David MacCoubrey’s infectious energy drives him to not only make his startup business a success, but give back to the community.
After starting Sirf Web Marketing Strategies about seven months ago, MacCoubrey has built a client base not only in Penticton but right across the country.
“I had been working and got laid off and I decided it was time to chase my dream,” said MacCoubrey, who worked with Community Futures to prepare a solid business plan.
Understanding how busy people are, Sirf can take care of a businesses marketing campaigns for them. From a logo, website or social media marketing campaign, Sirf takes an innovative approach to marketing and design to increase an online presence. All of this while rounding out traditional forms of marketing such as audio/video production, brochures, business cards and logo design. MacCoubrey said it is so important for business to have social media presence.
“You have to be on the social networks. Back in the ‘90s you had to have a website, today you have to be on there or you don’t exist. Having just a website anymore is not enough,” he advised.
It was through Community Futures that he met Dianne McEvoy of Falcon Business Services and Gregory Fuchs who owns Gregors Gourmet. The trio came together to form Giving Others A Boost, an organization that holds networking/fundraising events every two months. MacCoubrey helps with the media side of the events tapping into his major in media studies and minor in psychology from the University of New Brunswick and a digital communications course at New Brunswick Community College. The mandate of Giving Others A Boost is to provide exposure for entrepreneurs, small businesses and artists while working with local charities to not only give them a financial boost, but to showcase their cause. Previous events showcased the South Okanagan Women In Need Society, Gathering Grounds Café and the South Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association. For $20 per person guests can find out more about the charity and local business, have hors d’oeuvre prepared by a red seal chef, wine pairings and all the money goes to charity.
The last event, held on Jan. 24, featured entrepreneurs from around the Okanagan and Similkameen, Castor De Oreo Winery in Oliver, entertainment by Bob Shabaga and food prepared by Chef Roger Planiden
Giving Others A Boost was able to donate $380 to SOTRA, an organization that offers a safe learning environment for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities who would like to ride horses.
“We don’t want this to be a regular networking event, that is where we differ from business-after-business. We want everyone from the community to come. I think we have something good going here and we want to see it grow, so I hope people come out and support it because the money goes right back into the community,” said MacCoubrey.
Giving Others A Boost will hold their next event on March 27. The event will be in support of the Penticton and Area Women’s Centre.
Music for the night will be provided by Dr. Eclectic — singer/songwriter Allan Markin — and they are still looking for a featured winery and two more entrepreneurs.
For more information join them on Facebook, Twitter or visit their website www.givingothersaboost.com.