why people actually respect your boundaries (when you're confident about them)   If you don't protect your time, no one else will. This episode gives you the tactical strategies to defend your calendar like your sanity depends on it, because it does.     Take the "What's Your Sales Style Quiz?": https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz   Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g   Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast