My background is so diverse, that at one point I was reminded of the saying, “jack of all trades, master of none.” But then I realized that I could put my own positive spin on that and call myself a #jennofalltrades. Contrary to the saying’s innuendo, I decided that was not a bad thing to be at all.
I have a rich history of learning and experience that gives me a well-rounded background in my field. It has come in surprisingly handy when helping clients, who know I can serve as a “one stop shop” for all of their communications needs.
I began life as a writer, and have dabbled in all genres, from poetry and novels to business proposals and technical research papers. I can whip up a sample letter on a moment’s notice, write a newsletter article or establish a fully comprehensive training manual or standard operating procedure.
But I am much more than just “a writer.”
My various interests led me on different adventures throughout my career.
At one point in my 9-to-5, a frustration with an outside consultant led me to use my analytical brain to figure out how to manipulate the backend of a customer database program, and before I knew it, I outsmarted the consultant and took over as a the CRM database administrator for that program, and the company’s subsequent programs.
That initial introduction into coding and backend administration came in handy when I was tasked with helping to upload a few blogs to a website, then make a few content changes, and after a self-taught adventure in html coding, I can build websites. Yes, even from scratch, though admittedly, I do like ones that come with the templates that make life easier!
Have I mentioned that my Bachelors degree is in International Business and I have never taken a computer course in my life?
That’s not me bragging at all—that’s a demonstration how unexpected life circumstances can give you skills outside of a classroom environment or chartered degree path that you can add to a dynamic service toolbox.
What else? Oh, yes. My online talk shows taught me about recording, editing and producing videos, complete with intros and outros and troubleshooting misaligned voice and visuals. I’m not completely adept at it, but enough to hold my own and help others in this area as needed.
Ironically, I tend to believe that technology is not a strong point of mine, yet when I think about it, I can work my way out of a faulty html source code when I put my mind to it.
As a proposal writer, I have also had the wonderful opportunity to learn a line of Adobe Suite programs, which taught me layout design, logo development, graphic manipulation and a whole slew of other fascinating marketing techniques.
By having these particular skills, I was able to pull my own books all together with minimal outside assistance; just a fantastic editor and graphic designer to add their special touches (thank goodness for them!) However, I was able to write, design, layout and upload my book for self-publishing on my own, as well as market and advertise. All of this enabled me to help other clients pull their works of art all together as well.
Another fun fact on my road to success: I loved psychology, ultimately earning my Masters in the field and further certifying as a life coach. How does that help? Well, it gave me the training to probe deeper into my client’s needs and ask the right questions to make sure their strategic business plans were truly aligned with their vision. Not everyone has it all figured out; but tapping into the why’s behind a goal can bring about a successful strategy.
So, when you think of all the seemingly mismatched things you have done throughout your life—not just your career, but your life—you can see the integration that is available to you. For me, not only can I write, but I can envision, craft, implement and promote from beginning to end.
What could being a #nameofalltrades do for you?
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