Local Business Spotlight | Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger
NAME
Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger
COMPANY
DS Bellinger Consulting LLC
POSITION
Founder
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?
7 years
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
I work best with professional service businesses — consultants, coaches, financial and legal professionals, and small business owners with 2–5 person teams. The common thread? They’re great at what they do but struggle to generate consistent cash
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
My career started with grit. I was a teenage mom who became an Assistant Admissions Director by 21, then went on to build a career in corporate sales leadership and even co-founded a tech firm. Over the years, I have seen many talented professionals miss out on revenue — not because they lacked skills, but because they lacked effective sales systems and confidence. I started my consulting practice to fix that. My mission? To help people create their own economy and finally get paid what they’re worth.
WHAT IS A BIG MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?
That sales is NOT about pressure. The biggest myth is that sales is about “convincing.” In reality, sales is about connection — listening to people, diagnosing their challenges, and showing them a path forward. If you can have a value-driven conversation, you can sell.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The breakthroughs. That moment when a client goes from dreading sales calls to closing deals with ease. Watching them replace fear with confidence and see real money hit their accounts — that never gets old.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Don’t skip the sales training. No matter what industry you’re in, sales is the engine that fuels your business. Get clear on who you serve, the problem you solve, and practice conversations that build trust.
WHAT one BOOK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
My book, Sales is Not About Wait and See: Do You Want to Get Paid Now or Eventually? It’s written for those who want practical tools to simplify sales, strengthen confidence, and finally close deals without the stress.
WHAT HOBBIES, SPORTS, PASTIMES DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love traveling, live jazz, checking out new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
My last trip combined work and fun — I attended a business summit and turned it into a chance to recharge, explore a new city, and connect with peers.
WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I actually wanted to be a lawyer. I’ve always been drawn to advocacy, persuasion, and making a strong case for the truth. While I didn’t end up in the courtroom, those same skills show up in my work every day.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
It’s not about where you start out — it’s about how you use your gifts to make a difference, even if it’s just in one life or one situation. That’s the ripple effect of purpose. Every conversation, every connection has the power to shift someone’s future.
CONTACT DR. DONNA HERE:
WEBSITE
www.askdsb.com
PHONE
240.427.5372
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