From Laid Off to Thriving
A Case Study
Shonda had spent years as a brand manager for a successful retail business. She was good at her job—really good. But when she was laid off, she found herself in a tough spot. After six months of searching for a new job with no luck, Shonda decided to take a leap of faith and start her own brand agency.
The Challenge
Shonda was a branding expert, but she wasn’t as confident when it came to the administrative and tech side of running a business. She needed help setting up systems, building a website, and creating processes that would allow her to focus on what she did best: helping her clients build their brands.
The Solution
Shonda started by meeting with our Operator to delve into her situation and what she needed. Together, they explored her goals, challenges, and budget. After understanding her unique needs, we presented her with options for how we could help. Shonda was able to choose the option that worked best for her—a combination of an online business manager (OBM) and a web designer.
Why an OBM Was the Right Choice:
An OBM is like a behind-the-scenes business partner. They handle the operational side of things—creating systems, streamlining processes, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. For Shonda, this was the perfect fit. Shonda’s OBM took the time to understand her preferences and the systems she was already familiar with from her previous job. Together, they created simple, customized procedures that Shonda could easily manage herself on a daily basis.
Next, we oversaw the building of Shonda’s website. We connected her with an experienced web designer who understood her vision and could bring it to life. The result was a sleek, professional site that showcased Shonda’s expertise and made it easy for potential clients to get in touch.
Finally, we provided ongoing support to help Shonda stay on track as her business grew.
The Results
Within six months, Shonda’s business was thriving, due to all the time she saved by bringing in Great Lakes Admin, instead of troubleshooting on her own. She had not only matched her old income but also built a brand agency she could be proud of.
Sometimes, the biggest barrier to success isn’t a lack of skill or passion—it’s the fear of the unknown. By bringing in the right support, Shonda was able to turn her expertise into a thriving business.
For Shonda, that meant finding a partner who could handle the details so she could focus on what she does best: helping her clients build their brands.