Talking with John felt less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend who had a treasure trove of stories to share. As the host of “Never Been Promoted,” I’ve met my fair share of entrepreneurs, but John’s journey stood out in a way that both inspired and challenged me.
From the get-go, it was clear that technology wasn’t just a career for John—it was a lifelong passion. He shared memories of his dad bringing home computers when most households didn’t even have one. These early encounters sparked a love for solving problems and set him on a path toward entrepreneurship.
John went on to study business with a focus on management information systems at Portland State University, where he saw technology as a tool to solve real-world business problems. As we got deeper into his story, two major themes emerged that I think any aspiring entrepreneur can learn from.
1. Embracing Change and Staying Ahead of the Curve
John’s journey wasn’t a straight line, and that’s something I found incredibly relatable. He started Bytagig in 2009, initially offering general IT consulting services. But as the tech landscape evolved, so did his business.
“I realized that consulting gigs were too unpredictable,” he admitted. “A mentor told me I needed to focus on managed services with recurring revenue. It was a turning point for us.”
John adapted his business model for stability. As cybersecurity became a pressing concern, especially around 2019 and 2020 with the rise of remote work, he pivoted again, expanding into cybersecurity solutions.
“Cybersecurity wasn’t on my radar when I started,” he said. “But seeing the growing threats, we knew we had to adapt. We started offering cybersecurity solutions, and it opened up a whole new chapter for us.”
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Adaptability is Essential: Staying ahead of the market is key to survival. If you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind.
- Identify Opportunities Early: John’s story shows the importance of recognizing new trends and acting on them before competitors do.
- Recurring Revenue Provides Stability: Moving from unpredictable consulting gigs to managed services gave John’s business the stability it needed to grow.
2. The Importance of Building the Right Team
Our conversation took a serious turn when John opened up about his hiring challenges. He shared the tough lesson of keeping an underperforming employee too long, which drained resources. On the flip side, he spoke about taking a chance on someone without technical experience but with a strong desire to learn.
“After a trial period, he became one of our best team members,” John beamed. “It taught me that attitude often trumps experience.”
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill: The right attitude can often outweigh experience. People willing to learn can become your strongest assets.
- Tough Decisions Are Part of Leadership: Letting go of an underperforming employee can be difficult, but it’s necessary for the greater good of the company.
- Invest in People Who Align with Your Values: A shared vision and eagerness to grow will push your business forward.
3. Reflections from the Interview
As I reflected on our conversation, it was clear that John’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership. His insights made me reconsider how I approach my own business decisions, especially when it comes to being flexible and making hard choices in hiring.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Stay Flexible: Whether it’s adjusting your business model or expanding into new services, being open to change is key to long-term success.
- Prioritize Team Building: The right team can make or break your business. Prioritize hiring individuals who are passionate and align with your company’s vision.
- Leadership Requires Tough Calls: Difficult decisions, especially around personnel, are part of leadership. The faster you make them, the better for your business.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with John Jackson was more than just an interview—it was a heartfelt exchange that left me thinking about my own approach to business. His journey underscores that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about professional success.
What struck me most was his genuine passion for not only his work but also for the people around him. He’s building more than a company; he’s fostering a community of learners and doers.
For anyone out there navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, John’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and authentic leadership. It’s a reminder that while the road may be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
As for me, hosting “Never Been Promoted” continues to be a journey of its own. Conversations like this fuel my passion for connecting with others and sharing stories that matter. I hope John’s insights resonate with you as much as they did with me.
Don’t miss out on John’s full podcast episode: John Jackson: Risks, Regrets and Rewards: Hard Lessons from a 14-Year Cybersecurity Entrepreneur
CONNECT WITH JOHN JACKSON:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjacksonbytagig/
Website: https://www.bytagig.com/
Learn more about BYTAGIG here:www.bytagig.com/risk