Sunsetting of "Mama Sales"...

About 9 years ago when we decided to get a dog, it was because we’d found the perfect name. Most people go about the other way around, whereas they’ll find a dog and then try and figure out the right name that suits the dog. I had picked out the name Zoe, and since we weren’t yet ready to have a kid, we decided to get a puppy.

Fast forward to today, and my Mama Sales business actually came about in a similar way. I have an atypical sales leadership style, and although metrics, numbers, and quotas are an essential part of a sales person's DNA, I’m also a firm believer in bringing humanity and empathy to the companies and people I’m lucky enough to work with. The name Mama Sales was bestowed on me by my team because of 2 reasons. First, “Mama” to me was an endearing way of recognizing my benevolent style of leadership, where people come first. But secondly, I think “Mama” showcased my ability to get shit done, because for anyone blessed enough to spend some time with their mom, there’s not many people who can accomplish as much, and multi-task like no other. So “Mama Sales” to me was a way of saying I could get shit done, in a non jerk way.

I knew I eventually wanted my own business, but I hadn’t yet known what. When COVID hit, it became crystal clear that I needed to start helping sales people and businesses accomplish their goals. After seeing how busy my calendar started getting, with nothing other than people in my network organically reaching out for guidance and support, it was a clear calling that I couldn’t avoid. 

A few months later Mama Sales was doing amazing, and I was extremely excited to be branding myself with a website, social media, blog content, a Podcast, and more. Until one afternoon I got a call from a former colleague, and good friend who as soon as I answered the phone said “This might not feel great, but the name Mama Sales sucks”. I sat in silence for a moment. Although I really do value this person's experience and opinion, it definitely was not really what I was hoping to hear after the last couple months of working hard to build a brand, with a name I had grown to love. Instead of getting upset and defensive, I decided to ask for more information on why he didn’t like the name. He went on to say that after having worked for me in the past, he knows what a strong, successful, and determined person that I am, and he felt the name downplayed all that I have to offer. That mama sales is only appealing to women, potentially only to moms, and that I was missing out on a huge opportunity to bring my expertise to other individuals and companies in the market.

I thanked him for the feedback and said I didn’t want to make a decision overnight, but that I’d certainly consider it. I was bummed and disappointed. Over the next month or so, I decided to start getting feedback from others so I could have some additional data points to work with. Although perhaps not yet detrimental to my business overall, there was a definite clarity that Mama Sales was appealing more towards only women, and sounded more “soft” than I’d intended. 

I love working with other women in sales. I think I certainly have a lot to offer there, especially since there are not a lot of women leaders in sales roles. However, my goal is to help as many sales professionals as possible, and not to discriminate to just a certain gender. I do have programs and training specifically for women in sales, but it’s certainly not my only audience. 

So all of that being said, I have decided that it's time to sunset “Mama Sales” as my business name, and remain under Colleen Manning. I’ll continue to offer my 1:1 coaching, ‘Level Up Sales Playbook’ training program, as well as sales consulting services for companies. Although a little bittersweet, I’m excited to have such a successful business to continue to be promoting at all.

My new website will be launched in June, with some updated services, programs and pricing, but you’ll start to see a transition beforehand with some new aesthetics, colors, and logos. This is such an exciting time, and I’m extremely grateful for the continued business and support. Of course a huge shout out to those that I have worked with or am currently working with, as I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for you!

See you soon!

Colleen