Episode 139

full
Published on:

8th May 2025

How to Stand Out As A Human in Sales In A World of AI - John Barrows, CEO, JB Sales

Summary:

John Barrows is the CEO of JB Sales, a sales training company focused on elevating the people and profession of Sales. He’s been in Sales his entire life and held every position from making 400 cold calls a week to being the VP of Sales at one of the fastest growing companies in Massachusetts that they eventually sold to Staples and is now the CEO of his own company where he still actively sells every day.

John came on the podcast to talk about how to stand out as a human in sales despite the world of AI that we live in. He dives deep on ways to use AI to augment your sales process over automating your sales process. While AI can write some uncanny human like emials, it still can't replace your soul. Or being the "last mile" in how you can humanize your process.

We discuss the importance of maximizing meeting efficiency, doing AI research to show someone you respect their time, the human element that will never die in sales, and the impact of AI on the sales process. John also covers common questions that sales people ask that we should remove from our vocabulary completely in the world of AI that we live in. This is a good one gang!

Key Takeaways: (using AI)

Sales has always been a human-human interaction.

AI can enhance sales processes but should not replace human connection.

People buy based on emotions and justify with facts.

The essence of sales is helping people solve problems.

Empathy and curiosity are crucial traits for sales professionals.

AI can personalize content but lacks the human touch.

Sales is not about convincing but about understanding needs.

The 'give a shit' factor is something AI cannot replicate.

Automation in sales can lead to a loss of personal connection.

Successful sales depend on how you sell, not just what you sell. Maximizing meeting efficiency is crucial for productive conversations.

Focus on the client's needs rather than your own agenda.

AI can enhance sales processes but cannot replace human empathy.

Avoid asking generic questions that waste clients' time.

Research is essential before engaging with potential clients.

Sales professionals must adapt to AI or risk becoming irrelevant.

Custom AI solutions can enhance personal and professional productivity.

Authenticity in communication builds trust with clients.

Curiosity drives engagement and effective sales conversations.

Investing in AI tools is necessary for modern sales success.

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About the Podcast

Sell By Being Human
On the Sell By Being Human podcast, award-winning sales professional Alex Smith provides the proven way to harness your innate human skills like empathy, curiosity, and kindness to learn how to sell and navigate the sales journey.
This is where human connection and sales meet. You may be someone whose success depends on influence, negotiation, and your ability to create change, but you may reject aggressive sales tactics. Maybe you feel stuck in corporate "autopilot," knowing your best asset is your genuine personality, but you struggle to use it to get what you want. Then this channel is for you.

It will teach you how to close the gap between wanting to be ethical and feeling pressured to sell aggressively. You’ll also learn actionable strategies for translating emotional intelligence into high-trust results. Join Alex and top guests, including NY Times bestsellers, keynote speakers, and global founders, as they prove that being truly human is the ultimate sales advantage.

About your host

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Alex Smith

Alex Smith is a seasoned sales professional and podcast host who champions a human-first approach to selling. With nearly two decades of experience, he explores how empathy, curiosity, and genuine connection drive influence in everyday life. Through his podcast, he highlights stories from people across all professions, showing that anyone can persuade and create impact simply by being human.