If there’s one trait that will separate the successful from the unsuccessful in pretty much any field, it’s persistence. (I have a visceral dislike of the faux word “sticktoitiveness” so you will NOT see that here. You’re a writer; I’m sure you understand.) You can get the hyper-detailed road map to exactly where you want to go, but unless you start walking down that … [Read more...]
Have Trouble Making Decisions? These Questions Will Help
Let’s face it: Making important decisions is hard. The little decisions—what to wear, what to have for lunch, what to watch on Netflix—are pretty easy. But the ones that matter, the questions about the directions you’re taking your life, can be hard. But they don’t have to be! Or, at least, there are resources you can use to help make them much easier. Here I walk you through … [Read more...]
3 Common Copywriting Worries That You’re Likely Overthinking
We've talked about ways clients can tell you’re a brand-new copywriter. And don’t get me wrong: There’s nothing wrong with being new. But there’s a lot wrong with seeming inexperienced to your potential clients. Often, when we're new to a skill, copywriting or otherwise, the lack of confidence can lead to some serious self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and major worries. There … [Read more...]
Present Yourself as a Professional Even as a Copywriting Beginner
There's nothing wrong with being new. Even the most seasoned, successful copywriters were once new to copywriting. So if you’re starting out right there at square one, guess what? You’re in exactly the right place. That said, though, no one wants to hire a brand-new copywriter. It’s nothing personal: YOU are a fabulous human being. But hiring anyone to do anything is a risk, … [Read more...]
Essential Questions for Planning a Successful New Year!
I LOVE a new year. It feels like a fresh start, an opportunity to reflect on what worked and what didn’t in the previous year, and an opportunity to build on the wins and correct the losses in the new year. I LOVE a new year. I also, as you might expect, love new year planning. Not only is it fun and inspiring, though, it’s also incredibly important. After all, if you don’t … [Read more...]
What to Do When You’re Afraid to Prospect for Clients
You may have heard us say it, but we'll keep repeating it because it's never been more true: putting your faith in a job or putting your faith in clients coming to you (whether through referrals or job-bidding sites) doesn’t work. In fact, putting your faith in any of those is pretty risky. The only thing you can count on is a thing you can control. And that’s why … [Read more...]
You’re Most Secure When You Take Control
A few years ago, I was talking with a friend who’d lost her job. It wasn’t her fault at all; they were restructuring the company and downsized her role. She kept saying, “I was so loyal to that company! I can’t believe they did this to me.” Here’s the thing: The most important thing for a business is the survival of the business. And that’s not just because they’re … [Read more...]
This is Your Competition — in Your Career and in Your Life
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 20+ years of experience, that … [Read more...]
Should You Worry About Competition from Other Copywriters?
When you're out there hustling to find as many clients as you can, it's natural to be aware of (and maybe intimidated by) your competition. But should you worry about it? Or is there a better way to expend that energy? This question often comes from copywriters who are just starting out and begin to see a LOT of other copywriters, ads for copy courses, and more (after all, … [Read more...]
How Do You Find the Confidence to Get Started in Copywriting?
Even when you want something very badly—a new career, for example—it’s not always enough to get you to take the steps to begin. Here we look at how to find the confidence to get started in copywriting. I wish I could tell you that there was some magical incantation or elixir that would instantly give you confidence. There just isn’t. But there are two things that, when … [Read more...]