Your Magic Little Pill
Steve Roller here, your guest editor of The Writer's Life this week.
After my last stint five weeks ago, I got a number of emails in addition to a series of blog comments from fellow AWAI members. I even answered a couple of concerns over the phone and enjoyed a long lunch with one AWAI copywriter.
Apparently, I struck a nerve, and I did my best to lend an ear. I heard some normally unspoken fears, listened to some emotional back stories, and discovered hidden doubts that I had never considered.
Throughout these enlightening meetings, I tried to offer advice. I provided some insight into a beginner copywriter's journey (my own – I still consider myself a beginner). And I gave a combination of encouragement/therapy/butt-whoopin' all rolled into one.
I came to the conclusion that every copywriter I talked with has the capacity to be a good copywriter. Maybe even great.
I don't know you, but I'd be willing to bet that you have that capacity, too.
See, I agree with AWAI that copywriting is a learned skill. My two favorite examples of this are Don Mahoney and Paul Hollingshead, and the AWAI Wall of Fame is filled with dozens of others. Very inspiring and encouraging.
If you're willing to put in the time, you can learn the skills you need from a lot of different sources (I'm a bit biased, but I think AWAI is probably the best). AWAI will even teach you how to get clients. There are tons of great articles about this alone in the article archives at awaionline.com.
So, if it's not skill development or getting clients, what are the missing elements to success?
One frustrated copywriter joked, "I've taken all the courses and I know how to write copy. I wish there was a magic little pill I could take now to guarantee success!"
Well, no guarantees here (you know better by now, right?).
But I believe I have that "magic little pill." It will affect your head, but in a good way.
I promise.
It's going to be in the form of solid tips and strategies to help you:
- Overcome mental blocks that have nothing whatsoever to do with developing skills or approaching prospects, and
- Figure out how to quickly add value to a client when you're brand new (getting the client is actually easier than this until you know what to do).
These two ideas were the basis of a majority of concerns I've been hearing lately.
If you have another personal challenge that I'm not addressing, I'd love to hear about it. You can share with me in the comments below.
You might even get a mention (anonymously, of course) in a future issue of The Writer's Life. We can brainstorm solutions by email or phone if you'd like, or even better – over a cocktail after hours at Bootcamp this fall.
Stay tuned the rest of the week for some unique ideas on succeeding at copywriting (even when you feel like you don't know what you're doing). And check out tomorrow's post to find out more about your "magic little pill."
Until May 30th: Enrollment Open for Circle of Success
Join Circle of Success, AWAI’s most comprehensive learning program where – among other things – you have complete access to all AWAI resources for life … plus all kinds of help, support, and training aimed at getting you from where you are now to “A” level professional copywriter quickly.
“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.”
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.
Steve, I'm looking forward to your prescription! I've been trying to "launch" myself. Agreed-there are great AWAI courses. I have quite a few but would get overwhelmed with: "Oh, I need to learn that. Yipes, how in the world can I master this? Set up a website! Joking, right? My niche? Umm, not sure." See, I've been all over the place. I love to write and believe I can be a good copywriter, but it's been a matter of focus and pulling myself together to get my feet wet. And then swim!
JudyB-Raleigh – June 6, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Judy, keep reading all week and I think you'll pick up some concrete ideas. For me, a big problem has been lack of focus. Every program is good, but then one comes along that sounds even better! My suggestion: pick one that you already have, re-visit it, and find a way, somehow, to start making money with it. A trickle will eventually become a stream, then a river...
Press on.
Steve Roller – June 6, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Hello - As a high school English teacher out for the summer, I thought I would eagerly begin my course with AWAI to become a copywriter , after mulling over it for months.Sadly, I'm still not convinced about making a living as a copywriter full or part time. It would be an encouraging sign if someone from the Wall Of Fame could email me and enlighten me. Thanks!
Guest (Bill) – June 6, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Bill,
I can't speak for him, but Kelly Richardson is a Wall of Fame member and current English teacher. He's made as much copywriting part-time as teaching full-time. I wouldn't say that's the norm, though, and it definitely takes a certain mindset. It's not a good fit for everyone. Read the rest of my pieces this week, and if you have further questions, I'd be glad to have a more in-depth on or offline conversation with you. Best wishes if you decide to move forward.
Steve Roller – June 6, 2011 at 6:47 pm
AWAI has the best courses on all sorts of niches and copywriting skills-everything you need to become very successful. The problem is for some of us it's very hard to come up with all the money the courses cost. It would be very helpful if AWAI had a payment plan so we who are on a tight budget can continue with our copywriting studies
David Adame – June 7, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@David - I'm glad you like our programs! I just wanted to let you know that AWAI does have payment plans available and will work with you so that you can be successful. I've passed your message on to one of our member services representatives, and they will be contacting you soon to discuss your needs more. Thank you!
Angela Bickford - AWAI – June 7, 2011 at 7:56 pm
David, I second Angela's idea above, and would add that maybe it's best to just focus on one program to start with. Make it a goal to get your money back somehow by implementing those ideas, and don't invest in another program until you've seen that return. Best wishes to you.
Steve Roller – June 8, 2011 at 3:06 am