33: Why Selling Feels So Hard (and How to Make It Easier) with Guest Kari Capone

Indie Made Business: A Podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs and Handmade Business Owners

Selling can feel awkward—especially for creatives who’d rather be making than marketing. If you’ve ever hesitated to promote your products because you don’t want to sound pushy or salesy, this episode is for you!

I’m joined by my friend Kari Capone, founder of The Spinning Hand, to talk about the mindset shifts and strategies that make selling feel natural (and even fun!). We get real about the fears that hold people back, why "confidence" is overrated, and how to actually ask for the sale in a way that feels good. Plus, Kari shares how she went from struggling to ask for the sale in her first business to running a thriving handmade business today.

If you’ve ever thought, I don’t want to bother people or they’ll buy if they want it—I don’t need to ask, grab a coffee and join us for this conversation. It might just change how you think about selling.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways [00:00] – Why Selling Feels Hard (and Why You’re Not Alone)

Most creatives love making but hate selling. We break down why selling feels so uncomfortable—and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

[06:30] – The Money Stories Holding You Back

The way you grew up thinking about money is impacting how you sell—whether you realize it or not. Kari shares how her "squeeze every penny" mindset made selling feel icky (and how she changed it).

[15:45] – The Truth About Confidence (Hint: It’s Overrated)

"You don’t wake up confident—you wake up with courage." If you’re waiting to feel confident before you sell, you’ll be waiting forever.

[24:00] – Selling Doesn’t Have to Feel Gross

Pushy, manipulative selling isn’t the only way. Here’s how to authentically sell—without feeling like a used car salesman.

[35:20] – If You’re Only Talking About Your Product Once, You’re Losing Sales

Most people aren’t seeing every post or email you send. Talking about your product repeatedly isn’t annoying—it’s necessary.

[42:10] – Trust Your Customers to Make Their Own Buying Decisions

It’s easy to assume what people will or won’t spend based on our own money mindset, but that’s not our decision to make. Our job is simply to share what we offer—our customers will decide if it’s right for them.

[51:30] – Handling Unsubscribes Like a Pro

Every email list loses people—but unsubscribes aren’t rejection. Learn why losing subscribers can actually be a good thing.

[1:02:00] – How to Start Asking for the Sale (Without Feeling Weird About It)

If the thought of asking people to buy makes your stomach turn, this section is for you. We share simple, doable ways to ease into selling with confidence.

Resources Mentioned

Some links in this episode may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our podcast!

• The Truth About Email Unsubscribes

• Break Free from Limiting Beliefs Holding Back Your Handmade Business

• Email Unsubscribe Rate Calculator – See how your unsubscribe rate compares to your industry average. It only takes a minute or two to plug in your numbers to see how the percentage is lookingfor your handmade business.

• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

  • • Paperback

    • Audiobook

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear how this episode shifted your perspective on selling! What’s one small step you’re taking to sell with more confidence? Let’s chat:

🌐 Website: www.indiemadebiz.com

Instagram: @indiemadebiz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/indiemadebiz

Find Kari Online

🌐 Website: www.thespinninghand.com Instagram: @thespinninghand Facebook: www.facebook.com/thespinninghand

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