Jillian Weston: A Visionary Digital Marketer Leading with Empathy and Relatability
Effective leadership is often measured by a leader’s ability to collaborate with their team and guide them toward outstanding results. It takes a unique skill set to teach and motivate people who may have different values, goals, and motivations. Successful leaders must relate to diverse individuals within their teams, fostering empathy and bringing out the best in everyone to drive organizational success.
Jillian Weston is one such leader who has mastered the art of relating to her team, which has allowed her to deliver remarkable results for both her organization and its clients. As the Owner and Founder of Jillian’s Circus, she has built a company that skillfully aligns clients’ goals with a broad range of online marketing tools, achieving extraordinary outcomes. 
Empowering Employees to Meet Client Needs
Jillian believes that the foundation of a successful digital marketing agency lies in creating a solid structure with appropriate pricing and service offerings, hiring motivated individuals with positive attitudes and natural talents, and then providing continuous education, support, and motivation. By consistently encouraging her team and keeping them updated on client needs, she ensures that her employees are always aligned with the goals of the clients they serve.
Staying Competitive Through a Strong Online Presence
Jillian emphasizes that digital marketing is essential for any business looking to reach its full potential. The return on investment in digital marketing is unparalleled, as it saves time and money by allowing businesses to operate globally without the expenses of a physical location. For instance, she points out that a boutique might invest $10,000 in an online website—far less than the costs associated with a brick-and-mortar location, which include rent, utilities, and staffing. Moreover, that website could remain effective for several years.
Another example she offers is the field of coaching. By offering lessons online as videos or through virtual sessions, coaches can reach more people, thereby increasing their earnings potential. In contrast, traditional methods like scheduling individual appointments or conducting in-person classes limit both time and audience size.
Even businesses that don’t directly sell products or services online benefit from maintaining a robust online presence. According to Jillian, this presence enhances opportunities for new business, strengthens customer loyalty, encourages repeat business and referrals, and keeps companies competitive. Few businesses achieve success without a well-executed digital marketing strategy.
Adapting to Unprecedented Challenges
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 presented significant challenges, but it also underscored the need for businesses to adapt to the digital era. Jillian notes that the pandemic revealed the importance of energetically selling goods and services online. Some industries suffered, while others thrived by adapting quickly to the changing landscape.
Jillian’s Circus responded by transitioning to remote work and helping both existing and new clients establish their online presence as quickly as possible. Jillian understands that business is cyclical—sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down, but the key is to remain adaptable.
Fostering a Positive Work Culture
For Jillian, maintaining a positive work environment is critical to organizational success. Jillian’s Circus goes beyond basic training, emphasizing the importance of inter-office relationships and collaboration. The company fosters a non-competitive environment, offers ongoing training and team meetings, and hosts several events annually for employees and clients. Celebrating each other’s successes and providing incentives for excellence are key components of the company culture.
Jillian is also adamant about maintaining a positive atmosphere, stating, “If there is even one negative Ned or Nancy in your office—get them out! Like right now—stop reading and fire them. If you’re the person who is negative, then you need to stop because it’s killing your business.”
Committing to Charitable Causes
Jillian would love to change how brands and people connect by reducing the skepticism often associated with sales. She believes that every business exists to fulfill a need, and if someone has something you need or want, it’s worth meeting with them to see if their offer makes sense. If it does, move forward; if not, thank them for their time and move on.
Building a Strong Foundation for Success
Jillian advises aspiring businesswomen to start by creating a strong foundation for their businesses. She encourages them to consider the entire customer journey, from first hearing about the business to working with it for many years. Everything from a professional website to how calls are answered and the experience when visiting the office should be consistent, professional, and branded.
Vision for the Future: Authority in Digital Marketing
Looking ahead, Jillian envisions establishing Jillian’s Circus as a leading authority in the digital marketing space. Her goals include championing digital advocacy and expanding her business rapidly over the next five years.
