From The Golden Thread Mailbag …
Cold-Calling
We’ve had lots of interesting questions and comments this week, so let’s get right to it – beginning with this email from John …
"I read the latest Golden Thread and enjoyed the testimonials from people who have made a success of copywriting. I am finishing up the first installment of Michael Masterson’s program and have just read the section on research.I shouldn’t have a problem with this aspect of copywriting, since I did a lot of it to get a chemistry degree. However, I do have a problem with cold-calling and interviewing with people.
"My problem has to do with the fact that I come from a chemistry / engineering / programming background.I’m not a business or sales professional. As far as writing a resume is concerned, I do have one, but I don’t think anybody looking for a copywriter would touch it. I have done some fiction writing in the past, and my writing abilities are not the problem. It basically has to do with ‘feeling the pulse’ of the intended public, researching to find the ‘golden nugget,’ and selling myself in a marketing milieu. Do you have any suggestions?"
I do have some advice for you, John … although it may not be what you want to hear. Prospecting for new clients is the most important thing you’ll do as a copywriter. And for most copywriters, that means at least some cold-calling. It doesn’t have to be a lot. When Peter Bowerman spoke at our last mini-conference (the topic was selling yourself as a copywriter), he recommended making 10 cold calls a week. You can increase your odds of success by calling companies that you know need lots of copy, and you can follow up with them by sending a written postcard.
Remember, calling prospects out of the blue will not be the lion’s share of your marketing. It’s just another easy thing you should do to get valuable leads. It also adds to the "tipping point" of attention that your marketing efforts are really trying to create.
Dave B. wrote in with this question …
"I purchased the Resume Writing program a couple of months ago and am in the early phases of launching my business. My question is: Why is there rarely a Golden Thread article or Mailbag question on resume writing and the challenges / opportunities one encounters in that field? Just a thought, but I think folks like myself who have invested time, money, and effort in the program would like to see it discussed as a regular topic."
You bring up a valid point, Dave. Feedback that we’ve received from your fellow resume writers has indicated that they feel the same way – which is to say somewhat neglected. We are going to make an effort to include more material on this subject in the Golden Thread. Thanks for the suggestion.
And for our grand finale, here’s some encouraging news from Art F.…
"About five or six times a year, my wife and I go to a seaside resort in California called Laguna Beach. While down there in June, we stopped in at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Of course, I JUST happened to have some writing samples with me. As luck would have it, I met the chairman of the organization. After our introduction, I handed her my samples and told her I was a copywriter.
"On Tuesday the 5th of July, one month later, I got a call from the marketing director. Although she told me they had a writer on staff who did that sort of thing, she also said she liked my samples – and that the next time we are in Laguna Beach I should call her.
"I am sure my handwritten note to the chairman thanking her for her valuable time have helped. Just the little things that I’ve learned from AWAI and Will Newman can go a big way. What confidence booster!"
Thanks to one and all. Keep those emails coming!
Scott
How to Land Clients in 21 Days with Just Your Computer
How do I land my first client? It’s a question every aspiring freelancer asks eventually. Now, there’s a proven system for landing clients that removes the guesswork. Best of all? No cold calling. Learn More »
“I now have the freedom to work at home, or at any place in the world, as long as I have a laptop and Internet connection. And, not having to battle the brutal Houston traffic each day is a huge plus!”
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be.
Get Nick Usborne’s step-by-step system for creating money-making information websites.
In just 6 hours and 35 minutes, you can be in business earning $60 – $150 an hour writing simple resumes.
Learn the secrets behind succeeding in this in-demand career.
The work is plentiful … the pay scales are generous and the competition is scarce!
Get the answers to the hundreds of questions and concerns commonly asked in specific, step-by-step details.
Use this eight-step plan to make the leap from aspiring copywriter to professional copywriter this year.
Let your fellow AWAI members show you firsthand the easiest, most powerful way to land your first client … BEFORE you finish the program.
Writing for the web is a huge opportunity for copywriters. Let web expert Nick Usborne show you how to write blockbuster web copy in record time … even if you're a complete internet “rookie”!
It’s an opportunity to make $50,000, $75,000, $100,000 a year or more … working just a few hours a day.
A once complicated profession is now something you can do on a standard computer – even if you have little or no “artistic” ability.
It’s one thing to have a website. But if your website can’t be found by the search engines, it may as well not exist.
The Internet creates new income possibilities every day. The biggest among them: online video marketing.
Get the very techniques top-performing copywriters use to rattle off one groundbreaking control after another.
In his new book, Michael Masterson teaches you his very own formula for powerful persuasion and how to apply it to direct mail sales letters as well as online promotions.
Guest, Leave a Reply
Please Note: Your comments will be visible by everyone.