Episode 112 – Marketing that Builds Trust with Sarah Stahl

Update: 2025-10-30

Description

Sales pros love to hate on marketing… and marketers love to remind salespeople they don't know everything either. But what happens when someone like Sarah Stahl bridges that gap? You get the kind of results that turn a zero-visibility treehouse resort into a seven-figure revenue machine with 93% occupancy in just one year.

Sarah brings 15+ years of marketing experience and breaks down how sales professionals can harness influencer marketing, AI, and social platforms to stand out in crowded markets, build trust faster, and create a consistent pipeline of leads that are already warmed up before the sales call.

From the 95–5 rule to why comments beat posts on LinkedIn, Sarah and I dig into practical strategies salespeople can use right now to win more business without burning themselves out.

🔥 Episode Highlights

From Startup to $1M+ Revenue: How Sarah scaled a treehouse resort using influencer marketing instead of paid ads.
The Power of Storytelling: Why stories sell better than facts — and how one quirky detail (golf carts!) became the resort's brand differentiator.
Influencer-Driven Conversions: How influencer trust cuts sales cycles from 20–30 touchpoints down to less than 7.
Platform Strategy: Why you shouldn't try to be everywhere — and how to choose the right platform for your audience.
LinkedIn Growth Hack: How Sarah used AI to model her content on top-performing posts, tripling her visibility in months.
Why Comments Matter More Than Posts: Her secret to driving 10x engagement on LinkedIn without posting more.
The Role of Controversy: How sharing bold opinions (without being toxic) accelerates reach and attracts ideal clients.
AI + Your Voice: The exact way Sarah trains ChatGPT to speak in her tone and create authentic content.
The Airbnb Myth: Why relying solely on Airbnb or "rented land" platforms is a recipe for disaster in short-term rentals (and how this lesson applies to every industry).

💡 Key Takeaways

Trust is currency. Consumers trust people more than brands. Let others tell your story for you.
Don't rent your brand. Platforms like Airbnb (or Instagram alone) are rented land. Build your own.
Content consistency compounds. Most of your audience isn't ready to buy now — but they'll remember you when they are.
Engagement > Posts. Comments and conversations drive more visibility than publishing alone.
AI is a tool, not a replacement. Use ChatGPT to speed up ideas, refine your voice, and cut the fluff — but always add your perspective.
Pick your platform wisely. Sales pros don't need TikTok dances. Go where your audience already spends time.
Controversy sparks connection. Thoughtful, bold takes cut through noise and drive real conversations.

🔗 How to Connect with Sarah Stahl

🌐 Website: sarahstahl.com
💼 LinkedIn: Sarah Stahl

📣 Call to Action

Sarah proved that when you align sales and marketing, focus on trust, and leverage the right tools, you can create explosive growth without burning your budget.

👉 If this episode lit a fire for you, share it on social media, tag Sarah and me, and send it to a friend in sales or marketing who needs to hear this message.

And if you've got your own story to tell, I'd love to feature you. Pitch your story at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.

🎯 Call to Action

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