Episode 252: President of the Slow Turtle Club – Elyse’s Story

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A Sneak Peek at the Episode

[03:38] French is actually my first language, so I’m based in Montreal and I do work in French and English. In university, I studied law. Halfway through my bachelor’s degree realized I did not want to be a lawyer. So I just figured that I would finish my bachelor’s degree just to have a good degree, and then I would figure it out.

[04:48] I found a job as an assistant to two entertainment lawyers. Eventually started volunteering for this animal protection organization and eventually got a job at a big organization in Montreal as an animal protection officer. I really thought I had found what I was gonna do, but the reality is that I burned myself out completely. So I did that for a few years.

[06:53] And then the pandemic hit. I was working from home a lot more. It actually gave me the opportunity to pause a little bit. I started feeling my feelings. And started feeling I had to pivot. I had to do something, something had to change. I couldn’t go on that way. I wasn’t happy.

[09:00] I started looking at the CCA program and the videos and it didn’t take that long to like sign on. I’m working from home. I can take the time. You need to do the work. Right? But if you do the work and you keep going. Then you can’t fail. It’s gonna happen, but it’s not gonna be easy all the time, but you can do it.

[10:25] I got a different position at the same organization, but in fundraising. That’s when I really started working with agencies and actually writing copy and editing copy and my knowledge of the organization that I’d accumulated through all these years plus the CCA program was what really allowed me to do a great job.

[10:45] I got pregnant, so I went on maternity leave. During my maternity leave that’s when I started working on my website and my portfolio and started revving things up a little bit.

[17:52] Depending on what my projects are, I do have a pretty large variety of clients. I haven’t niched, and I’m very happy with myself for not niching down because I love the variety of work that I get to work on. It keeps me fresh and on my toes and I get to learn about different industries.

[22:04] When I left my job, I was kind of at my wits end. I needed to get so uncomfortable that it felt like my only option. I can’t do this job anymore. I’m feeling miserable every day, so I have this option I’m gonna do it. I really ramped up pitching, before leaving.

[09:00] I did what is taught in the CCA program and that definitely helped me get out of my comfort zone and not be afraid of writing emails to strangers and cold emailing, but still doing my research and all that.

[25:07] I also was applying to jobs on LinkedIn. The first real big, living wage client that I got was from doing that. So I applied to a part-time position. I did a test but this one was very short and I liked the brand. We talked a little bit and they agreed to hire me as a freelance instead of a part-time position as an employee.

[30:10] Taking good care of your clients and like nurturing the good relationships, making sure that you’re making things easy for them goes such a long way.

[34:38] I’ve evolved so much for many different reasons since I started the program. I’m a different person and I feel like one thing that the CCA has really helped me do and building my business has really helped me do is set boundaries.

[35:15] I gained skills that really helped me advocate for myself more because you have no choice, because people don’t know what you’ll be willing to do or not do. And it’s nobody’s fault. Like nobody’s after you, but everyone works in different ways.

[37:55] You can’t do it all on your own. The CCA group really helped me and CCA next level even more so finding like this network of people to rely on, to ask advice to fall back up like a safety net. Ask the question, people will help you. They’re really kind.

[40:40] By nurturing those relationships with your clients, even if you build slowly you’re still building your network. I feel like I’ve built a professional network more and a more relevant one in the past few years than I have at any other job in all my life. So even though you are your own business, you can’t do it alone.

[41:52] I’ve learned only in my early thirties the power of consistency, I remember Nicki saying, even if you do 10 minutes a day, that’s okay. It would’ve never crossed my mind to do that on my own while learning anything. So that was super helpful. It becomes a habit and it takes time. So be kind to yourself.

[44:29] You’ll see like even whatever it’s for, it works. Start with one thing and you’ll see, and once you get it, it’s life changing.

[47:10] If you’re good at writing and you’re a good listener, and you can read between the lines. You like reframing. I feel like you have the core of what it takes to be an amazing copywriter.

[49:18] Redefine your heart. It’s challenging sometimes when you’re pitching, you’re gonna get out of your comfort zone. When you think that something is hard, look back on other things that were actually hard.

Must-Hear Takeaways

“I didn’t really realize how much I had missed writing until I started writing again.” – Elyse

“I get to enjoy my house that I’m paying for. And not sit in traffic anymore.” – Elyse

“It’s so easy to second guess ourselves and to argue for our own limitations. You can’t know until you take the action.” – Kate

“Meeting people halfway or problem solving, but really enforcing boundaries and knowing where I stand and knowing what I want more out of this.” – Elyse

“As we test ourselves and try new things and get out of our comfort zones. It’s just personal growth is a byproduct of it.” – Nicki

“Start with the smallest thing and just try your very best and just be consistent.” – Elyse

“Once you’re working as a copywriter, your job is to listen.” – Elyse

“As a copywriter for a business, you help bring it out in a way that people understand.” – Elyse

Mentioned in the Episode

• Elyse Gambar-Hynes LinkedIn
• Elyse Gambar-Hynes Website
• Ep. 173: How to Elevate Your Profile & Land Copywriting Clients on LinkedIn
• How to Put Together a Copywriting Portfolio (Even With No Experience)
• Why Every Copywriter Needs a Standalone Portfolio Site
• BONUS Laser Coaching: Top Tips for Wildly Effective Pitching
• Ep. 203: Secrets to Smooth Copywriting Client Relations
• Ep. 134: Keep Copywriting Fun: 3 Must-Implement Business Boundaries

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