For Hire

Below is a list of my marketing, event, public relations and other related work experience.  

I am currently working under the name Game Plan Media.  

My LinkedIn profile is: MRSBENSON

In addition, I am also available "For Hire."  
Consider hiring Laura Benson for Consulting, Events, Media Buying, and Special Projects.  
.  
Previous Experience:

My previous experience includes various positions in the financial world, working in the stock market industry, and financial planning.  I also have experience with property and casualty insurance. These positions required a lot of attention to detail and customer service skills.

In 2003, I was Director of Operations for "The Business Card Exchange" a unique media placement advertising company.  I was responsible for all aspects of the business from soup to nuts.  From this experience, I was able to form companies of my own.

These min-billboards of business card advertisements showcased our customers to high-traffic locations throughout the Greater Orlando, FL area.  We have more than 60 locations, each with 30 unique advertising compartments.  We also provided custom design and call to action cards for our advertisers.  

We expanded our services to offer Face-2-Face Networking Events, Seminars, and other creative place-based media.

 

In 2007, I started my first company, "Media that Sells" helping other businesses gain exposure with Media Placement, Marketing, and Membership programs.  I have nine employees and numerous clients and customers in the Orlando, FL area.

Some of our advertisements were placed at Waterford Lakes Town Center, Orlando Metro Gymnastics, Stoneybrook Golf Course, Boardwalk Bowl, and YMCA Family Centers.

In 2007, I served as an ambassador for the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce; I assisted in selling chamber memberships, found sponsorship and advertising opportunities for members, and helped with event planning.  Additionally, I co-Led the Women on Wednesday chapter and co-Chaired the Membership Committee.

Beginning in 2009, I assisted the President of the Dr. Phillips Chamber of Commerce (Orlando, FL)  with membership sales and event sponsorship.  Additionally, I served on the Board and sat on the Dr. Phillips Medical Committee.  I had the privilege to coordinate the Chamber's Prestige Awards Gala.

 

In 2011, I started another company, "Game Plan Media"  to help small business owners, "Get on a Game Plan."  Offering Grassroots Marketing programs through public relations and promotions at community events.   

At Game Plan Media, "We showcase your business and coach you in a winning game plan!"

I added even more marketing programs to my previous experience, such as Movie of the Month, which was hosted by Regal Cinemas.  Another two movie programs were Baldwin Park's Movies in the Park and Avalon Park's Movies under the Stars.

PRESS:  An article written Insight Magazine was published August 25, 2014 (link)
http://www.insighteastorlando.com/business/business-profiles/the-extra-mile-business-of-the-month-game-plan-media/attachment/laura-burk/

One of my contracted Public Relations positions was with a large orthodontist in Orlando, FL, Lach Orthodontics.  I planned the marketing calendar and budget as well as all of the events.

One of my contracted Communication Specialist Positions was with The Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF)   MACF is a non-profit organization enhancing the manufacturing industry in Central Florida.
My responsibilities were to elevate the image of local manufacturing through plant tours/shop talks, workforce development, educational training and workshops, grant opportunities, supply chain assistance, and work with local and state legislators on issues facing Central Florida’s manufacturers. 

 

In 2015, I consulted with CMD Magazine and helped launch The Southeast Post newspaper in East Orlando.  I wrote articles and took photographs for the paper as well as sold advertising and worked closely with the graphic designer on layout and design.

After following my husband to Washington, DC for his military career, I completed my training as an Educational Instructor with Bertliz.  Working with Berlitz has helped me develop unique training skills and has allowed me the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world.  This position also helped improve my communication skills with non-native speakers.

In 2017, my husband became seriously ill; resulting in us moving to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, with me as his full-time military caregiver.

While caring for my husband, living full time on a military base, I became incredibly lonely for co-workers, a work purpose, even an opportunity to attend a networking event!  
I also missed working with positive female role models and leaders. So, I decided to reactivate my JAFRA consultant account.  Jafra has a special offer for military spouses, which helped me immensely during this time. 
Back in 1997, I was a District Manager, with Jafra Cosmetics International in Ramsey, Minnesota for over 7 years! 

From 2017-2019, together with two business partners, we developed a support local marketing program for neighborhoods all throughout the USA.   

And now .....I have come full circle back to Game Plan Media, where my passion is being that Grass Roots Girl!