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melanie roberts

I am a graduate in Psychology and philosophy from Manchester University, England. I have worked for 20 years in the media industry; for the last 10 years I have owned and run two small businesses offering training and consultancy services.

Headline: Educator
Website: http://www.behindthelines.co.uk
Skills: Business
Location: Uk
Groups: Online Advertising Professionals (OAP)
Interested in: Helping members of my groups, Meeting new people, Mentoring, Offering Expertise, Professional opportunities
Schools: University of Manchester

WORK EXPERIENCE

Employer: Behind the Lines
Position: MD
Time period: March 2004 - Present
Description: Sales training, management training, business consultancy
After selling the recruitment arm of my previous business in 2002, ‘Behind the Lines’ was born as a training consultancy. Running this business as a sole trader with a network of specialists in complimentary sectors gives me the freedom to study for my MBA whilst still helping clients’ solve real world problems. Behind the Lines offers the most up to date business management ideas and translates them into practical business solutions.

Employer: Sales Associates Ltd
Position: MD
Time period: March 1998 - March 2004
Description: Recruitment and training company for the Media Industry
In 1995 I launched my own business offering recruitment and training consultancy services to the media industry. Sales Associates Ltd grew to become a recognised brand with 8 staff, an enviable client list and healthy profit margins. It was amongst the first companies to offer services to the online sector whilst retaining classic business systems.
The key skills I developed from my first business were to take chances but not short cuts and to experiment creatively within a set budget. My ongoing objective was to create an environment where ideas flourished and staff could develop in the directions they chose.

Employer: EMAP Images Ltd
Position: Group ad manager
Time period: December 1995 - November 1998
Description: I was responsible for advertising sales in eight computer games magazines including Mean Machines Sega, Nintendo Magazine System and CVG.
I was promoted twice and ultimately to group manager of all titles. Our biggest titles were market leaders in the key sectors and we launched two new titles during my time there.
My key development s at EMAP were learning to negotiate the politics of a senior role and taking a more strategic approach to managing revenues and future growth.

Employer: Carat Business Ltd
Position: Account Manager
Time period: December 1992 - November 1995
Description: Advertising agency specialising in business media sector
In 1991 I was part of a team of four who successfully launched Carat Business, an advertising agency that specialised in business to business press scheduling and buying. My role was client interface in the Northern and Scottish regions during the handover from the existing agency; TMD to the new structure; Carat Business which was part of the Carat group of companies. Carat Business was handling billings of £22.4 million (pounds sterling) by 1995
The key skills that I developed were the ability to analyse each client’s needs and identify and communicate better solutions for them. I also learnt to take on any role in the organisation and to accept responsibility for every part of the value chain that the client came into contact with

Employer: Quantum Publishing Ltd
Position: Deputy ad manager
Time period: December 1990 - November 1993
Description: As the deputy ad manager on Publican I had a dream job dealing with interesting clients a fascinating sector going through huge regulatory change. I added several products to the Publican brand and we became market leaders over the long standing Morning Advertiser.
I improved my people management skills, consolidated my sales ability to sell at a more senior level and learned the key skills of brand extension.

Employer: Maxwell Business Communications
Position: Work experience
Time period: December 1988 - November 1991
Description: My first job in sales was with a very motivated and exciting team working on Electronics Express recruitment advertising. We had fun and came from the back to become the leaders in a weekly market of 3 titles. In this role I learned the key to successful selling: work hard, listen well and solve problems.

EDUCATION

University: University of Manchester
Time period: 1981 - 1985
Degree: Psychology, philosophy, sociology, BA

INFORMATION

Hobbies: I am a hands on mum to two daughters; Josie and Alex. I train regularly in a martial art called Choi Kwang Do and hope that the black belt I am aiming for in March 2010 will be useful to keep them and any visiting boyfriends in line.