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When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.
Resume

OLGA KOSTROVA

Address: Anywhere in the world – global citizen.

E-mail: olgakostrova2007 @ yahoo.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING – SALES AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

International business development professional with 15 years experience in Sales, Marketing, and Product Development. Creative, imaginative, persistent thinker. Holder of seven patents for new products and new business methods. Demonstrated expertise in IPOs, fundraising, and procuring venture capital. Extensive experience with both service and technology industries, including Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer marketing, manufacturing, distribution, media, international trading, and consumer goods.

SUMMARY

Degree in Financial Management and Information Systems in Economics from the Kiev University of Economics. Business background includes sales, marketing, business development, e-commerce, consumer internet, advertising, and public relations for both start-ups and multi-national companies. Have a global view of business and entrepreneurship.

  • Creative thinker -- Produce unusual solutions to difficult challenges. Designed several new products, new business methods, and business models.
  • Highly Qualified Business Manager -- Fifteen years experience in Sales, Marketing, and Product development.
  • Results-oriented Project Leader – Implemented more than 50 advertising, public relations, and sales promotions; with cost-saving results.
  • Skilled Team Manager -- Capable of understanding a dynamic and rapidly changing businesses environment, applying knowledge for efficient organization, building focused and productive teams.
  • Decisive Business Planner -- Able to make decisions based on rational financial and business assessments, producing outcomes with positive impact.
  • Effective Program Manager -- Observable leadership skills in public relations, marketing, sales customer relations, creative media. Demonstrated Expertise -- IPOs, fundraising, venture capital, service industry (B2B, B2C), manufacturing, distribution, international trading, consumer goods, real estate, media, technology.
  • Outstanding Networker -- Developed a network of over 10,000 business professionals and entrepreneurs; advocated innovative thinking by designing, facilitating and hosting monthly networking and brainstorming sessions.
  • Highly Motivated Entrepreneur -- Open-minded, intelligent, resourceful, with a good sense of humor and high energy level.
  • Hands-on Computer Skills include: Photoshop, Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Publisher, Premier...

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

NeuroSky Inc. Neurofeedback/gaming company.
San Jose, USA (October, 2007 – April, 2008).

MARKETING DIRECTOR (consulting contract)

  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, and work collaboratively to create cross-organizational, integrated marketing strategies.
  • Redesigned NeuoSky brand, created a new brand concept and identity for the company and its break-through technology.
  • Designed and managed communications projects with vendors and contractors for the development of new corporate website; production of promotional materials for trade shows and sales presentations.
  • Provided writing and editing support for all outbound member communications including press-kits, promotional materials, and website content.
  • Managed media relations.
  • Developed partnerships and strategic alliances.

IdeaMamaClub.com. Web 2.0/Consumer internet company.
Toronto, Canada / San Francisco, USA (October, 2004 – Present).

FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Developed innovative Web 2.0 product.
  • Developed business plan, planned and structured the organisation, managed seed funding, and investor relations.
  • Developed branding and marketing plan for IdeaMama and its portfolio companies; established the brand in Canada, UK, and USA.
  • Managed product marketing based on market intelligence, knowledge of market trends, current and future customer requirements, competitor activities, pricing, products, sales and distribution strategies. Worked closely with R&D clients' teams to ensure competitive product and market positioning and product pricing; developed a model for new product launch.
  • Built alliances and channel programs to rapidly acquire channel partners; monitored partner performance and made appropriate changes and modifications.
  • Managed event marketing and PR activities: promoted IdeaMamaClub.com, grew the business worldwide, developed expansion strategies including licensing and franchising.
  • Recruited and trained associates and consultants, delivered high quality consultancy to clients in pre-funding stage.

Artmill Creative Group Corp. Media company/Stock photo agency.
Toronto, Canada. (June, 2003- October 2004).

FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Was responsible for all aspects of the company's marketing strategy, from identification and prioritization of issues to conception and implementation of deliverables, functions, activities and programs -- including branding, advertising, customer service, promotion, consumer research, pricing.
  • Developed corporate marketing objectives and strategies; delivered specific marketing results via “hands-on” design and execution of programs for Artmill’s clients.
  • Managed marketing communications initiatives, including branding, brand management, management of all external corporate communications, channel support.
  • Planned, executed, and tracked market research to determine industry trends, needs and client preferences.
  • Developed and managed product strategy through collaboration with sales, customer service, and operations/technology groups within the company; lead the product “roadmap” plan and methodology for current and future development and deployment of new releases.
  • Supervised development of Web solutions.
  • Developed, maintained, and grew Artmill’s clientele by creating and implementing non-traditional advertising and promotional concepts.

Ol Grandeur Inc. On-line retailer/Women’s wear manufacturer.
Toronto, Canada. (June, 2001 - December, 2003).

FOUNDER, MANAGER OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

  • Stayed current with the market trends and business potential to ensure a strong team approach that met the business objectives. Developed strategy and tactics to maximize market share, and improve product design and profitability.
  • Provided expertise in product development, with counselling to upper management: designed upscale women’s wear line (business, business casual, and evening).
  • Developed branding elements as well as visual and marketing strategies for Ol Grandeur Fashion House.
  • Developed marketing communication materials for the clothing line.
  • Provided leadership, motivation, and representation for store associates.

Goldwell. International cosmetic company,
Toronto, Canada. (February, 2001 – June, 2001).

NATIONAL BRAND MANAGER

  • Developed long-term strategy for the brands.
  • Designed and maintained marketing materials according to the budget.
  • Developed and maintained related budgets.
  • Interacted with vendors and suppliers for Liquid initiatives.
  • Maintained “close-out reports” for all liquid brands, detailing yearly national activity. Provided margin analyses.
  • Developed and managed the corporate magazine.

Oriflame. International cosmetic company.
Kiev, Ukraine.

ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER. (December, 1998 – November, 2000).

  • Ensured that all PR, advertising, sales promotion, and market positioning goals were achieved within the specified market segment.
  • Coordinated advertising, promotions, and public relations campaigns, including budgeting, planning, creative development, and complete execution of plan.
  • Provided sales support for 40,000 Direct Sales Representatives.
  • Coordinated special events, including presentations, press conferences, press shows, exhibitions, company staff meeting, trade shows, sampling promotions, and training of sales representatives. Negotiated with advertising agencies.
  • Created and developed contacts with existing and potential business partners; created and executed contracts.
  • Designed and implemented more than 50 sales promotion and public relations projects that were executed personally, for both staff and clients, with cost-saving results.

EVENTS / SALES SUPPORT MANAGER. (September, 1997 – December, 1998).

  • Arranged special external and internal events, presentations, press conferences, exhibitions, company staff meetings, tradeshows, sampling promotions, training of sales representatives. Selected show program elements; recruited showmen, actors, promoters, script writers and production staff.
  • Coordinated advertising, promotions, public relations campaigns, including budgeting, planning, creative development, and complete execution of plan.
  • Negotiated with advertising agencies, assigned tasks, monitored execution.

National Academy Of Management.
Kiev, Ukraine. (December, 1995 – September, 1997).

SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT

VOLUNTEER

Rogers Television. Toronto, Canada (2000).

Minutes of Music. Toronto, Canada (2000 – 2001).

EDUCATION

Kiev University of Economics: Information Systems in Economics. Kiev, Ukraine. 1992-1994.

National Academy of Management: Financial Management. Kiev, Ukraine. 1994-1998.

Company Sponsored Professional Training and Seminars

  • “Direct sale.” Consulting group “Tamarind,” USA, 1999.“
  • Advertising dimension,” “Triz-chance,” St. Petersburg, 1999.
  • Leadership Training Workshop, Kiev, Ukraine, 1998.
  • “Effective presentation.” Kiev, Ukraine, 1998.
  • “Academy of business.” Kiev, Ukraine, 1998.
  • “Public relations & advertising campaigns during a crisis period.” “Art-Info,” Kiev, 1998.

Additional Education

2000 “Skills for change”, Toronto, Canada. The course “Entrepreneurship.”

1998-2000 London School of English, Kiev, Ukraine. English language courses.

1995-1998 Theatre School of Improv., Kiev, Ukraine. Acting Technique For Business.

1995-1996 Psychology School, Kiev, Ukraine. Social Psychology Course.