An introverted designer’s messy, honest lessons from finally learning how to sell, without losing her soul
For 20 years, I ran a graphic design business.
I built it up through referrals, SEO, content marketing, and word of mouth. I thought I knew business.
But this year, for the first time ever, I stepped into the raw, gritty world of sales.
Not just “talk to a warm lead” sales.
I mean cold email. Manual outreach. Hunting, not waiting.
And to my surprise, I’m loving it.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far about sales, especially as an introverted designer who used to hate the idea of selling anything.
This one is obvious, right? The first sale from someone who doesn’t know me, didn’t find me through a referral, and wasn’t warmed up by my content.
I want that win.
Because emotionally? I need to prove to myself that I can do this.
Logically? If I can land one, I can land more. It means my offer works.
