(AKA: my background in a nutshell)

Education

Bachelor of Journalism (Honours), minor in Mass Communications. Concentration in business reporting, print and online media. Carleton University, 2003.

Freelance experience

The “feast or famine” life style of freelancing can be exhilarating, frustrating and rewarding. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but for many like me, it can be a great career option. I focus on business, profile, travel and trends stories. My work (articles, photos and audio clips) has appeared in:

Globe & Mail
Business Spotlight Magazine
Spotlight Magazine
Rich Guy Magazine

Corporate communications

Creating a message is only part of the challenge in the corporate communications world. Sometimes you have to convince stubborn consumers, stakeholders or other audiences to buy into your product or service. Sometimes you have to simply let the world know about your company. Sometimes you have to smooth things over with less-than-pleased clients. And sometimes you just have to be a friendly face or voice on the phone that can educate, inform or help someone. I specialize in planning and implementing marketing and communications strategies through the use of a wide variety of technology and media.  Key items in my communications toolbox include:

  • Press releases
  • News articles
  • Briefing and speaking notes
  • Email and hard copy newsletters (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Video scripts
  • Interactivity via blogs and social media
  • Interviews, profiles and backgrounders

Technical skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop
  • Basic HTML and web design
  • Social media
  • Content management software
  • Email marketing software
  • Audio and video recording and editing (linear and non-linear)
  • CP Style