
Founder of Our Man in Shanghai
China

Founder of Our Man in Shanghai
China
Broad based experience in entrepreneurial, corporate and non government environments. Currently advising on a number of social media campaigns for small and medium sized businesses.
Social Networking & Alliance Building, Social Media, Project Management, People Skills, Public Relations, Collaborative Projects
(Online Media industry)
November 2008 — Present (1 year 2 months)
Our Man in Shanghai is a dynamic proposition for small and medium sized companies that need to develop their online presence with more than just a website
I have been working on several projects in a variety of business areas focusing on social media, cause - related marketing, public relations and communications.
I have assisted companies in understanding the balance of both traditional print media campaigns and the benefits of maintaining their online media strategies that go beyond traditional advertising.
Highlights:
In December of 2008, I was part of a pr team that brought Craig Kielburger of Free the Children to Shanghai, China. I was able to create successful facebook, twitter and eventbrite campaigns.
In February of 2009, I was the co-organizer of the Shanghai "Twestival". Over 200 cities participated in twitter based fundraising activities for Charity:Water. An organization focused on water supplies for people living in developing countries.
In April of 2009, I participated in a social media project that saw official twitter media credentials given out for the Omega China Pro Golf Tour event in Nanjing, China.
In May of 2009, I participated in social media coverage of the Travel Daily China Travel Innovation Summit. I posted twitter and videos in real time of CEO's of major travel companies from around the world.
(Writing and Editing industry)
August 2004 — Present (5 years 5 months)
I have written for a variety of different projects including information communication technologies(ICT), Proportional Representation in Government, Business Development, online training modules and most recently travel related articles for Matador Travel.
The autumn has been busy with press copy for the CSR component of Hello Canada 2008 in Shanghai.
(Financial Services industry)
April 2008 — April 2009 (1 year 1 month)
As a consultant with Essential Finance I was involved in providing information to potential customers on the potential for offshore wealth management services.
I was also involved in the management of a marketing executive who assisted in the scheduling of meetings, proposal writing and sales process.
(Non-Profit; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
October 2008 — December 2008 (3 months)
The Media & Communications Committee for CanCham Shanghai is responsible for giving guidance and support to the overall message of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
As a member of the committee, there were many media and communication issues that affect various committees and I assisted in bringing different committees to the table to discuss better ways in which to get our message out to members and non-members.
(Entertainment industry)
October 2008 — December 2008 (3 months)
The JZ School is an exciting, new and unique music education facility committed to developing the creative and productive potential of its students. The teaching body of the school consists of foreign and local instructors who are acclaimed professional musicians with extensive performing and/or academic experience both at national and international levels.
Served as a liaison on advisory committee set-up and participated in meetings on topics such as organization structure, marketing, branding and communications.
(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
September 2008 — December 2008 (4 months)
CanCham is involved in a number of Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) projects in Shanghai, China.
Most recently, one project focused toward ensuring children in rural China have the proper school supplies for their education through a partnership with Free the Children.
I volunteered with a solid team of people handling pr issues, logistical issues for events and inter-committee communication.
(Public Company; Insurance industry)
February 2006 — August 2007 (1 year 7 months)
Actively solicited new business using a customer centric service model demonstrating ownership of personal lines business including quoting, binding, follow up and sending out of auto documentation.
Selected to contribute to a company-wide company survey and review team for best practices and development of internal processes.
Recipient of customer service “golden opportunities” for positive customer feedback.
(Internet industry)
June 2006 — August 2006 (3 months)
Nabernet works with Business Improvement areas(BIAs)in many different cities across Canada. I was directly reporting to the owners of the company and bringing business development, social networking and venture capital suggestions to their attention.
I also participated in the building up of awareness, content and creating business opportunities for local companies on www.mystclair.com. A toronto-based initiative to combine local communities and the internet.
(Food & Beverages industry)
August 2003 — August 2005 (2 years 1 month)
Managed the creation of a new brand name in the Canadian coffee market including negotiating newspaper and online advertisement contracts.
Actively worked with coffee roasters to ensure roasting and packaging requirements were in line with company standards.
Created a team environment and delegated responsibilities including website development, marketing materials, business plan creation and a privacy officer.
(Research industry)
December 2004 — March 2005 (4 months)
Contributed research for an online collaborative writing effort using Internet search strategies and “wiki” editing resources highlighting the role of technology and civic participation. This was an international project involving over 50 participants and the publishing of over 15 case studies.
Created, edited and responsible for 5 political briefs that resulted in being selected for a full case study on the City of Seattle and its use of information communication technologies (ICT). On a frequent basis, served as a liaison with government, community and academic stakeholders through email communication.
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Insurance industry)
February 2003 — September 2004 (1 year 8 months)
Inbound customer sales involving setting up accounts, insurance underwriting cross-selling and up-selling services. A front line environment involving OTL licensed underwriting of new business and existing clients in the areas of home, auto, motorcycle, cottages and secondary properties insurance.
Overcame sales objections related to purchasing of new policies. The role involved file ownership in resolving customer enquiries to prevent escalation of calls to management. This would include assisting customers in understanding their policies and making corrections when necessary.
(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Political Organization industry)
February 2004 — July 2004 (6 months)
Nominated and campaigned as a candidate in the 2004 Federal Election. Obtained 4.5% of the popular vote while creating a sustainable campaign team of 7 people.
Handled incoming calls from prospective voters. Actively followed breaking news stories and issues directly related to the electoral riding and its effects on party policy.
Management of marketing and public relations including public speaking, interviews on CBC and CTV news networks plus the creation of a campaign website.
(Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry)
January 2002 — April 2002 (4 months)
Actively developed a bibliography of relevent research documents via web resources and library resources. This involved being a liason between professor and library staff.
Responsible for contacting educational professionals and government officials as it pertained to the upcoming symposium and film night.
Managed the production of pr materials as they pertained to the academic symposium and the documentary film night. This involved creating the right image and appropiate marketing decisions.
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Internet industry)
September 1997 — September 2000 (3 years 1 month)
Directly responsible for negotiating content that related to the operations of www.online-exams.com. Actively pursued relationships with publishers of Microsoft, Cisco, Novell pre-testing content. Briefly worked on SAT, LSAT and GMAT content.
Actively pursued venture capital for the managing partners of egroup, inc. Responsible for obtaining a presentation slot at the Toronto Venture Captial Group in order for the Partner to make their presentation.
Strategically worked on building the online position of the company in order to assist in the growth of the operations. Consistently introduced managing partners to strategic alliances that benefitted both companies.
(Civic & Social Organization industry)
May 1996 — August 1997 (1 year 4 months)
Managed 15 staff and 13 special needs campers. This included daily meetings and overall schedule of staff meetings, days off and camper daily activities. A positive aspect was the discussion of options for parent’s children in the camp programs.
Increased visibility of campers with disabilities in the overall summer camp program by delivering talks on integrating special needs campers into a mainstream camping program.
(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; International Trade and Development industry)
January 1995 — May 1996 (1 year 5 months)
Prepared and led the process of a grant proposal for a Toronto Non Governmental Organization in the area of community economic development and local food security.
Facilitated an educational program designed to create awareness for World Food Day 1996. Responsible for event planning, speaker confirmation and public school participation.
Member of the Ontario Regional Council which was responsible for volunteer input and oversight of several Oxfam Canada programs.
BA , Political Science , January 1999 — July 2002
Won a bronze medal at the 2002 Acadia University Entrepreneurial Competition for a proposal to see urban agriculture as a community economic development (CED) model.
Acknowledged as a Key Note presenter at the 2001 McMaster Peace Studies Symposium with the presentation of 2 committee selected presentations on public space and identity in a multicultural society.
Enrolled in the Acadia Advantage program with an emphasis on developing skills such as: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel and Internet usage through the use of an IBM laptop.
Social Media, Travel Industry,Information Communication Technologies(ICT),Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR), Community and Corporate Wikis, Environmental entrepreneurship, skiing, traveling and writing.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce(CanCham), Shanghai Twitterville, Next Step Shanghai, Mobile Monday(Shanghai)
2001 McMaster University Peace Studies Symposium Presenter
2002 Bronze Medal: Acadia University Social Entrepreneurial Competition