For testimonials on prior speaking engagements, click here

Customer Results

Elevating Your Business has an 8-year proven record of measurably improving profits and the free time of our clients We share our strategies, methods, and resources one-on-one, during group sessions, at conferences and business retreats.

Below are just a handful of our clients successes.

  • A consultant used our pricing product and realized nearly a 100% increase on just one 15 hour project.
  • A new business owner received applause at a networking event for his creative elevator speech.
  • A graphic artist tripled the rates she charges for her services by creating a plan and sticking to it.
  • An entertainment boutique used our strategies to go from $8 to $14 million in sales -- in one year! Additionally, the owner decreased the hours they worked from 120 hours per month to 1 day!
  • Previously a client paid (wasted) $11,000 to another company for a web system and a year later, he had very little to show for it. In 120 days he created an Internet Marketing business plan and launched a Web site with free reports and even an ebook. Not only that, I helped him save $600 a year in hosting fees and automate most of the site, too!
  • A client realized how much he really was in debt (he had been afraid to even look at this). After realizing the number was $100,000 we created a plan for him to get out from under it.
  • Another client was $48,000 in debt and very unorganized. In 14 months she became debt free, hired a cleaning person (weekly) and created a home she was proud of.
  • Every year a client had a cash flow problem because his business was seasonal. We created a plan so that never happened again.
  • A Career Coach doubled her speaking income -- and confidence. (It's common for our clients to double or triple their sales in less than a year)
  • By switching to our business model, an accountant -- who was at the verge of having to get a job -- realized a 400% gain in her revenues in 1 year.
  • A consultant had a problem with their book keeper who did not keep up with A/R and now they added up to a few hundreds of thousands of dollars and many were a few years old. The problem? A spouse was doing the work (with all that involves), she didn't want to do what was necessary to go after that money and the husband didn't want to push her. By using our model and the brainstorming that arose, a plan was created to rectify the situation and it was fully executed weeks later. Not only was the marriage saved :) the wife was happy to not be doing the work!
  • A new business owner went from charging $20 per hour to $80 per hour or more. Another went from $50 per hour to $125. and many others are getting a few hundred dollars per hour.
  • Quite a few of our clients -- newer to business -- realized that they didn't want to own a business. I worked with them to find great jobs and probably saved them from bankruptcy down the road.
  • A non-profit career client realized a gain of $15,000 a year income and could have received more -- had she just asked for all she was worth!
  • A client, a mom, used our eWorkbooks and coaching to go from a someone who had never had a job and didn't know how to use her email program, to a high paying virtual assistant and web designer in 2 years!
  • A well established client reported they were able to accomplish more in 3 months with our methods than they had in the past year trying to work on their own. (We hear this a lot)

Testimonials

A very special thank you to my many clients and students who have provided me with written permission to share their comments with you. This is a very special thing for them to do because their confidentiality is a major part of my business model.

Planning

"When we created my business plan, you pushed us to set goals that were much higher than we ever thought to attain. A year later, our monthly gross income has quadrupled, and we have added employees to do all the work we don't want to do."
Terry Ray, Senior Account Analyst
Freetrac Inc., Everett, WA

"Attending your one day planning program, along with the many insights and business therapy you provided, helped me see the forest through the trees. Thank you for the really great thought provoking day".
Ahmad Mohazab, Principal,
TECTA Associates Architects, San Francisco CA www.Tecta.com

"Using the planning resources you sent prior to the event, I was able to quickly create a draft of my current business plan and a project I'm working on. The one-day program provided much additional information which helped me refine my plan and your personal insight and input was greatly appreciated.
Kee Nethery, CEO, Berkeley, California, Kagi

"....Aha moment! I realized that the reason my business hasn't excelled is because I was just taking anything that came my way. I had no clear vision, no business plan, no marketing tools and no direction. Maria, you inspire me and my business to be the best we can be. You are a source of inspiration."
Betsy Padilla, Events Planner
Detailed Events, Chicagoland

"It helps to have a plan. I've accomplished more in 4 months than I did the entire previous year. And my income doubled from last year! I feel more focused now, too."
Joan Runnheim, Career Strategist
Pathways Career, Hudson, WI

"...for the first time in 45 years of adult life I'm working in a clean, uncluttered workspace. I find myself more eager to get to work, because I have more of a sense that I will accomplish my intentions."
Dr. Neill Neill, Vancouver Island, BC

"Maria has proven herself to be dedicated, sympathetic and persistent. She provides a map that keeps me on course and an objective mirror so I don't become someone I wouldn't want to be. With her on the team I can comfortably focus on my clients' welfare, secure in the knowledge that someone is focusing on mine. Definitely worth your time, unless you have no room left for improvement!"
Darrell G. King, President,
The Web Center, Inc., Rochester, NY, www.webctr.com

"I received your Welcome Package today. Thank you SO MUCH. I LOVE it! What wonderful information, valuable books and a great way to add value! I'm thinking of ways that I can offer a really special welcome package such as this. It really makes a difference. I think that I have the best coach ever!"
Tara Black, Success Coach
Georgia

"I finally have a specific plan [business plan] in place that is manageable and attainable. Way beyond adding a house cleaner and accountant to my life, I increased my bottom line by more than $15,000".
TK, Home Business Owner 12 years
Seattle, WA

After attending two of your virtual seminars, I’ve been inspired to create my one-page business plan and ideal client profile. Something I heard you say made me realize that more of my energy and focus has to be placed on growing my business to the next level, which has meant, at least for a while, I’d be saying “no” to some of the high level volunteering I’d been doing. Since your classes, I have been obsessed in ramping up my business – evaluating where it is, bringing back my passion and narrowing my niche to match what my clients need. I feel a new sense of freedom since I had the revelation to serve the green and renewable energy industry where I will be able to earn a great living and contribute to saving our planet. Thank you for your time and for your inspiration!
Bonnie Bell-Ewert, Green Marketing Specialist
Duluth, Minnesota, Owner of Bell Ewert Associates, LLC.

New Ideas

"When we started working together, you heard the inconsistency between the quality products I sell on Ebay and my business name - The Cheap Quilter. Last month, I decided to rename my business to "The Stitcher's Cottage". Since then sales have increased 38% plus I now have the latitude to expand my the product line beyond quilting. Thanks Maria! "
Michelle Valentin, Ebay Top Seller
Upland, CA, The Stitchers Cottage

"Maria has provided me with a constant reminder to do my best and to push my boundaries. She was valuable in providing resources and insights that I would not otherwise have had access to."
Jeff Howard, Consultant
Schofield Management, NH

"You provide lots, but mainly someone I can confide in about business or personal issues that can give an objective opinion about any problems I have. You also provide direction and possible solutions that help make life funnier and me a happier person".
Heather Page, Virtual Assistant

Articles & eNewsletters

"Just wanted you to know that I've read and appreciated your last two articles, the one on boundaries and the one on letting visitors choose your keywords. Keep up the interesting and valuable work! "
Marcia Yudkin, Author, Internet Marketer
Goshen, MA

"I love your ezine and read it to the end - yes even through your shameless plug every time."
Gretchen Blank, Plymouth, MN USA

"Maria, I enjoy your newsletters and find a lot of insight in them."
Wolfgang Schmidt

Wow ... what an ezine. You should have told us to get a nice cup of cocoa before beginning to read your ezine and linking up to your Resource Queen web site. -- Caroline McIntosh, S.E. Spiritual Electrician, Author

"I'd like to say sincere thank you for helping me even without knowing it. Reading the articles in your e-zines and on the website made me to look at my career from a different angle. You encouraged me to pursue a dream about my own business instead of chasing another paycheck.
Tanya Cobb, Virginia

"I have subscribed and unsubscribed to many newsletters in the past, but not this one. I also wanted to let you know I love your new layout - clean, yet the colors liven it up."
Beth Dargis, Life Coach
Zeeland, MI

What to Charge?!?

"The pricing program paid for itself within 45 days. I doubled my rates and my business is beginning to look like how I dreamed it could be with the best clients ever who value the service I am providing.
Mary Walby, Piano Teacher Bellingham Piano Lessons, Bellingham, WA,

"A new opportunity arose for my company and I wanted to make sure that I priced it right. What I discovered from your pricing eWorkbook was that my services are underpriced and I spend too much valuable time on the phone with tire kickers. The exercises also showed me that it's really costing me more money to do everything myself! The project I originally wanted to price will be $12,000 higher than I would have asked for. Thanks for the wake-up call!
Val Whiting, Owner, GameShape, Wilmington, DE,

"I attended your class, Get Paid What You Deserve, and I've doubled my speaking fees and increased the prices of my products. Thank you for the great information."
Deborah Read, Speaker and Consultant
Seattle, WA

" This is "the how to pricing manual!" It is jam-packed full of practical pricing check lists, gross margin calculation work sheets, research tips and resources. Whether you are a new entrepreneur...or an experienced business owner, this is one of the best guides you can buy on pricing! "
Jim Horan, Berkeley, CA, Owner, The One Page Business Plan Company

"I was able to negotiate a very flexible work schedule with a fee $10K higher than I have ever made in a past year. Thanks for all the great information & inspiration!"
A.W., Business Owner, May 2005 Alumni

"Trying to figure out what to charge for your services can be tough. Maria makes it simple with this ebook. She offers clear cut advice and examples of what you should take into account when setting the prices for your business. The fact is it's a lot easier to price tangibles then something service related. Make sure you're getting paid what you're worth and stop giving the store away for free. Maria will show you how with this informative ebook. Great job! "
Merle, Owner,
MC Promotions

" As a service provider, I know how hard it can be to decide how much to charge for your work. This manual helps entrepreneurs consider ALL the factors involved - from knowing your own worth, to calculating all those "hidden" costs of being in business, to determining how much profit you want to make. Now you can actually justify why you charge what you charge, rather than arbitrarily picking a rate that just sounds good! "
Ramona Creel, Clinton, MD, Owner, Online Organizing

Speaking Engagements

Virtual Seminars & Workshops

"After reading the Earn What I Deserve ebook, I raised some of my rates! That was even before I took the class. Thank you."
S.M., Business Owner, May 2005 Alumni

"I experienced first hand how you really care about "us" and are so sharing! Although I have not taken full advantage of your unlimited email follow-up to the class, it is there for me and so are you whenever needed, and that's awesome! Thank you so much for your services made available to us and for taking the time to send such wonderful information with "Helping your business grow" !
Cynthia Guy, Free kitchen tools, 800.699.3226 code 03

"EXCELLENT class! You are truly inspiring, focused, and driven! Wow! I've alerted my fellow coaching buddies to enroll in your next class. Thanks again for your support, and for sharing your tremendous gift of knowledge with us all!"
Diana Bertoldo, Career Coach
Boulder, CO,

"coming soon."

"Maria tells it like it is in straightforward, no-nonsense language. She's so personable, that when you listen to her seminars, you feel like you're being helped by a long-time friend. "
Carma Spence-Pothitt, CEO, Phoeniz, Arizona
Women's Business Gallery, http://www.womens-business-gallery.com

"Maria Marsala’s innovative approach to marketing and business planning is cutting-edge. Whether your business is based in sales or professional service, Maria’s proven techniques can boost your bottom line, and help you achieve personal satisfaction."
Scott P. Carness, Donchez Law Firm, Edmonds, Washington
P/I Attorney and moderator of a local legal organization.

"I have taken several virtual seminars and have had some experience with a general coach and a recruiter coach. I really enjoyed your class and felt that you gave us solid tips rather than just philosophy! "
Maureen Boehm, Owners,
Recruiting Firm Owner, Des Moines, IA

"After speaking with you I felt calmer and feel our interactions will be fruitful as I develop my business. "
Rabbi Dr. Ed Weinsberg, Spiritual Coach
AgingWellWorks, Florida

"Thank you! Your presentation was a very concise useful description of the strategic planning process.
Tom Kelly, Superintendent, North Mason School District
Belfair, WA

"for years and have submitted tons of articles that were never picked up, and here I send in the first "Top 10" I ever wrote and they pick it up!"
Jean McIntosh, Springfield, VT

"You made me feel better about where I am in my marketing and gave me ideas of what I want to pursue, and in what order."
Susan C. S. Cristini, Life Coach
SellFF Coaching, Amherst, New Hampshire

"You made me feel like anything is possible - just what I needed!"
Kim Nicholas, Owner
Seattle, WA, Fremont Place Book Company

"I really enjoyed your class last evening. It motivated me and reinforced my commitment to make some career changes, better yet to get and stay organized and PLAN it out! While finding the job and relocating seems overwhelming, I do believe planning is key as is with any project I might manage at work.
Priscilla I. Hackney bjhoneycut@aol.com

"I took Maria's marketing class and it really moved me into action. She gave us numerous resources, tools and information beneficial to anyone starting a business. Perhaps the greatest gift, however, was giving us the wisdom that we will be the most successful if we choose the methods that fit who we are."
Shelley Dodd, Coach
Monroe, WA

"I got so inspired I started writing very soon after the class ended."
France Robinson, Owner
Ashland, OR West Wind Collection

"You engaged people very well and condensed your 2 1/2 hour presentation neatly into 15 minutes.
Mary Leake, Program Director
Evergreen Society, Seattle, WA

"Maria is a wonderful resource - she can point you in several directions!
JoAnn Szachta

"You have an awesome ability to derive the core value/meaning from written and verbal communications and helping to package it in a succinct manner necessary for effective marketing."
Pati Chism, Owner
Extra Hours Home Services, White Rock, CA

"You did a great job of creating a course around the questions we offered."
Mary Cotton, Sales Director,
Independent Beauty Consultant, Mary Kay

"Everything was great; handouts and resources were more than expected."
Wynn Krasley, Programmer
Durham, NC, Triangle Tech, LLC

"A stimulating new approach to a very tedious subject from a heart desiring others to succeed. I CAN do my business successfully!"
Alma L. Sparling, Independent Beauty Consultant
Sequim, WA, Mary Kay

"I love the idea I learned at your class to sending out FYI articles to clients to help keep my name in front of them."
Chris Hansen, Independent Beauty Consultant
Bellingham, WA, Mary Kay

"You are well organized, local in your presentation, and honest with your information."
Anita Gayheart, Independent Beauty Consultant
Sequim, WA, Mary Kay

"The vision class was surprisingly easy. Writing a vision statement was a fun and pleasurable experience. You can really do it in two sentences!!!! Maria's in depth knowledge and multitude of strategies were valuable tools for preparing individual business visions. If you lack clarity relative to where you are going in your business, Take The Vision Class!"
Brenda Renrick, Business Owner
Tacoma, WA

"The class provides an easy, quick and fun way to get to your vision. Her tips on how to capture the precise vision language are invaluable."
Alvah Parker, Coach
Parker And Associated, Swampscott, MA

"Highly recommended! To my surprise, I actually generated a useful vision statement in one hour! "
Judy Schramm, Marketing Consultant
Software Company

"The Do It Now Success Day helped me to complete a task I had been dreading! The excitement of that accomplishment carried over into the following week and helped me get even more done that I had been putting off. "
Mike Valentine, Search Engine Consultant
Long Beach, California, http://seoptimism.com/

"The E-zine Class was excellent! Maria really knows the material, but what impressed me most was the unsurpassed support she offers. "
Jim Powers, M.Ed., Personal and Business Coach
Results-Oriented Coaching, Boston, MA

"Maria has a way of pulling together a wealth of resources to make my work go so much more smoothly. Taking her class is like getting a five-year head start on my ezine!"
Suzanne Brown, Executive Development Coach
Phoenix, AZ

"After taking your ezine class, we were quickly able to go from two ezines with manually maintained mailing lists to using a company's services that automated the management. The look of both our newsletters will be different, too."
Cynthia Wingren, Director of Operations
Poulsbo, WA, Kitsap Washington Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau

"Maria's course was well worth the time and expense. Within an hour after taking one course I was registered with a Web-Service, thus began my Ezine."
Alexis Brown

"Maria not only gave us all we needed to publish an ezine from the absolute beginning. She also gave us a huge wealth of sources of information, a variety of choices and the knowledge of ongoing support."
Bronwyn Ritchie, President
Australia, International Training in Communication

"Maria has a genuine gift in making the intimidating possible and the benefits tangible when it comes to making friends with your computer. Her acceptance of those hesitant to pioneer their computer makes it possible to successfully move at least one step further than you thought you could before into the accelerated age of technology. Maria makes the journey of discovery delightful, as well as productive."
Rhonda Hull, Speaker, Author
Marrowstone, WA

Networking Program

"I was a guest at a networking meeting and used new elevator speech words that you recommended. I was very concise and brief. Everyone began applauding, after which one member shouted, "That was the best 30 second commercial I've ever heard" Thank you, Maria."
Nathaniel Oxford, Credit Card Services
Gig Harbor, WA Custom Payment

Legal Disclaimer: The testimonials and examples used are exceptional results and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual's success depends on his or her dedication, desire and motivation. Every effort has been made to accurately represent our services, products and their potential. Any claims made of actual earnings or examples of actual results can be verified upon request. As with all business endeavors, there is an inherent risk of loss of capital and there is no guarantee that you will earn any money.



Top of Page

© 1998-2008 Elevating Your Business. All Rights Reserved
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A, Poulsbo, WA 98370
Office: 360-271-8418