2009 Recap

In 2009, Sylvia Christensen / Maniac MarCom has been under contract the whole year writing and editing support articles posted in a major hardware/software manufacturer's online knowledge base. I've had the opportunity to do a lot of graphic design work myself rather than outsource it and have learned many new and exciting highlighting tips and tricks in Photoshop. I've also become somewhat of an expert in Mac OS X. Somehow I still can't ever get my iPod to work the way it does in commercials though!

One of the most exciting things I've noticed in the last year or two is that I've risen to the top of the Google rankings for "Austin marketing writer" and I periodically get calls from Austin businesses for small projects. I love taking on small projects, so don't hesitate to contact me if you have one for me!

In an effort to provide better service to the growing number of Realtors who inquire about my writing services, I obtained a Realtor's license in 2009 and have taken over 120 hours of coursework in real estate to date. I have nothing but respect for people who make real estate their full-time career, as it is harder and more complicated than I ever would have imagined! Getting out and working with buyers and sellers every now and then is a welcome break from sitting in front of the computer wordsmithing all day long!

I've gotten more active on LinkedIn and have updated a full profile there. I've been very fortunate to get nothing but great reviews from people I've done consulting work for and former employers. Check me out here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviachristensen

I've really been very fortunate since starting Maniac MarCom in 2006. People ask me all the time how business is expecting a negative answer because of the state of the economy. They're consistently suprised when I say "It's really better than ever lately!" Although some companies are cutting their marketing budget, few can afford to go without technical writing. Many companies have been forced to cut their full-time technical writer and outsource. This has really been excellent news for me. I can offer companies of more enormous sizes than I ever thought possible quality work on an almost-full-time basis and earn a great wage, while saving them money because they don't have to pay my taxes or offer me benefits. Economic downturns benefiting my business was not something I considered when I started Maniac MarCom, but I'm thankful every day to have plenty of work!

Thanks for a great 2009 to my clients and I'm looking forward to working with you in 2010!