Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jodie Leschuk, CEO of NinJo Group, located in Westminster, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a website design and digital marketing business servicing clients from all over the United States. Our customers are small business owners from a wide array of fields.
Tell us about yourself
I grew into this company, really. In the past 20 years, I owned a nanny agency and managed a cooking school. Both companies had a focus on event services for businesses, whether it be nanny placement or culinary team-building and private classes. Over the course of time, I went from a management role to a role focused on product development, event coordination, and digital marketing.
Two years ago, I was approached by one of our former chefs at the cooking school and asked to help him develop his brand and digital footprint. We started working together, and it was with his strong encouragement that I began taking on additional clients to help them do the same. Since then, I have been blessed to bring on team members to work alongside me to give our clients the best possible experience. What motivates me daily is to help other people succeed in growing their brands and businesses. I love being in the background, keeping them organized, pushing them to achieve their goals, coordinating events with (or for) them, and networking alongside them. We love having fun along the way!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is building a solid team that has shared values in our approach to our clients. Women-owned and operated businesses can face unique challenges, and our team works well together, motivates, and encourages one another. I am very lucky to work with the women I work with.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It has to be balancing work life with family life. When you own your own business, it is difficult to slow your brain down on evenings and weekends. My children are in the preteen to teenage range, and it is very important for me to make sure that work doesn't take over and interfere with being their mom.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay true to your personal mission for your company and lead from the "trenches." There should not be a job in the company you feel too good for. Whatever mission it was that drew you to start your business, don't lose sight of that. In our case, making sure our small business clients know that we are there to help them grow their company every step of the way.
- Do not let work become your life. It is easy to get caught in chaos and busyness and have an unbalanced work-life balance. It may not be easy, and there are bumps along the way, but it is worth it.
- Know when to delegate. You can't be good at everything! Surround yourself with others who are good at those things you are weak at. It pays dividends in the long run.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ninjogroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinJoGroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninjogroup/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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