Many business owners don’t know where to start when streamlining processes and branding their business. This is where LaTonya Wallace-Conyers comes in with ALC Concepts, LLC.
The Williamsburg-based small business consultant analyzes her client’s operational procedures and provides a strategy to improve workflow efficiencies and streamline processes that increase revenue. Her client then decides whether or not to implement the plan themselves or hire her team to act on it.
From Business Owner to Consultant.
When she started her first business in 2009, a photography business, she didn’t know how to run an effective operation. The day-to-day tasks were a painful process, and there is often a shortage of time, even if you know what to do. She discovered other small businesses struggling with similar obstacles.
Since many owners are also one man or woman operations, they wind up doing everything themselves. “They’re working–sometimes seven days a week and don’t have time to ask for help,” says LaTonya. “I saw a need and knew I could help other businesses with what I was learning.”
In 2016, LaTonya’s brainstorming led to rebranding and a new company name, ALC Concepts, LLC.
Automation is Key to Saving Time.
LaTonya is a big believer in the automation of processes and says you should do it as much as possible to save time. An easy place to start is in onboarding clients. “So many businesses get traffic from their website, but during their initial call, they have to ask a series of questions,” says LaTonya. “We create electronic forms to collect that information during the website visit. You have those answers in hand when you make the call, so you can quickly start with the next step.”
Other easily automated processes are creating email templates, converting PDF documents to interactive forms, and invoicing. “Automating repetitive and day-to-day tasks like these can make a huge difference,” says LaTonya. “We also implement standard operations procedures for various tasks.”
Mobile Notary and Other Services:
Between her shift in business focus, LaTonya also began a notary business and this year marks the fifth anniversary of The Traveling Notary-VA, LLC. Her company services areas between Hampton and Richmond with approximately 60 appointments a month. Most appointments are for real estate closings and estate planning for those who appreciate the convenience of services at their location.
In addition to her business management services, she offers website design and photography [for branding] through ALC Concepts. She says, “Sometimes owners don’t realize the value of an online presence whether it’s a website or google business page. You need them to drive traffic.”
Occasionally, she has to convince a client to give her a shot but is happy to report that their feedback about the difference in results, once she can help, is always mind-blowing and inspiring.”
Connecting with Chesapeake in the community.
We met LaTonya through community partnerships. She was classmates with Amber Saloka, Manager of our Business Development team, in LEAD Greater Williamsburg. A non-profit that walks community members through various systems to foster leadership development and civic involvement. “Amber had so many wonderful things to say, and I loved how Chesapeake worked with small businesses,” she says.
She’s also come together with different team members on other initiatives in the community and currently serves on the board of Child Development Resources (CDR) with our Regional Executive, Leigh Houghland. (CDR is another local non-profit serving families with infants and toddlers in the community.)
Between these connections, she moved all of her accounts to us last year. “I liked what I saw, and Chesapeake has consistently impressed me, even now that I am a customer,” she says.
How about you?
Maybe you don’t own a business, but you have an idea that could supplement your income, and you’re unsure where to start. Whether it’s an existing or new venture, if you need help taking your ideas to the next step, ALC Concepts and Chesapeake Bank both have professional teams ready to serve you.
Contact ALC Concepts, LLC Contact Chesapeake Bank's Business Development Team