Copywriter and Amazon Author – Wow! I do love to write…..
Thanks for dropping by to find out a little about me. I’m not just a Copywriter…
What does this info mean to you as a potential client?
Maybe nothing! Skip it if you wish – I don’t want to bore you to tears with info about me. However, we all know that people ‘buy’ people, so I just wanted to let you know what makes me tick, and why my background can help you.
Advertising genius John E. Kennedy (not related to THE Kennedy’s) called the art of copywriting, “Salesmanship in Print”, almost a hundred years ago.
So I’ll be up front about the sales pitch and get that out of the way first…
Two great reasons to hire me…
- As a Copywriter, my words will make you money. They’ll also save you money, and help you to ‘sell more stuff’. Not just products, my copy will strengthen your arguments for finance or investment, for example, or improve employee and stakeholder engagement.
- My diverse professional background gives me an ‘edge’ when writing copy and content for you. I understand business, commercial imperatives (what keeps you up at night), and what you do.
So, you get more value from me, with much less hassle – there’s very little you need to explain to me, which saves us both time (and angst!). Here’s why…
Commercial/Industrial Background
I understand most industries and sectors, and know the pluses and minuses of dealing with staff. I’ve ‘hired and fired’ at all levels for over 25 years. I was Group Finance Director and Head of Human Resources for one of the biggest textile manufacturers in Europe, a group of 3 companies based in West Yorkshire. That was a real toughie.
Later, as a Management Consultant, I took on the role of General Manager for one of the largest pet product innovators in Europe and also helped them acquire the biggest distributor in UK.
The acquisition target was ten times the size of my client – a real ‘David and Goliath’ situation, and a hard slog – but we achieved it and transformed the fortunes of both companies.
So, I understand operations, logistics, transport, HR, recruitment, employment law, and myriad products and product development cycles at a granular, immersive level.
From hi-tech pet products that have revolutionised that sector, (together with all the safety concerns and legislation with which they have to comply), to military weapons, equipment, systems, vehicles and tactics – I’m also an Army Veteran.
Oh – and I’ve dealt with more employee disputes and tribunals, court cases, and commercial/contract law issues than I care to remember…
CV Writer and Career Coach
I’m most well-known these days as a CV Writer – a very specialised form of copywriting (selling people is tougher than selling most other ‘products’).
Most of my CV clients come from the professions (accountants, lawyers, engineers, teachers etc), board-level directors, senior managers in industry, the public and private sectors, the Civil Service and, of course, the UK Armed Forces (the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force).
I’ve become very adept at ‘tone of voice’ – every CV must accurately reflect the personality and background of the individual represented, regardless of trade or sector.
CV content also has to appeal directly to the target employer, so there are very few industries or sectors about which I know little!
My CVs have helped over 750 ex-military clients into their first civilian employment, an achievement of which I am immensely proud.
You can see more information and independent recommendations of my work by visiting my profile on LinkedIn. You are, of course, welcome to connect.
Military Career
Prior to my career as a commercial manager and company director, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of a highly successful career as a soldier and musician in the British Army.
This culminated in a wonderful eight years as Regimental Bandmaster, in the rank of Warrant Officer First Class (WO1), during which I managed, controlled and led the Band of the Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire.
I graduated from the world-renowned Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall in 1984 as Bandmaster of the Army and then qualified as an Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM) in London. Sadly, my “Alma Mater”, Kneller Hall (a fantastic school and beautiful listed building), was sold off in mid-2022. A travesty, promulgated by the government ‘bean counters’ no doubt….
A big part of a Bandmaster’s non-musical professional remit is planning and managing large-scale Events, something I’ve always loved.
From organising, coordinating, delivering, presenting and conducting huge concerts in some of the biggest civic and orchestral venues in the world, involving multiple performers, combinations, caterers, lighting and sound teams and other professional organisations, to creating open-air shows, corporate presentations, and military recruiting events.
I have relished all of it and have gained wide-ranging experience and expertise along the way; a tremendous bonus.
Websites
I’ve designed, written and managed several websites, including this one you’re visiting now, and my CV sites. Professional CV Writing Services/Top Pro CVs’ website is at https://www.top-pro-cvs.com, while Armed Forces CVs’ site (specifically for military and ex-military clients) lives at https://www.armedforcescvs.com.
Down Time
None of us are ‘all work and no play’ and I can promise you I’m no exception.
When not actively working on and in the business, I read voraciously (mainly for self-improvement and continuing professional and personal development), write music when I get some quiet periods (which seems like never these days), and still play trumpet; mainly jazz and big band stuff.
I also enjoy getting out and about on my motorcycle (a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500), and spend as much time on or under water as I can. I’ve been a sub aqua diving instructor for over 40 years.
My Amazon Books…
Actually, I’ve only recently become a ‘proper’ author after years of procrastination, although I wrote, promoted and sold my first publication as an eBook in 2001.
I write primarily non-fiction, business-type books – loosely under the theme ‘Success Made Simple’ – and I’m fascinated by the psychology of success.
My main writing focus as an Amazon Author has so far been on career development; coaching people to succeed in their job hunting or career change.
I published my first Kindle book, “Interview Success Made Simple” in May 2016, and “CV and Resume Writing Success Made Simple” followed that Summer.
I had an enforced break from book-writing while I concentrated on copywriting and consultancy ‘work’ (a four-letter word for me, like most people) for the next couple of years.
However, I intend to publish my next book in the series, “Cover Letter Success Made Simple” this Summer. I’ll probably do a ‘free’ release on Amazon initially, so if you want me to let you know when it becomes available, just ping me your details across through the form here…
If you’re still with me and have read this far, you’re a glutton for punishment. But at least you now know who you’re dealing with, and have an idea of whether I can help you or not.
Let me put your mind at rest.
Yes; I can. Just let me know what you need…