By Jessica Luther, ABEC'S SMALL BUSINESS REVIEW
http://abecsarchives.com/toledo-2/toledo-2010/2010-toledo-may/business-marketing-solutions/

Christine Brubaker’s story is one that is both common and also exceptional; after experiencing several lay-offs at companies that she had worked for diligently, she decided she had had enough.  In May 2009, she took the knowledge she had gained from previous jobs and funneled it into her own idea, Business Marketing Solutions.

“As an employee, the business you work for really has the upper hand,” she said.  “In the long term, they benefit more than you; as an entrepreneur you can take your great ideas and run with them.”

Growing up in Monroe, Michigan, Christine learned early on that self-reliance is key.  After her parents divorce, her mother worked a full-time job while taking care of three children; watching her struggle inspired Christine to make sure she could always provide for herself.  When it came time to attend college, Christine sent out resumes detailing her skills as a high school athlete to over 200 schools, using her talent as a runner to garner a scholarship to Northwood University.  She worked part-time, attended classes full-time and also ran for the school.  After switching her major, she took “minis”- weeklong classes that ran eight hours a day to catch up, as well as summer courses.  She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing management.

From there, Christine worked at several small businesses.  Her first job, with American Anhui Development, employed only five people, but Christine saw firsthand the benefits of being an entrepreneur.

“My boss was very generous with his employees, and also lived very well,” she remembered.  “I wanted to live well, too; that was my first inclination I might like to own my own business.”

Her next job was in research at a small company in Ann Arbor, and the following one was with a bigger firm where she worked in the accounting department.  Each company she worked with, from a power company to an engineering firm to a manufacturing business, taught her a little more.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been picking up pieces to the puzzle that would eventually lead to starting my own business,” Christine said.

After suffering through her third layoff, she decided to take her career options into her own hands.  She began Business Marketing Solutions, focusing on social media and traditional marketing to help small businesses develop a strategy.  After obtaining her LLC, Christine began networking and talking to other professionals in her industry.  She realized that even though social media marketing was growing everyday, with Facebook, Twitter and other advances, some companies were still better suited to work with traditional marketing techniques.

First, she began doing pro bono work with nonprofits, building a resume and reputation in the industry.  One focus of the business is training individuals and businesses how to use their Facebook page, Twitter account or LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and help brand themselves. She also provides social media training to individuals, businesses, and non-profits.  One client asked her to transition their Facebook profile into a Facebook page and move their friends over as fans for their business.  She will also create accounts on sites, monitor and maintain them, as well as blog and tweet for companies.

“Social media is growing, and some say that traditional marketing is dead,” she offered.  “But I see social media as just an additional tool in your marketingtoolbox when helping a company to grow.”

In that spirit, Christine said Business Marketing Solutions also helps small businesses prepare custom marketing strategies or plans and partners with people who can develop websites, provide website hosting and domains, flash animation, and do design work.  Her goal is to offer a full range of options for her clients.

“I noticed that there are so many small businesses without a social media or even traditional marketing strategy,” she said.  “I really opened this business to help them.”

If you found this story interesting, informative or inspiring please let Christine know! You may contact Business Marketing Solutions at 419-297-4481 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              419-297-4481      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, email brubakerc@accessbms.com, visit her website at www.accessbms.com, read her blogs at www.accessbms.wordpress.com, connect with her at www.Twitter.com/christineb212, www.Facebook.com/businessmarketingsolutions and www.Facebook.com/christine.brubaker1.