Emily Harubin

I care. That's why I've succeeded. I care about the people I work with, the clarity of the work, and the real impact it has on their business. I listen first, understand what they're actually facing, and meet them where they are.

Empathy is one of BBMS's core values because good marketing starts with seeing people clearly. When you understand someone's needs, pressures, and goals, you can help them make smarter decisions and move forward with confidence. Caring keeps me steady, thoughtful and consistent — and it's why clients trust me to guide their marketing with intention.

"Under-promise and over-deliver."

First day of marketing class at Elmira College — and I've carried it with me every single day for nearly twenty years. It's cliché, sure, but it works. It taught me to be realistic about what I can deliver and then let the quality of the work speak for itself. No inflated promises, no overselling — just honest scoping and exceptional execution. That's how I've built trust throughout my career, and it's the foundation of how BBMS operates: clear expectations, transparent pricing, fixed timelines, and work that consistently exceeds what clients thought they were getting.

Trust your voice and listen to your gut.

You don't need to be the loudest person in the room to be the one people rely on. Listen closely, ask questions when something doesn't make sense, and don't be afraid to say, "I need clarity." If something feels off, it probably is — trust that instinct. Marketing is built on understanding people, not pretending to know everything.

Give yourself permission to slow down, think deeply, and choose intention over speed. You'll do your best work when you stay curious, stay steady, and stay true to how you operate — not how you think you're supposed to.

And most importantly: surround yourself with people who see your perspective as valuable, not noise. Your instincts, empathy, and clarity are strengths — not weaknesses to apologize for.

The biggest challenge is helping small businesses and nonprofits see marketing as a strategic investment, not a cost center — especially in uncertain economic times. They know they need marketing, but they're scared to commit budget without guaranteed ROI. The opportunity is that there's massive demand for fractional leadership an interim support. Organizations are between hires, in transition, or simply can't justify a full-time CMO. They need senior-level thinking without the overhead, and they're finally realizing that boutique consultants can deliver what agencies can't: personal attention, strategic clarity, and honest guidance without the bloat.

I care about communicating honestly, listening closely, and showing up consistently — whether that's meeting deadlines, telling clients hard truths, or being present for the people I care about.

The values that guide me are empathy, clarity, integrity, and consistency. Empathy helps me see what people actually need, not just what they ask for. Clarity helps me communicate without confusion. Integrity means I don't oversell or overpromise. And consistency means you get the same person every time, not just when things are easy.

These shape everything — from how I scope projects to how I show up in my personal relationships.