We recently connected with Cora Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Cora, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

I believe that customer service is not only important, but it is essential. One of the common misconceptions is that it has to be hard or super thought out, and that’s just not true. It can be a gesture as simple as having a warm greeting when someone enters your establishment or interacts with your business. I provide my clients with top-notch service, but I also take the time to not only listen to what they say but also listen for the things that they do not say. This gives me a much better idea about who they are which in turn, allows me to deliver a product that they love and that I can be proud of. Oftentimes, it is the small things that make all the difference. For example, because I’ve taken the time to get to know each client, when I know that a client is having a rough time, I send a card or a word of encouragement. In addition to that, each of my established clients receives a S2S (Stress to Structure) box. These boxes contain a mixture of items such as their favorite treats, personalized gifts, something homemade, and a self-care item.. It is vital that my clients know that I not only appreciate their business but also who they are as a person as well. Each client always tells me how much they appreciate them and they are always surprised because they never know when it is coming, but it always comes right on time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Hi, I’m Cora Williams! I’ve been able to turn my love of supporting and helping others into a business which has allowed me to follow my dreams. My clients call me the Solutions Strategist; I aid business owners in solving the concerns in their business through administration, research, project management, and so much more. I believe that S.O.P.s (Standard Operation Procedures) are a vital component of any business and, in fact, is the only way to successfully scale. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so I’ve helped family and friends with many aspects of their businesses, such as completing administrative tasks and creating a plan to help them achieve their goals. I started out working as an administrative assistant and project management; I have been able to evolve into a Strategist who can listen to the ideas and problems in the business and work with my clients to create a plan and opportunities to pursue their passions and dreams. My passion is to collaborate with small business owners to help them create and build their infrastructures to establish their businesses for success.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Wow, great question. My journey of resilience is a continuous one and it’s multifaceted. I suffer from a chronic illness which has allowed me to embrace a whole new philosophy on life. Over a decade ago, I was involved in an injury that could have taken my life but instead it has inspired me each day to live life to the fullest and adapt to my situation. My disability is invisible to the outside world; which sometimes makes it hard for people to understand me but it does not stop me from making my dreams come true. Things got a little more complicated when my son was diagnosed with autism. Those who have loved ones with such diagnosis often are told about the things that their loved one will not be able to accomplish. As my child looks at me, I understood what those thoughts can do to his mind. I can not allow those thoughts to be his reality. You know that old saying “I can show you better than I can tell you”? Well, the moment my son got that diagnosis was the moment that I realized that it was necessary for me to set the example. Each day, I push past boundaries, thoughts, roadblocks and obstacles that are in my way. I put in the work and rest when required. No longer am I embarrassed about the injury that happened to me but I embrace the journey that has led me to this day. It was my dream to show my son that anything is possible; and dreams come true when the work is put in. Resilience, if I’m being honest, is a continuous one, but it is worth it.

Any advice for managing a team?

To me, one of the most important parts of managing a team is maintaining a high morale and remembering that your team is full of people just like you. Life is happening to them the same as it is happening to you. Everyone appreciates a great job, a thank you, or even a simple how are you? (and mean it). I have learned that when your team knows and feels that you are invested in them, then they are willing to give their best. It is also important to set healthy boundaries and continually remind them of the company’s vision, mission, values, and culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jlcecompany.com
• Instagram: @JLCE_Company
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLCE.Company
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/70485092/admin/?edit=true

Image Credits
Holly D Photography