Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Leone.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It’s been about 14 years since I started Leone Marketing. I always wanted to be my own boss and have freedom and flexibility at work, but I never gave it the attention it deserved. I was always too busy!
Before I started my own business, I thought I was in my dream job. Finally, I realized that I was miserable, traveling and working 12 hour days. I knew that I need to make a change – to have more time to spend with family and friends, and do the things that I enjoyed.
But, as you can imagine, going into business didn’t happen overnight! It took a few years. I went back to school, met with a personal coach, put my plan together and went on a fabulous vacation. Then, I did the one of the scariest and most rewarding things. I quit my job as Director of Marketing and Sales. I knew it was meant to be when I landed my first client the next day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There isn’t an entrepreneur out there who hasn’t had challenges along the way. I’m lucky to have great partners, and supportive friends and family that have been my sounding board and helped me through tough times. My struggle was identifying what makes Leone Marketing different – to stand out from the crowd. We had to prove ourselves in a number of ways; providing extra value, 24/7 customer service, brainstorming bonanzas –to show our clients and prospects that we’re not just another promotional product company. Businesses have several options to choose from when it comes to buying, so we want to be sure they choose us!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Leone Marketing Solutions – what should we know?
Leone Marketing is a local, woman-owned promotional product firm and apparel company with roots in the event industry for over 25 years. We know what works and what doesn’t – and why. We’re experts in recommending logo’d gift items of all types and price ranges, with the goal to generate buzz and create a bond with our client’s target market. With a database of over 3,000 suppliers, we can provide almost every imaginable promotional product available at the most competitive rates to suit even the fussiest customer!
What makes us different is that we work with our clients as marketing consultants. We partner with them to help them find a product that works for their business. We look at what they’re trying to accomplish, then make a few solid recommendations. Our main goal is to help companies stand out from the competition with unique promotional items, that fit all of their criteria, plus generate new leads and business.
What I’m most proud of? I’m most proud of what my clients tell me. They say we’re easy to work with, over deliver and always follow through. That they love our brainstorming sessions and appreciate our knowledge – what’s trending, what’s new and exciting, and what works in the marketplace to generate brand awareness. We’re sending products all over – to local, regional and national events, trade shows and conferences.
I’m also proud that last year, LMS went through the state approval process to become an official woman-owned business. This opened up opportunities to work with the state of Massachusetts on a number of marketing projects.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Trustworthy, loyal and honesty have been the most important part of my success. Clients know they can always count on me to deliver high quality products at competitive prices.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
Honestly, I don’t want to sound corny, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It all worked out the way it was meant to be! I gained my experience in the corporate world for 12 years while getting my MBA so I would have credibility. Then, I launched my company when the timing was perfect. I had my business plan ready to go and just needed a sign from above to make it happen. I received that sign while I was on vacation in St. Thomas and never looked back. I left my job on a Friday and had my first client on Monday. I’m a huge planner in both my professional and personal life and as it turned out, this was obviously part of the plan!
Contact Info:
- Address: 6 Baker Hill Drive
Hingham, MA 02043 - Website: http://leonemarketing.com
- Phone: 7817403171
- Email: rachel@leonemarketing.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeoneMarketingSolutions/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeoneMarketing
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
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