Allow me to introduce you to Joanne Randall owner of Leap Year Marketing Strategies. Joanne started her business back in 2009 and has helped many small business owners with their online marketing and business strategy. I have personally known Joanne for many years and she is a true professional. I had the opportunity to sit down with Joanne and learn more about her business.
How did you get into this business and why did you start it?
“I began using Facebook in 2008 when it was new to promote my radio show, NH Women in Business. Business owners were more interested in learning how to use social media for their business than buying radio time, so I began holding workshops on Facebook Business pages before there was anything of the sort. I developed my skills in marketing and over the course of time became a business consultant.”
Can you tell me about your background and experience?
“I have worked in business since the 1990’s in various roles such as sales, human resources, finance, and promotion. I have owned three businesses and enjoy helping business owners identify, prioritize, and solve common problems related to running their business. I teach Marketing Strategies for Graduate School students and have my MBA in Strategic Leadership.”
What are some things people should know about your business and how your business is different?
“I have a unique approach to consulting, which includes experience in coaching individuals through barriers such as belief systems that are not serving them or the business. Helping the individual allows me to better serve the business to set and achieve goals and objectives that are important to them. We get to the real issues.”
What is the main benefit people get doing business with you?
“I care about the outcome of the work I do with people. Business owners receive the benefit of having someone who acts like a business partner, without having an actual business partner relationship. Owner support is important to confidence and willingness to take calculated risks. Running a business can be lonely, so it is important that business owners know they are doing a great job.”
What’s the biggest mistake you see people making as related to your business?
“Businesses fail because they do not work out a plan based on organizational goals and objectives, nor do they make a plan for their marketing. Using a consultant such as myself allows a business to think, plan, and take action because I approach this work with a neutral mindset. I am not emotionally attached to the business and I am not bogged down with a to do list of daily activities like business owners are. I provide a quiet, neutral, safe space for business owners to think clearly.”
Anything I didn’t ask about your business that I should have asked?
“I have worked with hundreds of businesses over the years. The majority of the problems a business faces are common to us all. That should be comforting to the business owner. Many of us have been in their shoes and we can help them solve their problems, and also to avoid making others.”
Bonus question: What’s your favorite thing about New Hampshire?
My favorite thing about New Hampshire is the camaraderie I see between business owners. Everyone knows each other (or within a few degrees) and we are all willing to help each other succeed.
What is your website address and what are your social media pages you want me to include?
https://www.leapyearmarketing.com/
