How to Be a Quitter Faster
Cindy Cyr here with a shortcut for quitting your job and becoming a full-time freelancer …
The other day, a fellow AWAI member posted a comment on Facebook.
He’s been told his copywriting is just a “hobby.” That he “shouldn’t put much stock into it.” And that he needs “a regular job that pays every two weeks.”
As someone trying to build a freelance career, you’ve probably heard similar comments. So pay close attention to today’s tip …
It’ll help you make the bucks to prove naysayers wrong. And show you how to connect with the right people who’ll give you the encouragement you need while you move towards your career goals.
In November 2007, I met AWAI co-founder Paul Hollingshead at my first AWAI FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp and Job Fair.
Inspired by Paul’s writing, I introduced myself to thank him for getting me started on my copywriting journey. He was down to earth, took the time to listen, and even offered to look at my writing.
I submitted one piece of copy to Paul for review and received tremendous advice that really helped me. However, I thought he was far too busy, so I really didn’t take advantage of his offer to help further.
There were other opportunities I blew that weekend too, for instance …
When Bob Bly asked me what I could write for his publishing business, I came up blank.
When I got face to face with Michael Masterson and John Forde, I didn’t know what to ask.
I was totally unprepared.
As a result, I wasted great opportunities and made one of the biggest mistakes of my freelance career.
The next Bootcamp was a different story.
This time, I was prepared.
I scheduled a meeting with AWAI Co-Managing Partner Rebecca Matter. I clearly communicated my vision of what I wanted to Rebecca during our meeting. Because I was prepared, within 15 minutes, Rebecca handed me exact steps to get me closer to my goals.
Rebecca’s advice helped me negotiate a long-term retainer agreement with a client, boosting my income significantly just 1 ½ months after Bootcamp. More importantly, her guidance put me on the path to consistent income. (Find out how I grew my income 125% this year by reading my article “How to Create a Pricing Structure that Builds Consistent Income.”)
I also saw B2B copywriting specialists Ed Gandia, Pete Savage, and Steve Slaunwhite were scheduled to speak. So I prepared specific questions for the B2B copywriting niche.
I made it my mission to connect with one of them. Again, preparing specific questions about what I needed meant getting information to move me miles ahead.
This resulted in regular projects every month for the past 2 ½ years from one client and helped me land Zig Ziglar as a client too.
Each week, you have opportunities to get on forums, teleseminars, and webcasts. You can attend Bootcamp and other conferences where you can connect with successful freelance writers.
When you read articles, blog posts, and emails from AWAI, you can comment and ask questions to the writers. These are working writers that are living the life you dream of.
Asking specific questions will help move you closer to your goals.
Not sure what to ask? Think in terms of what would make the biggest impact on your business right now. Making more per project? Getting your first client? Writing faster?
Determine what your roadblocks are to achieving your goals. These will form the questions you need answers to.
And if you feel a connection when reading or listening, make a note of what strikes you. Often, you’ll find your question there.
You’ll find the people associated with AWAI are a helpful, supportive bunch who want to see you succeed. And are willing to answer your questions.
Success coach and best-selling author Jack Canfield says, “If you are not moving closer to what you want in sales (or in life), you probably aren’t doing enough asking.”
Remember, take time to ask clear, direct questions and you’ll close the gap so you can quit your job sooner than you dreamed possible—exchanging your 9-to-5 job for the writer’s life. You can ask me your questions below.
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Nice article, Cindy -- thanks!
Mindy – September 1, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Hi, Cindy!
OK, I'm taking you at your word...here are my questions - and my situation.
At present, I'm an editor and writer for four small community newspapers. I write daily, but I need my time back.
My challenge is: how to narrow my scope to some niche markets. I need to replace the (meager) income from this job.
The trouble is this: I can write for a LOT of markets! Which to chose? I enjoy business writing, animals, health, more. I need help to start!
Suggestions?
Thanks!
--- Sue :)
Susan Laird – September 1, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for a perfectly timed article!
I found it insightful, helpful and PERFECTLY articulated so I could "see" how to free myself from being stuck at the beginning stage of my copywriting career.
I keep thinking I have to learn more... before anyone will hire me. For anything.
Or, is it fear? I feel like I don't know enough.
What I like best about your article ~ is how you ask us to identify what's blocking us from where we want to be by ASKING a clear question.
Thank you!
Becky West – September 1, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Hey Cindy,
Thanks for the opportunity to get advice on my copywriting career.
After finishing the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting about 3 years ago, I put up a web site and ran some AdWords campaigns.
I quickly got my first assignment and made $1300 in a little over a week.I've only had a couple of assignments since then.
I have a limited budget and I want to retire writing.
What would you recommend as the best next step to get up and running?
I just need opportunity...
Guest (Ray Matthews) – September 2, 2011 at 3:57 am
I am a Transportation and Logistics writer. I cover Domestic and International markets. I have not been able to land a steady client? Any suggestions? I am a specialist. I know the top trade magazines. How do i reach them and solicit my expertise? For instance, Transport Topics is a seminal reading journal for Transportation Executives. How do I get a chance to write for them? Thanks Michael
Michael – September 4, 2011 at 9:49 am
Sue and Michael, For both of you, I would suggest looking at "Niche yourself and Thrive" by Pam Foster. Sue-inside this program Pam gives you step-by-step guidance on how to pick a niche and figure out what is right for you--then the steps to quickly break in. Couple that with using my package plans and you'll be able to lock in consistent income. If after her program you still can't decide--pick a few niches--put your feelers out in all 3-5 of them at the same time and see what sticks.
Michael--Pam's program also has great info on how to break into a niche, including how to use trade associations. Check out her info for how to market to your niche. It's truly excellent. I'm not sure what you've done to solicit business, but as far as Trade Magazines, generally you'll want to find out what their editorial calendar is and what their procedure is for submitting articles (do you query, etc.) Most publications have guidelines. Is your website niche-specific? If not, make sure
Cindy Cyr – September 6, 2011 at 7:23 am
Becky--glad I could help. And probably some of it is fear--but 90% of what we worry about never happens. It might feel a little scary at first, but you'll be surprised at how much you really know--and the part you don't know--you can always cram and figure out after you get the client.(Plus there is always someone to help you!)
Cindy Cyr – September 6, 2011 at 7:26 am
Ray, Have you picked a niche? If so, does your website reflect your niche? Start there.Second, contact people you know(check out my article "How to get all the clients you need from people you already know). Third, Put together a plan for contacting prospective clients. Use Direct mail, email, phone calls--all of these are very low cost options. Once you put yourself in the driver's seat for getting clients instead of waiting for them to come to you--I think you'll find you have all the clients you can handle.
Cindy Cyr – September 6, 2011 at 7:47 am
Cindy,
I feel like I'm understanding copywriting well enough to get my first client, but I am really anxious that I may not know enough about marketing.
I feel like the big companies want expert marketing consultants that double as copywriters. It seems many of the most successful AWAI students have prior experience in sales and/or marketing.
I'm ready to break out, but find myself pulling back. Does AWAI have a Marketing 101 class that breaks down the basics of marketing in big companies?
Jerry Bures – September 6, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Jerry, I understand your concern--the beauty of AWAI courses is that you are really learning marketing at the same time you are learning copywriting. Understanding what each type of piece will do for a client, how to position a product--that IS marketing. So feel confident that you already know MUCH more about marketing than you realize. That said, check out their course "Desktop Marketing".
Cindy Cyr – September 7, 2011 at 10:27 am