Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marlayna (Marley) LeClair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marlayna (Marley), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

A strong will, business acumen, common sense, deductive reasoning, people skills, perseverance, and the ability to eliminate the word “no” from one’s vocabulary, and a constant lack of sleep are essential attributes for running a successful business.

All humor aside, these qualities are crucial for business management, except for the lack of sleep, which I do not recommend.

Success is measured by the time invested in honing one’s skills. The more time dedicated to skill development, the greater the success. Consider an expert in any field; they must work 20,000 to 25,000 hours to achieve such a level of expertise. In some professions, this period is even longer. It is important not to become frustrated if success does not come easily. As a Business Strategist, I can often recite laws and procedures from memory. While many view this as an impressive skill, it took me 20 years to master the art of owning and managing multiple companies simultaneously.

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.

Among my four siblings, I was the one my parents worried about the most. Despite my self-perception as a great kid, my family’s concern stemmed from my lack of ambition and uncertainty about my future.

In high school and college, sports dominated my life. I participated in basketball, volleyball, soccer (which I introduced to my high school by organizing a petition), and softball, with aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, dreaming of playing in the WNBA someday.

Unbeknownst to me, destiny had other plans for my athletic career.

After college, where I majored in Criminal Justice, I aspired to become an Air Marshal, influenced by the events of 9/11 during my freshman year in college. However, fate steered me towards becoming a Juvenile Corrections Officer. This role ignited a passion for working with at-risk youth, a commitment I maintain to this day.

One day, a chance encounter with a woman who asked if I had ever played rugby would change my life. At 19, I attended a tryout, marking the beginning of a successful rugby career. I played for teams such as the U23 All American Team and the National Team, even trying out for the Olympic Rugby Team.

Despite a promising career in law enforcement and rugby, my dreams were shattered when I broke my ankle while working in corrections, necessitating reconstructive surgery. This injury dramatically altered my life’s course.

At 24, with my rugby career nearing its end due to multiple injuries, including eight reconstructive surgeries to date. Despite the challenges of my many surgeries, I have no regrets about my journey. Because it’s the injuries that would spark the change.

These experiences taught me that we all have a purpose, and sometimes, we must navigate through one phase to reach the essence of another. Corrections and rugby were not my ultimate purpose, but they shaped me for what was to come.

After healing, I returned to my hometown of San Diego, California, and decided to pursue further education. I chose to major in Veterinary Medicine, a field that revealed my true intellectual potential, evidenced by my 4.2 GPA.

Veterinary Medicine provided a comprehensive medical education, equipping me with skills in various medical procedures. This knowledge, combined with my personal experience with sports injuries, led me to launch a Natural Pain Management Company.

Our products have gained traction with professional sports teams and athletes to date.

Today, I co-own three companies: Good Ol’ Boys LLC.com, Buzz Screens, and ShopLocal.Buzz. Additionally, I serve as a Business Strategist for Larimer County SBDC (Small Business Development Center), coach at-risk youth, and work as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Colorado Spartans Professional Arena Football Team.

I could not do what I do without the love and support of my business partners, and as Walt Disney famously said, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My advice for building a business profile recognizes that social media is an essential aspect of modern business, despite its complexities. Navigating social media can be challenging if one is not immersed in it daily.

As a Business Strategist, among my various responsibilities, I guide my clients in establishing their social media presence. Here are the steps I recommend:

1. Create Facebook and Instagram Business Pages: Ensure these pages are connected to your personal profile. A common mistake is avoiding this connection, but it is crucial as Facebook may deactivate your business profile if it is not linked to a personal account.

2. Develop Your Profile Page: Create a collage of pictures for your header if you offer products. For the profile picture, upload an image of your logo or a professional headshot.

3. Join Relevant Facebook Groups: Participate in up to 50 local groups that align with your target demographic.

4. Write Educational Articles: Regularly produce and share educational articles relevant to your business. Ensure the content is intentional, relatable, and follows seasonal trends. Share these articles in the groups you have joined.

These steps form the foundation for setting up a professional business profile on social media.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

The three most common ways to maintain high morale in the workplace are:

1. Effective Communication: Open, honest, and transparent communication fosters trust and ensures that employees feel heard and valued. Regular updates, feedback sessions, and an open-door policy can help maintain a positive atmosphere.

2. Recognition and Reward: Acknowledging employees’ hard work and achievements boosts morale and motivation. Implementing recognition programs, providing bonuses, or simply offering verbal praise can make employees feel appreciated.

3. Professional Development Opportunities: Investing in employees’ growth and development through training, workshops, and career advancement opportunities shows that the organization values their long-term success, thereby enhancing their engagement and satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: GoodOlBoysLLC.com, BuzzScreens.Com, ShopLocal.buzz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/good.ol.boysllc?igsh=YWY1OTNiYWY4dHJu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodolboysCBD?mibextid=ZbWKwL – https://www.facebook.com/BuzzScreens?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/GP-MLxRBzOY?si=DwPAeBSllGzqDLI4