Barb Upchurch is a marketing maven and small-business guru. She has worked in marketing and small-business development for more than 20 years, and has 10 years of experience with artists, designers, food entrepreneurs, and start-up businesses. Before launching Blueberry Marketing in 2001, she worked in marketing management roles for Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, Interim Personnel, Professional Agents Insurance Association, and Loot London. She also served as the Director of the Women’s Business Center in Richmond, Virginia.

Barb has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Her secret is to give practical, everyday advice that she has learned from years of experience, with a bit of fun included! Barb finds a way to see the funny is every situation, no matter how challenging. She educates on all facets of marketing and business strategy for entrepreneurs, and is available for workshops, keynotes and as a business coach … Barb is a marketing maven!

So…what can she do for you? At the end of the day, she makes businesses better by challenging them to think ahead, creating a plan that includes both smart decisions and profit. She uses her energy and enthusiasm to keep her audiences and clients motivated, while serving as a sounding board, resource, and cheerleader. She offers a variety of services for businesses at different levels, ready when you need it.

Barb is a member of the National Speakers Association and was the winner of the 2012 Virginia Speakers Idol competition. She is also a board member of River City Express Network and serves as the Parents’ Association President of Central Montessori School in Richmond, Virginia. She was named one of the Top 5 Most Inspiring People in 2012 by the Richmond Times Dispatch, Work It Richmond.

Barb is a huge fan of both London and New York, she loves a good laugh and was an improv comedian for two years. Barb now gets her kicks from running around with her husband, daughter and puppy Toto.

Seminar Topics:

• Secrets of Successful Creative Businesses. Selling in the real world!
• Barb's Marketing Boot Camp - Whip that business into shape
• So, You Want to be a Consultant? Marketing and pricing models for successful entrepreneurs.
• Branding YOU. Building your personal brand from the inside out.
• Have Your Cake & Eat It Too! Marketing and pricing models for food entrepreneurs.
• Marketing on a Shoestring. Marketing for non-profits with a (very!) limited budget!
• Workshops and keynotes can be created for a specific industry or event. 

Barbisms:  

“Do you run a business or have a hobby? It is a choice. At the end of the day, there are only two types of businesses, those that make money and those that don’t. Which one will you choose?”

“My job is to help clear away all the clutter and provide business and marketing philosophies that are easy to understand, implement and maintain, while having a bit of a fun!”

“Often in business and in life, we do what we like doing first, and put off the tasks we dread. Marketing can fall into the ‘dread’ category because no one is standing over you wondering why you did not tweet today. I help create a plan that allows you to compartmentalize your marketing, because at the end of the day, it’s not rocket science… it’s task work.”

“If you need a little motivation in life, change your hair color…or better yet, make up one that does not exist!”

“When you hit a wall, mix up Barbtini. It fixes all problems (well, at least temporarily!)”

“Don’t believe what your friends and family say about starting a business. They are speaking from their own experience, and usually they have none.”

“Speak to a professional about your business name. Coming up with names is fun, but you need to put in the research required to avoid getting sued! That’s when the fun ends.”

I like to have a little fun while speaking to creative businesses and entrepreneurs on the essentials. If your group needs a speaker on growing small business, I am your woman. The workshops I have created are based on 20 years of experience working with profit and non-profit businesses, and 11 years of coaching and consulting. My style is story driven and I lead by example, having learned many lessons the hard way… by trial and error. My unique experience resonates with audiences because I have walked in their shoes.