Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with DJ Yokley, Founder & CEO of Your Sports Network, located in East Palestine, OH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Our business is YSN (Your Sports Network), a regionalized sports streaming company that features live streams of athletic events, stories, long-format interviews, as well as so much more. Our customers are people who are looking to consume high school and amateur sports in some capacity.

Tell us about yourself

I helped found YSN on the premise that there was a link in the chain missing from local sports coverage. Being able to compete with news outlets and media to help enhance the local and regional sports scene was a huge undertaking, but one that has been worth it to create a platform that student-athletes, coaches, and communities can be proud of. I'm motivated by helping others tell their stories and create a legacy for one another on a daily basis.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been creating a service that people see as a necessity and not just a luxury. We've had customers tell us they spend more time watching our brand than they do their cable provider or other streaming services. Creating something people appreciate and look forward to spending their valuable time utilizing has been a dream come true.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the biggest challenges that come with being a business owner is controlling expectations, both for our customers, clients, and for ourselves. While we expect perfection, in the world of live streaming, there is no such thing. Dealing with technology and relying on that technology on a regular basis can be frustrating at times. However, with the patience and persistence of our team, we're usually able to troubleshoot the issues and deliver a top-tier product that we're proud of.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  • I'd let anybody know who wanted to start, run, or grow a business to stay consistent above all else. Consistency has been the difference for us between growing and staying neutral.
  • The second tip would be to trust yourself. If you're able to create something from nothing, that's a gift, and often times we try to second-guess ourselves along the way because we don't want to fail. The reality remains that if you trust yourself and are able to rely on the gifts that put you in the situation you're currently in, the sky is the limit.
  • The third tip would always be to look at your "Risk vs. Reward" as part of your daily endeavors. Business is the ultimate sport, and throughout the game, you're going to have to create a strategy that sometimes involves being conservative and other times "letting it fly." If you're able to create balance within those models, your business will be better served, and those decisions will become more comfortable over time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ysnlive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YSNMEDIA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysnlive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YSNLive_com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-yokley-71301750/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.