The Effortless Yes: Get the Sales You Want and Make All You'll Ever Need [Paperback]

I have been an entrepreneur for over thirteen years. I have read a plethora of business books looking to enhance my business acumen and help my business be more successful. I have read most of the "big ones".....business books that rank on the NYT best sellers list for months, if not years. But the end result is usually this: most of the time I am sorely disappointed because a.) I spent money b.) I spent time reading it and c.) I didn't end up any better off for the investment of the two.

This is not the case with this book. The Effortless Yes is a book has paid off in spades for my investment in time as well as cash.

First, it is an easy, playful read. Most business books are the equivalent of eating wet cardboard - boring, bland and not appetizing in the least. It takes skill to write about any business topic in a colloquial way that delivers impact without diluting content. Ms. Steelman walks you through the steps of selling, the psychology of buyers and how to appeal to each particular "type" of customer. Then she lays down 7 easy steps, including my personal favorite the "selling archetype". Once you learn your archetype you can use that to your advantage, or earn how you might be going wrong in the selling process.

My biggest takeaway is this. Like many people I was loathe to sell. To me, I equated it with "asking for money". There is a KEY difference between asking for money (which to me feels a little demeaning and desperate) and SELLING the services or products you know SERVE people.

I used to dread after delivering my pitch waiting for the "question".....the client would lay it on like tar and feathers "So, how much do your services cost?" and so would begin the unpleasant dance of discussing my fee and "asking for the sale". After reading this book I met with a new client, I reviewed his project, laid down why my company was the best choice for him and BEFORE he had to ask the question that is often equally uncomfortable for customers, "How much does it cost?", I poignantly said "Let me explain my fee structure....." and made my pitch. What anxiety relief..,,,and I closed the sale! Thanks Julie!

I read at least one business book a week and I have yet to find a book that so easily and clearly breaks down the selling process for women entrepreneurs as well as this one. Julie Steelman demystifies selling and more importantly makes it so clear that if you have a gift to share with the world in the form of a product or service it is your obligation to learn to educate the public on the solution you possess.

Buy this book!

This book is the practical and grounded version to "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. What I loved about this book was the author's ability to demystify the selling process and actually make it fun and enjoyable.

The biggest issue that I believe most small business owners have is that they do not feel comfortable selling. The book takes selling to a more spiritual level, which hits the mark with most women business owners.

My favorite quote from the book that hit my sweet spot was this: "I discovered selling was a way to express my ideas and provide my customers with value."

If you are a business owner or a salesperson, you must read this book. It will help you in a way that is unprecedented and will accelerate your growth beyond your wildest imagination. (I just bought four copies for my key sales staff!)