I don't like to go on about myself, so here are the highlights.
(I know you're busy, so I'll try to be brief.)
B.A. in Journalism - Public Relations from The Ohio State University in 1989. Go Bucks! Way back when, one of my least favorite professors told me that I was "among the most talented business writers she had ever taught." (Aw, shucks.) I liked her better after that!
Journalist: newspaper reporter to managing editor (in charge of editorial content and production). Experienced in writing hard news, weekly opinion columns, product catalog descriptions, business management articles and technical writing.
Editor (Founding Editor, actually) of a national business-to-business magazine. As leader of a creative team (which included graphic designers, contributing writers and advertising professionals), my focus included editorial content, writing, editing, marketing and promotions of the monthly magazines. I also was the editor of major training directory for the automotive aftermarket industry. In 1996, assisted the start of an online presence for my magazine, and developed content for its website.
Entrepreneur: Renner's Invitations & Stationery. When I started my own business on a shoe-string budget, my marketing skills catapulted our little stationery shop into the national spotlight. The shop won national sales awards and we were featured in national industry publications. I was even a judge for the industry’s national design awards. Started an informative website for help with wedding invitation etiquette, assembly and wording, which quickly rose to the top of the search engines and received approximately 15,000 hits a week - which was a lot at the time.
Entrepreneur: Coco's Coffee & Fine Chocolates. Our specialty coffee/chocolate shop was a bit ahead of its time (the concept of espresso and fine chocolates is now a popular mix in larger cities). Our original shop was sold again and revitalized. I continue to consult with the new owner, and his business is thriving. In fact, thanks to loads of grass-roots marketing, it was voted the "Best Coffee in Akron" in a recent poll. And many years later, I can still make a killer latte!
Sale & Marketing: As a Realtor, I made use of clever postcards and creative-but-cheap direct-marketing pieces. My unique copywriting and marketing approach boosted me to top producer (among the other rookies) within four short months in the industry. Some of those pieces are included in the Samples page of this site. Though no longer an agent, the marketing of real estate (commerical, residential and investment) is an area of writing expertise.
Non-Profit Development: While serving within the Development Office at a private school, I developed fresh promotional pieces, new fundraising events and boosted their development efforts with persuasive content and ideas. I also served on the core team for the 2006-07 Women & Leadership program. This community-based program helped to enhance the school's reputation as a focal point for educating today's its women as tomorrow's leaders. Developed a successful online presence to promote and increase attendance at my major fundraising event for the organization.
Director of Marketing: I coordinated the development and launch of a new company name – complete with logo, advertising and fresh marketing materials, for a mid-sized event company. I also reworked and rewrote the Web site (www.RobertJEvents.com), press materials, brochures, promotions and more. Now my former employer is among my clients! And even in tough economic times... with a new name and branding... their business grew 14% -- in a time of 1% growth in the region. Good marketing makes a difference.
In a Nutshell: For over 20 years, I've used my gift of “finding the right words” to enrich my own enterprises, as well as those of my clients and friends. I offer a fresh approach to persuasive writing, sales and marketing, and I've been nationally and locally recognized for my abilities. Since 1996, I've been writing for in the Internet. (Makes me feel kinda old...)
Okay, enough about me. How about you?
Let's talk about your needs and how to jumpstart your goals online!
