We recently connected with Sterling Mckinley and have shared our conversation below.
Sterling, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Back in 2001, the dot-com crash left many disillusioned, but I saw a silver lining – the internet’s immense power to transform the world. My college didn’t offer any courses on the internet, so I took matters into my own hands. YouTube tutorials, library books, and anything remotely related to marketing became my teachers.
During a winter break, I shut myself in my room, determined to create my first website. Armed with “How to Design Websites for Dummies,” I pieced together a digital masterpiece. It might not have been flawless, but it was a start. My first client, a local church, paid me $300 to revamp their online presence. This experience opened my eyes to the struggles of small businesses, igniting a desire to help them succeed.
Over the next few years, my website and knowledge base grew exponentially. Then, an unexpected opportunity knocked. A friend couldn’t make it to a speaking engagement at Howard University, and I was asked to step in. Nervous but excited, I saw this as a chance to overcome my fear of public speaking. As I took the stage, the words flowed naturally, and a sense of euphoria filled me.
At that moment, my purpose became clear: to empower small business owners with the digital tools and know-how they need to flourish. My journey began with a flicker of possibility, fueled by my insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth. I’m excited to see where this path leads me next.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My passion lies in empowering small business owners. I equip them with the digital skills and marketing know-how they need to not just survive, but thrive in today’s world. It’s about helping them turn their dreams into reality.
Recently, I was honored to be named the DMV Grow with Google Digital Coach. This role allows me to offer free, live training and hands-on coaching to small businesses, covering everything from connecting with customers to selling online and boosting productivity. There are only 18 of us Digital Coaches across the country, each dedicated to helping small businesses grow, no matter where they are.
What sets me apart? I genuinely care about my clients’ success. I see myself as a helper, a guide on their entrepreneurial journey. Partnering with Google has given me a platform to reach even more businesses and make a bigger impact.
I also have a unique approach to digital marketing. I see it not as a complex puzzle, but as a powerful tool for increasing visibility. In today’s crowded marketplace, getting seen is half the battle. I break down digital concepts into simple, relatable terms, empowering business owners to take control of their online presence and achieve their goals.
It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation as my clients gain confidence, expand their reach, and watch their businesses flourish. It’s why I do what I do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Being an entrepreneur and navigating the marketing landscape has been anything but easy. The biggest hurdle, in my experience, has been standing out and differentiating myself. The marketing world is saturated with self-proclaimed experts and thought leaders. My challenge was, and still is, rising above the noise.
To achieve that, I’ve dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my field. I’ve become an author, a podcast host, and an instructor. But I believe the biggest thing that sets me apart is my public speaking ability. Being able to command a stage, whether in person or virtually, has elevated my business and credibility to new heights. There’s something about public speaking that instantly establishes trust and positions you as an authority.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Luck? I’ve never really bought into that idea. My faith and my belief in the power of hard work have always been my guiding principles. Throughout my career, nothing has been handed to me on a silver platter. Every opportunity, every achievement, has been earned through dedication, study, and countless hours of practice.
I’ve learned that preparation is key. Whenever an opportunity arises, I can trace it back to the countless hours I’ve invested in honing my skills and building my expertise. It’s that consistent effort, that unwavering commitment to my craft, that catches the eye of people and companies. They see the work I put in, the results I achieve, and that’s what makes them want to collaborate with me.
It’s not about luck. It’s about showing up every day, putting in the work, and being ready when opportunity knocks. That’s the real secret to success.
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