by Hadassah Jacobs

Let’s be really honest for a second.

Starting a business is one thing. Selling what you’ve created? That’s where everything starts to feel heavy.

You’ve put your heart into building this—your idea, your offer, your service. You’ve poured hours into the details: the website, the branding, the posts. You keep telling yourself, “If I just get it right, the sales will come.”

But then it’s quiet.

And you start to wonder:

• What if nobody wants this?

• What if I’m not good enough?

• What if I put myself out there and hear crickets—or worse, rejection?

    

So you stall.

You stay “busy.” You tweak. You research. You wait until it feels less scary.

But here’s the truth about selling: It’s not just a strategy problem. It’s a mindset problem.

Selling Feels Personal—And That’s Why It’s Hard

When you sell, you’re not just offering a product. You’re offering yourself. Your time. Your expertise. Your energy.

So when someone says no, it doesn’t just feel like they’re rejecting the offer—they’re rejecting you.

And your brain tries to protect you from that. It whispers things like:

• Maybe it’s not ready yet.

• I should probably learn more first.

• I’ll just wait until it’s perfect.

   

But perfection is a trap. And waiting doesn’t build confidence—action does.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Here’s what I want you to really hear:

Selling isn’t about convincing people to buy something they don’t want.
It’s about helping the right people solve a problem they already have.

When you shift your mindset from “I’m taking something from them” to “I’m giving them something valuable,” the fear starts to loosen its grip.

You’re not “pushing” your offer. You’re simply saying, “I can help you with this. Would you like that help?”

That’s it.

Let Me Tell You What's Also Important

Your first sale is never about the perfect pitch or the perfect brand. It’s about clarity and courage.

Clarity in what you’re offering.
Courage to simply say: “Hey, I can help you with this. Want to hear more?”

And when you do that—just that—everything shifts.

Because selling isn’t about convincing strangers to buy. It’s about helping the right people solve a problem they already have.

Let’s Make This Simple

Because once your mindset is in the right place, the strategy doesn’t have to be complicated.

You don’t need a big audience. You don’t need a perfect funnel. You don’t even need a huge plan.

What you really need is:

• A clear, simple offer that solves one real problem

• A handful of people you can talk to right now

• The courage to invite them to work with you

Let’s cut through the noise and map out your first yes.

Step 1: Choose ONE thing you can sell right now

Not ten ideas. Not a massive package you’re still building. Just one simple thing you can deliver today that makes someone’s life easier.

Ask yourself:

• What do people already come to me for?

• What quick win can I give someone?

• How can I package it so it’s easy to say yes?

Your first offer doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be clear enough that someone says, “Yes, I need that.”

Step 2: Think small—just 10 people

You don’t need thousands of followers. Your first sale almost always comes from the people already around you—friends, colleagues, your community, even online groups you’re part of.

Who do you already know who would benefit from this? Write down ten names.

Step 3: Start real conversations

This part feels scary because it’s the most vulnerable—but it’s also the most powerful.

It can be as simple as sending a message like:

“Hey [Name], I just started offering [your service/solution]. It helps with [problem it solves]. I thought of you because [reason]. Want me to share the details?”

 

Notice—no pressure. No salesy pitch. Just a genuine offer to help.

Step 4: Keep it simple when you sell

When someone says, “Tell me more,” you don’t need a 20-slide pitch deck. Just explain:

• What it is

• How it works

• How much it costs

• How to pay

People say yes when they understand exactly what they’re getting.

Step 5: Deliver. Overdeliver. And capture the win.

Once you get that first yes, focus on giving them the best experience possible.

• Do what you promised

• Make it easy and smooth for them

• Ask for a quick testimonial or feedback

This is your first proof. And that proof builds confidence for the next sale.

Your Mindset Is the Bridge

So here’s the truth:

The first sale isn’t just about strategy—it’s about believing you can actually do it. It’s about moving through the fear and remembering:

You’re not bothering anyone. You’re helping someone.
You’re not asking for a favor. You’re exchanging value.
You’re not pushing. You’re serving.

And when you come from that place? Selling feels natural.

Quick Action Checklist

Here’s how to move from stuck to sold:

• Reframe selling as helping, not pushing

• Pick one simple offer you can deliver right now

• Write down 10 names of people you can genuinely help

• Reach out with one clear, personal message

• Share what it is, what it costs, how to buy

• Deliver it with care—and ask for feedback

Take one step today. That’s all it takes to build momentum.

Because the only thing between you and your first sale isn’t a lack of strategy—it’s deciding to show up with clarity and courage.