From bull riding to paper manufacturing
Profile: Barbara Chaney, freelance copywriter & marketing consultant

How did I get started?

While I didn’t ride any bulls, I did promote bull riding for a South Florida championship rodeo--my first client in public relations. Didn’t know anything about bull riding or rodeos then, but I learned a lot about this interesting sport by the time I was done. That’s one reason why I chose public relations and marketing. I use my writing skills to help others succeed, while enjoying a variety of work in interesting fields. How many jobs allow you to delve into subjects like karate, construction, fragrance and law?

After earning my degree in public relations and marketing, I helped promote large South Florida events through a PR agency. I then moved on to work for a few manufacturers and another agency, before becoming a freelance copywriter. Over the past decade, I’ve helped numerous clients in public relations, marketing and advertising.

How did I become a freelance copywriter?

Writing has always been one of my strengths and was an important part of my career in public relations and marketing—until I reached a certain level. In agencies, the higher your position, the less you write and the more you "administer." Since the creative process of writing is what fuels me, I decided to go out on my own and focus on my passion. I’m now self-employed and happy to call myself a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant.

What kind of experience do I have?

In a broad sense, my experience includes public relations and marketing, as well as advertising.

As a PR executive, I’ve handled public relations campaigns and strategic planning for businesses of all sizes. Sample projects include public relations for the national law firm of Holland & Knight LLP, promotional events for Minute Maid Orange Juice, strategic planning for Teleswitch Technologies (a telecommunications firm), crisis communications for Peerless Waste and Hamilton Bank, and media relations for the Miami Art Museum. I’ve also worked on media relations for large special events like the Homestead Championship Rodeo, Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival and the World Karate Championship.

My experience in advertising began at Parlux Fragrances, a fragrance and cosmetics manufacturer in Fort Lauderdale. There I managed a multi-million dollar advertising budget for fragrance brands including Perry Ellis Fragrances and Todd Oldham Parfum. I also led international campaigns for several fragrance lines—focusing on the U.S., Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Since becoming a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant, I’ve been fortunate to work with companies large and small--from global businesses such as Avaya and Terremark Worldwide, to South Florida firms like Aluminum Paper and Wholesale.

What’s my favorite part of the job?

The variety of my work not only keeps things interesting, but also feeds my creativity and helps me keep a fresh perspective. My favorite tasks, besides writing, are brainstorming/concepting and strategic planning. I’ve also been commended on my professionalism and customer service.

What else do I do?

A travel junkie, I pursue my love of exploration from my home base in Miami. I’ve also begun travel writing.

See my client and industry list for more information.
Or, send me information about your project and get a free consultation.