Sales Bro Tactics Are Racist

Hello my dear BIPOC pioneers!

Sales bro tactics are racist. Yes, I said it.

Let me break down why I feel this way and why it’s a conversation we need to have. Many people, especially those from marginalized communities, hold themselves back from selling. When I ask them about their comfort level with sales outreach, the responses are often the same: “I don’t want to feel pushy, salesy, or disingenuous.”

And you know what? I get it. We’ve all seen those cold emails and aggressive pitches that feel more like a transaction than a genuine connection. But here’s the thing—while we’re pulling back, trying not to come off as ‘that person,’ others, often our YT coach and consultant counterparts, are diving in headfirst, playing the numbers game and putting themselves out there without hesitation.

The Real Impact of Sales Bro Tactics

These tactics perpetuate a system where those who are loud and persistent (even if sleazy) get the deals, while those who want to be more intentional and authentic are left behind. It’s not just about personal discomfort—it’s a racialized issue. People of color, my people, are holding back because they don’t want to be associated with these tactics. But the consequence is that we’re not out there at the same speed or volume as others, sometimes we're not putting ourselves out there at all or stalling, and that tips the scales against us.

The more these tactics are taught, the more they spread. And the more they spread, the more people of color feel bad about engaging in sales, and the less likely they are to put themselves out there. This isn’t just an individual issue; it’s systemic. When we don’t show up, our communities can’t find us, and they end up turning to the very people who don’t understand or care about their unique experiences.

Reclaiming Sales with Authenticity

Here’s what I’m advocating for: a new kind of sales strategy that doesn’t compromise our values. We can initiate conversations with people we genuinely connect with or want to know better.

It’s about showing up in a way that feels good, authentic, and mutually beneficial. When we hold ourselves back, we let others dominate the conversation. We let others get the deals, not because they’re better, but because they’re out there while we’re not.

It’s time to Take The Lead

We need to shift this mindset. If someone is ready to buy, they’ll buy from the person who’s made themselves known. That should be you—not someone who doesn’t get them, doesn’t look like them, and doesn’t share their concerns. The difference is that they’re putting themselves out there, and we’re not.

Let’s change that. Let’s get out there in a way that feels right, that resonates with our values, and that genuinely connects us with the people looking for us. It’s time to reclaim sales from racist bro tactics and make it a space where authenticity and intention thrive.

In solidarity,

Carissa

CEO & Founder of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE