DON TALENDCarpentersville, IL 60110

847-802-0355dttalend@sbcglobal.net

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dontalendPortfolio http://bit.ly/1R9CwTV

CONTENT, CONSUMER INSIGHT, AND DEMAND GENERATION EXPERTAward-winning content expert with 20+ years of diverse experience has distinct ability to gain insight into how innovative consumers use technology and new approaches to problem solving—and generate demand via engaging traditional and social media content. The deliverables, including 600+ feature articles in 50+ publications and digital content, strengthens brands by clearly conveying their value propositions. The content also gives sales two competitive advantages: reliable consumer insight from the field and reader engagement that lays the groundwork for strategic partnerships yielding six- and seven-figure revenue increases. Leading-edge training has supported transition into proficient content strategist, creator, and manager. Can relocate quickly.

CORE SKILL SETSContent planning Content project management Consumer insight

Interviewing SMEs Demand generation Thought leadershipWriting Storytelling Blogging

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCESTERICYCLE, Northbrook, IL – Global leader in compliance and brand protection services, e.g., call center services for healthcare organizations and residential contractorsMarketing Manager 2013-2015 Collaboratively developed email and collateral copy with sales team for email drip campaigns

that more than doubled leads for inside sales team, enabling a revenue increase of $310,000 to $942,000 in 2014 vs. 2013.

Managed blog that generated demand for call center services and managed social media sharing—driving 17X increase in website sessions and 21X new user growth 2013–2014. Developed editorial calendar and selected optimal keywords with Google AdWords.

Formulated messaging with department heads for acquisition integration and crisis communications (for call center service disruptions) and emailed via Act-On – facilitating 100% retention of major accounts.

WRITE RESULTS – B2B content marketing services for healthcare, publishing, geospatial, and manufacturing organizations, and marketing agenciesContent and Media Relations Consultant 2005-present Writing blog posts, web page copy, and corporate articles for technology companies, e.g.,

Hemisphere GNSS, and content marketing agencies’ industrial, technology, and services clients.

No. 1 consultant for geospatial technologies provider Topcon Positioning Systems: placed 150+ feature articles in trade magazines for combined reach of 4 million+ readers, facilitating $2 million+ in equipment sales.

Have written 100+ feature articles on water conservation, land stewardship, energy production, and refuse and recycling management as contributing editor for Forester Media. Aggregate reach: 2 million+ readers; incremental ad revenue increase: $500,000+

Wrote copy for web content and blog posts promoting Centegra Health’s clinical specialties, exceeding client’s SEO objectives.

Don Talend resume – page 2

Interviewed C-level executives, promoting Healthcare Financial Management Association member companies such as McKesson to other members via articles in HFMA publications.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF PHARMACY, Mount Prospect, IL - Impartial professional organization supporting state boards of pharmacy in protecting the public healthTechnical Editor 2005–2006 Managed editorial operations of NABP Newsletter, winner of U.S. Department of HHS

Health Information Resource Center awards. Wrote cover stories on major industry issues that aided 100% member retention during tenure.

PROACTIVE WORLDWIDE, INC., Schaumburg, IL – Business management consulting including decision support, market insight, primary research, and competitive intelligence training for industries including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, financial services, and consumer package goodsOperations Manager 2003-2004 Edited intelligence reports, tracked client surveys in Excel spreadsheets and charts, trained

analysts in business writing with “Writing Olympics” and other interactive sessions. Efforts boosted report quality above 2004 objectives.

HANLEY-WOOD BUSINESS MEDIA, Addison, IL - Information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential and commercial design and construction industriesManaging Editor, Special Projects 1996-2003 Repositioned and ensured editorial quality of concrete production industry trade magazine

that increased ad revenue from $637,000 to $1.3 million and overtook market share leadership from competitor in six years. Magazine’s progressive revenue growth led to two promotions in two years.

Concurrently managed editorial operations of ASBPE award-winning product information magazine that exceeded first-year revenue goal by more than $62,000. Managed, and wrote breaking news for, daily newspaper at leading construction trade show World of Concrete that increased YOY ad revenue by $43,000.

Co-developed World of Concrete Most Innovative Products contest that generated $110,000 in incremental magazine advertising revenue and 27 new advertisers the first year.

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION Content Marketing Institute University certificate: Best strategic and tactical practices

from leading experts from firms such as Google and Cisco Systems. Curriculum includes development of a strategic content function, an audience, the brand story, a channel plan, an implementation process, and meaningful measurement.

WordPress, Act-On, Adobe InDesign Google AdWords, Google Analytics certificates M.B.A., Marketing, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL B.A., Journalism, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI

AWARDS AND HONORS E-Concrete column, The Concrete Producer: Best Column award, Midwest Region,

American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), 2001 Concrete & Masonry Construction Products: design award, Midwest Region, ASBPE, 2002 “Social Media Superstar”: Business Marketing Association Chicago chapter Social Media

Committee (twice), 2013