BACKGROUND OF PRINCIPAL

Diane Fluin has over 15 years of experience writing, proofing and editing in a variety of areas. Before founding Fluin Consulting, she gained experience in market research, translations, project management and technical writing.

Diane holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and has a minor in Biology.

EXPERIENCE 

Technical Writer, 2000-2007    
Translations/Graphic Design Contractor, 1997-2000
BECKMAN COULTER, INC.
Assisted the software engineering department of a medical device company in writing software requirements and specifications for medical laboratory instruments.
Compiled text from technical manuals and product inserts for translation into foreign languages. Corresponded with translators and met strict deadlines for incorporating and proofing translations in finished documents. Proofed final versions of translated materials for accuracy and consistency.
Assisted in converting technical manuals and product inserts to new corporate name and logo. Gained proficiency with FrameMaker and QuarkXPress on both Macintosh and PC systems.

Multilingual Typesetting Contractor, 1998-1999

P.H. BRINK, INC.              

Incorporated and proofed additions and revisions to technical manuals translated in several foreign languages. Worked closely with in-house translators to meet deadlines. Assisted the Quality Control department in proofing and editing corrections/updates made to translations. Gained expertise with FrameMaker and MS Word page layout, style usage, and foreign language features.

Technical Communications Contractor, 1996-1997

CENTURY DESIGN, INC.

Modified existing technical proposals, publications and product inserts by creating and applying styles, importing graphics and inserting/correcting translations. Proofed and edited translations to assure consistency with the original translated file and the original English text. Verified translations, and edited and corrected existing product manuals.

Medical Marketing Communications Contractor, 1992-1997

MEDTRONIC, INC., NEUROLOGICAL DIVISION

Created, proofed and edited multilingual slide lecture packages and graphics presentations for international sales training. Proofed and edited translations, training manuals, medical illustrations and marketing materials. Imported graphics and published marketing and training materials for professional audiences.

Freelance Research Contractor, 1988-1992        

Assisted healthcare industry managers in coordinating, analyzing and reporting marketing research information to meet the marketing and planning needs of upper management. Performed survey design, interviewing, and tabulation of results.

Assisted research project directors with design, management and analysis of financial services research studies. Conducted and transcribed telephone research interviews with top financial institution executives.

Managed a nationwide research project designed to assess brand perceptions of a Fortune 500 client. Presented research results and recommendations to clients. Tabulated results and assisted in analysis of surveys.

Telephone Interviewer, 1984-1987        

CUSTOM RESEARCH, INC.

Conducted nationwide telephone interviews with both consumers and business professionals. Assisted in monitoring interviews and provided feedback to interviewers for improving interviewing techniques. Performed survey pre-tests and recommended survey revisions to clients.