I ought to. I’ve been at it a long time—since January 1991. But not before taking a couple of detours.
First of all, my segue from college into the corporate world could've used a little more planning. My B.A. in psychology from Binghamton University wasn't terribly practical, as I had no desire to be a psychologist. So I hoped my minor in business management might give me an edge. Even less practical were my creative pursuits. I enjoy drawing and—believe it or not—I used to play drums in a band, which didn’t pay the rent, but the free beer was a nice perk. Fortunately, Starving Artist wasn’t on my career agenda either.
Eventually I landed a nice, practical job in human resources for a mid-sized insurance company. Let’s just say it wasn’t my cup of tea...except for one thing: writing the company newsletter, which I enjoyed so much that it consumed ever-increasing amounts of my time. Until my boss ever-so-gently reminded me that I had other responsibilities. “Aha!” I thought. “Time for a career change.”
So I studied public relations at New York’s School of Visual Arts and joined IABC (the International Association of Business Communicators). After stints at two smaller PR firms in Manhattan, I spent six years with Ogilvy PR’s New York office, specializing in health and nutrition and working my way up to account supervisor. There I created an award-winning national cholesterol screening program. This was followed by a turn at Edelman Medical Communications in New York.
Yet I had little time for what I loved most—writing—which I often had to delegate. Which brings me to that cold day in January when I said, “I’m going out on my own!” And that’s how it began, in my apartment in downtown Manhattan.
I hit the phones, announcing my availability for freelance gigs. It was scary at first. But soon I was steadily working for several big companies. And I could pay the rent.
My assignments were in a variety of industries—medicine, nutrition, business, technology, finance, publishing, law, non-profit, food, real estate and consumer products. Some projects entailed writing, others involved publicity or event planning, some a combination. Check out my portfolio to learn more.
Yet soon I found myself packing my by-now cluttered Rolodex, along with the rest of my stuff. That’s because my stroll down matrimonial lane came not only with a husband, but with a house in the ‘burbs. The move was completely disorienting. No longer could I simply hail a cab, hop a subway, or walk wherever. Suddenly I needed my very own car.
But my clients didn’t care where I was located and, happily, my business continued to thrive. I racked up a few prestigious writing awards and became active in local professional organizations. And I continued to expand my client list, from local firms to global corporations.
These days I work from my home office in Melville, N.Y., where my life also includes two children and a dog. My kids like that I’m here for them...and my clients do, too. They say I’m a quick study—a good listener who asks good questions. They also say I’m reliable, trustworthy, easy-going and a stickler for details and deadlines. But don’t take my word for it; see for yourself.
On a personal note, while I’m still a city girl at heart, my suburban camouflage is nearly complete: I traded the car for my very own—and clearly very practical—minivan.
All text copyright Robin Bernstein, Write Time Communications. Reproduction by permission only. Site design by Supersplice.