We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leslie Christiansen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leslie below.

Leslie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

After being laid off from my corporate job of 15 years, I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. However, I saw this as an opportunity for a fresh start and decided to create my own company, eCommerce Specialty Group. Within just two weeks of leaving that corporate door behind, I attended a tradeshow armed with my newly printed business cards. Drawing upon the skills I had developed during my previous job, I diligently built my eCommerce business and, in a short time, managed to double my salary. Along the way, I had the privilege of employing exceptional individuals and imparting my knowledge to help others succeed in the industry.

Through my experiences, I have come to believe that success is closely tied to a simple yet challenging principle: doing the right thing. Upholding integrity is a crucial aspect that can sometimes be overlooked amidst the busyness of life. I have found that by consistently acting with honesty and fairness, I have earned the trust and respect of both clients and colleagues, which has paved the way for my success.

Another key factor in achieving success is hard work and the willingness to take risks while believing in oneself. I firmly believe in transparency when dealing with clients, as I have realized that hiding the truth only leads to missed opportunities. By creating an open and honest environment, I have fostered positive relationships and collaborations, knowing that there is plenty of success to be shared among us all.

Furthermore, I have learned not to fear failure but to embrace it. Each stumble and setback has become a valuable lesson, teaching me to adapt and pivot within the ever-changing eCommerce industry. By being willing to try new approaches and take calculated risks, I have discovered innovative solutions that have propelled my business forward.

In conclusion, my journey from being laid off to building a successful eCommerce company has taught me invaluable lessons. Doing the right thing, maintaining integrity, working hard, taking risks, being transparent, and embracing failure have been the pillars of my success. Through it all, I have developed a positive work ecosystem and nurtured open communication, fostering growth not only for myself but also for those I interact with.

Leslie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the eCommerce industry began quite serendipitously. It all started when my husband and I were newly married, and he had an interview at a large online retailer. As I patiently waited in the car, restlessness got the best of me. I couldn’t resist the urge to explore, so I decided to step inside the building. Little did I know that this impromptu decision would change the course of my career.

While meandering around the lobby, a friendly woman approached me, mistaking me for a potential interviewee. When I explained that I was there waiting for my husband, she surprised me by asking if I wanted to interview for a job. The company was actively hiring, and the stars seemed to align in that very moment. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity and went through the interview process, emerging successfully with a job offer in hand.

Fast forward 15 years, armed with the skills and expertise I cultivated during my tenure at that company, I took a leap of faith and founded my own venture – eCommerce Specialty Group. I wanted to channel my passion and knowledge into helping manufacturers in the home space (think furniture, home decor, art) thrive in the online marketplace. Our company specializes in channel management, offering manufacturers the opportunity to sell their products on major online retailers’ websites.

What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach. We provide a wide range of services, including optimizing product content, managing marketing strategies, building SKUs, monitoring costs, generating insightful reports, and facilitating smooth onboarding processes. Many manufacturers possess outstanding products but lack the know-how to navigate the complex eCommerce landscape. That’s where we come in – we take the wheel and steer their businesses towards success.

At eCommerce Specialty Group, we blend efficiency with a personal touch. While we work diligently and swiftly, we cherish the relationships we build with our partners and clients. Education is at the core of our values, and we take pride in teaching our clients about the intricacies of the eCommerce world. We want them to feel empowered and knowledgeable as they grow their businesses.

One of my proudest achievements is building eCommerce Specialty Group from the ground up. It’s a testament to the power of leveraging the skills and experiences gained over the years. I want my journey to inspire others to recognize their own unique skill sets and utilize them to pursue their dreams. I firmly believe in continuous learning and the idea that every role can serve as a stepping stone toward achieving our ultimate goals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been a result of a few key factors. First and foremost, integrity and grit have played a significant role. I have always held a deep appreciation for people, and this mindset of cherishing others guides my actions and decisions. I prioritize being honest, transparent, and genuine in all my interactions, which has earned the trust and respect of those I work with.

Solid work ethic has also been instrumental in shaping my reputation. We hold ourselves to a high standard and make sure to deliver on our promises. This commitment to follow through and consistently exceed expectations resonates strongly with our clients. They have come to rely on our dedication and appreciate the quality of our work.

The power of referrals cannot be overstated when it comes to establishing a strong reputation. Many of our clients have come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations. This acts as a testament to the results we have achieved and the trust we have fostered. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and the positive experiences of our clients have served as a powerful endorsement of our capabilities.

In summary, my reputation within the market has been built on the foundation of integrity, grit, and a genuine appreciation for people. By consistently upholding these values, maintaining a strong work ethic, and delivering exceptional results, I have earned the trust and loyalty of our clients. Referrals have played a significant role in solidifying our reputation, as they serve as tangible evidence of our ability to exceed expectations.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

We attend tradeshows and have in-person meetings with our partners/clients. This could be done via email, or on the phone — but it isn’t the same as face-to-face interaction. We value people and interaction, it’s where you gain trust and build relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ecomstrong.com