Meet Jayne Latz, President of Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC this week’s WE magazine for Woman in Business interview
Tell us about your business.
Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC, offers a wide variety of training programs to help business professionals improve their communication skills, and ultimately their business through highly effective communication training. Our team of professionals are corporate speech-language pathologists who have master’s degrees as well as certifications as accent reduction specialists. Our training programs include speech training for native and non-native English speakers, public speaking and business communication skills. Our goal is to provide the skills so that our Clients communicate with greater clarity and confidence and are able to impact and influence others in their daily communication.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner is exciting and dynamic, as no two days are the same, and owning my own company gives me the ability to hold my company to the highest standard, to ensure that all the work within the company support a particular client or brand. There is nothing better than hearing from a client post-training that we “exceeded expectations.” Owning my own company gives me the flexibility in scheduling as well as the creativity of ongoing design and implementation of new programs.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
When I first explored the idea of creating a corporate speech pathology business I joined an organization called CORSPAN (Corproate Speech Pathology Network) comprised of speech language pathologists that have entered the business world from the traditional hospital, school or academic setting. When I first joined there were several members that had been in the corporate arena for many years and they served as wonderful mentors. They were always there to support me. As such, I eventually was asked to join on the board where I served for four years (including the role of President) in order to give back to the organization.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment was definitely a double header in 2013 when I was featured in the Wall Street Journal and was then invited to The Today Show where I shared a couch with the entire Today Show crew!
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
As a business owner your job is never done. It looks much easier than it is, and in reality it is quite challenging and has its share of difficulties. However, hard work pays off and the triumphs (and seeing clients successes), certainly outweighs the trials. Owning your own business can be very rewarding.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
The most effective marketing initiatives and programs we have used to promote Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC, certainly tie back to all things technology-oriented. Email marketing and AdWords are very efficient. The key is to stay on top of it all, as it is constantly changing.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
To love what you do. The passion for your work will take you through the long days and nights.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
My greatest resources are the people on my team; my trainers are exceptional, my Webmaster is key, and my assistants are all invaluable. When you surround yourself and your business with a strong team, the benefits are profound.
Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.
The milestone is that we are 8 years old this month! It’s very exciting. We have many new projects in the works and we are printing our third edition of “Talking Business; When English is Your Second Language.” We are implementing improvements to our intensive 2-day training for non-native English speakers from around the country and the globe, and are overall expanding our company. Readers can stay involved in our enhancements and upcoming announcements via our newsletter.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
Now that spring has arrived I get on my bicycle and head to the golf course. As a New Yorker I am always going to see a Broadway show.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Build a new website in order to launch my professional speaking business. I am a member of National Speakers Association (NSA) and love professionally speaking. I want the second half of 2014 to build on what I have already done. Who wouldn’t benefit from learning to “Communicate with Greater Clarity and Confidence”?
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The sound of someone’s voice matters twice as much as the content of his or her message according to research reported in the Wall Street Journal. Studies have shown that a person’s speech patterns, including the quality of their voice, strongly influences how he or she is perceived. What many don’t realize is that you can change the way you sound. For those who speak too quickly or in a soft voice, the message can be lost. Additionally, if there is a strong accent (regional or foreign), the listener may have to work too hard to pay attention. Speaking effectively will enhance business relationships. Our goal at Corporate Speech Solutions is to transform communication skills in order to provide greater clarity and confidence in the way they impact and influence others.
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
To connect with us readers can go directly to our website at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com , or can email me directly at jayne@corporatespeechsolutions.com . We can also be found on Twitter at JayneCSS ; on LinkedIn, and on Facebook .
