Meet Leslie Taylor | Profitability Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Mainly, I started my business because I always wanted to own my own business. I finally made the move because 1. I was tired of building other people’s businesses, jockeying for a seat at the “table.” I wanted to build my own table after 20 years in corporate America. I wanted to be my own boss. I no longer wanted to report to anyone else.

2. I wanted the flexibility and control of my time that owning a business could give me. Now, I was not under the delusion that I would have more time, or that it wouldn’t be hard early on. However, I do have flexibility. That means I can work the hours I want as long as I get the work done. I can work where I want, as long as I get the work done.

3. Next, I wanted a business that had high margins and low expenses. The financial services industry has some of the highest margins. That means the amount you get to keep after expenses are paid is higher that most other business models or types.

4. Finally, I did my research and identified a significant need in the market. Not only was there a need, but the market size (potential clients/students) was very large.

What should our readers know about your business?

I help consultants, creatives, coaches and other service providers maximize their potential for profitability. This is what sets us apart. Financial mismanagement or lack of cash flow is one of the main reasons small businesses fail. In addition, many small businesses don’t have financial reports, don’t understand their numbers, don’t manage their cash flow, and make business decisions based on emotion and hunches. In my experience, even small businesses that have accountants, CPAs, and bookkeepers come up short in these areas. So, I saw an obvious need and opportunity to serve.

At LTA, we go beyond just counting the beans (I do know the beans need to be counted). We believe strongly that it is not enough to just have “books.” We believe that using the information to make informed and proactive decisions is one of the best ways to attain and maintain profitability.

We provide tracking, analysis, budgeting/forecasting, interpretation, education, and advising. We help our clients understand the health and profitability of their businesses then educate and equip them with the tools, information, strategy, and structures they need to view their companies through a CEO lens, enabling them to maximize profits and streamline how they do what they do every day. 

In addition to all that, I conduct online courses.  My course will be launching again in August.  The Profit Guide is a blueprint for building a profitable business that teaches students to view their business’s finances with confidence, think and make decisions like a CEO, while intentionally building the lifestyle of their dreams.      

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Breakfasts:  Thumbs Up Diner, Buttermilk Kitchen, or Serpas

Iwi Fresh Spa for a massage, manicure and pedicure
Local attractions:  High Museum of Art, Georgia Aquarium, Civil Rights Museum, Ponce City Market

Lunch/ Dinner:  South City Kitchen, Bar Taco, Heirloom BBQ, Flower Child, Slutty Vegan, Pappadeaux’s or  Serpas

Concert at Chastain Ampitheater or Cobb Energy Center
Movies at the house – Netflix or HBO max or Disney+

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Rachel Donnelly – Black Dress Consultants.  Her business provides a much-needed service and awareness around preparing ourselves and our legacies for the future.  https://www.blackdressconsultants.com/

Brittany Love – Free Birds Vegan Kitchen – Brittany teaches everyday people how to make an easier transition to vegan utilizing her vast culinary knowledge (= yummy recipes) and her own vegan journey https://www.facebook.com/freebirdsvegankitchen/ https://www.instagram.com/freebirdsvegankitchen/

Website: https://ltaylorassociates.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelesliet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliertaylor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLeslieT

Other: 5 Missteps That Limit Your Business’s Profitability (and what do do about it) – https://bit.ly/LTA5MisstepsGuide

Image Credits
Katie Clarke Photography