My very first job interview was at my local Journeys shoe store when I was a senior in high school. I thought it would be an easy in because I knew the Jr. Manager.

Unfortunately, my friend wasn’t the one making the hiring decisions — that fell on the Sr. Manager, a man who, at the time, seemed to be 100 years old but was most likely in his mid 20s.

He asked me to tell him a little bit about myself (I’m 17, how should I know?), why I wanted the job (Because, money?), and if I was comfortable working in a role based on commissions (Absolutely not).

Prior to the capitalist takeover of my brain in college, I was uninterested in taking a job that felt misaligned with my interests and talents. I was honest with the guy, telling him not only did commission-based pay sound terrible in general, I’d also be bad at it.

Shortest job interview of my life.

Sales Processes from Hell

The truth is, I’ve never been much of a salesperson. To interact with another person is already a lot for me to manage energetically. Asking them for money…A Very Scary Situation.

Unfortunately, traditional sales processes weren’t built for neurodiverse folks.

I recently signed up to demo a new credit card processing system and now I feel like I’m on the run.

Phone calls. Emails. Texts. All after an initial screening call, which I reluctantly opted-in to as it was my only option to get information.

I just wanted to know what their rates were and now I’m looking into joining the Witness Protection Program — all to escape the dude bro assigned to *lightly* harass me until I sign up.

Being in a state of system overload does not make me want to pay someone money. It makes me want to change my identity and start over in Switzerland.

My Neurodiverse-friendly Sales Tactics

My approach to sales now as a business owner is very “hands off.” If you want me, I’m here. If not, no worries 🥲 (but really, your loss!)

If you’re a socially skittish business owner like me, here are some rebellious sales systems I’ve put in place to help me out:

1. I put my prices on my website. Have you ever been on a sales call, super stoked about the idea of working with someone, only to be smacked in the face with sticker shock? Sameeee. I don’t ever want someone to feel bad about not being able to afford me (or worse, feel obligated to continue even if it’s not the right investment right now).

2. I have a funnel-less brochure available for download. I have a form people can fill out to get more in-depth information about my process and payment plans — no automated follow ups or virtual pokes. I include links to request more information via video call or a more formal proposal in the brochure, if they’re interested.

3. I am not quick to Zoom. There are other ways to build connection besides face-to-face. I keep my Zoom link close to my chest, which makes the calls I do take feel more intentional and meaningful — less transactional and salesy. One of the new methods of asynchronous communication I’m trying is this new app called Async (#notsponsored). It’s like sending an email but with your voice? Lol. It’s the new Voice App for connecting with people on your time and in your own way.

Curious? Send me your voice* at async.com/typeccreative to check it out. Do you have any systems questions? Would love to connect! (S/O to Rich who put this new tool on my radar!)

*How I imagine Ursula would steal Ariel’s voice in 2023

Do you have a rebellious take on sales tactics? Let’s hear it!

Peace, love and workflows,

Andrea