From Stand-Up Comic to Standout Copywriter
AWAI Wall of Famer Peter Fogel had it made.
He was a successful comic in Los Angeles. He even shared the stage with notable acts like Ray Romano and Jon Stewart. But there came a point where things needed to change.
There were too many comics competing for jobs. He was tiring of having to go on one audition after another. And he certainly wasn’t happy about having to take gigs he didn’t want because he needed the money.
Today is a completely different story. Peter still does comedy. But on his terms. He picks the shows he wants to do.
What’s more, he has control of his destiny now.
Simply put, Peter reinvented himself. He went from comic to copywriter.
And if you feel it’s time for a change, here are a few of Peter’s tips on making the transition:
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Recognize your defining moment. This is a moment where you have an “aha!” … or it might be an external situation like being laid off from your job. It’s the moment you realize that in order to feel happy and fulfilled, your life can no longer stay the way it is. You have to make a change. After going to numerous auditions and having to do gigs he didn’t want, Peter finally decided he could not keep doing it. That was his first defining moment.
Fortunately, he had received AWAI’s “Can You Write a Simple Letter” promo for the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. So he grabbed that opportunity and ran with it. From there, his next defining moment came when he won AWAI’s Bootcamp Spec Challenge. At that point, he knew he could have a very successful copywriting career.
Your defining moment might be having to miss your son’s soccer game because you had to be at the office … or it might be a health scare … having a child … finding a mentor … or getting chewed out by your boss for being two minutes late. Once you experience your moment, let it energize you and fuel your transformation.
- Get a “do or die” attitude. For Peter, failure was NOT an option. He had nothing to fall back on. And Peter realized that all the people he had met who had successfully reinvented themselves all have this same common thread. This “do or die” mentality is the kind of energy that’s needed to truly reinvent yourself in the shortest amount of time.
- Learn your craft. This means taking time to study and practice writing copy. This is the only way you’ll get it. Copywriting is a real career, not a get-rich-quick scheme. You will get back what you put into it. Commit to learning copywriting for just one hour a day. But when it’s time for that hour, make sure you focus and put everything you’ve got into it.
- Build a support group. Your family can be your support group. Or, better yet, find a group of like-minded individuals who are trying to accomplish the same things you are. They’ll help you stay motivated and celebrate your victories.
1 Response to “4 Tips on Making the Transition to Freelance Copywriter”
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“While no job anywhere is secure these days, Michigan, where I live, has been particularly hard-hit. My copywriting income has definitely increased our peace of mind in a very uncertain economy.”
To comment on this report is not what I really expected. The way to transition should of been explained on how should you leave your other job. For example, should the course be completed. Or a few gigs be completed. Or wait for a gig that pays royalties. This is what should be emphasized. But overall he is just finding ways to build your confidence.
Chanea – July 23, 2009 at 11:33 am