I am a versatile freelance writer who specializes in website content, blog posts, articles, and press releases. My clients benefit from my unique combination of writing, business, and technology skills that I developed and refined throughout my career.
Whether I was working as a public relations Account Executive, IT Project Manager, or Website Developer, the same traits led to my success. They were:
- – paying close attention to detail
- – using problem solving skills
- – being driven by a love of learning
- – following a desire for organization and coherence
- – having enthusiasm and commitment for the project
- – applying lots of hard work
These same traits, combined with my love of writing, will make me an asset to your business.
If you scan my resume you may wonder about some career moves, but if you know my history you will understand how it all contributes to my being a first-rate freelance writer.
Armed with my BA and college honors, and an interest in marketing, I joined a PR firm. While there I honed my business writing skills, gave presentations to industry leaders, and worked with top executives in the fields of pharmaceuticals and energy to develop consumer programs and media tours. Perhaps, most importantly, I learned how to graciously accept feedback and apply it to my writing to make it better.
I enjoyed the work, but after four years I was ready for a change. Friends who knew about my aptitude in math encouraged me to get a job in technology – a rapidly growing and much better paying field.
After several months of internal debate, I literally woke up one morning knowing it was time to change. I gave notice and completed a two-month Certificate Course in Programming at NYU.
Surprisingly, the programming course’s entrance aptitude test looked for similar traits as the Account Executive aptitude test that I aced at the PR firm. They both stressed creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to look at problems from different angles to find solutions.
I found a programming job at a Wall Street brokerage firm. As a programmer, I coded in BAL, the most basic and difficult of mainframe programming languages. After my first year, I was promoted to Project Manager, not only due to my on-job performance, but due to the business and communication skills I had previously developed. New responsibilities included: hiring and managing a small staff; communicating with system users and vendors; writing user manuals and system development guidelines and making sure project deadlines were met. I stayed in technology for seven years, until I became a mom.
I was not great at being a “stay-at-home” mom. I missed the workplace and the work. But I did love being home with my daughter. I joined several community volunteer groups and helped plan and promote special events. With my expanding base of contacts, it was easy to find freelance writing assignments that paid.
When my daughter was in first grade, I became a licensed Real Estate Salesperson. I joined a local real estate company that offered extensive sales training. I was a natural for real estate sales; I loved houses, home design, and was used to working with demanding clients. I refined my presentation skills, created an innovative marketing campaign for my “farm,” and gained many clients. Eventually, I became a member of my company’s Million Dollar Sales Club, winning a company award for customer service along the way.
Several years later our family moved. I did remain with real estate sales for a short while, but I realized it would take years to develop the size network and community expertise that I enjoyed at our prior location.
I decided to complete a six-part Certificate Course in Website Design that was offered at a nearby community college. Website development was the perfect marriage of my writing and technology skills. I started my own company, Laura Elton Marketing and Web Design. I developed websites with CSS and HTML and specialized in effective content and SEO.
I also had other clients for whom I wrote blog posts, press releases, articles, and brochures. I organized and promoted seminars. I joined the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and learned a lot about successful networking.
Eventually, I found that the work I truly enjoyed most was writing website content or blog posts. This is not surprising since writing was my great passion, going all the way back to my high school years.
Today, I enjoy full-time freelance writing and the challenges new projects bring. I understand the different approaches needed to effectively communicate – whether I am writing website content, blogs posts, press releases, brochures, or long-form posts for LinkedIn sites.
My clients enjoy working with me. I am an enthusiastic person by nature, and I am not afraid of tackling a new or complex subject. I am a good communicator and always meet deadlines.
I accept long-term and one-time projects.