For testimonials on speaking engagements, click here.
Maria Marsala brings over 35 years of strategic, tactical, and operations expertise along with leadership coaching to each client's projects providing out of the box thinking, zillions of new ides, and of course a new perspective. Learn what Maria's clients have to say about working with her to expand and rejuvinate their businesses.
Customer Results
Elevating Your Business has an 10-year proven record of measurably improving a companies profits, performance and value while creating work/life balance. 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 the fee of 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 owner's goals were to double the company's 8M in sales and create a business model that worked without her being in the office so that she could start a non-profit. Nine months later, she increased her income to 14M and showed up in her office 1 day a month to sign checks. Mission accomplished.
- 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, Elevating Your Business helped him save $600 a year in hosting fees and automate most of the site, too!
- A client realized how much consumer debt he had that he had been afraid to even look at before. 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 client didn't have the organized and lovely apartment she wanted. Six months later she did.
- 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 bookkeeper who did not keep up with A/R and now they added up to 250K and many were a few years old. The problem? A spouse was doing the work 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. Another went from $50 per hour to $125. Many others are getting a few hundred dollars per hour and still another raised her per project rate from $750 to $4000. All because they were under charging.
- 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 per year of income in her new job.
- A client, a mom, used our eWorkbooks and coaching to go from 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.
EduCoaching™
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"Maria Marsala is a consummate and astute professional with vast business knowledge, twenty-first century business sensibilities, an intensely listening ear and a caring heart. I enthusiastically and unreservedly recommend Elevating Your Business to any entrepreneur wanting to grow a business into a successful entity."
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"Maria's "no band-aids," all-around approach helped me create a strong business foundation from the inside out that continuously helps my business be more profitable, efficient and healthy. The business plan process helped me create an easy-to-update system for marketing, taking action and monitoring my efforts. I have taken leaps and bounds in the first few years of my business, and it has been a great experience both personally and professionally."
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""Maria isn't known as the Resource Queen for nothing - she knows everything there is to know about running a business successfully and where to go to find the tools and services to do it. Maria's advice and strategy has been invaluable to the clarification and execution of my business goals."
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"Maria has a creative, holistic, and no-nonsense approach to business and helps her clients get clear about what they want, where they want to go, and how to get there. She is warm, generous and firm. She doesn't mince words yet is compassionate. SHE CAN HELP YOU GET THE JOB DONE in a good way."
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"I had the privilege to work with Maria on my career path for about an hour. She is OUTSTANDING, has real-life ideas, and is human, down to earth, and extremely ahead of our times, not to mention has lots of professional knowledge. If she is telling you to try something, it means that she has tried it herself and had much success. Maria is successful because she gives back to those in need of constructive ideas and new ways to re-invent themselves for a new direction of their careers. Never is she afraid to say the obvious because she is ready to get you to your next step of success. If you are an executive thinking of changing companies or careers, I highly recommend you speak with Maria for your personal or business growth."
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"Maria Marsala is an outstanding business coach who provides me with invaluable information on a variety of topics. Maria cuts to the heart of any challenge and provides resources and solutions from her vast experience. Maria has been a key resource in helping me publish my first book, "Insiders Guide to Doing Business in Mexico." The quality of the book is due to Maria's assistance and encouragement. I highly recommend Maria to any business person looking to take their company or project to the next level."
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"If you want no-nonsense business advice that works, contact Maria Marsala. She is innovative, energetic, and results-driven. She helped me to boost my income and become more creative in my whole approach to business. I recommend her often and without hesitation."
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"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.".
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"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. |
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"....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."
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"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."
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"...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."
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"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!"
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"I sold my business and was looking to do something new but wasn't sure what.
I spent about a year thinking, exploring options, and making a few false starts.
Then I started to work with Coach Maria.
By the 4th session, I had a solid new business idea developed and ready to be put into a business plan.
I never imagined a coach could help me be so effective and achieve such stunning results so quickly.
My advice: don't think about hiring Coach Maria, just pick up the phone and do it.
Your ROI will come back to you very quickly."
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"I’ve been in business for over 20 years and my ideal client has been consistent throughout that time. Many of the questions on your exhaustive list of ideal client questions weren’t part of my thought process and answering them opened my eyes to the possibilities. I came away with a specific, factual description that helps me recognize my ideal clients after 30 seconds of a conversation, so I can now easily avoid spending time with people who AREN’T my ideal and move on to those who are!"
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"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!"
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"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!" |
"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, after 5 years of trying on my own, with your help I increased my bottom line by more than $15,000."
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New Ideas
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"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 product line beyond quilting. Thanks Maria!"
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"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."
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"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". |
Articles & eNewsletters
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"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! "
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"I love your ezine and read it to the end - yes even through your shameless plug every time."
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"Maria, I enjoy your newsletters and find a lot of insight in them."
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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
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"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.
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"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."
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What to Charge?!?
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"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.
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"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!
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"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."
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" 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! "
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"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!"
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"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 than 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! "
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" 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! "
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Speaking Engagements
Virtual Seminars & Workshops
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"After reading the Earn What I Deserve ebook, I raised some of my rates! That was even before I took the class. Thank you."
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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!"
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"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!"
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"coming soon."
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"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. "
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"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."
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"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! "
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"After speaking with you I felt calmer and feel our interactions will be fruitful as I develop my business."
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"Thank you! Your presentation was a very concise, useful description of the strategic planning process.
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"...for years I 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!"
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"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."
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"You made me feel like anything is possible - just what I needed!"
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"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.
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"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."
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"I got so inspired I started writing very soon after the class ended."
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"You engaged people very well and condensed your 2 1/2 hour presentation neatly into 15 minutes.
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"Maria is a wonderful resource - she can point you in several directions!
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"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." |
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"You did a great job of creating a course around the questions we offered."
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"Everything was great; handouts and resources were more than expected."
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"A stimulating new approach to a very tedious subject from a heart desiring others to succeed. I CAN do my business successfully!"
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"I love the idea I learned at your class to send out FYI articles to clients to help keep my name in front of them."
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"You are well organized, local in your presentation, and honest with your information."
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"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!"
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"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."
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"Highly recommended! To my surprise, I actually generated a useful vision statement in one hour! "
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"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. "
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"The E-zine Class was excellent! Maria really knows the material, but what impressed me most was the unsurpassed support she offers. "
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"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!"
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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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.
Our Clients
