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I hate sales. How do I grow my business?

r/Entrepreneur
8/15/2025

Content Summary

The post discusses the challenges of growing a SaaS business without being good at sales. The author, who is a maker/builder at heart, struggles with the anxiety of finding and selling to new customers. Many commenters suggest alternative approaches such as focusing on problem-solving conversations, using content marketing, collaborating with salespeople on commission, and leveraging AI tools for automation. The discussion highlights the importance of building a product that solves real problems and attracting customers organically. Community engagement, SEO, and referral programs are also suggested as ways to grow the business without direct sales involvement.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinion suggests that sales can be reframed as problem-solving and relationship-building rather than traditional pitching. Many commenters emphasize the importance of focusing on value, building a strong product, and using content marketing and community engagement to attract customers. There's a debate about whether hiring a salesperson is necessary or if alternative models like commission-based partnerships or AI automation can work effectively. Some argue that sales is a necessary skill that must be learned, while others advocate for delegating it to a partner or using automation tools. A common theme is that the mindset shift from 'selling' to 'helping' makes the process less daunting and more natural.

SAAS TOOLS

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USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Hating the sales process and feeling anxious about it
  • Difficulty in finding and selling to new customers
  • Lack of skills or confidence in sales
  • Feeling that traditional sales methods are uncomfortable or ineffective

Problems to Solve:

  • Finding a way to grow the business without direct sales involvement
  • Overcoming the fear of rejection and cold outreach
  • Building a sustainable growth strategy that aligns with personal strengths
  • Creating an environment where customers find the product naturally

Potential Solutions:

  • Focusing on problem-solving conversations instead of pitching
  • Using content marketing, social media, and YouTube to attract customers
  • Collaborating with salespeople on a profit-sharing or commission basis
  • Building a product that sells itself through value and word-of-mouth
  • Leveraging AI tools for automation and lead generation

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Focusing on problem-first conversations rather than direct sales pitches
  • Utilizing content marketing, YouTube, and social media to build brand awareness
  • Partnering with salespeople on a commission or profit-sharing model
  • Automating sales processes using AI tools and chatbots
  • Building a product that solves real problems and attracts organic interest
  • Engaging in communities and providing value before asking for sales

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Posting valuable content on social media and YouTube
  • Engaging in niche communities and forums
  • Hosting webinars or open house events to connect with potential customers
  • Sharing behind-the-scenes content and case studies to build trust
  • Leveraging referrals and word-of-mouth from satisfied customers

Monetization & Product:

  • Emphasizing the benefits of the product over features
  • Focusing on solving real customer pain points
  • Building a product that is so useful that it sells itself
  • Exploring commission-based or equity-based models for sales partners
  • Testing different pricing models and customer acquisition channels

User Engagement:

  • Building relationships through helpful interactions and community participation
  • Encouraging user-generated content and testimonials
  • Creating a sense of trust by sharing the development journey publicly
  • Offering free resources or trials to attract initial users
  • Fostering a loyal community around the product or service