October 26, 2023
Transitioning from Water Polo to Sales: A Conversation with John Sibley
On this episode of Merchants of Change, we had the pleasure of speaking with John Sibley, a former water polo player for Team USA and current sales professional. John shared his journey from the pool to the boardroom, offering insights and advice for those considering a career shift into sales.
From the Pool to the Office
John began by reminiscing about his favorite memories from his water polo days. While specific games like his first match at Cal and rivalry games against Stanford stood out, it was the camaraderie and daily interactions with his teammates that he cherished the most. “What I miss more than the games themselves or the awards is just being with the guys, working together, living together,” John reflected.
Discovering Sales
John’s transition from athletics to sales was driven by his competitive spirit and desire for teamwork. Initially considering a career in law, he found sales to be a better fit. “Sales is a natural fit for any athlete who’s competitive. It’s a clear win or loss, and your level of effort yields great results,” John explained. He started his sales career at a startup called Quid, where the team-oriented culture resonated with him.
Challenges and Adjustments
Adjusting to the corporate world from a semi-professional sports career was not without its challenges. John noted the difference between teammates and coworkers, emphasizing that coworkers might not share the same level of competition and work ethic. However, he continued to find ways to satisfy his competitive drive by playing water polo recreationally and competing internationally with the Olympic Club.
Building Confidence and Taking Risks
Reflecting on his early sales career, John wished he had more confidence in himself. “Anytime I’ve missed a target or goal, it all comes back to belief in myself,” he admitted. Now, as a business owner, he understands the importance of going all-in and taking risks to achieve success.
Guiding Aspiring Sales Professionals
John often receives calls from student-athletes considering a sales career. His advice centers on identifying what they want from a job, whether it’s the paycheck, the team, or the industry. He highlights the importance of curiosity, stating that it’s a critical trait for a successful salesperson. “You have to be curious about your industry, product, and customer,” John said.
Choosing the Right Company
When advising on selecting the right company, John emphasizes the importance of finding a place where one can learn and grow. He advises looking for a company with a great training program and an innovative product in an exciting industry. “The salary or leadership is important, but the ability to learn and grow is paramount,” he stressed.
Founding TrueBuilt
John’s entrepreneurial journey led him to co-found TrueBuilt, a company that helps builders produce accurate estimates for construction projects. The idea stemmed from the pricing volatility and supply chain issues experienced during COVID-19. TrueBuilt aims to turn preconstruction into a competitive advantage for builders, promoting more accurate and efficient project planning.
Building a Team at TrueBuilt
As a CEO, John focuses on building a cohesive team united by a common vision. TrueBuilt’s culture is encapsulated in what they call the “TrueBuilt mindset,” which combines purpose, passion, and hard work to achieve great results.
Sales Skills and Professionalism
John attributes his success in sales to team building and creating mutual wins for all stakeholders. He emphasizes the importance of constantly closing endorsement groups and building trust with customers. For John, being a sales professional means holding oneself to a high standard of excellence, continuously learning, and always putting in the effort to succeed.
In summary, John’s journey from water polo to sales underscores the importance of teamwork, curiosity, confidence, and continuous learning. His story is a testament to how the skills and traits developed in sports can translate into a successful sales career.
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