Deborah Schwartz Griffin

Executive VP of Business Development

Connector, Rainmaker, Deal Maker

Do you want to grow your business and generate more revenue? The successful entrepreneur and business leader seeks wisdom from an established coach who specializes in strategic business development. It’s essential that you secure a respected leader – an industry expert who is well connected in the wider business community.

Deborah Schwartz Griffin speaks about the value of BCN from Deborah Schwartz Griffin on Vimeo.

 

Connecting People to People and Ideas to Results

I’m Deborah Schwartz Griffin, President & Founder of Creative Connector, and tactical consultant for entrepreneurs, business leaders, organizations, and corporations. I bring more than 25 years of experience helping businesses increase sales and ROI through connecting people to people and ideas to results.

 You need to reach decision makers who can impact your success. Let me help your business thrive by broadening your sphere of influence and driving ROI. I practice this daily in my roles as Executive Vice President of The Business Community Network; Vice President of Strategic Business Development, Partnerships & Alliances for the Consumers Choice Award and Out of the Blue Gifts, LLC; and in my work across multiple industries, including:

• Restaurants and Franchises
• Foodservice
• Hospitality
• Business Advisory Accounting
• Finance and Operations

Holistic Approach = Satisfied Clients

 I take a genuine, holistic approach with my clients, listening and learning about your challenges, passions, and priorities. My organization skills and attention to detail bring a laser focus to developing your strategic plan. I help you better identify your target audience and share your story in a way that resonates with them. I make time to get to know you and experience your business so you’ll trust me to represent you well.

Successes:

Creative Approach

Helped with successful launch of Atlanta location; created and executed business development, sales, marketing, and strategic networking plans – generating many new customers

Georgia Restaurant Association

Developed strategy for growth to recruit and retain members, doubling revenue and increasing membership tenfold

 Women’s Foodservice Forum

Retained existing partnerships and generated new business resulting in more than $100,000 in revenue

 Trusted CFO Solutions

Created and implemented sales and marketing strategy and action plan that helped gain a prominent multi-unit restaurant client, which led to more clients in the restaurant and hospitality sectors

 Atlanta Fixture & Sales Company

Helped the largest dealer of foodservice equipment and supplies in the Southeast increase its revenue by 20 percent

 WSB-TV

Helped pioneer cooperative marketing campaigns generating over $4 million in new business and revenue

 Areas of Expertise:

• Deal Maker
• Strategic Business Development
• Business Coaching
• Networking
• Sales Consulting
• Partnership Marketing
• Holistic
• Storytelling
• Speaking

Thought Leader and Community Builder

I enjoy speaking engagements and get immense satisfaction from opportunities to share my valuable insights in business and networking. In addition, I have made many media appearances and always welcome new opportunities.

I’m passionate about serving my community and volunteering. In addition to my leadership role at The Business Community Network, I am a member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Georgia Restaurant Association, and OnBoard. I’m a donor and member of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta Cole Society and the Woodruff Arts Center Women’s Giving Circle. I currently volunteer with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and The Giving Kitchen. I’m a donor to Make a Miracle Charity, the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Montefiore Nursing Home where I created an endowment in memory of my mother, Dorothy Schwartz. I previously served on the steering committee of Atlanta Classical Academy, and the boards of Star-C, Northside Hospital Foundation, and YWCA of Greater Atlanta. I was president of the Atlanta Women’s Network and chaired the Sales and Marketing Council of the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association.

Accolades and Awards 

• YWCA of Greater Atlanta Appreciation Award
• Women Looking Ahead 100s List
• Atlanta Women’s Network Recognition Award
• WSB-TV Broadcast Sales Excellence Award
• WSB-TV Women Who Made a Difference Award
• Women in Communications Clarion Award

 Loving Life

I’m an avid sports fan and begin each morning with a disciplined workout routine, running 15-20 miles per week and lifting weights. I compete throughout the year in 5 and 10K races and completed my first Publix Half Marathon in 2016. There’s so much alignment between sports and business – running an organization, having good communication and collaboration. It helps me to be a better coach for my clients.

I live with my husband, Jim, in Atlanta. We enjoy traveling, theater, the latest movies, dining in our favorite restaurants and trying new culinary adventures. My friends and family are a top priority in my life, and I receive great joy from spending quality time with them.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and served as President of the Student Chapter of Women at The Ohio State University.

*DSG & Assocs., LLC, d/b/a/ Creative Connector