Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie DuBois.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1997, as a marketing consultant primarily specializing in print design, I was asked to create an “online statement of qualification” for an engineering client. That was long before websites were industry-standard marketing tools. I took on the challenge and a high school student taught me to code my brochure idea on the web. I’ve never looked back as I absolutely loved web design.
Fast forward to 2017, we have come a long way from html coded websites, which were essentially text based brochures. I’ve built a lot of websites since that time! Having learned to create websites in software programs like Microsoft Visual InterDev and Dreamweaver, I think I kept pace with the changes in platforms because of the development of the content management system. Being first, and foremost, a marketing consultant, my expertise is in marketing and creating websites that are accurate reflections of my clients’ business. For me, that means less coding time and more marketing consulting and design.
While primarily focused on solopreneurs while raising my children, about three and a half years ago, I met my business partner, Chris. He has all kinds of ad agency level experience, having worked in film, advertising, business management for many years. He introduced business structure and many other innovations to our business which helped us to grow significantly. We began taking on larger projects and started collaborating with others to offer more extensive capabilities in marketing consulting, internet marketing and web design.
Growing the company has allowed me to get out into the local business community. It has also afforded me the opportunity for meeting lots of new business owners and speak on subjects I am passionate about. I have a great love for and commitment to small business owners as I believe they are crucial to economic stability. I have always been committed to helping people do what they do best and become more successful at it. It is the foundation of our business and what makes it a pleasure to walk into my office each morning!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest challenge over the 15 years before meeting my partner was trying to balance being a mother and having a business. I worked alone most of the time and only had a certain number of hours in my day. I functioned both in a sales and web development capacity, so when I’d get a project, I effectively would stop my marketing efforts to work on the project. Therefore, I was not always effective in keeping jobs in the pipeline. Plus, it was easy to get sidetracked with my home responsibilities.
Of course, once my children were old enough the parenting part of the challenge was not as much of an issue. But balancing the sales/development cycle was still a challenge. That is when I discovered the power of network marketing in the local community. Through joining chambers of commerce, and attending business to business networking meetings, and joining local business associations, I found a way to market my business without really “selling.” It has proved tremendously successful as I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge.
Another significant obstacle I had was valuing my abilities and time. As a woman, I believe I learned at an early age to give a lot of myself and not expect much in return. That needed to change if I was going to succeed in business. I learned to value my skills set and abilities and appreciate what I had to offer. Then I learned how to charge accordingly. Once I eliminated my own blocks to abundance, the doors for my business began to open significantly and the projects began to flow in.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Compass Marketing Creative – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Compass Marketing offers marketing solutions for business owners to include: web design, online marketing, social media, marketing consulting, print materials and more. Our creative team works with clients to establish or improve their marketing presence, enabling them to keep pace and surpass their competition.
Since 1997, we have been taking small business owners to the next level in marketing strategy. We get to know their business and help them crystallize their marketing and web design needs. We have found most business owners are busy doing what they do best. They are often aware that their marketing, web design and digital marketing effort needs help, yet often do not have the internal resources to address the situation. As an outsource “Chief Marketing Officer,” we help them get back on track.
Compass Marketing was founded on building long-lasting relationships, which we continue to do to this day. Our top priority is to nurture relationships with our client AND to build relationships between our clients and their customers.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are continuing to expand our business as we grow.
Contact Info:
- Address: 275 Harmony Lake Drive, Canton, GA 30115
- Website: https://www.compass-marketing.com
- Phone: 770-312-1880
- Email: ddubois@compass-marketing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassmktg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassmarketingcreative/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebbieDuBoisCMG
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiesafferdubois/
Image Credit:
ddubois
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