Peter Ingle profile

Strategic Business Communications • Charleston, SC

Personal Profile

I started my career writing user documentation for an IBM-34 computer system. That led to more projects as a business writer where I also developed layout, typography, and advertising skills.

Working as often as I did with engineers and programmers, and because of my technical interest, I became a quasi-business analyst. I learned how to detail the business needs and functionality that software programs were trying to address. And I got exposed to the nuts and bolts behind business. But my interest always lay more with explaining and clarifying than with just analysis.

My foray into analysis though led to an in-depth study of the total quality management (TQM) principles that became fashionable in the 1980s. As a meticulous communicator always in search of better methods, I adapted TQM principles to my writing process. I developed an architectural approach whereby you build a carefully crafted message—step by step and in clear stages—around three major components: (1) a clearly conceived topic, (1) the needs of a thoroughly analyzed audience, and (3) the strategic end result you want your message to achieve. I coined it the ‘bow-and-arrow’ method whose target is a definitive end result.

Over the years, I gave business writing workshops and taught my method to writers, project managers, and analysts. I later compiled my workshop material into the ebook entitled Writing Methods That Work for Business, School, and Life.

My methods found new application in the 1990s as businesses started creating a presence online. As a writer, I helped them develop the strategy behind their a site architecture, craft a clear message to customers, and build a strong web presence—all of which are typically hard for businesses to do for themselves.

I am a strategic business communications specialist with broad knowledge of internet tools and technology. A native of Charleston, I returned a year ago from Northern California where I worked as a consultant for business, technology, and government clients. My background includes web design and development, strategic marketing writing, copy writing, proposals, grants, white papers, business plans, press releases, and sales presentations. I have extensive experience as a documentation and project manager.

Education
BA, English • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Technical Skills

• Macintosh · Windows
• Word · Excel · PowerPoint · Visio Professional
• InDesign · FrameMaker · Illustrator · Photoshop
• Acrobat Professional for publishing and online use
• Dreamweaver · HTML · XML · PHP · FTP
• Extensive background in document development and design
• Extensive knowledge of procurement process and proposal writing
• Extensive knowledge of web site strategies, web architecture, and page design

Evening Post Publishing Company, Charleston, SC
Developed a new web site for the book-publishing arm of the Evening Post Publishing Company. Customized a third-party template to sell EPPC books online: See the site here.

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Prepared federal grant applications requesting multi-million dollar funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to make infrastructure improvements to biomedical research buildings on the MUSC campus. Wrote project overviews and description of improvement plans.

Compliance & Risks, Oregon House, CA
Developed the business plan for this software startup. Wrote a 10-page white paper introducing the flagship product. Developed web site copy, press releases, marketing brochures, sales presentations, and training tutorials. Designed and managed Google Adwords campaigns.

California Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Sacramento, CA
Analyzed the status of Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance controls at CDVA’s offices throughout California. Deliverables included engagement plan, business-impact analysis, detailed risk analysis, and implementation plan.

California Dept. of Mental Health, Sacramento, CA
Developed training guides for the Wellness and Recovery Model Support System (WaRMSS) used by State mental hospital medical staff. Responsibilities included interviewing developers, incorporating feedback, developing document templates, and producing two user guides.

Lasselle-Ramsay, Mountain View, CA
Performed technical editing for new e-learning modules for Microsoft Corporation’s latest products which include Windows Vista and the assortment of administrator and security tools offered with Vista. Course materials included developer instructions, demos, and guides.

California Dept. of Technology Services, Sacramento, CA
Oversaw revision of a 10-part, 1,000-page RFP for a $1.5 billion contract calling for vendors to provide the State of California with local, long distance, wireless, and broadband telecommunications services. Writing included extensive (150-page) addendums.

California Dept. of Health Services, Sacramento, CA
Managed development of a 200-page RFP calling for vendors to perform system maintenance and operations for the Children’s Medical Services Network (CMS Net). Tasks included the Information Technology Project Proposal (ITPP), and the Evaluation Plan used for scoring.

California Dept. of Health Services, Sacramento, CA
Managed development of three technical manuals for the Enhanced MediCal Budget Estimate Report (EMBER) project. Designed, wrote, and edited a user manual, system administrator manual, and technical reference guide. Managed all document development and schedules.

Database Republic, Oregon House, CA
Researched and wrote case studies, web site copy, and product brochures to promote the services of this business firm that customizes PeopleSoft Bizflow applications for clients. Developed project proposals for new clients.

Advanced Automotive Batteries, Oregon House, CA
Developed product brochures to promote the services of this consulting firm that specializes in battery technology information for the automobile industry. Advised on web strategies and design. Wrote and edited bi-annual industry analysis reports.

Heirloom Tapestries, Berkeley CA
Advised a revamp strategy for the company web site which sells traditional hand-woven tapestries. Wrote and edited web copy to make the content more intuitive to users and the text more SEO compatible to search engine spiders. Also took photos of samples for brochures.

California Gambling Control Commission, Sacramento, CA
Managed development of a 250-page RFP calling for vendors to develop a custom-off-the-shelf application for the licensing information system of California’s gambling industry. Wrote the conceptual, draft, and final proposals. Liaised with the Department of General Services (DGS).

California Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Sacramento, CA
Oversaw development of a 200-page FSR that described the replacement of DCA’s legacy systems with a custom database. Managed all writing tasks and schedules, coached technical staff in writing strategies, designed layout and style sheets, and coordinated printing.

California Dept. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA
Coordinated the design and development of 12 end-user and online document sets for a new Oracle database linking all DFG Business Information System (BIS) units throughout California. Managed a team of three writers, analyzed requirements, and oversaw final production.