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

Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
This is easy—it’s me being me! I’m 100% myself with all of my clients. People often tell me how kind I am, and I strive to be approachable and welcoming. Anyone can find a smiling face when they come to me. I don’t push sales—if they want it, they’ll buy it. If they don’t understand, I explain things in a charismatic and clear way. I’m genuinely happy just knowing they took the time to check out my little business.

I love getting to know my clients and building relationships with them. Whether I see them at other events or the grocery store, I may not always remember their names, but I’ll say, “Hey, you’ve gotten linked by me!” or “You look so familiar, where have I seen you before?” It’s important to acknowledge the people who support you.

Lastly, when I find out someone’s birthday, I immediately put it in my calendar and make sure to wish them a happy birthday when the day arrives. It’s the little things that mean the most.

Almost all of my clients tell me these are the reasons why they choose Lenni’s Links every time!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I worked for a large food service distributor for nearly 10 years, starting in sales and transitioning to marketing. My passion for understanding why people think the way they do and how companies operate from the ground up has driven my career. I’m not afraid to take risks or move both up and down the corporate ladder, always finding value in each experience. This mindset has significantly contributed to my success.

When I first jumped into sales, I had no experience with cold calling or selling, but my strong sense of integrity and commitment to authenticity guided me. I believe that challenges are opportunities, and no matter how tough a situation gets, I persevere. This approach has made me stronger with each experience.

The same applied to marketing—I honestly had no clue what I was doing at first, but I was willing to admit that and took the necessary steps to learn. I leveraged my extensive sales knowledge and analytical skills in exchange for creative feedback and lessons in design. Before long, I was producing marketing materials as though I’d been doing it for years.

These experiences have been invaluable to my own business and continue to be a significant asset!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friends and I love to check out various dining experiences and take in the scenery along the way!

We’d start off with Dinner at Luna in Ada (the downtown location is great too, Ada is just closer to me!)
The next day we’d go have brunch and MudPenny, again in Ada.
Walk around, do some shopping…we’d probably drive all over Greater Grand Rapids to shop, honestly. We love gift shops like Pursuit, Rebel, The Found Cottage, etc.
We’d go back to my house, have a little wine, charcuterie, get some new links (of course!), and have a bonfire to cap off the day.
During the rest of the trip we’d hike around the Middleville/Hastings area, Hike and beach in Saugatuck. Check out some breweries along the way…more good food…
We’d check out some local bakeries, coffee shops, and just enjoy each others company!
I’m so lucky to have had many of my friends in my life for the last 10+ years. We love just sitting around, laughing and reminiscing. playing board games, anything.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest cheerleaders:
My family – They’re so incredibly supportive, even when I sometimes let my business take priority over family events.
My friends – They come to pop-ups whenever they can and host my business at any parties they are able. My friends are amazing and want Lenni’s Links to succeed just as much as I do!

Other small businesses whose owners have been cheering me on and mentoring me since day one:
Krohn + Co.
The Branded Bee Boutique & The Polished Bee
Main Street Vintage

Also – Every single one of my clients! I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: https://www.LennisLinks.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcdonell-bb82b95b

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

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