Jennifer Yeko

Constantly be evaluating if the business you’re in is a good one.

 

Jennifer Yeko is the Founder of Ninja Recruiting.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

I was watching “Shark Tank” and someone was pitching a product and all the sharks agreed that ninjas were cool. And a friend of mine was an engineer and called himself a ninja. I wanted a name that would stand out and be tech related and/or cool. That’s how Ninja Recruiting was born.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I work 24/7 so unless I’m asleep, working out, driving or at the movies, I’m probably working.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Just execute as quickly as possible.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The increasing number of people who are starting their own companies, working freelance or starting a side hustle. We need more entrepreneurs out there to create new products and services and hopefully who will also create new jobs!

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I’m a genuinely nice and helpful person. I’m also great at keeping in touch with people (Okay, that’s 3).

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t stress out so much about your college major. Don’t worry so much in general.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

It’s much harder to succeed when you don’t come from money. Some people believe you can make it happen and while I agree that you can do a lot with sheer determination and hard work, someone who grew up going to a private school, who had tutors, who had money to get into a great university (and/or connections to get in) and parents who can financially support them have massive advantages out there. Many successful CEOs came from money or privilege in some form or another.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Constantly be evaluating if the business you’re in is a good one. There is a reason Amazon has that building called “Day 1.” Technology and business change on a dime so you constantly need to see if things have shifted.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Being nice to people.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Not raising outside capital.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

If I had one, I’d be doing it.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Getting out of town for the weekend. It’s really so important to relax and recharge yourself when you’re an Entrepreneur.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Hubspot. It’s an amazing sales too.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker. It teaches you that successful people aren’t just smart or hard-working but they have the right attitude.

What is your favorite quote?

“Do. Or do not. There is no try” – Yoda

Key learnings:

• Work harder than anyone else
• Be kind
• Be helpful
• Be genuine
• Have a solid business plan and funding

Connect:

Twitter: @ninjagigs