Read About Me - Trudy Van Buskirk ...

"If at first you don't succeed, welcome to the school that educated me."-Thomas Edison, inventor

It's very difficult to write something about yourself. Others always say things better. That's why I have testimonials all over my web site.

I asked people what I've done over the years and this is a summary of what they said about me.

Trudy Van Buskirk, founder of Smallbizbuilder is a small business coach and mentor, trainer, and author  ensuring that clients learn how to get the results they want.

In business for myself since 1980, I've used my education (BA and MEd) and experience as a teacher and have:

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  • co-created and built two companies from the ground up -a market development company in San Francisco that designed and produced national conferences and trade shows in the mobile and wireless industry (1994-1998), and one of the first Apple computer dealerships in Toronto (1980-89) (that's why I'm still a Macintosh user). Both were at the "bleeding edge" of technology.
  • consulted with small businesses and professionals on projects to review and revise company operating procedures including marketing strategies and programs, sales and service procedures, computer technology, and manufacturing, inventory control and distribution.
  • consulted, coached and mentored 100's of startup and existing small business owners in marketing their business online and offline.
  • developed and delivered training courses on a wide variety of topics for small business from strategic planning to marketing and sales.
  • given keynote addresses in Canada and internationally on networking (the human kind), marketing, entrepreneurship, and sales.
  • been a founding director of four associations for business and education in Canada and the U.S.
  • spent 8 years as a Special Education teacher in elementary schools in Ontario.

WHEW! I've done a lot, haven't I?

In 2005, I had multiple strokes which mean - for now - I talk "funny". People find me inspiring when they meet me in person or by phone and they do things a little differently and appreciate what they have - and can have. At any moment your life can change.

The strokes didn't affect my thinking or my positive attitude. They are, however the reason I do most of my work by email and not by speaking one-on-one or to groups. I have "re-packaged" myself". I still go to networking groups and stand up to introduce myself there!

So ......... I'm writing, finally. For years I've said that I would write down what I know and not just say it aloud. Ironically, I started this process before the strokes but they've MADE me do it now.

You can benefit from my past AND present experience, my knowledge, and the fact that I LOVE to learn - reading new books, listening to teleclasses and hearing and reading what others have to say. Your marketing will explode as you read of blogs, conferences, trade shows, signage, podcasting - both online and offline.

You will do your marketing easily and inexpensively with my "Forms Booklets" on the Products page of this web site.

Keep learning and as the title of my book suggests - Get Up And Get Going!!!! (coming out in 2009 so sign up for my ezine, Inspired Marketing if you want to know exactly when) .

My clients all agree that as an experienced entrepreneur, I:

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  • take an approach that is practical, realistic and focused on the bottom line.· have a passion for my work and my beliefs.
  • am highly motivating and inspiring ... and friendly, too!
  • take complex topics and make them simple.
  • am very organized - for anyone but especially for a marketer!