Key Skills and Achievements
SEO copywriter with sound oral and communication skills, I am versatile and decisive with good all-round experience in writing quality copy on a wide variety of subjects for UK and overseas clients. I work consistently to deadline and to budget with the ability to listen, initiate and motivate. Understanding the importance of accurate research, I enjoy producing original copy with a unique slant.
I have been employed in a wide variety of fields and locations which has enhanced my experience and allowed excellent scope for professional growth.
I enjoy the flexibility and daily challenge which freelance writing provides. Based north of the border, I am happy to work on a telecommute basis.
I understand that discretion and confidentiality are vital for the success of any project and employers can be confident that I display professional conduct at all times.
I enclose three samples of my recent work for your consideration.
Portfolio
Tens of thousands of Elvis fans recently had the opportunity to be a part of a commemorative CD in which fans were able to download their favourite Elvis tracks, personal photographs, and other memorabilia which is in the process of being collated with the most popular tracks and extra-special pics of the King due for release on 31st July, in time for the 35th anniversary of his death on 16th August 2012. This innovative idea is a fitting tribute to not only to Elvis himself but to his worldwide fan base who have been able to feel a part of the process.
Branded Media understand how important it is for customers to take ownership of your product. If it is viewed as just another CD then it will quickly lose popularity and become consigned to the bottom of the CD pile in favour of the next big thing. However, as the Elvis PR Team know well, if you can bring customers to a place of active involvement then the product ceases to be just a product and becomes their product.
Branded Media offer the complete service from CD authoring, replication, duplication,
CD packaging design right through to fulfilment. Whatever your product our Basingstoke Hampshire design team are here to help you find your creative market niche cost-effectively and professionally. Speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team of CD design experts right now and be delighted at what Branded Media can do for you.
(Branded Media Jul 2012 - 258 words)
Would You Credit It?
A decade or so ago it would have been unthinkable for the consumer to place a large purchase, for example a car, on a credit card. Credit cards were then notorious for leading users into ever increasing circles of debt with quickly escalating interest rates. Sensible consumers were conditioned to trundle off to the High Street banks or finance companies to get the loan required for any large purchase.
However nowadays with banks not eager to lend to customers with a less than perfect credit rating, credit cards have actually improved their service to obtain a larger marketplace share.
Credit cards are no longer seen as the interest-hungry pacman of the 80’s.
Right now there are many High Street banks and building societies offering some amazing 0% interest deals on credit cards, some for as long as 36-months although the usual is 24-months. This means that as long as you pay off the balance by the end of the interest free period then you get to use the lender’s money for absolutely nothing – zilch –nada - zero.
Of course this great deal comes with the caveat of caution which means the user must be disciplined enough to pay regular monthly payments on time and to accrue no more debt until the purchase has been paid in full.
It’s a simple matter of economics
Let’s say you purchase a car at £5,000 and pay using a credit card (with a zero balance of course) and which offers 24-month interest-free credit. To pay off the total cost of the purchase within the interest free period is a little less than £209 per month so if you can afford that then you will purchase your car entirely with interest-free credit; a bonus for the careful consumer.
Willpower may be required...
All very good for the customer not tempted by additional purchasing throughout the interest-free term then but if you feel you could be seduced into racking up additional charges, especially nearing the end of the interest-free term when your balance has significantly lowered, then you would be wise to steer clear of credit cards and opt for a low interest bank loan instead.
Swings and roundabouts
If your credit score is less than perfect you may find you do not qualify for a loan at a favourable rate from High Street lenders. However the credit card business is extremely competitive with supermarkets and retailers now offering cards with typically low rates. Be aware that it is often the case that the interest margin increases rapidly if the balance is not paid off within timescale. The best deal will always depend on individual credit scoring and circumstances so be sure to check out what’s on offer before making your selection.
The advice then is to shop around and don‘t be tempted with a 0% rated card which zooms up to an astronomical APR after the initial period unless you are absolutely sure you will not be tempted to make additional purchases.
Budget your credit card, spend sensibly and include it in your household expenditure. Do not be tempted to overspend simply because you have the means to do so and your credit card will be a useful financial tool which, properly managed, can offer you a whopping zero-rated large purchase deal which you could never obtain from any High Street lender.
(Card Choices, Aug 2012 - 561 words)
Avoid a Botched Job
Professional UK floor sanding companies report that in the first 6-months of 2012 they have received a higher than ever percentage of call outs in relation to botched flooring jobs, resulting in almost completely destroyed hardwood flooring. Not only does this cause the home owner unnecessary stress and worry but also hits them in the wallet too as almost certainly the cost of repairing a badly damaged floor is more expensive than having the job originally carried out by professionals.
The curse of the marked floor
One of the most common errors is that of visible roller marks on the floor. This occurs when a drum sander machine has been used across the grain or otherwise unprofessionally. In fact, drum roller sanders are on their way to become obsolete as new hi-tech sanding machines take their place to offer a smoother and cleaner route to sanded floors.
Many of these roller marks can be successfully hidden until the final coat of lacquer, varnish or oil is applied, making the whole process flawed and leaving a very disgruntled floor owner.
Everything evolves
As with many other processes, floor sanding machinery and techniques are constantly evolving, refining and bringing more and more perfect finishings to flooring. It therefore behoves all would-be sanders to take professional advice wherever possible in order to save time, money and sanity.
It is cost effective for the consumer to take advantage of the newest sanding machines on the market as well as reading up on sanding techniques. If hiring floor sanding equipment ensure the hire company prep you fully on the machine’s operation before taking it away.
If in doubt – say no
If there are any unanswered questions relating to floor sanding then it may be preferable, and possibly cheaper, to entrust your hardwood flooring to a professional floor sanding and finishing company. This solution offers additional benefits of fully insurance quality workmanship as well as peace of mind.
Less is more
While it is entirely understandable that in these times of financial crisis that home and business owners would elect to save money by choosing to sand wood flooring themselves, however this can cost more unless one is absolutely sure of the sanding process and all its aspects.
Economists say that the way out of a recession is actually to spend in order to stimulate the markets and nowhere is that more true than in the case of wood floor sanding.
Going it alone
If however you wish to go it alone then take every piece of professional advice you can get and don’t skimp on any of the steps or on the preparation. Use the latest sanding machinery with integral dust collection. This reduces residual dust by up to 90%, great news for asthmatics and bronchitis sufferers.
Remember that depending upon the condition of the floor; you will probably require to sand more than once to gain the smooth finish you need. Give yourself time to move through the steps carefully and thoroughly and never ever move on until the previous step has been fully (and successfully) completed.
Screen if you want to go faster
When you think the floor has been properly sanded then it is time to screen your work. The wise workman or woman will never skip the screening process. This is last chance saloon for catching minute flaws before moving on to apply the varnish. The screener is a hand held device with a mesh disc which is either circular or oblong, depending upon the type of screener you are using. Screeners come in various shapes and sizes so once again take advice before deciding which screen device to use.
(Floor Sanding Experts, London Oct 2012 - 619 words)