The COVID-19 pandemic altered many people’s lives in unexpected ways. It has strained the global economy and disrupted labor markets across all industries, resulting in the loss of approximately 9.6 million jobs in the first three quarters of 2019 and 2020.
Jackie Potter was one of those hardworking Americans who lost their job because of COVID-19. After she decided to make a switch from her advertising career, Potter got a job as a recruiter at Robert Half, a staffing firm. Even though Potter, only four months in, was already one of the top billers in the company due to her dedication and work ethic. Unfortunately, due to having the least amount of tenure on her team, she was laid off in the second round of massive layoffs.
However, Jackie Potter didn’t let that hold her down. She decided that her fate was in her hands, so she rolled up her sleeves and went looking for another job, and after a few interviews at companies that used to be a dream of hers to work for, she listened as her intuition told her there was something bigger out there for her. As the outcome of this realization, she founded JP Talent, a top-tier recruiting agency. In this exclusive interview, the talented Jackie Potter reveals how she managed to pull that off while working against all odds.
When did you know you found the right idea, and how did you capitalize on it?
Three days after I was laid off, I had already made it to the final rounds with Salesforce. While I was lying in bed the night before the final interview, I couldn’t sleep. There was this weird gut feeling, and I could feel there was something bigger out there for me.
I always dreamed about running my own business, but I had no idea what it would be or when the opportunity would come, but there it was, right in front of me. So the next day, I withdrew and started JP Talent.
What is the idea behind JP Talent?
JP Talent provides recruiting services to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations operating in a variety of industries. The services are available for long-term permanent employees, temp-to-perm employees, and temporary/contract employees.
The initial concept was to connect top creative talent with clients and projects that shared similar interests and passions. However, JP Talent’s mission is not limited to filling open positions in businesses; it also includes assisting hardworking Americans in achieving success and happiness through career advancement.
How important is your mindset when starting your own business?
Mindset is everything! My life was transformed when I gained control of my mind and filled it with positive thoughts. Even when I only had $66 to my name, I would wake up each day and walk, talk, and act as if I were a multimillionaire. In the end, you are what you attract.
What is the secret of success?
There is no secret. There is no secret sauce. The “secret” is actually to work insanely hard—harder than anyone you know. When those you know are going to dinner or spending a night out, choose to work. Choose work over a social life for a while. It will undoubtedly make you feel uncomfortable or anxious, but it will pay off when you start to see the fruits of your labor.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting out?
Just as you are what you attract, you are who you surround yourself with. So, be insanely careful who you surround yourself with and learn to be comfortable spending time alone. Surround yourself with yourself and a few close individuals who are ten times more successful than you are.
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