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The Selling PodcastAuthor: Mike Williams and Scott Schlofman
Feeling stuck in a sales slump? Pipeline looking thinner than a supermodel on a juice cleanse? Want to grow your business faster than a startup funded by a lottery winner? Then buckle up, buttercup, because "The Selling Podcast" is your new obsession!Join your seasoned (slightly graying but still very spry) sales pros, Mike and Scott, who collectively boast over 50 years of crushing quotas (and racking up enough airline and hotel points to live perpetually in a suite). They're not just here to drop wisdom; they're here to deliver a potent mix of "deep-ish thoughts and some truly mediocre advice" (their words, not ours... mostly) on everything from closing monster deals to navigating the wild ride of life.Every week, prepare for unfiltered stories, battle-tested philosophies, hard-earned insights, and enough random tangents to keep you laughing and learning! They even drag in some special guests (who usually offer the really deep insights, just between us) to elevate the conversation even further.Whether you're a seasoned sales manager, a hungry rep grinding for commission, or just someone who wants to understand the human element of persuasion, Mike and Scott cut through the fluff with their signature blend of sharp sales strategies and hilarious banter.Stop wishing for more sales, start getting them! Hit subscribe, join the conversation, and let Mike and Scott help you sell better, live better, and most of all... enjoy all of it! Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Say No and Still Get Invited Back
Wednesday, 13 May, 2026
Have you ever turned down an invitation from a customer or colleague, only to realize later that they stopped asking you to events altogether? In this episode of The Selling Podcast, hosts Scott and Mike tackle the difficult art of saying "no" without burning bridges. Using a simple, four-step formula, they discuss how to decline requests and invitations confidently while ensuring you remain on the guest list for future opportunities.The "Golden Formula" for Saying NoScott outlines a definitive process to decline an invitation gracefully while maintaining future warmth:Meet with Appreciation: No matter the invitation, always start with sincere, heartfelt gratitude. Thank the person for thinking of you and acknowledge the effort they made to extend the offer.Give a Clear Answer Early: Avoid bury the "no" in the middle of a paragraph or conversation. Do not waffle, use "maybes," or say you will "try" if you already know you cannot make it. stringing people along prevents them from inviting others and damages trust.Provide Short Reasoning: While you should almost always provide a reason (unless the request is illegal or unethical), keep it brief. Avoid "dissertation" or "TED Talk" answers. A simple, honest sentence is usually sufficient. Crucially, never lie or invent excuses, as this will eventually damage trust.Future Warmth: Separate the rejection of the event from the rejection of the person. Close by expressing a genuine desire to connect in the future to keep the door open.Mike’s Tweak: The Follow-UpMike adds a critical fifth step to the formula to maximize your chances of a reinvitation: The Follow-Up Note.A day or two after the event took place, send a quick message asking how it went. For example: "How was the dinner Friday night? I thought about you guys and hope you had fun." This shows continued interest and reinforces that you value the relationship, even if you couldn't attend that specific event.Key Takeaways & NuancesThe Power of Confidence: When saying no, be confident. If you sound hesitant, a customer may sense a "chink in the armor" and try to pressure you into changing your mind. Do not sound guilty for having other commitments.Handling Unethical/Illegal Requests: If a customer asks for something illegal, immoral, or unethical, the formula changes. There is no need for appreciation or future warmth regarding that specific request. A confident, definitive "no" is required immediately.Turning Down Activities You Dislike: If you are invited to an activity you genuinely do not enjoy (e.g., poker night), use appreciation, a clear no, and then politely state that the activity isn't your thing. Offer an alternative activity you do enjoy to steer future invitations toward things you will accept.Don't "Ghost": One of the biggest mistakes is sitting on a request because you really want to go but know you probably can't. Procrastinating only frustrates the inviter. Reply confidently as soon as you know your status.
