I’m Marie Leslie—a business consultant and messaging strategist who specializes in helping small businesses become more productive, more focused, and more successful.
Being a business owner can be amazing. It can also be messy. Feeling stuck and overwhelmed isn’t uncommon for a growing business, but you don’t have to stay that way. One of my strengths is thinking strategically. I can see where you are, and where you want to be, and I’m able to help you create the systems and the map that will get you there.
I’m a problem solver and an organizer from way back. I was the weird kid who loved logic puzzles and still do. Who knew they’d be my path to success in the business world?
I’ve helped business simplify and set up systems, define job roles, and choose the best productivity apps to help them get unstuck, eliminate the overwhelm and enjoy a successful business again.
I work with businesses to create not only smoothly running organizations, but also clear, simple and effective marketing. From websites that drive traffic, to a complete marketing strategy that clearly communicates your message, my goal is simple and straightforward success for your organization.
If you’re new, here are a few places to start.
Website
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/6-ways-you-need-to-use-images-on-your-website/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/eight-easy-ways-to-improve-your-blogs-readability/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/choose-the-right-domain-name/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/why-you-need-business-blog/
Entrepreneurship
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/become-a-successful-entrepreneur/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/reasons-to-start-your-own-business/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/become-a-successful-entrepreneur/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/change-your-business-one-day/
Productivity
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/10-best-home-business-productivity-apps/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/ditch-time-management-to-increase-productivity/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/9-top-tips-for-working-from-home-successfully/
https://smallbusinesssimplifier.com/how-to-declutter-your-business/
My Story
I’m a lifelong entrepreneur who understands the passions and the challenges of being a small business owner.
As a young teen, I quickly discovered babysitting was not a particularly lucrative occupation, so I started a business, and then another, and then another. After earning a degree in journalism, I worked as a copywriter and editor.
Eventually, I spent some time in the corporate world, all the while building a side-hustle photography business. Despite rising steadily through the ranks, I eventually realized Corporate America wasn’t the place for me, and I took my photography business full time.
During those years, I got married, finished college, and raised four children. So, I get it. I know the challenges of starting and growing a business because I’ve lived through them. And I made plenty of mistakes along the way.
With a full-time business, a husband, four children, and a small zoo (I married Dr. Doolittle), I learned the importance of organization in my business. I learned to create systems and strategies that would save me time, lighten my workload, and allow me to reclaim my life.
Growing a Business
One of the biggest things I learned is that being in business should be enjoyed and celebrated. I had periods where I let my business turn into a job, and it became hard and frustrating. And so I decided, rather than give up, I would turn that job back into joy.
Being a small business owner with a correspondingly small budget, I learned how to run my business and market creatively. As we entered the digital age, I quickly saw the value of a website and learned to build one for my business. That led to building sites for some of my customers, and then teaching them to use those sites to build their businesses.
A short time later I began coaching and mentoring other entrepreneurs and photographers, teaching them all the things I wish I had known before I started in business.
Shifting Gears & Finding my Passion
As I began teaching and consulting with businesses about websites and marketing, I began including help with apps and systems to make marketing easier. A family move led me to re-evaluate my photography studio, and I decided to turn my attention full-time to consulting and helping businesses simplify their communication, their marketing, and their systems. And here I am today, focused on helping you make sure your small business, your entrepreneurial adventure, or even your place in the corporate world can turn back from job into joy.
Today, I speak teach and consult with entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them work productively, communicate effectively, and get greater profitability and enjoyment out of their businesses. You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your business or professional life, or you’re just ready to find a better way to make it work while making it less work, let’s talk. If you’d like to learn more about how I can help you work more productively, profitably, and enjoyably, click here to set up a free, no-obligation introductory consult via Zoom or phone.