Business Communications Group: On a Mission; Firm Grows Through Personal Service to Clients, Strong Community Service
Published 02-18-05
Submitted by Business Communications Group
SACRAMENTO, CA - For a growing number of firms in Sacramento, there is one person to call for help with gaining visibility: Rebekah Donaldson of Business Communications Group LLC. "When it comes to raising our profile with decision-makers, Rebekah Donaldson is my go-to person," says Nicolette Bautista of WEAVE. "She gets us face to face meetings with key decision makers -- and it's in those meetings that great things happen."
2004 was another good year for Donaldson, a business communicator working for companies in business-to-business markets. For a decade she has collaborated with top national companies, local firms, philanthropic organizations, and other companies in the marketing business. "I help other executives and business owners working in business services fields attract better opportunities," she says. She also uses her Rolodex to help clients make the connections that can generate new business, better partnerships, top talent, more capital, and other opportunities.
In 2004, the company grew revenue by 30%, substantially increased the average size of each engagement, and donated 145 hours to 2 area nonprofits. In 2003, it saw revenue growth of 500%, added 4 new clients, and donated 70 hours to 6 area nonprofits. It launched in October 2002. On January 29th, Business Communications Group changed from sole proprietorship to limited liability company.
"Next year -- and in 10 years -- I want to personally serve about one dozen clients," Donaldson explains. "I know that doesn't jive with the conventional PR agency business model -- which calls for expansion by hiring account managers. To me, personally providing services is the only way to ensure my clients get exactly what they need."
Whether she is guiding an executive team through marketing planning or her trademark Public Message Workshop, Donaldson is giving Sacramento clients a marketing makeover. Highlights from 2004 include:
When the Sacramento Council of AeA (the nation's largest technology trade association, representing 3,000 U.S. technology companies) wanted to expand its public relations and marketing activities, Business Communications Group was asked to help. "Our newsletter is one area where Rebekah has contributed greatly. The content quality has gone up, helping us more effectively communicate with our members and attracting more active readers," said Nancy Frank, Executive Director. "In addition, BizComGrp provided our members an excellent seminar on leveraging media relations to increase company visibility and sales activity. I value Rebekah's insights and strategic approach to effective communications."
When the elite market research industry firm EMH Opinion Sampling needed to take their marketing to the next level, BizComGrp surveyed the field, delivered powerful new language to describe its stature and specialties, and set up an action-packed tactical marketing plan. Says EMH chief executive officer Elaine Hoffman, who co-founded EMH fourteen years ago, "I was impressed with Business Communications Group's ability to listen and understand our market opportunity." Market researchers such as EMH collect the data that informs decision-making in business, legislatures, public sector agencies, and in political contexts.
When Crescent Systems, a third party electronic payment solutions provider, wanted to overhaul their main marketing communications tool -- their web site -- the company hired long-time collaborators Shelli Ryan and Rebekah Donaldson to tackle the job. "They saw where we were and where we needed to be," says Kathy Noorgard, chief executive officer of Crescent Systems. "Now our public message clearly conveys our strengths and successes."
When Griffin & Associates, California's preeminent health policy lobbying firm, wanted to ramp up its marketing efforts, BizComGrp got their vote. "Before, I gained business through word of mouth only. Now, with Rebekah's help, we can get the word out about what we do best, to a broader audience," said Mary Griffin, founder.
When a midsize Sacramento company wanted to locate new national editorial coverage opportunities in 2004, BizComGrp got the call -- and within weeks delivered leads. "We would like to keep BizComGrp as our secret weapon," says this client. "They know our industry so are quick off the mark."
When Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) needed to raise money to continue sheltering battered women and their children, Donaldson suggested building stronger relationships with more regional companies. She helped WEAVE to launch a campaign called Plant Hope, and to begin a relationship with local home builder JTS Communities. JTS has since become a significant contributor. Bautista first hired Donaldson in 2003 to help plan the group's marketing and public relations efforts.
Donaldson sees community service as integral to her responsible-growth approach. "My approach is to try to help a few nonprofits become a bit more self-sufficient -- by marketing themselves more effectively," says Donaldson.
In 2002 she started the Business Communications Group Nonprofit Assistance Program where she gives pro bono advice to Sacramento nonprofits with a public health or health services focus. Since the launch in February 2003, BizComGrp has donated 215 hours or about $32,000-$35,000 worth of free help to advise 8 regional groups including Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE), Sacramento County Division of Public Health, Next Generation Tobacco Control Alliance, El Dorado County Department of Public Health, and American Red Cross Sacramento-Sierra Chapter.
Today Donaldson announced the expansion of the Business Communications Group Nonprofit Assistance Program. During March 2004 the firm is taking nominations via email to RebekahDonaldson@bizcomgrp.com, and will be selecting 4 local public health nonprofits to receive 20 hours each of free marketing services in 2005. This year, Donaldson will focus her donated time on helping nonprofits and local companies and regional foundations create win-win relationships. "From what I see, most corporate and foundation giving in Sacramento is invisible to Sacramentans," Donaldson said. Donaldson started her career in the nonprofit sector, worked exclusively in the corporate world for years, and now serves -- and helps to connect -- clients in both sectors.
She will also announce in March a new series of seminars designed to help nonprofit executives market more effectively. The net proceeds of the seminars, estimated to total between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on turnout, will be donated to WEAVE. The seminar schedule will be published in March 2004 at www.bizcomgrp.com and in the company's monthly email newsletter Reputation.
About Business Communications Group LLC (BizComGrp)
Business Communications Group helps clients in business services fields -- and particularly technology, health, financial, and marketing sector companies -- increase their competitive edge through channel marketing (including public relations) and direct contact with prospects. The company is headquartered in Sacramento, California.
