I'll build posts expanding on my thoughts about the topics I covered in the previous series, but I have to digress for a moment.
My top internet marketer of choice (out of three or four I try to learn from) is Armand Morin. I love his take on what we need for a sustainable business structure, and he's great at releasing information to people about his findings. I'm sure he's an awesome one on one coach, and I hope to get money together in time to take advantage of his coaching in the future.
He offered a series of interviews leading up to the "Big Seminar 12" that happens later this week. His latest one dealt with his ideas about internet marketing.
I agreed with everything except why people use Youtube for their businesses. Okay, I don't know enough to be able to speak for everyone here, so maybe he's right about the majority. But he's not right about why I would use Youtube.
His whole take was why you'd use a free video service when you could pay for a good one. I've watched videos placed on both youtube and one paid services (usually the ones I see are using camtasia to build the videos with ... not sure about the others).
First, where I do agree - when it involves the longer videos for training purposes (that often lead to a marketing message too) ... as far as I can tell, you're limited on time with Youtube down to about ten minutes. Possibly with a paid service, you get more - and most training sessions do take more than ten minutes.
Now, I disagree why I would use Youtube on two accounts:
One is the bottom line - for me, if I have a choice between using a free service or a paid service to present the same information, and they both work with the majority of browsers ... I'm going for the free service. As long as they are both reliable.
Second is for catching new marketers/copywriters/writers coming into my field. They know that seminars segments are often posted to Youtube and go looking there when they can't afford to buy the seminar tapes or attend a seminar. I want to have my information there where they can find it too. Not for my product, as I don't feel that I'd get a lot of sales from this, but for their benefit. I've benefited a lot from the Youtube segments and I want to give others that same benefit. And it never hurts to have your name in another place to help people remember who you are. So there is an added future benefit for myself.
That being said, "No", I haven't started using video marketing. It is in my future plans though to offer some sort of video products. Will Youtube fit into my picture? I don't know. I've thought that maybe it might, for blogging purposes, or for giving sneak peaks into the full video product.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Closing Article in Series
Article 5 of 5 for series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter"
In closing ...
This is just a minute step into the world of copywriting. Hopefully, it's helped you decide whether or not going for a career in copywriting is right for you.
Your attitude towards copywriting and your goals will help determine how successful you are.
Writing is often a wonderful profession. You get to explore so many topics, learn so much about the world and the people in it, often helping others better their lives through knowledge of a product or service.
But that doesn't mean that it's easy. You have to be willing to make mistakes and to learn from them. Mike Masterson calls this 'accelerated failures'. Every copywriter out there will try different things and will experience both successes and failures. You must be bold enough to push through the failures, find out what went wrong and make the steps to do better next time.
As a freelancer, you often work in solitude. If you're an introvert who prefers to be by yourself, this won't be so bad. But for some it can be darn nerve wracking. You need to understand this will happen and pattern your work habits to minimize this possible stress. Schedule time for a luncheon date a few times a week. Make sure you visit your gym regularly or take long walks. Make time for your family. Don't feel as if you must isolate yourself from the world in order to do your job.
People don't understand that you can make a living at writing. So, before you do make it, they are likely to suggest you try something more conventional, like McDonalds. It's up to you to keep your goals in sight and to learn positive thinking.
If you have a supportive spouse who believes in what you're trying to achieve and supports you, great. That's definitely a keeper! Nurture your relationship with your family members. You need their support, whether they understand the potential of freelance writing or not. My mother is one of those who believes you need to work for someone and then hold on to that job no matter what. But she's also one of my biggest supporters. Of course, I get more latitude with her because I have a husband who works to make the bills while I quit my job for copywriting (wonderful man) and she's old-fashioned, so it's okay for me to play because I'm the woman. But still... she is great about her support.
Soon, you're really making your paycheck at the writing, working a flexible schedule that allows you to take time off when you need family or personal time, and able to afford it. Then, people will believe in your writing career, and you may find a few curious enough to explore copywriting and decide to try it too.
If you're sure you want to be a copywriter, then you need to adopt the B.I.G. attitude.
B - believe in yourself.
I - invest in yourself.
G - go for it!
Have fun!
Starter List of Resources
These copywriters put out good products, posts, and newsletters about copywriting and marketing:
Clayton Makepeace - http://www.totalmakepeacepackage.com
Bob Bly - http://www.bly.com
Ryan Healy - http://www.ryanhealy.com
John Carlton - http://www.john-carlton.com/
Carline Anglade-Cole - http://www.carlinecole.com/
Armand Morin - http://www.armandmorin.com/ (internet marketer)
Michael Stelzner - http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/ (White papers, but goes into other areas too and provides good leads to other sources.)
Michael Masterson - http://www.michaelmasterson.net/
Those are just a few, but they will give you plenty of fuel to get started with.
My suggested source for copywriting courses is AWAI at http://www.awaionline.com
Also look at professional copywriters. Many have taken the role of mentoring seriously and offer their own courses or events throughout the year.
Sign up for Early To Rise's newsletter at http://www.earlytorise.com Loads of valuable information.
Good selection for starting your library:
The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly
Ready, Fire, Aim! by Michael Masterson
Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar
Secrets of A Freelance Writer by Bob Bly
Selling Your Services by Bob Bly
Get your free copy of Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins at http://www.scientificadvertising.com/
See what you'll be writing as a copywriter at http://www.hardtofindads.com - this site has plenty of copywriting examples to study and learn from.
Starting out can be scary. Just remember, adopt a B.I.G. attitude and you'll get there.
"I'm so optimistic, I'd go after Moby Dick in a row boat and take the tartar sauce with me."
Taken from Zig Ziglar's Little PDF of Big Quotes ( http://www.ziglar.com/index.php )
In closing ...
This is just a minute step into the world of copywriting. Hopefully, it's helped you decide whether or not going for a career in copywriting is right for you.
Your attitude towards copywriting and your goals will help determine how successful you are.
Writing is often a wonderful profession. You get to explore so many topics, learn so much about the world and the people in it, often helping others better their lives through knowledge of a product or service.
But that doesn't mean that it's easy. You have to be willing to make mistakes and to learn from them. Mike Masterson calls this 'accelerated failures'. Every copywriter out there will try different things and will experience both successes and failures. You must be bold enough to push through the failures, find out what went wrong and make the steps to do better next time.
As a freelancer, you often work in solitude. If you're an introvert who prefers to be by yourself, this won't be so bad. But for some it can be darn nerve wracking. You need to understand this will happen and pattern your work habits to minimize this possible stress. Schedule time for a luncheon date a few times a week. Make sure you visit your gym regularly or take long walks. Make time for your family. Don't feel as if you must isolate yourself from the world in order to do your job.
People don't understand that you can make a living at writing. So, before you do make it, they are likely to suggest you try something more conventional, like McDonalds. It's up to you to keep your goals in sight and to learn positive thinking.
If you have a supportive spouse who believes in what you're trying to achieve and supports you, great. That's definitely a keeper! Nurture your relationship with your family members. You need their support, whether they understand the potential of freelance writing or not. My mother is one of those who believes you need to work for someone and then hold on to that job no matter what. But she's also one of my biggest supporters. Of course, I get more latitude with her because I have a husband who works to make the bills while I quit my job for copywriting (wonderful man) and she's old-fashioned, so it's okay for me to play because I'm the woman. But still... she is great about her support.
Soon, you're really making your paycheck at the writing, working a flexible schedule that allows you to take time off when you need family or personal time, and able to afford it. Then, people will believe in your writing career, and you may find a few curious enough to explore copywriting and decide to try it too.
If you're sure you want to be a copywriter, then you need to adopt the B.I.G. attitude.
B - believe in yourself.
I - invest in yourself.
G - go for it!
Have fun!
Starter List of Resources
These copywriters put out good products, posts, and newsletters about copywriting and marketing:
Clayton Makepeace - http://www.totalmakepeacepackage.com
Bob Bly - http://www.bly.com
Ryan Healy - http://www.ryanhealy.com
John Carlton - http://www.john-carlton.com/
Carline Anglade-Cole - http://www.carlinecole.com/
Armand Morin - http://www.armandmorin.com/ (internet marketer)
Michael Stelzner - http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/ (White papers, but goes into other areas too and provides good leads to other sources.)
Michael Masterson - http://www.michaelmasterson.net/
Those are just a few, but they will give you plenty of fuel to get started with.
My suggested source for copywriting courses is AWAI at http://www.awaionline.com
Also look at professional copywriters. Many have taken the role of mentoring seriously and offer their own courses or events throughout the year.
Sign up for Early To Rise's newsletter at http://www.earlytorise.com Loads of valuable information.
Good selection for starting your library:
The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly
Ready, Fire, Aim! by Michael Masterson
Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar
Secrets of A Freelance Writer by Bob Bly
Selling Your Services by Bob Bly
Get your free copy of Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins at http://www.scientificadvertising.com/
See what you'll be writing as a copywriter at http://www.hardtofindads.com - this site has plenty of copywriting examples to study and learn from.
Starting out can be scary. Just remember, adopt a B.I.G. attitude and you'll get there.
"I'm so optimistic, I'd go after Moby Dick in a row boat and take the tartar sauce with me."
Taken from Zig Ziglar's Little PDF of Big Quotes ( http://www.ziglar.com/index.php )
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Can You Be A Copywriter?
Article 4 of 5 in series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming A Copywriter"
Do you have what it takes to learn copywriting and become a good copywriter?
The copywriting field is easy to stumble into. Every sales piece we hear, see, and read was developed by a copywriter. Some are great enough to keep us awake at night, thinking about the product and how we must get one. Others leave us bewildered, wondering what in the world the ad was selling in the first place, like a bad cartoon we don't understand.
Those are your study materials for becoming a copywriter. Study them. See what works, what doesn't. Look for each technique and part of the sales piece as you learn about them throughout your training. Why did those great pieces keep you awake at night? Why did the others not work, and how can they be improved upon? The more you attempt to find the techniques, sales components, and methods you learn about, the quicker you'll find yourself learning to write them yourself.
Now, I'll cover what you'll need from the inside of you to make it into copywriting.
1. You must be willing to invest in yourself. Don't just dive into being a copywriter without taking the time to learn what being a good copywriter means. You'll still get jobs without learning the secrets of the field, but you won't gain the reputation of a good copywriter who produces results. And you want results. Not only can you make money up front writing a piece, but you can eventually earn royalties on direct mail pieces that are used in future mailings.
Investing in yourself does cost money. The course you'll choose will cost a penny or two. Every book or program you purchase will cost you. Trust that you are worth investing in and do it.
I'm not saying to go out there and buy every program that promises to teach you copywriting. Heavens no! There are some really worthless programs that will lead you down the wrong path, or nowhere at all. I recommend starting with AWAI's courses. I am not an affiliate with them, but I am a student with them, probably for life. I seem to move from one of their courses to another. Their copywriting courses even have convenient monthly programs for those of us with limited finances.
When you do have a buck or two to invest in yourself, do so. But study those who have proven their integrity and results. I will include a starter list of current master copywriters and specialists to check out online.
Don't forget to willingly invest in yourself with something that doesn't cost money. Time. Make your study and self-improvement time a priority in your life. Until you can get the money to invest in those things that cost, find ways to study that are free ... newsletters, seminars, youtube presentations, audio clips, etc. Borrow books at library or through the inter-library loan system.
2. You must be willing to set daily goals for yourself and stick to them, no matter what happens in life. If you determine that you're going to set aside an hour a night to studying, then do it. You may find that you have to take a night or two off. If you make it one hour a night, for a total of six hours a week, you've allowed for a night off. If you get sidetracked and lose a few nights or even a week, just do 1 ½ hours a night until you're caught up. But you must develop the discipline to stick with your training because life is rough - there's always something that will happen to stop you, if you let it. Decide right at the start to not let anything stop you.
3. With number 2 you must adopt the ability to forgive yourself when you do deter from your daily goal. Don't give up on yourself. Just pick yourself up and get back to it. Even if something really discouraged you and derailed you for a long time. I took a year break because I let life get to me and derail me. But I forgave myself for that and set my mind to making it happen, and never looked back. Everyone deserves a second chance. That includes you.
4. Recognize your worth as a copywriter from the beginning. Set out to be a professional from the start, not a "beginner" or "aspiring" copywriter. Once you get through your initial training, you must present yourself as a Professional Copywriter. You will not "beg" for jobs. You will market yourself as a professional. Nor will you accept "measly payments" for the jobs you market yourself for. Your time and expertise is valuable.
Being a copywriter is an ever-growing process. You will never stop learning in this field. Every day you will learn something new about yourself, your writing, and about subjects you write about that will help you make your next sales material even better. This does not mean that you don't become a professional until a certain level. Rather, it means that you are a Professional Copywriter who is always on the lookout for ways to improve your client's sales response.
5. Understand that you also must become a marketer. A copywriter is not only a writer, but a marketer. When you put together sales material for your client, you are writing that piece so that it fits into your client's marketing plan. You need to understand how that piece is marketed, what other pieces will be used with it, and what other methods of marketing are available for your client to use with that piece, and others.
You will have to learn how to market yourself. Somehow you need to let potential clients know you are available, and that you know how to help them increase their sales results.
Think about what I said. Enjoy! Tomorrow's closing post will introduce the B.I.G. attitude that will make you succeed.
Do you have what it takes to learn copywriting and become a good copywriter?
The copywriting field is easy to stumble into. Every sales piece we hear, see, and read was developed by a copywriter. Some are great enough to keep us awake at night, thinking about the product and how we must get one. Others leave us bewildered, wondering what in the world the ad was selling in the first place, like a bad cartoon we don't understand.
Those are your study materials for becoming a copywriter. Study them. See what works, what doesn't. Look for each technique and part of the sales piece as you learn about them throughout your training. Why did those great pieces keep you awake at night? Why did the others not work, and how can they be improved upon? The more you attempt to find the techniques, sales components, and methods you learn about, the quicker you'll find yourself learning to write them yourself.
Now, I'll cover what you'll need from the inside of you to make it into copywriting.
1. You must be willing to invest in yourself. Don't just dive into being a copywriter without taking the time to learn what being a good copywriter means. You'll still get jobs without learning the secrets of the field, but you won't gain the reputation of a good copywriter who produces results. And you want results. Not only can you make money up front writing a piece, but you can eventually earn royalties on direct mail pieces that are used in future mailings.
Investing in yourself does cost money. The course you'll choose will cost a penny or two. Every book or program you purchase will cost you. Trust that you are worth investing in and do it.
I'm not saying to go out there and buy every program that promises to teach you copywriting. Heavens no! There are some really worthless programs that will lead you down the wrong path, or nowhere at all. I recommend starting with AWAI's courses. I am not an affiliate with them, but I am a student with them, probably for life. I seem to move from one of their courses to another. Their copywriting courses even have convenient monthly programs for those of us with limited finances.
When you do have a buck or two to invest in yourself, do so. But study those who have proven their integrity and results. I will include a starter list of current master copywriters and specialists to check out online.
Don't forget to willingly invest in yourself with something that doesn't cost money. Time. Make your study and self-improvement time a priority in your life. Until you can get the money to invest in those things that cost, find ways to study that are free ... newsletters, seminars, youtube presentations, audio clips, etc. Borrow books at library or through the inter-library loan system.
2. You must be willing to set daily goals for yourself and stick to them, no matter what happens in life. If you determine that you're going to set aside an hour a night to studying, then do it. You may find that you have to take a night or two off. If you make it one hour a night, for a total of six hours a week, you've allowed for a night off. If you get sidetracked and lose a few nights or even a week, just do 1 ½ hours a night until you're caught up. But you must develop the discipline to stick with your training because life is rough - there's always something that will happen to stop you, if you let it. Decide right at the start to not let anything stop you.
3. With number 2 you must adopt the ability to forgive yourself when you do deter from your daily goal. Don't give up on yourself. Just pick yourself up and get back to it. Even if something really discouraged you and derailed you for a long time. I took a year break because I let life get to me and derail me. But I forgave myself for that and set my mind to making it happen, and never looked back. Everyone deserves a second chance. That includes you.
4. Recognize your worth as a copywriter from the beginning. Set out to be a professional from the start, not a "beginner" or "aspiring" copywriter. Once you get through your initial training, you must present yourself as a Professional Copywriter. You will not "beg" for jobs. You will market yourself as a professional. Nor will you accept "measly payments" for the jobs you market yourself for. Your time and expertise is valuable.
Being a copywriter is an ever-growing process. You will never stop learning in this field. Every day you will learn something new about yourself, your writing, and about subjects you write about that will help you make your next sales material even better. This does not mean that you don't become a professional until a certain level. Rather, it means that you are a Professional Copywriter who is always on the lookout for ways to improve your client's sales response.
5. Understand that you also must become a marketer. A copywriter is not only a writer, but a marketer. When you put together sales material for your client, you are writing that piece so that it fits into your client's marketing plan. You need to understand how that piece is marketed, what other pieces will be used with it, and what other methods of marketing are available for your client to use with that piece, and others.
You will have to learn how to market yourself. Somehow you need to let potential clients know you are available, and that you know how to help them increase their sales results.
Think about what I said. Enjoy! Tomorrow's closing post will introduce the B.I.G. attitude that will make you succeed.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Quitting the Day Job
Article 3 of 5 in series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter"
So when do you feel safe enough to grab that goal of quitting your day job?
That depends on factors only you can determine, such as:
Whatever time frame you decide on, make sure that you fully understand the techniques and strategies that make you a good copywriter. This includes the mechanics of writing a sales letter, how to persuade the reader to make a purchase, the uses of a sales letter, and how you can help your client efficiently use the promotional materials you build.
If you know that you need a savings account before you can feel safe quitting your day job, figure out how long you need to keep working. Determine how much you can save per month from your day job paycheck. If you're working part time on your copywriting, figure out what you can save from the jobs you do per month. How much savings do you need in the bank to feel safe about quitting? Take that figure and divide it by the amounts you're able to save and that will be how many months you need to keep working.
Are you feeling bold enough to step out on your own? Do you need to save money up first to join a mentoring program or attend a bootcamp for that extra push? If so, figure in time for you to achieve this side-goal. I've seen people add a few months to their plan to a year, depending on how quickly they can get hold of the money for this.
Perhaps, you're confident about the copywriting, but not the marketing. If you're an introvert who's not used to dealing with people, this could be a consideration. In this case, figuring in time to learn from a marketing expert through a mentoring program or a bootcamp is a good idea. Often the programs and bootcamps will combine both copywriting and marketing skills so you can advance in both.
Tomorrow I'll touch upon what it takes from YOU (on the inside) to learn copywriting.
So when do you feel safe enough to grab that goal of quitting your day job?
That depends on factors only you can determine, such as:
- Savings - Do you have a savings that allows you to quit at the 6 month mark?
- Household Income - Is there a working partner in the house to keep the bills up for you?
- Boldness - Are you bold and confident enough to jump into this and make it work straight away? Or do you need to ease into this, little by little?
- Health Insurance - Do you have a partner to carry health insurance for you or do you need to wait until your copywriting income is producing X amount of dollars to handle the bills plus self-employment health insurance?
Whatever time frame you decide on, make sure that you fully understand the techniques and strategies that make you a good copywriter. This includes the mechanics of writing a sales letter, how to persuade the reader to make a purchase, the uses of a sales letter, and how you can help your client efficiently use the promotional materials you build.
If you know that you need a savings account before you can feel safe quitting your day job, figure out how long you need to keep working. Determine how much you can save per month from your day job paycheck. If you're working part time on your copywriting, figure out what you can save from the jobs you do per month. How much savings do you need in the bank to feel safe about quitting? Take that figure and divide it by the amounts you're able to save and that will be how many months you need to keep working.
Are you feeling bold enough to step out on your own? Do you need to save money up first to join a mentoring program or attend a bootcamp for that extra push? If so, figure in time for you to achieve this side-goal. I've seen people add a few months to their plan to a year, depending on how quickly they can get hold of the money for this.
Perhaps, you're confident about the copywriting, but not the marketing. If you're an introvert who's not used to dealing with people, this could be a consideration. In this case, figuring in time to learn from a marketing expert through a mentoring program or a bootcamp is a good idea. Often the programs and bootcamps will combine both copywriting and marketing skills so you can advance in both.
Tomorrow I'll touch upon what it takes from YOU (on the inside) to learn copywriting.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Article Two: Your Career Start-Up Timeline
Article two of five in the series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter"
You've chosen your reasons and motivations to become a copywriter. Let's tackle what goals those items generate for you.
For instance, let's say your first reason involves being able to leave your current day job and work for yourself.
Creating a timeline for your goal involves three things:
1. How much time you are able to commit to achieving the goal.
2. Your drive - how truly ready you are for this goal to happen.
3. The steps it takes to make that particular goal come to life.
Unless you've been working as an in-house copywriter already, the time to meet the goal of being able to leave your current job isn't dependent upon your experience. Rather, how much time and energy per week you're able to comfortably commit to learning copywriting is the true factor.
As a guideline, the average individual, with or without sales experience, should be able to initiate a copywriting business in six months while working a day job. This involves being able to commit at least one hour per day.
Now there are personal variances, based on other goals you set for yourself and your business. They could change this or they could not. This assessment is based upon what it takes to enroll in a copywriting course, such as those offered by AWAI, read books on the topic of copywriting, and study the master copywriters out there now and the ones who are the forerunners of this field. There's a lot available out there. You must be willing to take the time to see who the masters are and why they are masters.
Everyone learns at his own pace. Some are faster than others, some are slower. When you set your initial training timeline, be flexible. You may find out a few months into it that you will need more than 6 months. Or maybe you'll only need 4 months. No problem. As long as it's right for you, it's all good.
Now, let's say you've determined you will need this 6 months period to learn how the copywriting techniques. Next you'll need to set a time frame for your copywriting business to make money. For this step of the goal, you need to network and market yourself.
The networking is something you can work on as you train. Join copywriting boards, participate in internet discussions about copywriting, join business groups in your area and attend the meetings. When you learned enough to start marketing yourself, join in on more advanced discussions and meetings where you can "talk shop" and make the connections that will get you referrals.
For marketing your copywriting business you should do a few things:
• Develop a list of potential clients to contact.
• Adopt a strategy for presenting your copywriting services to those potential clients.
• Be brave enough to market yourself.
Will you mail a sales letter or post card to your potential clients? If so, are you prepared to face your insecurities and hesitations to follow up your mailings with a phone call?
The more aggressive you are about marketing yourself, the quicker your business will begin to provide you with an income. (Further help on this attitude is forthcoming in a future post.)
Whether you're visiting local companies in person to market your services or using email and snail mail, look at the steps involved in your marketing strategy. Figure out how long it will take you to gain jobs. If you're taking a quality course and following what the masters put out there for you to read, you will gain insight on methods that will work for you.
In my opinion, if you're timely in getting your name to potential clients and do follow up with repeat contacts with them, it's reasonably safe to say that your business can be earning an income within 4 months. So, in 10 months you can see your copywriting business producing a paycheck for you.
Honestly, this is a very SAFE timeline. For many, once they start studying copywriting they build momentum from the excitement of what they are accomplishing and the business comes to life before they expect it to. But you may be someone facing health, time, or family issues that bring you closer to the 10 month mark, or even takes you to the 12 month point. That is OKAY.
Tomorrow's Article "So When Do You Feel Safe To Quit Your Day Job?"
You've chosen your reasons and motivations to become a copywriter. Let's tackle what goals those items generate for you.
For instance, let's say your first reason involves being able to leave your current day job and work for yourself.
Creating a timeline for your goal involves three things:
1. How much time you are able to commit to achieving the goal.
2. Your drive - how truly ready you are for this goal to happen.
3. The steps it takes to make that particular goal come to life.
Unless you've been working as an in-house copywriter already, the time to meet the goal of being able to leave your current job isn't dependent upon your experience. Rather, how much time and energy per week you're able to comfortably commit to learning copywriting is the true factor.
As a guideline, the average individual, with or without sales experience, should be able to initiate a copywriting business in six months while working a day job. This involves being able to commit at least one hour per day.
Now there are personal variances, based on other goals you set for yourself and your business. They could change this or they could not. This assessment is based upon what it takes to enroll in a copywriting course, such as those offered by AWAI, read books on the topic of copywriting, and study the master copywriters out there now and the ones who are the forerunners of this field. There's a lot available out there. You must be willing to take the time to see who the masters are and why they are masters.
Everyone learns at his own pace. Some are faster than others, some are slower. When you set your initial training timeline, be flexible. You may find out a few months into it that you will need more than 6 months. Or maybe you'll only need 4 months. No problem. As long as it's right for you, it's all good.
Now, let's say you've determined you will need this 6 months period to learn how the copywriting techniques. Next you'll need to set a time frame for your copywriting business to make money. For this step of the goal, you need to network and market yourself.
The networking is something you can work on as you train. Join copywriting boards, participate in internet discussions about copywriting, join business groups in your area and attend the meetings. When you learned enough to start marketing yourself, join in on more advanced discussions and meetings where you can "talk shop" and make the connections that will get you referrals.
For marketing your copywriting business you should do a few things:
• Develop a list of potential clients to contact.
• Adopt a strategy for presenting your copywriting services to those potential clients.
• Be brave enough to market yourself.
Will you mail a sales letter or post card to your potential clients? If so, are you prepared to face your insecurities and hesitations to follow up your mailings with a phone call?
The more aggressive you are about marketing yourself, the quicker your business will begin to provide you with an income. (Further help on this attitude is forthcoming in a future post.)
Whether you're visiting local companies in person to market your services or using email and snail mail, look at the steps involved in your marketing strategy. Figure out how long it will take you to gain jobs. If you're taking a quality course and following what the masters put out there for you to read, you will gain insight on methods that will work for you.
In my opinion, if you're timely in getting your name to potential clients and do follow up with repeat contacts with them, it's reasonably safe to say that your business can be earning an income within 4 months. So, in 10 months you can see your copywriting business producing a paycheck for you.
Honestly, this is a very SAFE timeline. For many, once they start studying copywriting they build momentum from the excitement of what they are accomplishing and the business comes to life before they expect it to. But you may be someone facing health, time, or family issues that bring you closer to the 10 month mark, or even takes you to the 12 month point. That is OKAY.
Tomorrow's Article "So When Do You Feel Safe To Quit Your Day Job?"
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Article One: What do you want from a new career?
Article one of five in the series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter".
We all know the things that we need to survive and be healthy without having to really think about it. Food, Air, Water, Sex (for survival of the species), Shelter, Rest, Exercise, etc.
But when beginning in a new direction for your career, you also need to know what you want as a result of obtaining that career. This takes a little thinking, internal exploration, and honesty.
So, you want to be a copywriter ... Let's work with that dream.
First, be realistic with yourself. Why did you choose copywriting? Take a pen and paper and list your reasons why you want to be a copywriter.
If your only reasons are "to be rich" and "to not have to work any longer", stop here. Becoming a great, or even a good, copywriter means you must be willing to work for it, and you will need more motivation than just the money.
If you can come up with other reasons to desire a career in copywriting, then let's have them on that paper.
Some common reasons for seeking a career in copywriting are:
Your reasons may also include your motivations:
Write down at least 5 reasons you choose copywriting as your career choice, and 5 motivations in your life that influences your decision.
Tomorrow's article "Creating a Timeline For Achieving Your New Career in Copywriting"
We all know the things that we need to survive and be healthy without having to really think about it. Food, Air, Water, Sex (for survival of the species), Shelter, Rest, Exercise, etc.
But when beginning in a new direction for your career, you also need to know what you want as a result of obtaining that career. This takes a little thinking, internal exploration, and honesty.
So, you want to be a copywriter ... Let's work with that dream.
First, be realistic with yourself. Why did you choose copywriting? Take a pen and paper and list your reasons why you want to be a copywriter.
If your only reasons are "to be rich" and "to not have to work any longer", stop here. Becoming a great, or even a good, copywriter means you must be willing to work for it, and you will need more motivation than just the money.
If you can come up with other reasons to desire a career in copywriting, then let's have them on that paper.
Some common reasons for seeking a career in copywriting are:
- You enjoy writing (or would like to learn how to write better) and would enjoy doing it daily as part of your job.
- You wish to work for yourself and you are tired of answering to 'the man' for every little thing you do.
- You desire a flexible career that can survive economic turns.
- You desire a career that helps people find the things that can make their lives easier.
- You love working on a variety of subjects instead of the same thing over and over.
- You know you're worth more than what you're being paid and it's high time you claimed the recognition you deserve.
- and on and on ...
Your reasons may also include your motivations:
- Workplace stress is endangering your health and sanity.
- Money is tough to come by and you're tired of living from paycheck to paycheck.
- Your job is becoming obsolete.
- You're faced with the prospect of having to work from home and need an income capable of maintaining your lifestyle and schedule.
- A family member has fallen into ill health and you need a career that will allow you to pay for and deal with the situation.
- You're experiencing dissatisfaction with life and work, and desire to take a different direction that works for you.
- You desire to make a living helping your favorite charities with fundraising copywriting.
- You have a passion and wish to copywrite within that passion's niche to help people find those products and services. (Think finance, health, medical, etc.)
- And so many more possibilities...
Write down at least 5 reasons you choose copywriting as your career choice, and 5 motivations in your life that influences your decision.
Tomorrow's article "Creating a Timeline For Achieving Your New Career in Copywriting"
Saturday, September 20, 2008
New Five-Day Series
I've put together a five day article series "Setting Your Goal of Becoming a Copywriter" (edited for title change). It's geared towards helping give people a jumpstart into setting their career goals, and how to tell if they really have set the right goal for them. I could write a book on this, and I might. To keep this series short and on a common topic, I approach setting the goal of quitting your day job to become a copywriter with the articles.
This is an introduction to an ongoing series of projects I have planned that are aimed to help other copywriters make it into the world of copywriting also.
My first article will be posted here on Monday, September 22nd. If you don't quite understand what a copywriter is, go to my article "About Copywriters". (Sorry about the formatting issue on my lists - I will be redoing the webpage soon. I believe you can still read the lists all right in the meantime.)
This is an introduction to an ongoing series of projects I have planned that are aimed to help other copywriters make it into the world of copywriting also.
My first article will be posted here on Monday, September 22nd. If you don't quite understand what a copywriter is, go to my article "About Copywriters". (Sorry about the formatting issue on my lists - I will be redoing the webpage soon. I believe you can still read the lists all right in the meantime.)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sorry for Absence
Things were a little overwhelming for me lately, and I've been dealing with only being at the computer in short bursts. Not long enough to keep up on my blogs. I haven't forgotten my obligation and duty to them though.
My blogs are going through an attitude change. They are going to be geared at helping those climb up behind me - and to give some a little push if they need the courage to climb further up than me. I've come to realize while I have problems, fears, and lapses of courage, so does everyone else. I'm facing mine and I can help others face their own - to achieve their dreams.
I have life stresses - they are pretty normal. I have confidence issues like everyone else gets. I'm worried about how the economy is going to affect us, just like everyone else.
The more unique issue is dealing with concentration issues. Lately, my ear ringing has been really bad. I don't have Manier's disease (forgive the spelling - not sure how to spell it), but I have low level symptoms like it. Ear ringing like crickets, headaches, nausea ... makes it tough to concentrate. I worked on a sales letter yesterday. Thank God for being self-employed. It was work for ten minutes, lay down for ten minutes, work for ten, lay down for ten. Couldn't do that at a physical job site.
I've been doing massage techniques, hot compresses, ear treatment, etc. Thought about going back to the doctor again, so I researched it. There's not a lot of advancement in this area. The doctor will just tell me the same thing as always. I have the type that is life long, that you have to learn how to manage. Partly because of structural problems with my neck and my sinuses causing the muscles to tighten.
Then I have a few other conditions that are life management treatments. Weird, I have a knack for those.
Anyhow, the point is this. I'm facing this situation and carving out a career for myself. It's not getting me down, although I do have my moments. I am human, after all. But I've learned ways to not let it get to me. I can pass that on to others who are facing issues of their own in life, and help them achieve their goals. That is what I'm going to do from now on.
My blogs are going through an attitude change. They are going to be geared at helping those climb up behind me - and to give some a little push if they need the courage to climb further up than me. I've come to realize while I have problems, fears, and lapses of courage, so does everyone else. I'm facing mine and I can help others face their own - to achieve their dreams.
I have life stresses - they are pretty normal. I have confidence issues like everyone else gets. I'm worried about how the economy is going to affect us, just like everyone else.
The more unique issue is dealing with concentration issues. Lately, my ear ringing has been really bad. I don't have Manier's disease (forgive the spelling - not sure how to spell it), but I have low level symptoms like it. Ear ringing like crickets, headaches, nausea ... makes it tough to concentrate. I worked on a sales letter yesterday. Thank God for being self-employed. It was work for ten minutes, lay down for ten minutes, work for ten, lay down for ten. Couldn't do that at a physical job site.
I've been doing massage techniques, hot compresses, ear treatment, etc. Thought about going back to the doctor again, so I researched it. There's not a lot of advancement in this area. The doctor will just tell me the same thing as always. I have the type that is life long, that you have to learn how to manage. Partly because of structural problems with my neck and my sinuses causing the muscles to tighten.
Then I have a few other conditions that are life management treatments. Weird, I have a knack for those.
Anyhow, the point is this. I'm facing this situation and carving out a career for myself. It's not getting me down, although I do have my moments. I am human, after all. But I've learned ways to not let it get to me. I can pass that on to others who are facing issues of their own in life, and help them achieve their goals. That is what I'm going to do from now on.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Web 2.0
I've been playing around with learning how to use Web 2.0 venues to gain traffic. Just checking all the possibilities and the ways they can work is very time consuming. NOt sure how much of it I'm going to get into.
The blogs will stay for sure. I like those. Eventually I'll get those optimized, maybe switch to wordpress for them.
The community sites will stay, but will have to be a little creative about them. My Facebook site is a bit of a mixture of me, my writing, my friends, the fiction, and the creativity side. The Twitter account I have now is a copywriting/me mix. I think I'm going to start a specific one for the Digital Church Secretary as a tip site. Maybe another copywriting/marketing/graphic design tip specific one too.
Love the blogs. Facebook and Twitter are interesting, but they are a strain. Facebook is distracting and confusing sometimes. Twitter is interesting and more linear, which is great, but I still prefer longer posts than what either one allow.
Haven't managed to understand the social bookmarking sites yet. I may choose one to play around with. But not sure they are for me either.
I have a list of about fifty websites to check out for Web 2.0. I'll probably choose a few I like and start those up.
But of all the marketing methods, I like article writing and email newsletter writing the best. I think those are going to be my strongest methods.
The blogs will stay for sure. I like those. Eventually I'll get those optimized, maybe switch to wordpress for them.
The community sites will stay, but will have to be a little creative about them. My Facebook site is a bit of a mixture of me, my writing, my friends, the fiction, and the creativity side. The Twitter account I have now is a copywriting/me mix. I think I'm going to start a specific one for the Digital Church Secretary as a tip site. Maybe another copywriting/marketing/graphic design tip specific one too.
Love the blogs. Facebook and Twitter are interesting, but they are a strain. Facebook is distracting and confusing sometimes. Twitter is interesting and more linear, which is great, but I still prefer longer posts than what either one allow.
Haven't managed to understand the social bookmarking sites yet. I may choose one to play around with. But not sure they are for me either.
I have a list of about fifty websites to check out for Web 2.0. I'll probably choose a few I like and start those up.
But of all the marketing methods, I like article writing and email newsletter writing the best. I think those are going to be my strongest methods.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remember ...
A great tribute:
The USS New York
2002 Time Issue:
Time.com September 11, 2002
BBC News:
BBC - September 11, 2008
The USS New York
2002 Time Issue:
Time.com September 11, 2002
BBC News:
BBC - September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Morals in Advertising ....
This came from advertising legend, Bruce Barton. I made copies of it months ago and keep it in my datebook and traveling folders for when I'm out scouting for copywriting work.
"Do not venture into the sunlight unless you are willing first to put your house in order ... no dyspeptic can write convincingly of the joys of mince meat. No woman-hater can write convincingly of love... unless you have a real respect for people, a real affection for people, a real belief that you are equipped to serve them, and that by your growth and prosperity they will likewise grow and prosper, unless you have this deep-down conviction, gentleman, do not attempt advertising. For somehow it will return to plague you."
"I believe the public has a sixth sense of detecting insincerity. We run a tremendous risk if we try to make other people believe in something we don't believe in. Somehow our sin will find us out ... the advertisements which persuade people to act are written by men who have an abiding respect for the intelligence of their readers, and a deep sincerity regarding the merits of the goods they have to sell."
Translation: "Be genuine."
Be honest. Be sincere. Be genuine.
"Do not venture into the sunlight unless you are willing first to put your house in order ... no dyspeptic can write convincingly of the joys of mince meat. No woman-hater can write convincingly of love... unless you have a real respect for people, a real affection for people, a real belief that you are equipped to serve them, and that by your growth and prosperity they will likewise grow and prosper, unless you have this deep-down conviction, gentleman, do not attempt advertising. For somehow it will return to plague you."
"I believe the public has a sixth sense of detecting insincerity. We run a tremendous risk if we try to make other people believe in something we don't believe in. Somehow our sin will find us out ... the advertisements which persuade people to act are written by men who have an abiding respect for the intelligence of their readers, and a deep sincerity regarding the merits of the goods they have to sell."
Translation: "Be genuine."
Be honest. Be sincere. Be genuine.
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