Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Maxson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

Throughout my 14+ years of professional experience, my view of success and happiness has shifted dramatically. When I graduated college in 2008, I had real goals of climbing the corporate ladder, becoming a Vice President of a Marketing department by the age of 30 and being financially well-compensated. I worked 50-60 hour weeks and spent more than the occasional Friday night at the office wrapping up projects to ease my ever-growing stress.

In 2017, I hit a wall. I had utterly burned myself out and could not function to my optimal level, neither professionally nor personally. The corporate environment had become toxic, the stress levels were untenable and I no longer felt motivated. For a type-A gal like myself, that was a horrifying feeling. With the support of my husband and my family, I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life and I resigned with no job opportunity to turn to. It was time for a real break.

Suffice it so say, I lasted about four months into my “early retirement” and was ready to sink my teeth unto something creative and fulfilling. Leaning into my passion for marketing operations and simplicity, I opened Simplified by Jess in October 2017.

When drafting my client agreement paperwork, I carefully considered what I needed most in a professional relationship. I realized that what motivates me most is harmony. A working relationship devoid of stress-inducing moments and an opportunity to truly work together as a team. Thus, I created a Harmony Clause in my contract:

Client recognizes and acknowledges that a harmonious, professional relationship is mandatory in this Agreement so as not to corrupt a productive working dynamic between Simplified and Client. Simplified and Client agree to be open to suggestions, complaints or discussions without judgment. Client agrees to follow the scheduling and timeframes approved by Client and Simplified at the commencement of a project. Simplified agrees to discuss flexibility in rescheduling any deadline at Client’s request, but will do so without compromising the quality or deadline of the project.

Every client has signed the Simplified by Jess contract, and the majority have abided by it. For those who didn’t, we respectfully parted ways. I realized then and every day since that I have the power to control my professional world around me, by creating and communicating healthy boundaries to avoid burnout and unnecessary stress. Undoubtedly, understanding my need for harmony is the most significant lesson of my professional life.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Simplified is truly my passion project because I enjoy helping people and love to create order out of chaos. Happiness is what I feel when I’m able to simplify the lives of my friends and family (and the occasional flight seat mate or friendly stranger). I work with clients through harmonious collaboration. The goal is seamless integration of the Client’s insights into actionable ideas and processes to bridge the divide between quality strategy and efficient execution.

Using organizationally-focused tools and processes that I have crafted and cultivated through my marketing career, I help businesses streamline and focus their marketing operations. Driving efficient strategies to maximize growth, both externally and internally, is a significant factor in the simplification process. Utilizing digital marketing and voice over as evolutionary forces elevates the organizational outcome. Let’s collaborate and discuss your needs, then we will work together to make it happen. For me, a harmonious client-consultant dynamic is key.

My husband, Thomas Maxson, and my brother, Matthew de la Torre, collaborated to design the Simplified logo. The Simplified logo is based on my unwavering support of Project Semicolon and mental health awareness. Upon first review, the design instantly clicked for Simplified, especially the semicolon (as it looks like a stylized “J” for Jess), but also the four yellow circles denoting the Simplified core values of Harmony, Collaboration, Quality and Efficiency.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Without sounding harsh or trite, it is very hard to come across a strong work ethic and authentic integrity in this day and age. My superpower is that I create organization out of chaos and always follow through on my promises. My reputation in my community and industry is strong in that when I’m on the job, clients know it will get done with little supervision and high quality of service.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

March 2020. I’m sure most small business owners unfortunately suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 was absolutely Simplified’s worst year productively and financially. Every client I worked with ended up putting their projects on hold, essentially shutting down any revenue.

Not knowing how long this pandemic would last, I decided to learn a new skill that was pandemic-proof – voice acting. After taking a rigorous course with Such a Voice, I started auditioning with my mastered demos immediately so as to “save” my business under a DBA, Simply the Jess Voice Over.

I’m so grateful that Simplified by Jess made it through the worst of the pandemic and is on its way to celebrating five years in business this coming October. I’m also pretty jazzed that I was able to pick up a new and fun skill to add to my repertoire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplifiedbyjess.com/
• Instagram: @simplifiedbyjess
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/simplifiedbyjess
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplified-by-jess/
• Twitter: @simplifiedjess
• Other: Check out Simplified by Jess on Google! https://g.page/r/CXyvA3mBaAz-EAo