Marketing Matters with Ashley Brock

Episode #63: You’re NOT Selling Poison, Stop Acting Like It

Release Date: April 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #63 of the Marketing Matters podcast, host Ashley Brock addresses a common misconception about selling: the idea that selling is inherently negative or deceitful. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, Ashley empowers small business owners and entrepreneurs to embrace selling as a positive, ethical, and essential component of business growth.

Challenging the Stigma of Selling

Ashley begins the episode by debunking the myth that selling is akin to selling “poison” or something harmful. She emphasizes that most listeners are not selling harmful products or services, and thus, should not feel guilty about selling altogether.

“You are not selling poison. Okay? You are not taking something terrible and selling it to people, are you?” – [00:02]

Ashley clarifies that advertising is fundamentally about making known what you have to offer, which is crucial for business visibility and success. She encourages listeners to reframe their mindset around selling, viewing it as a way to provide value rather than a manipulative tactic.

Biblical Perspective on Selling

A significant portion of the episode delves into the biblical justification for selling, aligning ethical business practices with spiritual beliefs. Ashley references Proverbs 31 to illustrate that selling is not only permissible but also honorable when done with integrity.

Key Verses Discussed:

1. Proverbs 31:16

   “She considers a field and buys it out of her earnings. She plants a vineyard.” – [00:15]

   This verse highlights strategic investment and profit generation, showcasing the Proverbs 31 woman’s business acumen.

2. Proverbs 31:18

   “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.” – [00:25]

   Emphasizing the importance of profitability and diligent work in sustaining and growing a business.

3. Proverbs 31:24

   “She makes linen and garments and sells them.” – [00:30]

   Demonstrates the act of creating valuable goods and engaging in commerce ethically.

Ashley underscores that these verses support the notion that honest and ethical selling is not only acceptable but also praised in biblical teachings. She stresses that profitability and generosity are compatible with spiritual values.

The Value of Selling Ethically

Ashley passionately argues that selling what you offer is a form of service. By providing valuable products or services, businesses solve problems, meet needs, and create significant value for their customers.

“When we sell, we solve problems, we meet needs, and we create value for others.” – [00:45]

She shares personal stories, including a mission trip to Haiti, where a single act of generosity by a mother highlighted the profound impact of giving and selling with integrity.

“Someone who has the very least is the most generous person I know and is also one of the happiest people I know.” – [05:20]

Ashley connects this generosity to business practices, illustrating that selling ethically can lead to both personal fulfillment and business success.

Client Success Stories

To reinforce her points, Ashley shares success stories of her clients who have effectively used paid advertising to grow their businesses.

1. Kelly's Life Insurance Agency:

   • Recently launched ads with under $200.
   • Generated leads that are being converted into licensed agents.
   • Potential to generate five to six figures with refined strategies over time.

   “Kelly is already getting her return on ad spend in the first week of launching ads.” – [01:10]

2. Jacqueline's Autism School:

   • Utilized Google Ads to hire new staff.
   • Demonstrates the versatility of ads beyond just selling products—serving recruitment needs as well.

   “Jacqueline has used Google Ads to hire.” – [01:20]

3. Emily's Bulk Photography Business:

   • Implemented Google Ads and secured multiple five-figure deals within a month.
   • Illustrates the long-term benefits and scalability of effective advertising.

   “Emily turned on her Google Ads and in less than a month she's gotten multiple leads of five figure Deals.” – [02:30]

These examples showcase the tangible benefits of embracing paid advertising and ethical selling, highlighting increased revenue, expanded reach, and enhanced business operations.

The Psychology of Selling

Ashley explores the psychological aspects of selling, noting that the more you sell, the more convinced you become of your offering's value. This positive reinforcement loop helps businesses stay motivated and confident in their value proposition.

“The more you sell, the more sold you are.” – [02:00]

She contrasts this with individuals who struggle with sales, often due to past negative experiences or fear of rejection. Ashley encourages listeners to overcome these hurdles by focusing on the genuine value they provide.

“People who pay attention and people who pay the most, in my experience, pay the most attention.” – [03:15]

Additionally, Ashley advises setting appropriate pricing based on the value delivered, which attracts committed and appreciative customers.

Entrepreneurship as a Form of Service

Reiterating the theme that entrepreneurship is a way to serve others, Ashley emphasizes that selling is a moral responsibility. By offering solutions and meeting needs, entrepreneurs contribute positively to the economy and society.

“Refusing to sell isn't humility, it's withholding the impact and solutions that you were meant to provide.” – [04:40]

She references Business Secrets from the Bible by Rabbi Daniel Lapin to further substantiate the ethical imperative of selling.

“Selling is an act of service, not selfishness. The world thrives on exchange.” – [04:50]

Encouragement to Embrace Selling

Ashley passionately encourages listeners to embrace selling without guilt, highlighting that selling responsibly allows businesses to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

“It's okay for you to set your price, it's okay to charge your value, it's okay to advertise, it's okay to sell.” – [06:10]

She reassures listeners that people are waiting for their offerings and that effective advertising can open doors to new opportunities and transformations.

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

As the episode concludes, Ashley reiterates the importance of embracing selling as a positive force. She invites listeners to join her Win with Paid Ads challenge, promising a transformative experience backed by a 10-times money-back guarantee.

“It's time you finally learn how to win with paid ads. I'll show you how to score and be known by more.” – [07:00]

Ashley emphasizes that whether or not listeners join the challenge, the episode aims to leave them feeling encouraged and equipped with valuable strategies to rethink their approach to advertising and selling.

Key Takeaways

1. Reframe Selling: View selling as a positive, ethical means of providing value and solving problems.
2. Biblical Justification: Ethical selling aligns with biblical principles, as demonstrated by Proverbs 31.
3. Value and Generosity: Selling with integrity leads to personal fulfillment and business success.
4. Client Success Stories: Real-world examples illustrate the effectiveness of paid advertising in various industries.
5. Psychological Empowerment: Embracing selling enhances confidence and reinforces the value of your offerings.
6. Entrepreneurial Service: Selling is a moral responsibility that contributes to economic and societal well-being.
7. Call to Action: Join the Win with Paid Ads challenge to transform your advertising strategy and achieve business growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:00] “You are not selling poison. Okay? You are not taking something terrible and selling it to people, are you?”
• [00:15] “Proverbs 31:16 says she considers a field and buys it out of her earnings. She plants a vineyard.”
• [00:25] “Proverbs 31:18 confirms that profitability is good and she diligently works to sustain and grow her business.”
• [01:10] “Kelly is already getting her return on ad spend in the first week of launching ads.”
• [02:00] “The more you sell, the more sold you are.”
• [04:50] “Selling is an act of service, not selfishness. The world thrives on exchange.”
• [06:10] “It's okay for you to set your price, it's okay to charge your value, it's okay to advertise, it's okay to sell.”
• [07:00] “It's time you finally learn how to win with paid ads. I'll show you how to score and be known by more.”

Conclusion

Episode #63 of Marketing Matters with Ashley Brock serves as an empowering guide for entrepreneurs and small business owners to embrace ethical selling. By intertwining biblical principles with practical advertising strategies, Ashley effectively dismantles the negative stigma around selling and paves the way for listeners to view their business practices through a lens of service, integrity, and value creation.

Whether you're struggling with the concept of selling or seeking to enhance your advertising efforts, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights to help you achieve your business goals with confidence and authenticity.