Who Is J&M?

First of all, there is no M. M was my partner for several years who finally decided to retire and do all the fun things she had always wanted to do. So the J stands alone.

And, what about J? I am passionate about helping people use effective and ethical techniques to marketing their businesses. I am not the kind of marketer who can give you the latest statistic on the open rate for emails sent on Wednesday mornings (although I know where to find it) nor do I have Oprah on my Rolodex.

My expertise is in being able to talk to business owners, help them understand who their buyers are and what will attract those buyers and develop creative, cost-effective ways to reach these buyers. Every business is different, and every business owner is different. I enjoy the creative process working with clients on traditional or online marketing—and I especially enjoy watching their businesses thrive!

I am a certified Business Advisor with the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center, a Certified NxLevel Instructor, a Certified Customer Service Academy Trainer and a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach.

The Long and Winding Road

I used to be jealous of people who started out in life and knew exactly what they “wanted to be.” My brother is one of those. He is a musician. But, he did not choose music, it chose him. There was never any doubt that he would be a drummer. Those sagging chair arms in our living room were an early sign.

I never had that singular vision, that call from a muse. Instead, I rambled around with a variety of jobs and pseudo-careers. But now, looking back I see there was a plan after all. It was just a path that can only be seen in hindsight.

What I Was Hired To Do

What I Learned

Develop and manage a sensory evaluation lab for Diamond Walnut Growers

That working in a lab with only occasional people contact was not the dream job I thought it would be. How to set up and execute a focus group. How many people rally dislike lamb!

Push numbers around as an accountant for OCLI

I really could enjoy the foot, tick and track of accounting. I need variety in my job to be happy. Creating accrual journal entries each month, only to reverse them the following month, was too discouraging for me.

Support (hotline support, training, sales demos, development) financial modules in an Enterprise Resource Management software application.

I really do enjoy teaching. Teaching software is a talent I didn’t know I had. Software can be a puzzle, and I love puzzles. Helping people solve their software issues was almost too much fun to be called a job.

Provide product marketing and customer relations support for Computer Associates

Getting bought by a software giant is no fun. Trade shows are exhilarating and exhausting. Loyal customers are invaluable. An unhappy customer can turn out to be your best supporter. Creativity beats money when it comes to marketing. Stand by your ethics even if it means quitting your job.

Doing everything for J&M Marketing

The flexibility of being your own boss is great—but there is nobody to blame when your office is a mess!

Counseling small business owners on marketing and Web development at the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center

I love working with small business owners. The best diet secret: Get involved with solving someone’s business problem and you don’t have time to eat! I am finally doing what I was meant to do—using my experience to help others improve their businesses through better marketing.