The perfect job search

So here I am in job search mode again. Where I am going and what can I do for the employer who hasn't yet discovered me? For one, I can write--newsletters, news releases, op-eds, memos, business letters, research articles, scripts, how-to articles and more. I can organize--files, data, concepts, projects. And of course there this issue of having pursued my dream of garden design, maintenance and consulting for the past 11 years. Running a small business is an invaluable education, even in a tough economy. Helps one learn how to made lemonades from lemons.

So I am posting my resume here for a starter and hoping that perhaps it will lead to my next opportunity--creative, challenging and a chance to help my employer shine.

Thanks to Suzanne Hull from Contemporary Business Solutions for getting me going toward getting a blog. 

So here's the resume: 

WHO IS ANNE LARSON?

I am a detail-oriented and skilled communicator with a passion for excellence, sustainability and creativity.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinker and planner
• Skilled writer, editor, public relations and marketing professional.
• Broad experience in direct mail, web and social media strategies such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Able publication designer with experience in broad range of software for PC and Mac.
• Collaborative team contributor also able to take initiative and work independently.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Communicator and collaborator

·       Spearheaded collaborative statewide celebration of Iowa Groundwater Protection Act involving more than 70 nonprofits.

·       Executed programs for marketing, design, sales and customer relations increasing client base from 0 to more than 80.

·       Association and nonprofit experience conducting and promoting conferences and workshops attracting local and statewide audiences.

·       Supported program specialists in marketing their programs to wide variety of audiences.

Committed to excellence

·       Won national recognition for Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture newsletter that was written, edited and designed in-house.

• Led statewide professional organization for communicators in education.
• Earned national accreditation in public relations and state professional status in landscape and nursery industry.

Passionate for customer service

• Grew new company with unique niche for excellence in customer satisfaction.

·       Worked with diverse staff and clients, creatively solving potential challenges through listening and knowledge.

• Trained team members to ensure high quality service.

WORK HISTORY

Administrative Assistant, Iowa Office of Energy Independence            November 2010-October 2011

Owner, Iowa Garden Coach, LLC            current

Co-owner, Hearth and Home Gardens             June, 2005-November, 2008

Garden Maintenance Manager, Perennial Gardens, Inc.            March, 2000-July 2004

Communications Specialist, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture             March, 1992-Aug. 1999

EDUCATION:

• B.A. English, minors journalism and Spanish, University of Northern Iowa
• B.S. Horticulture, Iowa State University
• Ongoing seminars in Adobe In-Design, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Web 2.0