I’ve written before about how our company’s name, Filthy Rich Writer, really rubs people the wrong way—and why that’s actually a good thing.
But even beyond that, whenever we run any ads on Facebook about copywriting, we always get some kinds of argumentative, and even sometimes nasty, comments.
Now, I can tell you honestly, as a copywriter with 15+ years of experience, that copywriting is a real career that you absolutely can get into if you want to. It’s not some kind of mystical impossible job; there are thousands of working copywriters around the world (if not more) and there is still a shortage of skilled writers.
So, I wanted to show you a comment that we got on a post the other day. This one isn’t even particularly angry, but it’s still very much worth looking at:
Let me assure you: This isn’t true. Sure, companies that are looking for copywriters want you to actually have some experience writing copy. But that’s obvious, right?
And, no, it’s not all “freelance, ‘beg for hours’ type work without a contract, a salary, or benefits.” In addition to on-staff copywriting roles (which, of course, have salaries and benefits), there are also contract opportunities…which, of course, have contracts. Plus, there are plenty of freelance opportunities.
Here’s the big takeaway: This guy has no idea what he’s talking about…but he’s positive that he’s right.
I’ve talked before about the kinds of people who tell you that copywriting is hard to get into. This is one of those people. He’s sure that he’s an authority and he knows the “real deal” about the industry…but he has no idea what he’s talking about.
Just as importantly, here’s some very good news: This guy is your competition, in your career in and in your life. And it’s not just this one guy. There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands like him.
Many, if not most, people make judgments about things they don’t know much about, then decide these things are too hard or are impossible. They give up on the opportunity, they give up on themselves, and then they go around telling people that things “can’t be done.”
And this doesn’t just happen in copywriting or even just in careers—there are infinite places in your life where people who have no idea what they’re talking about will tell you that something can’t be done.
They’re wrong, and it’s up to you to be savvy enough not to listen to them.
If you’re going to take advice, take advice from people who have been successful at what you want to do—not those who haven’t.
Want relationship advice? Don’t listen to your perpetually single buddy. Want entrepreneurship advice? Don’t listen to your uncle, who’s only ever worked a 9-to-5. Want to quit smoking? Your best friend, who loves you but who still smokes a pack a day, should not be your go-to resource.
This guy, and hundreds of thousands of people just like him, are already out there limiting themselves and their own lives because they’re so sure they know the lay of the land—and they’re not interested in learning any different.
So don’t let him or anybody like him get in your way. Get your own information, and get it from people who know.
And then enjoy the fact that while people like this are waiting for success to “find” them and wondering why everyone else is making progress in their lives…you’re moving forward and creating exactly the kind of life you want to live.
Your turn! What kinds of bad advice or misguided people have you encountered in your personal and/or professional journeys? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on June 30, 2023
Well, I keep getting the “ Do what you want then,” from my partner. He says that he doesn’t believe in a work from home or anywhere- at that- lifestyle. He tells me if I want to work go out out start your own cleaning business etc, but not that or anything online because they’re only selling you a dream. And in between it all he asks me who is going to hire you.?! Well, I do not want to work for anyone. I want to work for myself. I can learn the skills if I want to and take a course if I feel like it. I do want to learn a new skill. It’s hard when there’s no support. Feels like my dreams get crushed everytime I share what I am inspired about or think about. Anyway thanks for the post! 🙂 Hopefully I hope that soon I’ll completely make up my mind too.
Hi Aisha,
I don’t blame your partner – there are a lot of gimmicky work from home “opportunities” that turn out to just be cash drains. But copywriting is a real, professional service that’s used by companies of all sizes, all around the world. The fact that we can work from home while we do it is just a bonus! Some people think that they’re being “realistic” when they’re skeptical of things…but unless your partner has 15+ years of experience as a copywriter, frankly, I know better than he does! 🙂 It’s hard to not to take the advice and opinions of those who love us to heart, but there’s one piece of advice I learned that has served me incredibly well: Take advice *only* from people who are already successful at what you want to do.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Sometimes we have to keep our dreams and goals close to our heart. Not everyone will be our cheerleader for a multitude of reasons that are not your fault. I’m 52 and decided I wanted a change and copywriters resonated with me. The Facebook forum will become your cheering squad. You can do this!! I believe in you!
I’m a natural skeptic and I’ll admit to some hesitation before purchasing the program, but I’m still really excited about the possibilities.
While you can’t ignore freely given advice (though you’d like to) be it well-intentioned or otherwise, the trick is to go with your gut instinct and it will never fail you. If you decide to be successful at something, you will be.
Hi Laurie,
There’s nothing wrong with healthy skepticism! (As long as you’re open to both sides of the matter. 🙂 )
I agree – going with your gut can be good if you know your gut never fails you. Mine, I can’t always be so sure of. 🙂 That’s why, when I’m not the expert in the matter, I always reach out to people who are.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Yes, I am skeptic, but also I am, telling myself that if I do not do anything,, 2020 will look exactly like 2019, so I am committed to learn a new trade, Back in 2009, I worked in luxury retail, but decided to become a veterinary technician.. I went back to school and got an associate degree as a certified veterinary technician, I believed in myself. I intend to succeed now as a copywriter,
Hi Christine,
Absolutely – if we don’t change, nothing in our lives will change. One thing I’d like to gently challenge you to think a bit more about: What are you skeptical about? There are thousands (if not many multiples of that) of people around the world happily working as copywriters—it’s a career, just like any one—so the career itself is valid. When you say that you’re skeptical, what are you really skeptical of? It’s definitely something to think about, especially since you’re also intending to be successful as a copywriter. It’s a little hard to be both. 🙂 I know you’re a member of the CCA, so, if you haven’t yet, be sure to watch Module 0 and also, when you have a moment, to check out the “Bust Through Your Fears and Blocks” bonus course!
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hi Christine,
I noticed you began your new copywriting training in December. I just started a few days ago. If you don’t mind sharing, how is it going? What are you thinking now about the course?
Thanks!
Hey Rebecca,
You’re welcome to post here, but you’ll probably get more insight (and more feedback from more students) if you post in the student-only Facebook group. You can find the link to join in the Welcome section of your CCA dashboard, or you can reach out to [email protected] for help. 🙂
Thanks!
Nicki
Great article!
I have a friend who is skeptical, even negative, about the majority of my choices. She is quick to point out past attempts that weren’t successful in any area we’re discussing. I’m learning my lesson about her. I don’t even attempt to talk to her about a new idea or new adventure (CCA). Who needs that?
Hi Amy,
Oh, I hear that – I’ve definitely known people who have nothing at all positive to say about what I’m doing. But you know what? They’re *awfully* quiet when you prove them wrong! 😀 Everyone’s got opinions…but that doesn’t mean that they’re worth listening to. 😉
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
There are a few sayings that people like the type you have just described above actually use incorrectly and colloquially to great negative effect — when in reality, they were meant to be used to great POSITIVE effect!
Common Phrasing: Curiosity killed the cat.
Common Intent: To chastise or admonish those who attempt anything different or new. A friendly or not-so-friendly ‘I told you so’.
Actual Phrase: Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.
Actual Intent: A phrase meant to inspire and encourage exploration and literal curiosity about life and the world at large.
Common Phrasing: Jack of all trades, master of none.
Common Intent: A phrase meant to imply those who ‘taste’ or ‘dabble’ in many different relationships, environments, professions or hobbies are ‘lesser than’ due to an inability to ‘master’ and or ‘focus’ on a singular relationship, project or pursuit.
Actual Phrase: Jack of all trades, master of none, but better than a master of one.
Actual Intent: A phrase meant to, once again, encourage curiosity and exploration of life and all it has to offer.
In other words, so, so, so many people use these self-defeating phrases to shut down new ideas, prospects, proposals, moves or just changes in general.
It is such a common mindset to encounter out in the world, and I’m absurdly thankful to have found this course and to be under the Academy’s tutelage.
Whereas before, I saw nothing but locked gates and closed doors, now I’m beginning to see nothing but opportunities – and after reading the above, I ABSOLUTELY welcome the ‘competition’.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for posting these – they’re so interesting! And I’m SO glad that you’re starting too see opportunities instead of locked gates and closed doors; the more you stick with this, the more opportunities you’ll see. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
These were very interesting phrases to read. It’s akin to that game of “Telephone,” where by the end of the game, the original message is nowhere close to the intended meaning. Thank you for sharing such enlightening information.
My gf who is actually in social media marketing told me that I will be hard pressed to get clients unless I have existing clients 🙁 That really knocked my confidence after having my marketing consultant tell me the opposite, that it is a booming industry right now.
Hurts double bad when someone who IS in the industry tells you this, but its not going to stop me 🙂
Hi Ki,
Well, as someone who is in *copywriting*, I can assure you that our students are doing it every day. 🙂 This might help shed a little light onto the process: https://filthyrichwriter.com/how-do-you-land-your-first-copywriting-clients-without-experience-or-samples/
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I met someone (who is actually a writer/editor) and we were talking about being writers. When she said, “Well, when you decide to be a writer, you take a vow of poverty,” I knew she was someone I didn’t want to know. Not just for spreading that limiting belief, but for using a cliche to express it.
Yes, surround yourself with positive people! The great thing about the system we teach in the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, after we teach copywriters to write copy, build their experience, and then build their portfolios, it involves copywriters reaching out to companies—not the other way around. That way, the copywriters are in control of the opportunities coming in, not waiting for companies to reach out to them. It puts the copywriter in control of how much work they want to accept, and in turn, how much they want to earn.
I’ve heard some general comments about possible successful careers like “Why isn’t everyone doing it then?” or “It must require an expensive education or you won’t make much”. Well, I think taking a chance on something that others might not and putting in hard work are good ways to find success. That’s why I’m here!
Glad to have you here, Danny! And you’re absolutely right: plenty of people skip over fantastic opportunities because they don’t know enough or are too fearful to commit to the work–it’s not easy learning new skills as an adult! But those who put in the work to learn something new only open doors. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Yes, I was/am a skeptic. I had watched the testimonials repeatedly before I finally took the plunge on this course. I had previously tried several work-from-home online opportunities. All of them seemed to have some sort of negative connection and a lot of them seemed to involve things that went against the grain for me, like cold calling or selling things I didn’t really believe in. Many time they also came with comments about pyramid schemes, scams, money grab…
In the end, I am a firm believer that if you want something to change you have to do something. The same old thing will only bring the same old result.
We are so glad you decided to join us in the CCA!
I’m trying not to be a skeptic. I’m keeping an open mind that this will be different from the other business ventures i’ve tried, that I guess was not for me, But I have always wanted to make a living writing, but I guess I felt I wasn’t talented enough to do it. but I’m diving in the copy writing career hoping I will do well in it.
Welcome to the CCA!