"Thank you for your Networking to Increase Your Bottom Line presentation at the AMTA convention. I appreciate a presenter that can cut through the fluff and get right to the message."
Karen K. Flory, Licensed Massage Therapist
Lakewood, WA

"Maria, I got so much more out of your 1-hour program than I have gotten from multiple hours of reading and attending seminars on business planning. More programs like this would be excellent."
Monica Barnard, APA, CEBS
Barnard & Associates, Pensacola, FL

These testimonials are from members and guests of the Washington Association of Association Executives.

"Excellent presenter. I will take this information and apply it to my daily sales process to acquire and attain more clients"
Scott Zeller, Hotel Mgmt

"Maria makes the complicated easy, natural and insightful"
Wendy LeBlanc - Semiahmoo, Sales/Hospitality

"You are awesome. Great information that I can use right away"
Linda Herald, Wenatchee Conference Center

"Great information and resources!"
Lois Diemert, The Society for Design Administration

"Maria provides "real" useable examples and practical applications that I will use."
Ken Spenser, Housing Association

"It is always a good sign of how engaged attendees are when they linger after the meeting and continue the discussion, which they did."
Patty Anderson, Executive Director, Washington Society of Association Executives

"I attended a Power Networking Seminar at the Northwest Society of Interior Designers with speaker Maria Marsala. She reinforced the importance of knowing everything possible about our best clients and her 10 steps to get to know them in a year was a helpful lesson. I also will use Maria's Business Snapshot process as an added part of my introduction since I like the idea of starting my introduction with the results clients gain when they hire my company. Overall the seminar was very rewarding. Thanks Maria."

Patty Koskovich, Renton, WA, Interior Designer, Koskovich Design Group, www.interiorselectionskdg.com

"After completing our plan, I've had success using the methodology at a board retreat. It helped me focus on what we needed to be doing. And I've used the planning exercise for a number of little projects and found it a time saver"

Susan Trapnell, Seattle, WA Managing Director, ACT Theatre www.ActTheatre.org

"As a result of your direct efforts, I am greatly pleased in how our staff and board are discussing core issues for SCAN's future. In one day you've given us enough to keep us busy for a year. You are a great resource of ideas, suggestions and connection to other helpful resources. I look forward to other ways for us to collaborate."

Marshall Parker, Executive Director, SCAN TV, Seattle, WA www.ScanTV.org

"Maria's presentation was inspiring and innovative, It provided me with new insights and tools that I used immediately. It's evident that she's passionate about helping small business owners succeed. Her company's email list and blog which contain excellent and helpful information to take me into the future. And I became a client, too!"

Janet Graff, CMP, Meeting Planner & Speaker Manger, JLG Event Management Solutions, Cleveland, OH, http://www.JJLG-EventManagementSolutions.com

"I attended your workshop at the American Society of Women Accountant's Conference on creating a one-page business plan. Several members and I were excited at the possibility of turning our lengthy Strategic Plan into a one-page document using your materials. We accomplished our goal and had the opportunity to share our plan with our Ukrainian counterparts who were looking to start an accounting organization. "
Jana Helmuth, Past President
America Society of Women Accountants, ASWA, Seattle, WA

"Wow, I am so impressed with your professionalism, the professional flyer you sent us and promptness. Oh my goodness, I am not used to this kind of action, but it is very cool and thank you so much!!! What a great example you are of truly "elevating your business"!!!!"
Jeanette Harem, President
Tacoma Business & Professional Women Assocaition

"Thanks for teaching a business class for the SBDC. From the very start, you took an interest in every student and showed each one how to use the material in their business. Your presentation skills included the right balance of firmness of accountability for results and understanding of how much the business owner can take on in their current situation - and you provided excellent materials and online follow-up resources they'll use in the year to come."
Jennifer Shelton, Center Director
Washington Small Business Development Center at Edmonds Community College

"Thanks you so much for your wonderful presentation to the Chamber. Your presentation on business and marketing planning was informative, professional, fun and a must for all business owners."
Peggy Kahler, Vice President
Duvall Chamber of Commerce, http://www.duvalchamber.org

"The National Guild of Hypnotists, Washington Chapter was fortunate to have Maria speak to us about goal setting. Her workshop on creating a One Page Business Plan® was very well received and spewed many business owners into action!"
Jackie Foskett
President

"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

"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 ErgoFit Consulting
Seattle, WA

"I attended your Article Marketing Program. For years I've 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

"Maria presented The One Page Business & Marketing program for 45 entrepreneurs and business owners at TiE Seattle, a networking organization which fosters the budding entrepreneurs and business owners. She presented an informative overview of the process, had the participants create their vision statement, provided good insights and answered a multitude of general marketing and business questions asked by the attendees. Maria's presentation was precise and helpful as I work on my plan. "
Rajashree Varmam, Business Manager
TiE Seattle, www.TIE-Seattle.org

" Maria was a guest speaker at our Stress Management seminars and because of her computer knowledge she taught computer, Internet, and several software applications courses. And she taught remote business classes to owners through the state's Technical Development authority. She received positive and unsolicited comments from those who attended."
Nancy Blackman, Executive Director, Triangle South Enterprise Center, Dunn, NC

"Maria delivered an outstanding interview for my listeners. She was real, energetic, fun, and passionate about business; sharing freely of her expertise to my listeners. Her interview was extremely popular with my listeners I highly recommend Maria as a guest for any show that centers on small business, sales, or empowering women to achieve their dreams."
Lynne Klippel, Executive Producer/Host
Web Sorority Talk Radio

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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, Marketing Specialist
Fergus Falls, MN, Owner of Bell Ewert Associates, LLC.

"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 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,

"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

"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

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

"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

"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

"I worked for Miss Marsala as her Personal Assistant and found her to be considerate and understanding of mistakes because she wanted me to learn from them. If I needed clarification on a subject, all I had to do was ask. She gave me clear concise answers and is easy to communicate with. Miss Marsala taught me to run an organized and professional office and start my own business. She is one of the most intelligent people I have had the pleasure of working with. Anyone would be lucky to work with her in any capacity."

Amanda Gibbs, Hawaii, Personal Assistant

"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."

Nicole Wexler, Decorator & Stager, Turquoise Decor, Redmond, WA, http://www.TurquoiseDecor.com

"Aside from forcing us to focus on growing our business, your program provides a logical, compelling, balanced template, and your hands-on support was insightful and effective. Despite this tough economic terrain, client satisfaction, client retention, our rates, and profits are higher than ever. Our business awareness is clearer. To be blunt, your help in teaching us when to "throw the fish back" and walk away from inappropriate candidate clients has saved us far more than what your strategic business program cost. We are looking forward to continuing to work with you to internalize what you teach."

Mike Klasco, Audio Engineer and Nora Wong, COO, Menlo Scientific, Richmond, CA, http://www.MenloScientific.com

"I had the privilege to work with Maria for an hour regarding my executive career path. She is OUTSTANDING, real life ideas, 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, 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."

Christine Shur, (Now) Vice President Consumer Market, Bank of America, Philadelphia, PA

"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."

Richard Villasana, Speaker & President, Marketing to Mexico, San Diego, CA, http://www.MarketingtoMexico.com

"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."

Lenore Norrgard, Shamanic Consultant, Filmmaker, Portland, OR, http://www.CircleInTheLivingEarth.org

"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."

Geoffrey Gilmore, CSEP, NBCT, Corporate & Wedding Event Planning, Gilmore Signature Events, Kenmore, WA http://www.sigevents.com

"Since working with Maria for just one hour a month over a six month period, I was able to clarify my mission and vision for my business, quickly resolve problems as they arose, and create a much improved version of my elevator pitch. Best of all, my monthly revenues have increased by $3,000 and I've just about doubled my hourly rate."

Carrie Meeks Stallwitz, Public Relations and Communications Expert, Witz PR, Houston, TX, http://www.WitzPr.com

"Maria's presentation was inspiring and innovative. It provided me with new insights and tools that I used immediately. It's evident that she's passionate about helping small business owners succeed. Her company's email list and blog contain excellent and helpful information to take me into the future. And I became a client, too!"

Janet Graff, CMP, Meeting Planner & Speaker Manger, JLG Event Management Solutions, Cleveland, OH, http://www.JJLG-EventManagementSolutions.com

"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."

Nancy Owyang, Creative Director & Owner, Eye 2 Eye Graphics, Everett, WA, http://www.Eye2EyeGraphics.com

"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, Architect & Principal, TECTA Associates Architects, San Francisco CA http://www.Tecta.com

"Maria's input has helped me organize my business more in three months than I had in the nine months prior. She asks the right questions and doesn't mince words. Her vast storehouse of business and marketing knowledge makes her a valuable partner in my business. She's helped me package my services, allowing me to increase my fees by 200%, and the monthly sales of the company are up 300% from where we were just 8 months ago. If you're considering hiring an advisor to help grow your business more rapidly, look no further. Maria is a skilled, caring, but firm coach, and most importantly, she will help you get the results you're looking for in your business and personal life."

Elin Barton, COO & Partner, White Knight Pro Video Company, Binghamton, NY, http://www.WhiteKnightPro.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 & Programmer, Kagi, Berkeley, California, www.kagi.com

"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!"

Mary Stursa, Fashion Designer, Owner, Seattle, WA, Noble Furs, http://www.NobleFurs.com

"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!"

Michelle Valentin, Ebay top Seller, Upland, CA, The Stitcher's Cottage

"The pricing program paid for itself within 45 days and I more than doubled my sales within a year. Since completing my business plan, 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, http://www.BellinghamPianoLessons.com

"Maria gives 200 percent and presents her material simply and completely. Her Get Paid More System helped me see that the value of my product and services was 3 times what I perceived. I promptly, and naturally, adjusted my thinking, and am very happy with my new pricing structure. She also recommended other ways I can fill my marketing funnel with new streams of income. Her support renewed my belief in the vision I have for my company."

Alice Shapiro, Poet & Teacher, Poet's tongue, Douglasville, GA, http://aliceshapiro.com/poets-tongue

"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 to become more creative in my whole approach to business. I recommend her often and without hesitation."

Anna Watkins, Training & Coaching Professional, Albuquerque, NM http://www.one-e-anna.com/

"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 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."

Nancy Kieffer, Business Development & Publishing, No Company Name Yet, Las Vegas, NV

"...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, Chicago, IL

"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 http://www.Pathways-Career.com

"..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, Therapist, Vancouver Island, BC http://NeilNeil.com

"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.

"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 & Programmer, 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, GA

"I finally have a specific [business plan] 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."

TK, Computer Programmer, Seattle, WA

"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