“I’ve spent most of my adult life in sales and marketing within the small business community, mostly in insurance/financial services and real estate industry.
In 2001 I joined the ranks of the “self-employed” by founding the first regional for-sale-by-owner real estate service located in Western Massachusetts. In its first full year, our sellers were able to save almost $1-million dollars in real estate commissions using our powerful print publication (Picket Fence Preview of Western Mass) and our website, MA4salebyowner.com. I wrote articles, held seminars, spoke at trade shows and did whatever I could to help educate consumers about choice. During the next few years the Internet exploded, changing the way buyers shopped for a new home. As the world-wide web expanded its capabilities, I adding virtual tours, photo galleries and mapping functionality to my websites. In 2008 our magazine was retired as I turned my attention to the growing use of email and social networking. I began using blogs as a way to enhance listings and added flat-fee MLS services to provide head-to-head exposure with listed properties on websites like Realtor.com.
In addition to my for-sale-by-owner marketing service, I began helping other small businesses and non-profit organizations with their marketing needs. It became clear that small “micro” businesses had limited financial access to ad/marketing agencies. Their “marketing department” often consisted of the over-worked business owner, their well-meaning but untrained family members, or secretarial staff.
The Internet was becoming a resource for companies who wanted to outsource general office work by hiring “virtual assistants” or VA’s. After some research I decided that I would offer “virtual marketing assistance” and Mass Marketing Resources was born!”
