Talent Pitch is an AdNews initiative to help industry professionals, during COVID-19, to display their skills and experience. Contact AdNews at adnews@yaffa.com.au if you would like to be included.
Richard Dunkerley is a freelance financial writer:
What’s your best skill to show off?
People tell me I’m an exceptional writer, so I’m happy to go with that. I’m a bit of a jack of all trades in that department, in that I’ve written everything from award winning direct pieces to highly technical articles for professionals.
What do you like most about your work?
I love stories; listening to them, reading them, and writing them. The famous long copy print ads for BT in the 1990s – done by industry legend John Bevins – really inspired me. Everything I write, no matter how long or short, I approach as a story, so it hangs together in a logical way.
Examples of work
Most of my work has been in financial services, where I’ve written everything from letters to video scripts to print ads. My favourite work is for Zurich’s sponsorship of the Melbourne Demons AFL team. One of several pieces I wrote was an AFL Beginners Guide, primarily written for Sydney based staff (generally less fanatical in their zeal for Aussie Rules). It was a 20pp booklet, but it only took me about an hour from start to finish, as the words just fell out of me. I also proposed an activation at a home game where we would give away bibs to ‘protect’ you from the sauce and hot ‘meat’ that inevitably falls from your pie, but the MCG nixed it. Shame.
Something about you that few know
I'm absolutely obsessed with merch. Totally. Actually, that's a bit of a joke. Everyone who knows me is aware I have a "habit".
What did the Pandemic do for you?
It really reinforced my decision to try my luck as a freelancer. I’m old enough to remember both the GFC and the 1991 recession, and demand for contractors went up at those times, as employers were less prepared to commit to permanent employees. The variety of freelancing appeals. I’m also shaving less. In fact, this would not be a good time to own shares in Gillette.
In five years’ time, I want to be
Still working with great people. I draw my energy from being around smart, creative people. WFH is not my idea of nirvana.
Richard Dunkerley's LinkedIn profile.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.