Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with JoAnne Marlow, Founder of JoAnne Marlow OD Consulting, located in North Vancouver, BC, CA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Small and medium-sized company leaders are often so close to the problem in their business that they can't "see" it. As an Organization Development consultant, my superpower is to identify the underlying problem causing people to leave and lower their productivity, which affects the bottom line (not to mention morale). Once the problem is defined, the best solution gets implemented with everyone on board, and change happens! This is not an overnight miracle, but my system works! As a result, your business culture will be more positive, efficient, and profitable, and you'll attract and retain your ideal employees and clients.
Tell us about yourself
I discovered my love of problem-solving, creating alternative solutions, and researching for better methods in my undergraduate courses. At 22 years of age, I wrote my first book, which became my course curriculum for my senior high school students. It was then that I discovered my true purpose, and I've been living it ever since. I learned that eight out of ten employees were unhappy in their jobs (for various reasons). I was shocked and was determined to teach young adults how to determine their ideal careers and employer. Later, I began to offer leaders and business owners the steps to attract, hire and retain their best employees. I have been speaking on this topic, designing business models, and implementing my knowledge and systems into businesses for the past eight years. I also teach fourth-year Business students at City U of Seattle (Vancouver) in Organization Development and Organizational Communication. I still consult, present at businesses, associations, and conferences, and am writing my 10th book on Simple Systems to Save Your Business from Drowning.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Through knowing and living my "why," - I have helped to change thousands of people's lives through teaching, coaching, mentoring, presenting workshops, and writing my best-selling books.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It is difficult doing all the jobs as a solopreneur. Marketing has been my most difficult task. It's a busy life with so many facets to take care of. I need to remember to take time to balance my life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start with these foundations. I call them your North Star...
- Know your "why." What is the purpose of your business, and define who you want to serve?
- What are the Core Values and "recognizable behaviors" that you want all your employees to share with you?
- What is your vision for your business? Think big! Then...do the strategic plan.
Once you have determined these foundations of your business, then you have a strong base on which to grow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a servant leader is a rewarding career. I love to see the results of a business owner/leader who follows my business model for determining the core problem, realizes that change is needed, and gets behind the transition for a better culture and growth for all the right reasons.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://joannemarlow.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3yoWlCh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanneemarlow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannemarlow/
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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