At The Allyson Group, we help social enterprises and other mission-driven businesses develop highly effective digital content that separates them from the crowd, elevates their brands and thought leadership, and attracts more of the right people.
I spent over 20 years in corporate communications as a writer, media relations manager, and communications director, responsible for communications to audiences that included media, employees, customers, shareholders, and legislators.
The Allyson Group existed as a side hustle for many years while I worked those day jobs. I started it the year my second child was born when I got laid off and didn’t have a Plan B. Deciding I’d never be caught flat-footed again, from that day forward I maintained private clients.
Back then, we produced “word-processed” business communications, for example, company brochures, sales and marketing collateral, and press releases. The internet was nascent – being developed at the universities but not yet available to the average consumer. With the “personal” computer, new worlds opened up. We were there. And we’re still here.
Today we are a team of writers and business strategists. We bring multicultural perspectives from an ethnically-, nationality-, and age-diverse team. We are seasoned, independent professionals from the fields of journalism and publishing, grant writing and nonprofit service delivery, IT, and project management.
We are a woman-owned, minority-owned small business enterprise based in the Washington, D.C. – Baltimore, Md. corridor.
OUR SERVICES
We serve social enterprises and other impact-focused businesses. We help them conceive, plan, and develop original, branded digital content – so they maintain strategic focus, publish consistently, and optimize their content for search engines.
We partner with other businesses to offer additional communications services like search engine optimization (SEO), photography, videography, graphic design, and more. These services are for established clients, who trust us to provide complete “done for you” solutions.
NAICS/SIC CODES
541613: Marketing Consulting Services
8742: Management Consulting Services
WHO WE’D LIKE TO MEET
Right now, we’d like to meet one or more seasoned business development professionals who can help us develop a partnership strategy with nature- and environment-based nonprofits. If they can also manage these relationships as account executives, they will be worth their weight in gold, and we would love an introduction!
Also, we are always happy to meet entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses from sole proprietorships into value-laden organizations that employ other people and are positioning themselves for steady growth. It’s at that point we can help them with a robust digital content strategy – to communicate their value proposition and help establish a strong, public brand.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESOURCES WE’VE USED
I have been a longtime client of the Maryland Women’s Business Center in Rockville (and, occasionally, the Bowie center). I found them to be a priceless resource as I was heading into full-time entrepreneurship. I learned from them to put together an effective business plan (an 8-week course). They assigned me a coach (my first), and I’ve always felt they are a resource that I can reach back out to at any time. Years later, I still have friends over there.
I am also a fan of the Maryland Black Chamber. Their educational resources are exceptional, and the members are generous mentors to other members. They offer a ground-level Business Academy that runs for a calendar year. The year-long course is practically free for Chamber members, and for any startup business, it would be an excellent use of time.
My advice to businesses just starting up is to FOCUS on a primary offer. Don’t blast the market with all your talents at once. It’s confusing – and a confused mind always says “no!” I made this mistake and I see many others making it too. My advice: Start narrow. Gain traction. Become known for your one thing. Then, and only then, branch out.
I think MoCo is an excellent place to start a small business because there are tons of resources to help you find your way. The BBD is just one of them. See you out there! And good luck.
