Chitra Raghavan Business Research Analyst Strategic Market Planning / Marketing & Communications / Business Development Phone: (91) 98203 63311 / E-mail: chitra_raghavan@hotmail.com / Web site: www.chitrachaudhuri.com Objective To perform strategic, detail-oriented research and analysis to address tactical and strategic business challenges. This would include identification of business risks, issues and opportunities together with market and competitive trends. Strengths Results-focused approach in campaign management and demand/lead generation programs. Meticulous project planning skills with ability to gather, analyze, organize and create concise action plans, research reports and presentations. Adept at working with senior management and/or business heads for decision support initiatives, analysis of existing business and new business proposals. Areas of Experience Secondary research and analysis Business plan preparation Direct marketing programs Audience marketing New market penetration Brand management Marketing collateral development Account management End-to-end event management Database building and enhancement Professional Experience Independent Consultant (January 2006 – Present) I provide freelance consulting in the areas of business research and analysis, strategic planning, marketing and communications. I identify business risks, issues and emerging market opportunities; define strategy, and create comprehensive business plans based on secondary information and client requirements. I prepare custom research reports including presentations, competitor analysis, SWOT analysis, trends and forecast for small and medium businesses. I also write marketing copy. Highlights: Plastic Card Printer sourcing, pricing and buying report for a company registered in Kansas City, USA Market study, competitor analysis, global product sourcing(OEMs), product portfolio planning and pricing strategy for a new business launch of a lifestyle brand in USA Market study on open source online auction/marketplace software providers, for a software solutions company based in Netherlands Web copy content creation with search engine optimization (SEO), for one of the top 10 international moving companies Technical Report on the feasibility of integration of an indigenous backup technology with five leading backup and storage software vendors, for a software solutions company in Spain Identify and evaluate the top 10 electronics drop-ship companies in the United States, and recommend the best drop-shipper for a start-up company in New Jersey, USA. Consultancy regarding market positioning for an online “how-to” guide. Study the Indian Retail and Sports Industry, analyze the market and competitors, and propose a distribution strategy for a multinational sports goods company. Senior Executive – Direct Marketing (July 2003 – December 2005) WNS Global Services - Mumbai In this role, I developed and managed a range of comprehensive marketing plans for client acquisition; including promotional materials, direct-mail campaigns, and web site content. I defined and evaluated new international target markets for launching WNS’s services in.  To do this, I researched and analyzed industry verticals, and performed competitor analyses, tracking and forecast.  I also created business presentations, strategic plans and recommendations. I provided leadership and direction to direct marketing campaigns for establishing awareness of WNS among MNC subsidiaries and captive set-ups in India. Highlights: Provided direct support to Top Management and Directors in decision support and business development initiatives. Helped plan the launch of WNS Services in new industry verticals such as Telecommunication, Knowledge Services, Insurance, Legal Services, Mortgage and International Retail. Successfully led direct marketing campaigns to increase awareness of WNS Services among multi-national companies in India by designing, developing and implementing one-to-many marketing efforts. Business Development Consultant (February 2003 – June 2003) Oracle Direct, India – Bangalore In this role, I managed existing accounts, enhancing cross-sell and up-sell of Oracle products, and also developed new accounts by identifying prospective customer needs in USA and Canada. I worked in a virtual team environment consisting of the field sales representative at Oracle Corp., USA, and an offshore tele-marketing team, to identify and target companies working on competitor technologies. Highlights: Created and managed an independent sales pipeline and was responsible for all orders below $100k in the territory Handled lead generation through product- and country-specific marketing campaigns MarComm Specialist – Developer Evangelism (January 2002 – December 2002) Microsoft Corp, India – Bangalore In this role, I directed all marketing communications and messaging in collaterals, advertising, PR and web for audience and community marketing activities. I supported a team of Developer Evangelists in planning marketing activities, coordinating overall marketing efforts; communicating with vendors, internal departments and event organizers. Highlights: Managed the MSDN India (Microsoft Developer Network) brand in all developer programs, events, website and promotional items and giveaways Handled complete event management – from strategy planning to execution - of the two largest technical events –TechEd and DevDays- held by Microsoft, India. Marketing Executive (April 2001 – December 2001) Microsoft Corp., India – Bangalore In this role, I planned and led core marketing and promotional programs during the product launch of Microsoft .NET in India. I worked as a single point of contact with ISVs and customers to coordinate all customer communications and support issues as part of the .NET Early Adapter Program. I handled online campaigns and communications on the MSDN India web site including MSDN and TechNet electronic newsletters, and periodic direct mails to developer communities. Highlights: Worked with 18 ISVs to develop and showcase solutions built on the .NET platform during the .NET launch event across 6 cities in India. Business Development Executive (January 2001 – April 2001) Questech India Limited – Bangalore In this role, I identified and handled sales of e-commerce solutions in the European region – especially Germany and France – and the French-speaking regions of Canada. I also analyzed and evaluated target markets in Australia and New Zealand for launch of new services. Highlights: Assisted in sales of Questech e-solutions products in the Indian market.   Sales Representative (September 1999 - December 2000) Microsoft Corp., India – Bangalore I handled the MORG (Medium ORGanizations) tele-sales, selling Microsoft products and licenses in Karnataka, Kerala and Sri Lanka. I worked with the distributors and resellers to identify sales opportunity and close deals as part of a two-pronged channel sales model. Highlights: Increased customer database, identified key contacts and maximized engagement with key corporate enterprise accounts by proper account management Worked with the Microsoft Anti-piracy team to enlighten misuse of software and licenses and educating customers   Corporate Marketing Executive (December 1998 – September 1999) MicroUniv, Microland Ltd – Bangalore In this role, I planned and handled all retail and corporate marketing initiatives for selling, positioning and marketing of customized training programs delivered by MicroUniv. I guided the administration executives in planning the training schedules and logistics of the training center. Customer Support Engineer (April 1998 – September 1998) Pacsoft Solutions Pvt. Ltd – Bangalore I handled installation, implementation and user-training of PacSoft’s school management and accounts management software for schools. Education & Credentials Bachelor of Engineering, Electronics & Communication, 1997 from Bangalore University, Karnataka. Brand Management from COMMITS, Convergence Institute of Media, Management and Information Technology Studies, Bangalore.