Noob School

Todd began his sales journey in college out of a reluctance to return home. He went from slinging knives, to selling cars, to traveling across Europe before he even graduated! In addition to a nice chunk of cash, he also learned a whole heck of a lot about sales. Out of college, John hired him at Datastream. Among Todd's best assets is his ability to create an effective routine—something Noobs sho...

Toni Leopard is a basketball coaching legend around these parts, even coaching John's daughter for a few years! Recently, she's channeled her intensity for improvement and passion for relationships to the real estate world. She talks John through this interesting (and rewarding) transition, and how her coaching chops helped her ramp up into a successful sales career. Follow John on social media: I...

No kidding, Leighton Cubbage has a remarkable story. He's had some incredible highs to go with some disappointing lows. And guess what? His entry into the sales world helped him breakthrough. Now, he's a pretty big deal around his neck of the woods. This episode is packed with wisdoms—how to grow a successful business, how to lose it, how to deal with a bad boss, and how to work your way to the to...

Eddie Terrell and John go back to college days. The Citadel grads met up for lunch shortly after graduation while they were in the early stages of their careers—with Eddie picking up the tab. If you're keeping track, that's the best way to get into John's good graces. Eddie's journey through telecommunications sales is similar to most Noob School guests in that it wasn't a direct path. He actually...

Ted Hassold and John go way back. As one of the trailblazers in the telecom sphere, Ted first got into sales on a whim, really—he didn't have many prospects, and a close friend told him sales may be a good career path. He jumped in head first, learning on the fly how to really grow a strong client base. He shares plenty of lessons, including why there's no such thing as a career "downgrade" if it'...

John's advice for Noobs is based upon a lot of his own experiences. But here's the thing—he didn't do things the way he now tells the Noobs to go about their job search. Sure, John's journey brought him to the top of his field, but he'd be the first to admit that a fair amount of luck was involved. You don't want to rely on that. Take a listen to this episode to hear the John Sterling Sales Journe...

Jack is a very special guest. He means the world to John. They share a lot in common, including a last name—probably because Jack is John's oldest son! Jack's also a salesman, though he got a pretty late start after graduating with a history degree, then joining the Navy to become a SEAL. Now, Jack runs his own security company. Guess what's helped him become successful in this venture? That's rig...

His initial dream of becoming a rockstar didn't pan out, but Scott Townes still turned out alright. Through life lessons and learning on-the-fly, he gained a wealth of sales knowledge and helped grow his family's travel agency into the largest in the Southeast. Now, he's selling high-speed camera systems—proof that he can really sell anything! He talks through many of his wisdoms with John, includ...

Bradley Smith has been on both ends of the sales spectrum. He joined Datastream as an outside sales rep, excelling at technology sales. He transitioned to real estate lately after taking an interest in it as a hobby. John and Bradley talk about some of the lessons they learned during their time together at Datastream, including the uncomfortable moments and some valuable outside sales tips. Follow...

Known by her online persona as "LinkedIn Lindsey," Lindsey McMillion Stemann is the leader of McMillion Consulting, a Greenville-based firm that helps businesses better connect with their prospects online and in-person. So, yeah—she knows how to sell. Better yet, she's on the cutting edge of the sales world and an awesome listen for aspiring salespeople who want to figure out how to leverage tools...

Some folks may recognize Mark Childress's voice from his work as a play-by-play commenter for all kinds of collegiate athletics here in the Carolinas. When he's not behind the mic, Mark is an exceptional salesman with a proven track record in various software and technology companies. Like all great salespeople, Mark is an expert at connecting with his prospects, often leaning on his love for spor...

Bill Keating is in digital ad sales for some brands you may have heard of in the sports world: NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, Golf Magazine, and many more. You know, just those few small companies. How Bill got there is the real story, especially considering that he started out on Wall Street in a job that had nothing to do with sales. His journey is a great lesson on why you shouldn't abandon yo...

John has a very, very special guest on today's show: himself! This time, he's going to ask himself the questions he normally asks his guests, so you can get to know your Noob School host a little better. Discover John's career plans in college (spoiler: not sales), his Kolbe numbers, and what he would do differently. This episode is a good peek into the mind of the man who wrote "Sales for Noobs!"...

Joshua Lisec is among the world's best ghostwriters. His journey to that summit is fascinating to hear—but what does that have to do with sales? Well, guess what Noobs: in practically every single job in the world, you're going to have to sell yourself at some time. Could even be in an interview! For Joshua, he had to sell his skills to his first few clients. You'll love listening to this one! Fol...

Mark Smith works for one of the world's technology leaders, which makes him one of the best technology salespeople you'll ever listen to. John and Mark talk about their time spent together and Mark's journey to his current position. Mark also breaks down his approach to tech sales—incredibly valuable for any Noobs going into the field. Grab a notepad and give this one a listen! Follow John on soci...

Kamber runs the YoPro Know, an AWESOME network for young professionals in any industry. As a young professional herself, Kamber really understands the pain points and opportunities that many like her are faced with, and she helps make those decisions easier with tons of great resources. Although this episode doesn't feature a Datastream alum, Kamber's insights are excellent for younger folks about...

John's flying solo once again! This time, he breaks down 10 most common mistakes made by Sales Noobs. So, if you're about to head into Year 1 of sales, you've gotta give this episode a listen. Maybe take some notes, too. Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/johnsterlingsales Twitter: twitter.com/johnsterling_ TikTok: tiktok.com/@johnsterling_

Reed was the top cadet at the Citadel when he graduated, making him a top choice for John and Datastream. Just a phone call later, and Reed was on board! He and John talk about his rough start to life as a salesman and how he pushed through with some guidance from other experienced sales pros. Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/johnsterlingsa...

Another Datastream alum, Larry didn't take a direct route in sales. In fact, he was ready to follow the rest of his family into the accounting world when he decided to branch out into something he actually enjoyed. Now that's priceless advice for Noobs! Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/johnsterlingsales Twitter: twitter.com/johnsterling_ Ti...

This week on Noob School, John's got something a little different in store for the listeners. Instead of bringing on a guest to interview, John interviews himself! Learn all about his journey from Noob to successful salesman in a booming industry. You just might find that his journey is a lot like yours. Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/joh...

Today we have one of John’s favorite people, Kevin Price. John watched him start out as a skinny little Noob—and today, he’s in charge of strategy for a company that just sold for 2.6 BILLION dollars. (Yes, billion.) Buckle in, Noobs: this is one guest you really want to learn from. Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/johnsterlingsales Twitter...

Joel Lindstrom's journey to Datastream is a PERFECT example of following your passions. Ever since he was young, he's loved computers—even built them sometimes. He and John talk about calendar management, Kolbe scores, and how to get the boss to let you bring your dog into the office. Soak in all the wisdom, Noobs! Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: faceb...

Michael Elliot is a real jack of all trades, and he's got boat loads of knowledge for the Noobs out there! He and John discuss the best ways for Noobs to approach a new sales job and how to build client relationships. There are jokes, lots of wisdom, and tales of the glory days in this episode! Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ Facebook: facebook.com/johnsterlings...

Have you heard the story about the salesman who got a job just by leaving a voicemail? Mark Vetzel is kind of a local legend for this! He and John talk about what made his voicemail so convincing and share a bunch of lessons they've learned through the years at Datastream. There are some really awesome nuggets in here for Noobs! Follow John on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/johnsterling_ F...

Tap Haley didn't start out in sales—he was in consulting for a while before he joined Datastream (that's code for "he's a really smart dude"). He and John have spent a lot of time together over the years, including a week-long trip in France to try to sell Michelin. Tap's analytical and logical approach to sales is a great model for you Noobs to adopt! Follow John on social media: Instagram: insta...