Christopher von Greverode is a freelancer; a copywriter in the first place, but also a public relations and communications pro and a dedicated blogger. Here, he answers our questions. To get an impression of his writing and his literary ambitions, read his blog greverode.blogspot.com.
What was the most interesting project you have implemented?
That depends on what you define as interesting. As to working conditions it would be a Europe-wide marketing project for the University of Cambridge I was involved in for two years. Regarding creative aspects it surely was the „invention“ of a whole new company including a name, an image, a philosophy, and a Corporate Design.
What was the most difficult experience you have had with a customer?
The most difficult situation you can have with a customer is when he dislikes and rejects every new idea you come up with but fails to express what he actually wants. I’ve had that once.
What was the biggest challenge that you had to face?
Quitting my job and getting self-employed after a rather fatal one-year attempt to serve with a wicked real estate company…
Are there customers for whom you would not work?
Absolutely yes. The good thing about being self-employed is that you get to choose for whom you want to work. If a person or a company doesn’t suit me for moral or personal or whatever reasons I refuse to work for them. People who put ice in their single malt for instance.
Who is the client of your dreams?
The client of my dreams provides a huge budget and grants me plenty of time to come up with good ideas that he gratefully recognises as being absolutely brilliant and implements without further questions! And I get payed within 3 days.
Which characteristics distinguish your dream team?
The members of my dream team are creative but not obsessed with their individual ingenuity. They give their best without showing off. They listen to each other, and they can admit mistakes. They share the pain, and they share the glory. They are – well, a team!
What was your best performance for free?
Driving dear friends of mine to church for their wedding in my 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 
How long have you been in the business?
About 10 years.
How many times have you changed your specialization?
Never. But I changed my working concept four years ago. I used to run my own avertising agency, but I ended up being a project manager with no creative tasks at all while my designers got to do the cool stuff. That was completely unsatisfying, so I closed down my business and became a freelancer. Now I work for several agencies, companies, or organisations with new challenges every day. And I like it.
Can you imagine to take another job?
I could imagine to have taken another job in the first place because I have many other interests, but I really love what I do now, so I don’t intend to change my ways.
What do you do in 10 years?
Probably quite the same stuff I’m doing now – thinking up good communication strategies and writing good texts. In 25 years, I might wind up growing wine or breeding emus or something…
