While some of us relish every facet of the sales process, most people would rather get a tooth pulled without anesthetic then attempt to sell anything. Thousands of women are mustering up the courage to start their own companies every day, but all too many shy away from actually selling their products or services.

For everyone who has dreaded asking for business, here are some tips that will help you overcome your fears and get comfortable selling on your own terms.

1. Be professional and real. No one likes a pushy salesperson, so don't chatter endlessly about you and your needs. Ask about real-time things that may be pertinent to the situation, such as the person's travel time to the event, or whether she had trouble parking (if you did). Inquire about the kind of clients she is looking for and the projects she is working on. Show genuine interest in her response (don't scan the room or look at your watch while she's talking). You can be amazingly successful in sales by displaying good manners and common sense. Even if you opt for a quiet and laid-back approach, when you're professional and genuine, you can make a sterling impression.

Consider all the obvious factors, including the way you dress, when you speak, how you listen and respond, and the kind of information you share. All of these can make a powerful and positive impact on your prospect. It doesn't matter if you're interacting virtually or face-to-face: People do business with people they feel at ease with. Staying true to your unique personality, while acknowledging and respecting theirs, will help you make and exceed your goals. The trick is to make a connection that is memorable.

2. Knowledge is power. Terrific salespeople have lots of confidence because they know their product or service inside and out. They are also in tune with the tangible end benefits that are meaningful to each of their specific target markets. They take the time to study their industry, their competitors, and specific phrases and language that resonate with each prospect.

Great salespeople use a variety of approaches to garner interest in their message: One method might be to tell before-and-after success stories or use client testimonials. For example, if you're a mural painter who creates unique wall decorations for the toddler to tween market, you should be ready to share creative suggestions for each age group, mentioning specific projects that got rave reviews.

3. Practice, practice, practice. Super salespeople get their pitch down by going over their material. They practice for content, pitch, tone and pace. In this instance, silence is not golden. So prep for better results by saying your lines out loud. You'll be amazed how different things sound when you vocalize them, and you'll be able to tweak as needed. Be sure to practice different phrases in advance to avoid robotic repetition and to sound natural and poised when your moment presents itself.

4. Create new sales opportunities. Instead of just responding "fine" when someone asks how you are, add a bit of strategic business news. Chance chats can open doors to new sales when you balance your conversations with equal bits of casual banter, personal news and business data. Mention an award or special recognition you just received; name-drop a new client or project and don't forget to toot your own horn about any media placement. I was recently interviewed for an upcoming column in MORE magazine, for example, so that's one of the latest tidbits I'm sharing. Bottom line: You can leverage opportunities in lots of unlikely places, including the supermarket, in line at the airport, at a soccer game or in the orthodontist's office.

5. Rebound with grace. If you are in sales you will hear the word "no" a lot. Never take it personally. No might really mean "I had a fight with my significant other today, so I'm in a lousy mood" or "I'm on deadline." It might mean "I'm on my way to a meeting and don't have time right now" or "I have no idea what you are talking about because I have too much on my mind." That no may be temporary, and you'll never know for sure unless you wait a while and ask again. I made millions of dollars for my last employer by ignoring many resounding no's, so reconnect when appropriate with a cheery voice and demeanor.

6. Take Action and Ask. Many sales opportunities never materialize or fizzle out prematurely because people are afraid to ask for the business. Get over this fear by coming up with the words you feel comfortable using. Winning choices include:

• Very straightforward asks, posed as questions: "When can we do some business together?" or "When can we ship your first order?" I like these the best because they do not waste a prospect's time by dancing around the issue.
   
• Indirect but obvious asks, posed as invitations: "Why don't you join our client list today?" or "We'd love to have you sign on with us."
   
• The offer ask, sweetened with a deal or discount: "If you sign up today, we'd be happy to extend a 10 percent discount" or "Your signature now will enable you to save X dollars off the regular price."

"I believe in stepping outside my bubble," says Lori Highby, co-founder of Keystone Click,  a Milwaukee, Wis.-based internet marketing services firm. Although she was involved with sales in a former ad agency job, Highby was hesitant about garnering business for her new firm.

She set a goal to network more (virtually and face-to-face), bought some books, spoke to members of various networking and business support groups she belongs to, and leveraged her connections at a women's hockey association. All of these activities gave this new entrepreneur insight, advice and new ideas.

According to Highby, being successful in sales involves two important factors: loving what she's doing and believing in what she's selling.

So take some time to get your personal sales groove going by doing your homework, seeking out and leveraging your established contacts or new membership affiliations, and crafting a variety of authentic intro and ask blurbs so you can pump up the profits in your business.

Got a great sales technique or story to share? I'd love to hear about your particular challenges and how you overcame them.