Professional Experience
Matt Alderton is a freelance writer, editor and reporter who specializes in narrative journalism, branded content and feature writing. He is a subject-matter expert in business, association management, media and marketing, and — in addition to those subjects — writes frequently about architecture, food, travel, technology and politics. When he's not writing feature articles for magazines and websites, Matt's plugging away on press releases and copywriting projects. You name it, he writes it. What's more, he writes it well and on time. In fact, Matt delivers the best words for the best value. Matt's a capable, creative journalist who's able to expertly navigate both traditional and new media landscapes. He tackles everything from in-depth magazine features, informative newspaper articles and publicity-laden press releases to corporate blogs, brochures and business letters with equal enthusiasm and success. Communication is Matt's currency; want to help him spend it?
Expertise
- Content Editor (online) 10 Years
- Editor 10 Years
- Writer 13 Years
Specialty
- Food 10 Years
- Business (general) 10 Years
- Travel 6 Years
Industries
- Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B) 13 Years
- Online/new media 10 Years
- Marketing (firm) - Fortune 1000 corp. clients 10 Years
Media Client List (# Assignments Last 2 Yrs)
- Northstar Travel Media(10+)
- Guerrero Howe Custom Media(10+)
- Imagination Publishing(10+)
- GLC Custom Media(6-10)
- Stamats Communications(1-2)
Corporate Client List (# Assignments Last 2 Yrs)
- Association Forum of Chicagoland(10+)
- Western Union(10+)
- Wells Fargo Bank(6-10)
- Chick-fil-A(6-10)
- Project Management Institute(6-10)
- U.S. Bank(3-5)
- U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation(3-5)
- National Federation of Independent Business(3-5)
- North American Wholesale Lumber Association(3-5)
- Association of Pool and Spa Professionals(3-5)
- Chicago Dental Society(3-5)
- Institute of Food Technologists(3-5)
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics(3-5)
- International Association of Chiefs of Police(1-2)
- Commercial Law League of America(1-2)
- Northern Trust Bank(1-2)
Other work history
Before starting my own full-time freelance writing business, I was a managing editor with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association, where I managed newsletters, marketing communications, press releases and public policy on behalf of members in the word of mouth marketing industry. At WOMMA, I developed a keen knowledge of emerging media, including blogs, social networks and online communities. Before WOMMA, I worked for Imagination Publishing — which continues to be a large client of mine — as an editor and associate publisher, managing branded magazines, newsletters and websites for Fortune 500 clients such as KeyBank, Sam's Club, MasterCard and Yahoo! I specialized in small business content, as well as food and parenting. Prior to joining Imagination, I worked as a staff writer for foodservice and parenting-themed publications.
Technical skills
Blogs, social media, photo editing
Foreign Language Skills
Spanish
Computer skills
HTML, Windows, Max OS X, Microsoft Office, Textile, Quark, Photoshop, Wordpress
Equipment
Laptop, scanner, digital camera, digital voice recorder, image editing software
Work permits & visas
U.S. Passport
Associations
National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Technology Articles
Location Nation
(Trajectory Magazine (U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation) 1/1/2013)
Location-based apps are transforming the way consumers think about commerce and geography. In this article, I examine what's possible in the world of location-based mobile apps, and what the implications are for the world we live in.
Social Media Disclosure: The Ethics of Reviews and Recommendations
(Food & Nutrition Magazine (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) 2/5/2012)
Dietitians who blog on behalf of their clients must familiarize themselves with ethical marketing practices. Here, I help them ethically navigate the social media landscape.
Mission: Mobile
(Trajectory Magazine (U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation) 4/1/2013)
Although they lag behind the consumer sector when it comes to developing and deploying technology, military, defense and government are catching up quickly. In this article I profile efforts within the public sector to take advantage of location-based mobile apps.
Profiles
Game On
(Profile Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 1/1/2013)
A profile of Reggie Davis, general counsel and secretary, Zynga.
Motorola Solutions Inc.
(Profile Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 4/1/2012)
A profile of Lewis Steverson, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary to the board, Motorola Solutions Inc.
Toy Story
(Hispanic Executive Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 10/1/2012)
A profile of Lourdes Arocho, vice president of toys and games, Nickelodeon Consumer Products.
The Tweet Life
(Hispanic Executive Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 4/1/2012)
A Q&A with Brandy Contreras, HR director at Twitter.
Travel Articles
Nothing Adventured, Nothing Gained
(New American Luxury Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 12/1/2012)
Dan Austin of Austin-Lehman Adventures goes to great lengths -- literally -- to please his customers. Here, a profile of the adventurer and his adventures.
Bang for Your Buck
(Meetings Focus Magazine 3/1/2012)
Thanks to the recession, businesses are more conscious than ever about their spending. In this article I offer meeting and event planners 25 tips for maximizing value and minimizing spend.
Inn-credible
(New American Luxury Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 7/1/2012)
The Simpson House Inn is a favorite luxury destination in Santa Barbara. Here, a profile of the property and its owners.
Cartagena de Indias: Latin America's New Convention Capital?
(Successful Meetings Magazine (Northstar Travel Media) 1/27/2013)
Once considered a dangerous drug haven, Colombia is enjoying a second life as a travel hotspot. Here, I tour one of its largest cities -- Cartagena de Indias -- from the perspective of a meeting planner.
Personal Finance Articles
How to Manage Personal Debt
(Wells Fargo Bank 1/1/2011)
Keeping track of your debt can help you achieve your financial goals. Here, tips for creating a personal balance sheet.
Funding the College Dream
(Reserve Magazine (U.S. Bank) 9/1/2012)
Even wealthy families need help planning and saving for college. Here, I offer college savings tips for high-net-worth individuals.
Creating Fiscally Fit Kids
(Renew Magazine 9/1/2011)
Raising healthy children requires teaching them not only about diet and exercise, but also about money. Here, I offer tips to help parent raise financially literate kids.
Architecture and Design Articles
Tudor 2.0
(New American Luxury Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 12/1/2012)
A behind-the-scenes tour of a rebuilt Tudor home, courtesy of Hilton-VanderHorn Architects.
Virtual Realities
(Green Building + Design Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 4/1/2012)
Experts from three global architecture firms discuss the intersection of sustainability, design and technology.
Back to the Basics of Louis Sullivan
(Green Building + Design Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 4/1/2012)
A historic Louis Sullivan storefront in Chicago was recently renovated and restored. Here, a look at the project's challenges and solutions.
Bertram and Judith Kohl Building: A Musical Expansion
(Green Building + Design Magazine (Guerrero Howe Custom Media) 10/1/2012)
The new jazz studies and music theory building at Oberlin College combines the arts with the environment. Here, a tour of its design.
Business Articles
"Innovate or Die"
(Crosscut Magazine (North American Wholesale Lumber Association) 11/1/2012)
In a post-recession world, "business as usual" doesn't cut it. In this article for the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, I examine what it means to be "innovative."
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Bank Loan
(National Federation of Independent Business 8/1/2012)
A bank loan can help a small business thrive in good times and bad. Here, tips for avoiding business owners' most common mistakes.
PMO 2.0
(PM Network Magazine (Project Management Institute) 2/2/2013)
Just because a project management office failed the first time doesn't mean it can't succeed the second time. In this article, I offer tips for project managers about how to resurrect a failed PMO.
Around the World
(Project Management Institute 6/1/2012)
Companies around the world are using project management to drive business results. Here, four of them share their strategies.
Articles for and About Associations
Auditing the Future
(FORUM Magazine (Association Forum of Chicagoland) 5/1/2012)
As newspapers and magazines go digital, so, too, does their circulation. Here, a look at efforts by the Audit Bureau of Circulations to help its members evolve in the digital age.
End of an Era
(New Patriot Magazine (Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States) 6/1/2012)
Alaska's Kulis Air National Guard Base closed in 2011. Here, I explore the base's history and legacy for the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.
Brand New Day
(AQ Magazine (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) 1/2/2013)
The Great Recession did a number on the pool and spa industry. Here, I explore branding best practices that will help the industry recover.
"Rise from Ruin"
(Crosscut Magazine (North American Wholesale Lumber Association) 1/1/2013)
Natural disasters are devastating. Out of destruction, however, comes opportunity. In this article, I explore post-disaster business opportunities on behalf of the lumber industry.