We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Martinique recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brittany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started this business due to several issues I was having in a position with my previous employer. I unjustly did not receive a raise for two years, was overworked and underpaid, extremely stressed, was having anxiety attacks, and just wasn’t happy with the way I was being treated. This an unfortunate story many hardworking corporate employees can relate to.

As a result of that situation and COVID, I started to reevaluate and pursue other passions where I felt more fulfilled. And, one of those passions was helping people advance through business and career development. So, I started thinking about how can I use that to help people.

I thought, “how can I use both my 10+ years in corporate and higher education experience, along with all of my degrees to help others and solve for a problem they’re having?

Then I started to think about how family and friends would ask me to help them revise or create resumes and cover letters to secure new jobs, create LinkedIn Profiles, and help them with their interview skills. But, it wasn’t until my great-aunt who is legally blind asked me to help further develop her own non-profit that the idea of creating this business and career consulting agency clicked.

My aunt would ask me for help navigating and managing her Zoom conferences, creating business cards and websites, and writing grants, and so forth. Then it hit me! I started thinking about how many other small businesses and non-profits need this type of help and support and business development to get their businesses and organizations off the ground. I started thinking about how many people were like me. Working in unfulfilled and unrewarding positions, being mistreated, having a hard time being heard, and getting out of their job.

I started thinking about how my own black and brown communities could really use my services and support. I thought about how I could help underserved and disadvantaged groups and those struggling to create a better life for themselves and their families. I thought about how my services could help someone else’s dream come true and how it could be a starting point for helping people create generational wealth. And, that’s how BM Solutions, LLC., was born.

In my heart, I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because I could not only feel it in my spirit, but it was something I witnessed in my city. I knew too many people who were mistreated, discriminated against, or bullied at work. I knew too many people who couldn’t get business financing from their own banks, whom they had a great credit history and rapport with. I knew too many people that were still disadvantaged and didn’t have the knowledge, tools, or resources to successfully grow their businesses and careers. While there are people and organizations trying to help solve these problems, it’s still not enough. We still need more. So, I knew my business would work, because there was and still is a need.

However, it wasn’t until I created a five-figure business plan (which is one of my biggest services) for one of my clients which got approved, that I knew this business and what I was doing was making a difference. Of course, I had other clients and services that I helped support, but it wasn’t until that day that I realized this was it.

So, how am I different and what sets me apart from others? Simply put, there is no consulting agency that specializes in both business and career consulting in my area. There are business development centers at the universities and business or career coaches or consultants, but none do both. I just so happen to have a unique set of experience and education that qualifies me to do both. I’m also very hands-on with my clients. I not only support their needs, but I walk them through every step of the way, both advising and educating them. And, I’m very supportive and encouraging. I go to appointments with them to look at properties, pass out business cards, attend events, help with video content, etc. I pretty much support my clients in almost any way someone can think of. And my business plans are simply unmatched. Just ask my clients.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

By trade, I am a business professional hailing from Pittsburgh, PA. Throughout my career, I’ve acquired experienced within various management areas (Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Healthcare Management, Risk Management, and Financial Management) in both healthcare and financial services industries and have held both individual contributor and leadership roles.

Educationally, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s Certification in Project Management, as well as certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Scrum. All of which led me to pursue my Ph.D. in Business with a Finance specialization, and become a Business Professor. Overall, my combined corporate and higher education experience and academic education, along with the mistreatment I was receiving at work, helped me transition into my business and career consulting agency.

My business BM Solutons, LLC., is a cultivated business and career consulting agency that helps new and aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and career-driven professionals solve their toughest problems through actionable business solutions.

We discover, evaluate, and implement based on each client’s individual needs. Our focus is on:
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-Business and Career Development
-Business Plan Creation
-Problem Identification
-Change Initiation
-Branding and Marketing
-Strategy Creation and Development
-Teaching and Training
-Streamlining Operations

Overall, I am most proud of making it one year in business and not only meeting my first year’s goals but surpassing them! I’m proud of the work I’m doing in my community and proud of myself for taking that huge leap of faith to follow my calling.

Anyone who comes across my business and considers working with me should know that I will be one of your biggest supporters, I don’t waste your time, and I’m dedicated to holding you accountable to achieveing and accomplishing your goals.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I decided to start my business, I was out of touch with social media. Sure, I had Facebook and Instagram, but that was the extent of it. I didn’t have Twitter. I had a SnapChat but never used and still don’t. And, I had a TikTok but I didn’t really use that either. In fact, I was so out of touch, that I was surprised to discover, upon my reemergence that Instagram wasn’t all about posting pictures anymore. Social media had transitioned and transformed into a platform of videos where users want to see your face, what you’re doing all the time, waterfalls, cute animals, and reels. I mean, I was prepared for IG TV, but not all of that.

So, that was a huge adjustment for me! I had to learn this new social media world and learn how to get comfortable getting on video in front of people who hadn’t seen me in a while, as well as tons of new users that I was trying to market and sell myself to.

If I could give any advice to new business owners or entrepreneurs that have new businesses and are looking to grow them on social media, I would say: 1) be confident, 2) be consistent, 3)know your audience, 4) determine what value you’re bringing to the table.

You can’t think about how your reels look dumb, how you look on camera, who’s laughing at you, what people think and say, etc. People will always have something to say, so you just have to go for it! Don’t let anyone deter you from your success and accomplishing your dream. When you post, get into a rhythm and stick to it. Inconsistency will get you kicked out of the algorithm, decrease your followers, and hinder your growth. Also, make sure you research your target audience and understand your ideal client or customer. And lastly, determine the value your business is going to display on social media. Ask yourself if your content is educational, relatable, entertaining, or inspiring.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what’s helping me build my reputation is brand awareness and networking. Because I’m a service-based business, the product I’m selling is not only my services but really myself. When you offer a service it’s extremely important to build and maintain good relationships with your clients and also other influential business owners and entrepreneurs both in and outside your field.

I also think it helps when I constantly share my brand on social media platforms through posts, stories, reels, and ads, as well as attending different vendor events. I love vendoring at events because most businesses are product-based and sell a physical product, but since I’m a service-based business there are fewer types of business there, which helps me stand out a bit more. Vendoring also helps me network because of the type of business I have, a lot of my ideal clients are the small businesses that are actually around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bmsconsulting.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bmsolutionsconsulting
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bmsolutionsconsulting

Image Credits
Darla Photography