Can you find clients in social media? Is it too time consuming? Is it right for your business? Is it time to get off the dime and get in on the new developments in marketing?
You can get answers to these questions and a whole lot more when you take the time to sit down and listen to this exciting and revealing 49-minute Q&A from Wednesday, August 25:
http://bit.ly/d1GuM8
As a follow up to last week's webinar, How to Explode Income for You and Your Clients:
7 Social Media Strategies to Profit From Now, I thought I'd host a Q&A session with social media expert Craig Cannings. Then I thought — "Hey, let's get some copywriters on the call who have been through Craig's courses and let them talk about their experience."
So I did. I got Voice Marketer Karen Kanakanui, infopreneur Elizabeth Cottrell, and Virtual Marketing Manager Stacie LaFargue. All are graduates of my Get Great Clients course, and all took Craig's course at my suggestion, along with dozens of other copywriters last fall.
Both Craig and I were blow away by their stories. Karen is carving out a paid speaking career that also feeds her copywriting career; Elizabeth is using social marketing so effectively that people are coming to her for instruction; and Stacie LaFargue has grown her business so fast — she started using social media just seven months ago — that she is now looking to grow a team!
Listen to their stories and then see if social media is right for your marketing plan:
http://bit.ly/d1GuM8
If you think you would benefit from learning social media strategy, then the tools with which to implement it, then you won't want to miss a rare chance to save $150 with the programs that got Karen, Elizabeth and Stacie where they are today.
You can get access to Craig Canning's Social Media Marketing Certification 2010 Program AND a bonus course, the Fantastic Facebook Fanpages Training Course for just $397 — a savings of $150 from the standard $547 price. I got you a great discount last year and I'm doing it again this year. Don't miss out. This very special offer EXPIRES Tuesday, Aug. 31!
Go here to learn more about the courses:
http://www.vaclassroom.com/getgreatclients
You're welcome :)
Social Media Success Stories: Three Copywriters Reveal Their Marketing Secrets
Chris Marlow - Friday, August 27, 2010
Social Media Marketing: 3 Quick Tips You Can Use Right Now to Save Time
Chris Marlow - Saturday, August 14, 2010
If you've been paying attention, you know that social media is taking the marketing world by storm.
Large advertising agencies are adding departments or snapping up social media boutiques. Businesses of all sizes are getting smart about how to use social media to meet their marketing goals. No one thinks it's a fad any more.
Social media is here to stay, the only thing that's changing is the size, influence, and reach of the social media players. MySpace is shrinking rapidly, Twitter is growing exponentially, Facebook is great for reaching consumer groups, and LinkedIn is the darling of the corporate world.
Problem is, even though social media is effective for getting the word out and making connections, it can be overwhelmingly time consuming. Personally, as a 25-year marketing veteran, I was less than thrilled about adding one more thing (actually, three more things — Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn), to my "to do" list.
But if you're a working copywriter like I am, you can't afford to stay ignorant about a low-cost marketing phenomenon, no matter how established you are.
So here are three little known tips for you and your clients, that I discovered and use whenever I hold an event. They'll save you loads of time for your own events, and if you have clients with large networks, the timesavings will be substantial!
Timesaving tip #1: Load your tweets for free into Socialoomph (http://www.socialoomph.com) and time them to blast in hour intervals or in any time sequence you want, even over days. Simply register for an account, login, then click on "Schedule blog post". You'll see a field that counts your characters so you can keep to the maximum of 140. It offers a URL shortener but I use bit.ly (http://bit.ly/) because bit.ly tracks your social media clicks so you can see how your campaign is doing.
Timesaving tip #2: Got lots of friends in Facebook? Want to send them an announcement? Facebook forces you to select each person by hand, which can take forever if you have lots of friends. I have 1,600 and until I learned this trick, I simply would not take the time to invite my friends to an event. Thanks to blogger John Pozadzides, I discovered that you can use a link in your browser to select ALL your friends at once. Here's an excerpt from his blog on how to do this:
1. Go to your Event, Group or page and click “Invite People”.
2. Once the page has loaded you should see all of your friends, but they are not selected.
3. At this point, copy and paste the javascript code below into your Web browser’s address bar, then hit “enter”, or "return" on a Mac.
4. If all goes well, it selects all of your friends!
Here is the code:
javascript:elms=document.getElementById('friends').getElementsByTagName('li');for(var fid in elms){if(typeof elms[fid] === 'object'){fs.click(elms[fid]);}}
It really does work, but be patient! The more friends you have, the longer it takes to select them all.
Timesaving tip #3: Did you know that you can download a database of your LinkedIn contacts? Simply go to your "Contacts" tab, select "My connections", then scroll down.
On the right hand side toward the bottom you'll see a link that says "Export connections". You might have to type in a security code, but after that the file will download in a csv file right to your desktop. To load it into your email client you may have to rearrange the columns. But being able to email your first tier LinkedIn contacts is very powerful!
These tips have made it easy for me to use my social media presence to advantage. Last month fully 50 percent of those signed up for my Patty Reagin Teleseminar came from my social media announcements.
And I'm using these tips again this month to let people know about my Social Media Webinar slated for Wednesday, August 18: "How to Explode Income for You AND Your Clients: 7 Social Media Strategies to Profit From Now!" Click here for more information and to secure YOUR line!
http://www.getgreatclients.com/ggc/webinar.htm
Large advertising agencies are adding departments or snapping up social media boutiques. Businesses of all sizes are getting smart about how to use social media to meet their marketing goals. No one thinks it's a fad any more.
Social media is here to stay, the only thing that's changing is the size, influence, and reach of the social media players. MySpace is shrinking rapidly, Twitter is growing exponentially, Facebook is great for reaching consumer groups, and LinkedIn is the darling of the corporate world.
Problem is, even though social media is effective for getting the word out and making connections, it can be overwhelmingly time consuming. Personally, as a 25-year marketing veteran, I was less than thrilled about adding one more thing (actually, three more things — Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn), to my "to do" list.
But if you're a working copywriter like I am, you can't afford to stay ignorant about a low-cost marketing phenomenon, no matter how established you are.
So here are three little known tips for you and your clients, that I discovered and use whenever I hold an event. They'll save you loads of time for your own events, and if you have clients with large networks, the timesavings will be substantial!
Timesaving tip #1: Load your tweets for free into Socialoomph (http://www.socialoomph.com) and time them to blast in hour intervals or in any time sequence you want, even over days. Simply register for an account, login, then click on "Schedule blog post". You'll see a field that counts your characters so you can keep to the maximum of 140. It offers a URL shortener but I use bit.ly (http://bit.ly/) because bit.ly tracks your social media clicks so you can see how your campaign is doing.
Timesaving tip #2: Got lots of friends in Facebook? Want to send them an announcement? Facebook forces you to select each person by hand, which can take forever if you have lots of friends. I have 1,600 and until I learned this trick, I simply would not take the time to invite my friends to an event. Thanks to blogger John Pozadzides, I discovered that you can use a link in your browser to select ALL your friends at once. Here's an excerpt from his blog on how to do this:
1. Go to your Event, Group or page and click “Invite People”.
2. Once the page has loaded you should see all of your friends, but they are not selected.
3. At this point, copy and paste the javascript code below into your Web browser’s address bar, then hit “enter”, or "return" on a Mac.
4. If all goes well, it selects all of your friends!
Here is the code:
javascript:elms=document.getElementById('friends').getElementsByTagName('li');for(var fid in elms){if(typeof elms[fid] === 'object'){fs.click(elms[fid]);}}
It really does work, but be patient! The more friends you have, the longer it takes to select them all.
Timesaving tip #3: Did you know that you can download a database of your LinkedIn contacts? Simply go to your "Contacts" tab, select "My connections", then scroll down.
On the right hand side toward the bottom you'll see a link that says "Export connections". You might have to type in a security code, but after that the file will download in a csv file right to your desktop. To load it into your email client you may have to rearrange the columns. But being able to email your first tier LinkedIn contacts is very powerful!
These tips have made it easy for me to use my social media presence to advantage. Last month fully 50 percent of those signed up for my Patty Reagin Teleseminar came from my social media announcements.
And I'm using these tips again this month to let people know about my Social Media Webinar slated for Wednesday, August 18: "How to Explode Income for You AND Your Clients: 7 Social Media Strategies to Profit From Now!" Click here for more information and to secure YOUR line!
http://www.getgreatclients.com/ggc/webinar.htm
Chris Marlow - Friday, August 13, 2010
Copywriters - You Are Perfectly Positioned to Ride This Cresting Wave All the Way to the Bank
A FREE Webinar and a Promise to Dramatically Increase Your Earning Power
Please block out an hour in your schedule at NOON (PDT) on Wednesday August 18th and Join me and Craig Cannings to discover why you as a copywriter are in a perfect position to taking advantage of the exponential growth of Social Media for internet marketing... and explode your earning potential.
Seven Powerful and Easy Social Media Opportunities
Craig will walk you step by step through Seven Opportunities to...
- Put your copywriting skills to work growing your own business
- Dramatically increase your earnings by providing highly sought after skills to your clients
- Help your clients utilize the power of social media to grow their businesses
By increasing your knowledge of social media strategies, you get the double whammy benefits of using your new skills to both grow your own business AND provide these same services to your clients.
In this one hour Webinar, Craig will show you how you can very quickly put yourself in a position to answer the cry for help from businesses that are chomping at the bit to take advantage of social media, but just don't have the expertise or time do it. Can you hear them? If not... then you REALLY do want to join us to tune in on their frequency, because they are desperate for help.
This is one FREE Webinar you don't want to miss! Discover more about what you'll learn, and secure your seat here:
http://www.getgreatclients.com/ggc/webinar.htm
See you there!
Warmly,
Chris
Ego Crimes of the Copywriter
Chris Marlow - Sunday, July 11, 2010
Let me say this right up front: Copywriters are cool. They're special human beings who share a lot of common traits.
For instance, copywriters are artists. Do you paint? I do. Is photography your passion? Sandi, who writes copy for some of my products, does photography that is out of this world and she makes salable jewelery.
What about writing in general? So many of my copywriters do other kinds of writing... novels, books, journaling. Artistry is everywhere in the copywriting kingdom! We are also big time BAD information junkies.
But a negative trait I frequently find in both new and seasoned copywriters is the "misplaced ego."
Misplaced Ego Syndrome is alive and well in the copywriting community. I see it all the time and hear about it quite often.
This is where a copywriter puffs up and swaggers around to display his (or her) superiority, and supposed advanced talent and knowledge.
There's a LOT of this going on in the "old boy" network of the copywriting world, as anyone would tell you who spent the money and time going to "guru" events.
One of my most memorable moments with an Ego Crime was about six years ago at an AWAI event where I was a speaker. One of the other speakers targeted me and was hell bent on one-upping.
He's not really a dyed-in-the-wool copywriter but known more as a book writer. Yet he spent three days trying to find ways to discredit my copywriting edits for the sales letter of a past student. I was humiliated... for him.
Over the years I've seen LOTS of Ego Crimes. But the reason I'm finally talking about them in my blog is that an Ego Crime recently hit too close to home.
You see, one of my students has followed my program faithfully to create a unique niche and perfect marketing.
This last month she attended an event where a newbie copywriter is being held up as a breakthrough success. But when she showed him her sales letter, he nearly destroyed her career.
Careless words lead to invisible disasters
This celebrity copywriter does not know this, but his over-the-top negative comments set in motion a devastating cascade of emotions for my student.
After he held up his perceived errors of her sales letter, her confidence plummeted and she became ready to throw in the towel on a year's worth of work in a proven niche market.
Fortunately my student is also part of my Coffee Klatch group, an intimate group reserved for graduates of my Get Great Clients program.
And while I lay in a hospital bed recuperating from a planned surgery during all of this, other Coffee Klatch members swooped in to analyze her letter, offer comments, and most of all, save her from a terrible, terrible mistake. Bless them!
The copywriter who gave a "once over" to my student's letter knows nothing of her target market.
He sees only one piece of writing. I doubt very much that he saw the thousands of dollar and many months my student devoted to building out a full marketing machine.
"Too much hype and ego"...
That's one of the responses to my recent Get Great Clients Reader Survey, where I asked the question, "What irks you most about the coaches and teachers available to you on the Internet?"
Another response was: "They often don't really care about your success, they just care about delivering the product and taking the money. They don't care if you succeed or not."
And this: "...they treat every person they coach as a number and not as an individual, they don't care enough. Watch 'Jerry MacGuire.'
"In the end the guy that really cares is the envy of all the other football players who thought they liked their agents but now realize they were just pretending to care, for the $$$. Be more like Jerry."
And one more: "Most just want to up-sell me into their next level of coaching. Most really don't care about the people."
So this bog post has two points to make:
1. If you're an advisor, coach or teacher, get your damned ego out of the way. It's really ok to say, "I don't know," or "I'll get back to you on that."
In fact, the person standing before you will thank you for your candor and honesty — especially since flippant bad advice in the copywriting world can destroy a promising career.
Be sure to offer as much (deserved) praise as possible, to balance out the criticisms and corrections. This is ego talking, and my students tell me all the time about coaches who repeatedly tore them down while never building them up.
And if you're in it just for the money, GET OUT NOW.
2. If you're a student, watch for signs of overt egotism that serves no purpose but to build up the teacher, and an over abundance of self-interest.
Most common: An "I know it all" attitude; an unwillingness to "go over time" when necessary, and insincerity. A good coach cares about her students and puts integrity at the core of every relationship.
Find out if the coach offers positive encouragement or if the coach is mostly negative. If you're thinking of going with a coach, don't hesitate to get in touch with past students.
Find out if your new teacher is real, or an "impostor." A coach that's been around for a while will have built a reputation, and that's valuable information you can tap into.
Most of all, a good teacher becomes PERSONALLY invested in your success.
See if you can find that trait in your coach. If it's there, you'll have a much better chance at a successful relationship — and a successful outcome!
For instance, copywriters are artists. Do you paint? I do. Is photography your passion? Sandi, who writes copy for some of my products, does photography that is out of this world and she makes salable jewelery.
What about writing in general? So many of my copywriters do other kinds of writing... novels, books, journaling. Artistry is everywhere in the copywriting kingdom! We are also big time BAD information junkies.
But a negative trait I frequently find in both new and seasoned copywriters is the "misplaced ego."
Misplaced Ego Syndrome is alive and well in the copywriting community. I see it all the time and hear about it quite often.
This is where a copywriter puffs up and swaggers around to display his (or her) superiority, and supposed advanced talent and knowledge.
There's a LOT of this going on in the "old boy" network of the copywriting world, as anyone would tell you who spent the money and time going to "guru" events.
One of my most memorable moments with an Ego Crime was about six years ago at an AWAI event where I was a speaker. One of the other speakers targeted me and was hell bent on one-upping.
He's not really a dyed-in-the-wool copywriter but known more as a book writer. Yet he spent three days trying to find ways to discredit my copywriting edits for the sales letter of a past student. I was humiliated... for him.
Over the years I've seen LOTS of Ego Crimes. But the reason I'm finally talking about them in my blog is that an Ego Crime recently hit too close to home.
You see, one of my students has followed my program faithfully to create a unique niche and perfect marketing.
This last month she attended an event where a newbie copywriter is being held up as a breakthrough success. But when she showed him her sales letter, he nearly destroyed her career.
Careless words lead to invisible disasters
This celebrity copywriter does not know this, but his over-the-top negative comments set in motion a devastating cascade of emotions for my student.
After he held up his perceived errors of her sales letter, her confidence plummeted and she became ready to throw in the towel on a year's worth of work in a proven niche market.
Fortunately my student is also part of my Coffee Klatch group, an intimate group reserved for graduates of my Get Great Clients program.
And while I lay in a hospital bed recuperating from a planned surgery during all of this, other Coffee Klatch members swooped in to analyze her letter, offer comments, and most of all, save her from a terrible, terrible mistake. Bless them!
The copywriter who gave a "once over" to my student's letter knows nothing of her target market.
He sees only one piece of writing. I doubt very much that he saw the thousands of dollar and many months my student devoted to building out a full marketing machine.
"Too much hype and ego"...
That's one of the responses to my recent Get Great Clients Reader Survey, where I asked the question, "What irks you most about the coaches and teachers available to you on the Internet?"
Another response was: "They often don't really care about your success, they just care about delivering the product and taking the money. They don't care if you succeed or not."
And this: "...they treat every person they coach as a number and not as an individual, they don't care enough. Watch 'Jerry MacGuire.'
"In the end the guy that really cares is the envy of all the other football players who thought they liked their agents but now realize they were just pretending to care, for the $$$. Be more like Jerry."
And one more: "Most just want to up-sell me into their next level of coaching. Most really don't care about the people."
So this bog post has two points to make:
1. If you're an advisor, coach or teacher, get your damned ego out of the way. It's really ok to say, "I don't know," or "I'll get back to you on that."
In fact, the person standing before you will thank you for your candor and honesty — especially since flippant bad advice in the copywriting world can destroy a promising career.
Be sure to offer as much (deserved) praise as possible, to balance out the criticisms and corrections. This is ego talking, and my students tell me all the time about coaches who repeatedly tore them down while never building them up.
And if you're in it just for the money, GET OUT NOW.
2. If you're a student, watch for signs of overt egotism that serves no purpose but to build up the teacher, and an over abundance of self-interest.
Most common: An "I know it all" attitude; an unwillingness to "go over time" when necessary, and insincerity. A good coach cares about her students and puts integrity at the core of every relationship.
Find out if the coach offers positive encouragement or if the coach is mostly negative. If you're thinking of going with a coach, don't hesitate to get in touch with past students.
Find out if your new teacher is real, or an "impostor." A coach that's been around for a while will have built a reputation, and that's valuable information you can tap into.
Most of all, a good teacher becomes PERSONALLY invested in your success.
See if you can find that trait in your coach. If it's there, you'll have a much better chance at a successful relationship — and a successful outcome!
Selling Your Services: 20 Hot Tips for Face-to-Face Closing
Chris Marlow - Sunday, June 06, 2010
Do you live in a city that's large enough to offer potential clients?
If so, go after them! It's far easier to close a potential client when you're sitting right across from them. This was one of the strategies I employed in my second freelance career and it got me two local clients who gave me loads of work for years.
Here are 20 tips to successful face-to-face selling:
#1. Understand that face-to-face selling is the most powerful selling there is, and the more you do it, the faster your success as a freelancer.
#2. Email and leave a phone call as a reminder that you will be there at the appointed time. Also leave your office and cell numbers.
#3. Don't be late! Give yourself plenty of time to get there so you can deal with traffic, a lack of parking spaces, and everything else that tries to throw you off track.
#4. Be sure of your directions. Use a GPS if you can. MapQuest and other online maps can be vague or less than accurate. I even get new maps from AAA before hitting the road.
#5. Check your teeth before you go into your meeting. You'll be glad you did.
#6. Have business cards on hand. Sounds obvious, but if you don't, you lose credibility and look unprepared.
#7. Bring a leave-behind. An envelope with your bio, case studies, and a sample of your work, plus business card.
#8. Know the name and title of your contact! And their gender.
#9. Be prepared to tell a story about your work, especially a sample. Clients love to hear stories about your samples.
#10. You can paste your samples to large presentation boards for dramatic effect. That's what I did.
Here you can see one of my presentation board samples for a classic package for Tektronix... OE on the front, the rest of the package on the back.
#11. Allow time for chitchat and a brief introduction, but then get right to the point. Your prospective client is busy and so are you.
#12. Stay only for the agreed-to time. For instance, if you asked for 20 minutes, then leave in 20 minutes.
#13. Leave more than one business card so your prospect can share with others in the office.
#14. Be sure to thank your prospect for their time when you are leaving.
#15. As soon as you arrive home, send a thank you email that also reminds of the benefits of working with you.
#16. Consider also sending a handwritten thank you note by snail mail. I know a Realtor® who grew a million dollar business using just this one tactic! Be real.
#17. Dress up, not down. Even if you're a creative and can get by with jeans and a nose ring, you'll go a lot farther if you match the client's professionalism.
#18. Check your fingernails and toenails. Gross? Or classy?
#19. Use your Value Proposition. Don't have one? Then consider coaching with me, or taking my Get Great Clients Home Study Course at:
http://www.getgreatclients.com/mmm/index.html
#20. Ask for work and then shut up. The ball is in their court. If you babble on, they won't have to answer.
#21. BONUS - Be a good listener. It will serve you well and keep the jitters at bay. If you talk out of nervousness, or talk over the top of what the client has to say, you're adios... your whole investment in time and money will be a waste.
As always, check out my coaching program for copywriters and other savvy marketers if you need help targeting clients who will value you and who can pay the appropriate fee for your valuable services:
http://www.thecopywriterscoach.com
If so, go after them! It's far easier to close a potential client when you're sitting right across from them. This was one of the strategies I employed in my second freelance career and it got me two local clients who gave me loads of work for years.
Here are 20 tips to successful face-to-face selling:
#1. Understand that face-to-face selling is the most powerful selling there is, and the more you do it, the faster your success as a freelancer.
#2. Email and leave a phone call as a reminder that you will be there at the appointed time. Also leave your office and cell numbers.
#3. Don't be late! Give yourself plenty of time to get there so you can deal with traffic, a lack of parking spaces, and everything else that tries to throw you off track.
#4. Be sure of your directions. Use a GPS if you can. MapQuest and other online maps can be vague or less than accurate. I even get new maps from AAA before hitting the road.
#5. Check your teeth before you go into your meeting. You'll be glad you did.
#6. Have business cards on hand. Sounds obvious, but if you don't, you lose credibility and look unprepared.
#7. Bring a leave-behind. An envelope with your bio, case studies, and a sample of your work, plus business card.
#8. Know the name and title of your contact! And their gender.
#9. Be prepared to tell a story about your work, especially a sample. Clients love to hear stories about your samples.
#10. You can paste your samples to large presentation boards for dramatic effect. That's what I did. Here you can see one of my presentation board samples for a classic package for Tektronix... OE on the front, the rest of the package on the back.
#11. Allow time for chitchat and a brief introduction, but then get right to the point. Your prospective client is busy and so are you.
#12. Stay only for the agreed-to time. For instance, if you asked for 20 minutes, then leave in 20 minutes.
#13. Leave more than one business card so your prospect can share with others in the office.
#14. Be sure to thank your prospect for their time when you are leaving.
#15. As soon as you arrive home, send a thank you email that also reminds of the benefits of working with you.
#16. Consider also sending a handwritten thank you note by snail mail. I know a Realtor® who grew a million dollar business using just this one tactic! Be real.
#17. Dress up, not down. Even if you're a creative and can get by with jeans and a nose ring, you'll go a lot farther if you match the client's professionalism.
#18. Check your fingernails and toenails. Gross? Or classy?
#19. Use your Value Proposition. Don't have one? Then consider coaching with me, or taking my Get Great Clients Home Study Course at:
http://www.getgreatclients.com/mmm/index.html
#20. Ask for work and then shut up. The ball is in their court. If you babble on, they won't have to answer.
#21. BONUS - Be a good listener. It will serve you well and keep the jitters at bay. If you talk out of nervousness, or talk over the top of what the client has to say, you're adios... your whole investment in time and money will be a waste.
As always, check out my coaching program for copywriters and other savvy marketers if you need help targeting clients who will value you and who can pay the appropriate fee for your valuable services:
http://www.thecopywriterscoach.com
Client Horror Stories — And How to Handle Them
Chris Marlow - Friday, May 28, 2010
Who knows what it is... but something's in the air. In the last month or two I've had an inordinate amount of freelancers tell me they've suffered some pretty intense insults from clients and potential clients. Maybe it had something to do with tax time... after all, about a month ago I was pretty cranky too!
I'm going to share these short stories with you because they're instructive. And if you haven't already found yourself in one or more of these sticky situations, you'll be there sooner or later... and glad you read this newsletter!
Sticky Situation #1:
One of my colleagues, "Rose," a health copywriter, reported that her longtime client surprised her with an unusually hard negotiation for home page copy. This client had been a loyal client for years. Perplexed, she decided to come down on price, but not to the exact price the client wanted. To her shock, the client walked and went with a competitor... all to save $75.
After mulling it over, Rose emailed the client, and this is what she said (names changed to respect privacy)...
"Thanks for your response, Eric. I've been think about this. My base rate is $125.00 an hour. It's been that rate for years (no increase.) This is a mid-range for copywriters. I estimated 5 to six hours for your job.
"If I did it for $500 that would mean I'm working for $96.15 an hour. That's less than when I first started in this business. There are copywriters who write for that (you can find them on job boards, Linked In, Twitter, etc.).
"I know John is always trying to save money, and that's a good thing. It's important, but not at the expense of someone else's income. I wouldn't expect you to sell me Joint Rebuild for $9.99 with free shipping.
"The other alternative would be to spend 4 hours on it and send an invoice. You won't get quality work that way, and I'd never present myself that way.
"I think the world of you Eric, and appreciate your thinking of me. But, I can't afford to work for what your budget is. The only time I've ever done much bargaining over price was when I lived in Thailand. I was willing to split the difference because it's you asking. I don't do it for anyone else."
Rose's email must have hit a nerve because Eric quickly wrote back that the next job was hers. Then she got a new lead from a potential client who wanted references. She emailed Eric and asked him to be a reference. He said "No problem Rose... I would be happy to."
So what's the lesson here? Most freelancers would be disappointed in a client's choice to go with someone else over such a small savings, and after a price reduction on top of it. They would feel hurt and consider the client "gone."
But Rose decided to confront the situation, and used logic to her benfit. By doing so, she shone light on the foolishness of severing a long-term relationship over a few bucks. And by asking Eric to be a reference, he will be in the position of affirming Rose's worth. This is great selling on Rose's part. I predict that Eric will hire Rose for the next copywriting job and that all will be restored to good health.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Social media and copywriting really go hand-in-hand. If you want to supercharge your copywriting career by offering the most sought-after skills that small-business marketers are demanding today, check out this course:
http://bit.ly/MPBj4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sticky Situation #2:
In another negotiation, a potential new client did everything he could to diminish my student. He wanted her to come down in price. He wanted to know how fast she works to make sure he gets the most for his money. And the last straw was that he changed all the terms in her Fee Agreement and even wrote in copy that would make her liable in the event of a lawsuit!
(Her standard copy says she is not liable and that should a dispute arise, it would be settled in a court of law on her turf; he changed the copy to read that she would be liable should a lawsuit ensue and that should it, she would have to travel to a court of law on his turf.)
To add insult to injury, he also misspelled her name in 16 place (which — ha ha — might have kept her out of a lawsuit?).
Very upset, she came to me for advice. And I said "Meg, you don't really need this business do you?" And she said "No, not really." And I said "Then this is a perfect time to learn another valuable lesson about how to deal with clients. Walk away. You don't need a client like this." And so she did. She wrote the client that with all of the insults he had hurled at her that she was withdrawing the Fee Agreement and did not want to work with him.
Well, even I was surprised at what happened next. The client blamed his legal department and backtracked faster that a Michael Jackson moonwalk. Today he is one of Meg's best clients. I thought Meg's response would simply kill the deal and save her boatloads of anguish.
Lesson learned? Be willing to walk away from a bad deal. Also realize that good clients are oftentimes made — by you.
Sticky Situation #3:
I received this email just last week, from a new student whom I'll call "Teresa". I'll let her tell her story in her own words since the email is still sitting in my inbox...
"I obtained a client who wanted me to re-do the copy on her website but was very, very particular about how she wanted it to sound., i.e. not too salesy or hyped up. I spent hours and hours poring over her materials, a lunch meeting and a meeting at her company before even beginning the copy. The material was complicated and again she was very particular about the 'writing style' but I was up for the challenge.
"In the meantime she had advised me that she had also hired another copywriter with a very different approach than mine to come up with another version of the copy. I began writing the home page and finished it. She said she 'loved it' and would get back to me with other directions on how to proceed after she worked with her web designer, etc. Six weeks passed before she got back to me due to delays, business trips, etc. I had only charged her the first half ( 50% of my substantial fee).
"I become so irritated that I called her cell phone (again) and was finally able to reach her. She advised me that most of the copy had been done by the other CW and that they would be 'dovetailing' my copy with hers. An idea that made my skin stand straight out. When I reviewed the copy it was radically different than anything I had written and infused with massive amounts of data I had not been given since my project was to be on a per page basis. She was unclear as to the direction of the project so I could not proceed until she gave me the OK.
"The client then advised me that she was going to use the other CW’s copy and that she would use the rest of my first 50% on maybe a sales letter or other marketing piece. I was stunned and felt like I had been thrown a very hard KO punch to the gut. I really didn’t know how to handle this and told her I would be glad to dismiss the 2nd half of the 50% payment and provide some other sales material for the 1st half 50%!
"I’m not sure where this project went wrong but I think after viewing the other CW’s work I wanted to fire this client and move on even if it meant not getting paid the rest of my fee. My contract is very clear but I think some of the takeaway messages here are to:
#1. Be crystal clear that there is a timeline for this project ( I have now included that in my contract)
#2. Do not accept a project if there is another copywriter also working on the same materials
#3. Never back down on your stated contract or fees — a signed agreement is a signed agreement
#4. Do not let the client control the copywriter or flow of the project
#5. Do not work with a client who is massively confused about the direction of the project."
WHEW! Lotsa lessons here! One of the most important documents a copywriter has is the Creative Brief. This forces the client to get it all down on paper so there is clear direction for the project. That would have taken care of #5.
My coaching program also supplies a very strong Fee Agreement. It protects the copywriter from many common problems, including #1 and #3.
Do not let the client control the copywriter or flow of the project (#4) is something you have to learn. You should always take control of the project. If you don't the client will. (But they don't really want to.)
And #2 - Do not accept a project if there is another copywriter also working on the same materials - is a new one for me. But there could have only been trouble in this case.
So if you find that more than one copywriter is working on the same project, get more information in order to protect yourself. I have worked on projects in the past when clients have "pitted me" against others. But at least I knew they were keeping the integrity of my work. My work was mine, and it would be tested against others' work. It would not "dovetail' with mine.
And finally, Teresa should not offer to "write something else" for the 50% fee she did get. She wrote it already. The right thing is to cut that project off at its knees and start over with this client (if possible). A good Creative Brief for the next job, and a stronger Fee Agreement could turn a frustrating client into a client worth staying with.
A FREE and Simple Way to Improve I.Q.
How would you like Calesthenics for the Cranium? This report from CBS News isn't today's hottest news, but I was intrigued and the credibility is high. According to an L.A.-based M.D.,"Super Brain Yoga" is a fast, simple drug-free method for increasing mental energy and intelligence.
In fact, this report says a simple move that combines yoga and acupuncture points — an exercise that takes only five minutes per day — can actually make you smarter. (Plus it improves memory loss!) I've been doing this myself, right after my morning ab crunches. Check out the amazing proof here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSwhpF9iJSs
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Time Price Reduction for Leading Resource for Health Marketers...
Speaking of lawsuits, marketers and copywriters need to be aware of what they can and cannot legally say about a health product or service.
Pam Magnuson's book, What to Say When You Can't Say Anything, is the leading resource on the market for copywriting that keeps you and your client out of trouble with the FDA and the FTC.
She recently repackaged the book to bring the cost down... and the savings is being passed on to you! So if you want to save $50 off the old price of $247, now's the time to buy!
Not only can you now add this "must have" resource to your library, but you can also make three easy payments of just $65.66. I highly recommend it, and so does copywriting guru Bob Bly, who say: "An essential tool for health marketers -- no one who writes direct response copy to sell dietary supplements should be without it." So visit this link to get the goods:
http://bit.ly/9mZwFh
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How to Save Money on Printer Ink
Boy... I could make a million on this tip, as it is my own very personal serendipitous discovery.
Are you ready? Here's my amazing money-saving tip of the year:
DON'T throw away, recycle, or turn back in your printer ink cartridges. They're not empty! I've had five "empty" HP cartridges sitting on my desk for months, waiting to go back to Office Depot or Staples.
One day I run out of ink and I have no new cartridges. So out of desperation I reinstall an "empty" cartridge. It dumps ink onto my paper for at least a month. Then it dries out.
Ok, so then I move on to "empty" cartridge #2. Same deal. It hurls ink as though it were brand new. Bottom line: I have "scraped the bottom of the barrel" on five empty cartridges for five months before I truly ran out of ink. Do you know how much money this has saved me? Probably around $250! And over the course of a year, that could double.
So when your ink cartridge "runs out," let it sit for a while and then reinstall. See if you get the results I've been getting consistently on FIVE empty ink cartridges.
Congratulations to Past Student Randy Berry
Randy is now a first time author! You picked a great topic Randy — interviews with 50 video marketing pioneers. In reading your blog content, this book looks like a winner. You should be able to sell a lot of these! Readers, check out Randy's new book:
http://videomarketers.50interviews.com/
I'm going to share these short stories with you because they're instructive. And if you haven't already found yourself in one or more of these sticky situations, you'll be there sooner or later... and glad you read this newsletter!
Sticky Situation #1:
One of my colleagues, "Rose," a health copywriter, reported that her longtime client surprised her with an unusually hard negotiation for home page copy. This client had been a loyal client for years. Perplexed, she decided to come down on price, but not to the exact price the client wanted. To her shock, the client walked and went with a competitor... all to save $75.
After mulling it over, Rose emailed the client, and this is what she said (names changed to respect privacy)...
"Thanks for your response, Eric. I've been think about this. My base rate is $125.00 an hour. It's been that rate for years (no increase.) This is a mid-range for copywriters. I estimated 5 to six hours for your job.
"If I did it for $500 that would mean I'm working for $96.15 an hour. That's less than when I first started in this business. There are copywriters who write for that (you can find them on job boards, Linked In, Twitter, etc.).
"I know John is always trying to save money, and that's a good thing. It's important, but not at the expense of someone else's income. I wouldn't expect you to sell me Joint Rebuild for $9.99 with free shipping.
"The other alternative would be to spend 4 hours on it and send an invoice. You won't get quality work that way, and I'd never present myself that way.
"I think the world of you Eric, and appreciate your thinking of me. But, I can't afford to work for what your budget is. The only time I've ever done much bargaining over price was when I lived in Thailand. I was willing to split the difference because it's you asking. I don't do it for anyone else."
Rose's email must have hit a nerve because Eric quickly wrote back that the next job was hers. Then she got a new lead from a potential client who wanted references. She emailed Eric and asked him to be a reference. He said "No problem Rose... I would be happy to."
So what's the lesson here? Most freelancers would be disappointed in a client's choice to go with someone else over such a small savings, and after a price reduction on top of it. They would feel hurt and consider the client "gone."
But Rose decided to confront the situation, and used logic to her benfit. By doing so, she shone light on the foolishness of severing a long-term relationship over a few bucks. And by asking Eric to be a reference, he will be in the position of affirming Rose's worth. This is great selling on Rose's part. I predict that Eric will hire Rose for the next copywriting job and that all will be restored to good health.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Social media and copywriting really go hand-in-hand. If you want to supercharge your copywriting career by offering the most sought-after skills that small-business marketers are demanding today, check out this course:
http://bit.ly/MPBj4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sticky Situation #2:
In another negotiation, a potential new client did everything he could to diminish my student. He wanted her to come down in price. He wanted to know how fast she works to make sure he gets the most for his money. And the last straw was that he changed all the terms in her Fee Agreement and even wrote in copy that would make her liable in the event of a lawsuit!
(Her standard copy says she is not liable and that should a dispute arise, it would be settled in a court of law on her turf; he changed the copy to read that she would be liable should a lawsuit ensue and that should it, she would have to travel to a court of law on his turf.)
To add insult to injury, he also misspelled her name in 16 place (which — ha ha — might have kept her out of a lawsuit?).
Very upset, she came to me for advice. And I said "Meg, you don't really need this business do you?" And she said "No, not really." And I said "Then this is a perfect time to learn another valuable lesson about how to deal with clients. Walk away. You don't need a client like this." And so she did. She wrote the client that with all of the insults he had hurled at her that she was withdrawing the Fee Agreement and did not want to work with him.
Well, even I was surprised at what happened next. The client blamed his legal department and backtracked faster that a Michael Jackson moonwalk. Today he is one of Meg's best clients. I thought Meg's response would simply kill the deal and save her boatloads of anguish.
Lesson learned? Be willing to walk away from a bad deal. Also realize that good clients are oftentimes made — by you.
Sticky Situation #3:
I received this email just last week, from a new student whom I'll call "Teresa". I'll let her tell her story in her own words since the email is still sitting in my inbox...
"I obtained a client who wanted me to re-do the copy on her website but was very, very particular about how she wanted it to sound., i.e. not too salesy or hyped up. I spent hours and hours poring over her materials, a lunch meeting and a meeting at her company before even beginning the copy. The material was complicated and again she was very particular about the 'writing style' but I was up for the challenge.
"In the meantime she had advised me that she had also hired another copywriter with a very different approach than mine to come up with another version of the copy. I began writing the home page and finished it. She said she 'loved it' and would get back to me with other directions on how to proceed after she worked with her web designer, etc. Six weeks passed before she got back to me due to delays, business trips, etc. I had only charged her the first half ( 50% of my substantial fee).
"I become so irritated that I called her cell phone (again) and was finally able to reach her. She advised me that most of the copy had been done by the other CW and that they would be 'dovetailing' my copy with hers. An idea that made my skin stand straight out. When I reviewed the copy it was radically different than anything I had written and infused with massive amounts of data I had not been given since my project was to be on a per page basis. She was unclear as to the direction of the project so I could not proceed until she gave me the OK.
"The client then advised me that she was going to use the other CW’s copy and that she would use the rest of my first 50% on maybe a sales letter or other marketing piece. I was stunned and felt like I had been thrown a very hard KO punch to the gut. I really didn’t know how to handle this and told her I would be glad to dismiss the 2nd half of the 50% payment and provide some other sales material for the 1st half 50%!
"I’m not sure where this project went wrong but I think after viewing the other CW’s work I wanted to fire this client and move on even if it meant not getting paid the rest of my fee. My contract is very clear but I think some of the takeaway messages here are to:
#1. Be crystal clear that there is a timeline for this project ( I have now included that in my contract)
#2. Do not accept a project if there is another copywriter also working on the same materials
#3. Never back down on your stated contract or fees — a signed agreement is a signed agreement
#4. Do not let the client control the copywriter or flow of the project
#5. Do not work with a client who is massively confused about the direction of the project."
WHEW! Lotsa lessons here! One of the most important documents a copywriter has is the Creative Brief. This forces the client to get it all down on paper so there is clear direction for the project. That would have taken care of #5.
My coaching program also supplies a very strong Fee Agreement. It protects the copywriter from many common problems, including #1 and #3.
Do not let the client control the copywriter or flow of the project (#4) is something you have to learn. You should always take control of the project. If you don't the client will. (But they don't really want to.)
And #2 - Do not accept a project if there is another copywriter also working on the same materials - is a new one for me. But there could have only been trouble in this case.
So if you find that more than one copywriter is working on the same project, get more information in order to protect yourself. I have worked on projects in the past when clients have "pitted me" against others. But at least I knew they were keeping the integrity of my work. My work was mine, and it would be tested against others' work. It would not "dovetail' with mine.
And finally, Teresa should not offer to "write something else" for the 50% fee she did get. She wrote it already. The right thing is to cut that project off at its knees and start over with this client (if possible). A good Creative Brief for the next job, and a stronger Fee Agreement could turn a frustrating client into a client worth staying with.
A FREE and Simple Way to Improve I.Q.
How would you like Calesthenics for the Cranium? This report from CBS News isn't today's hottest news, but I was intrigued and the credibility is high. According to an L.A.-based M.D.,"Super Brain Yoga" is a fast, simple drug-free method for increasing mental energy and intelligence.
In fact, this report says a simple move that combines yoga and acupuncture points — an exercise that takes only five minutes per day — can actually make you smarter. (Plus it improves memory loss!) I've been doing this myself, right after my morning ab crunches. Check out the amazing proof here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSwhpF9iJSs
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
First Time Price Reduction for Leading Resource for Health Marketers...
Speaking of lawsuits, marketers and copywriters need to be aware of what they can and cannot legally say about a health product or service.
Pam Magnuson's book, What to Say When You Can't Say Anything, is the leading resource on the market for copywriting that keeps you and your client out of trouble with the FDA and the FTC. She recently repackaged the book to bring the cost down... and the savings is being passed on to you! So if you want to save $50 off the old price of $247, now's the time to buy!
Not only can you now add this "must have" resource to your library, but you can also make three easy payments of just $65.66. I highly recommend it, and so does copywriting guru Bob Bly, who say: "An essential tool for health marketers -- no one who writes direct response copy to sell dietary supplements should be without it." So visit this link to get the goods:
http://bit.ly/9mZwFh
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How to Save Money on Printer Ink
Boy... I could make a million on this tip, as it is my own very personal serendipitous discovery.
Are you ready? Here's my amazing money-saving tip of the year:
DON'T throw away, recycle, or turn back in your printer ink cartridges. They're not empty! I've had five "empty" HP cartridges sitting on my desk for months, waiting to go back to Office Depot or Staples.
One day I run out of ink and I have no new cartridges. So out of desperation I reinstall an "empty" cartridge. It dumps ink onto my paper for at least a month. Then it dries out.
Ok, so then I move on to "empty" cartridge #2. Same deal. It hurls ink as though it were brand new. Bottom line: I have "scraped the bottom of the barrel" on five empty cartridges for five months before I truly ran out of ink. Do you know how much money this has saved me? Probably around $250! And over the course of a year, that could double.
So when your ink cartridge "runs out," let it sit for a while and then reinstall. See if you get the results I've been getting consistently on FIVE empty ink cartridges.
Congratulations to Past Student Randy Berry
Randy is now a first time author! You picked a great topic Randy — interviews with 50 video marketing pioneers. In reading your blog content, this book looks like a winner. You should be able to sell a lot of these! Readers, check out Randy's new book:
http://videomarketers.50interviews.com/
Quick Quiz: What's your strongest tool for turning prospects into clients?
Chris Marlow - Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Pick one:
A. Your website
B: Your business card
C. Your ezine
D. Your charming personality
E. Your offer
The answer?
Find it in the article below...
So... what 's the magic bullet for converting leads to clients?
A little background might help you retain this important information.
As an "old timer" I can tell you that 20 years ago marketing was relatively simple, although we didn't know it then, ha ha! (Joke's on us.)
We had direct mail, TV, radio, print, telemarketing, outdoor advertising, P/R and not much else of note.
Most campaigns were direct mail with a little supporting print ad work, and if the client could afford it, telemarketing follow-up.
But the Internet ushered in the age of "channel fragmentation." In other words, too much stuff to pick from. Websites. Email. Banner ads. Pay-per-click. Social media. Video. And much more... all in addition to traditional offline media.
As a marketer or marketing consultant, it can be overwhelming to chart a course that's right for your business.
Should you spend a lot of time with article marketing? Or is direct mail a smarter choice? What's your "media mix" — those five key marketing channels that will bring you the biggest bang for your time and your buck?
Or can you get by with focusing on just one channel? I once knew a non-profit copywriter who, whenever she needed work, emailed all her colleagues in an association she belonged to.
That's all she did to consistently drum up business! Your ideal media mix really depends on what works best for your target market... and what works best for you.
So... what's your strongest tool for turning prospects into clients, in today's Internet-driven world?
The answer to the Quick Quiz above is "C" — your ezine!
Even with all the noise going on in today's marketing environment, one tool reigns supreme for converting leads into clients. And that's the email newsletter, or ezine.
A lot of freelancers I coach beg me, "Please, I have enough to do. Don't make me do a monthly newsletter!"
But I crack the whip. That's because across all levels of business — from the small fry to the monolith — the ezine has proven to be most valuable when it comes to converting leads.
Consider this: almost all service businesses must generate leads. But prospects are often unwilling to offer their information unless they're ready to be followed up on.
Most know that sharing their information is an indicator that they're a qualified prospect. And that's how it's supposed to work. Everyone is playing the role that's right for them, at the right time for them.
So in your marketing (if you're doing it right), you'll get a trickle of qualified leads, but many more will leave your website never to return simply because they're not yet ready for one-on-one contact from you.
(Check your web logs today... you may be shocked at how many people came and then left!)
This is what your ezine is for. To capture those names who would vanish into thin air had had you not put out your butterfly net.
For prospects who are interested in you — but not ready for engagement — your ezine offers a safe way to get to know you and get a sense for the value you'd provide if they took the next step.
In truth, you'll have individuals on your list who will never become clients. That's ok. They'll become evangelists (or perhaps buyers of your info products).
But statistics consistently prove — year in and year out — that of all online media, the ezine is your strongest tool for converting a prospect into a client.
A marketing strategy you'll want to start working on now
Are you in social media? LinkedIn? Facebook? On Twitter? If you have a following, resolve now to put a strategy into place that will move your connections and friends from social media onto your ezine list.
Social media is powerful but not nearly as powerful as your ezine for nurturing and cultivating clients. You'll convert far more clients by bringing them closer to you, via your ezine.
A final point about today's technology...
Not long ago I moved from a pure-play ezine (delivered by Constant Contact) to a "Blog Letter." The reason I did this is because now my ezine content is published in an HTML format that search engines can crawl.
I got rid of my expensive email service provider, saving nearly $600 per year. By publishing my ezine content into my blog, I can create an archive of content that not only services my readers, but builds my online presence.
Bottom line: Your first job in marketing is to generate leads, whether hot, warm or cold. Your second job is to get as many prospects to sign up for your ezine (or blog letter) as you can. Because your richest source of new clients won't come from social media or any other channel. They'll come from your list.
So resolve now to create marketing strategies that funnel to your list. There is simply NOTHING more powerful than having a healthy list of subscribers interested in what you have to say!
To learn how to most effectively generate leads and build your ezine (or blog letter) list, check out my acclaimed self-marketing course for copywriters.
You can master list-building and lead-generation in this powerful, proven, and comprehensive program that stands alone for the successful copywriters and marketers it has produced:
http://www.thecopywriterscoach.com
I Need Your Help! Annual Survey Opens on Friday...
This year's Get Great Clients Subscriber Survey is coming soon. Please participate! It will help me help you. There's only so much time in a year, and I want to plan events and learning that meet your criteria and that will get you the RESULTS you seek. Thanks in advance!
Looking for Copywriting Work? Two Opportunities for You to Follow Up On...
***Copywriter Needed***
If you stay up at night, you’ve probably seen our infomercials (which have been running non-stop for the past 9 years).
If you’re on opportunity-seeker lists, odds are you’ve read our direct mail promos (we’ve mailed nearly 40 million pieces in the past 5 years).
We’re the Dalbey Education Institute (http://www.DalbeyEducation.com), one of the largest direct marketers in the nation.
We’re now expanding and need some extra fire-power. That’s where you come in…
We need a confident, smart, hard-working and fiercely independent copywriter to join us. If you live and breathe Caples, Collier, Hopkins… study and practice Halbert, Kennedy and Carlton… have the spirit of Schwartz flowing through your veins and bursting out your fingertips… if you’re an ace “Sales person in Print”... if you can capture a reader’s attention so they take immediate action... this can be the greatest writing and marketing opportunity you’ll ever have. If I just described you, then keep on reading, because we need someone to…
...write response-driven copy for both front-end acquisition and back-end promotions, including e-mails, Newsletters, Landing Pages, Shopping Cart Pages, Direct Mail, Telemarketing Scripts, Infomercial Scripts and pretty much every other media you can imagine as well as develop creative concepts and strategies for our existing products and services.
You’ll have lots of freedom to try new concepts, formats, and whatever else your creative mind can come up with. Bottom Line: if you create controls, you’ll be hailed a marketing genius and will be well rewarded.
I don’t care how many years experience you have… where (or if) you went to school or how padded your resume is. Only one thing matters here… results.
Here’s what you need to do next. First, let me tell you what not to do. Do not send a resume. It won’t get read. Instead, e-mail a letter (as a Word or PDF attachment) and tell me why you’re the ideal copywriter for us. Write it like you would a direct mail promotion because, essentially, you’re selling yourself to us.
Also please send attachments or links to your work, as well as response rates of your promotions, glowing testimonials from past clients and employers bragging about how you increased their bottom line, and anything else you think will tip the scales in your favor.
Please put “Copywriter” plus your first and last name in the subject line. Just like you, I get hundreds of emails a day, so if you don’t put Copywriter in the subject line, odds are I’ll never see your email.
Email your stuff to: Cespinosa@DalbeyEducation.com
***SEO Consultant/independent Contractor Needed for Online Publishing & Marketing, LLC***
Successful ebook publisher seeks experienced SEO/organic search manager with proven track record. The person we seek will be an independent contractor working from his/her home or office with the other members of our “virtual team” scattered across the United States.
Our efforts to date have focused on sending emails to opted-in consumer lists in our market. Now we want to develop our website and make it #1 in organic search among consumers searching on keywords such as “alternative cancer treatments”, “natural cancer treatments” and so forth.
We have a strong catalog of special reports and books in this field as well as a weekly newsletter (with back issues archived on our site), and the potential to create a content-rich site for people seeking information about cancer alternatives. As the leader of our organic search effort, the new person will help us design and develop this website and optimize it to rise in the search engine rankings.
Compensation is negotiable. We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to reach #1 in our niche market. The applicant will be asked to submit a plan and a budget to reach our goal during the set-up phase and for the long term.
Please send your resume, work history and client case studies to Anne Caballero at anne@johnfinn.com.
Marketing Magazines You Must Subscribe To - and They're FREE
Chris Marlow - Friday, February 12, 2010
Last week I did some consulting with a copywriter who has a niche that's not the easiest to get started in, but is probably the biggest niche in the world. She targets marketers who sell to moms.
Our work focused on finding the quickest ways to get the attention of her target. Since her niche is not vertical — it's huge and amorphous — there are relatively few ways to regularly "hang out" with her targets at organized events or associations.
One of our solutions was to get her in front of her audience via published articles. Research didn't reveal any marketing-oriented publications for "mom" marketers, so that means she'll need to rely on marketing mags that are broader in scope.
That led me to share with her the top industry magazines where she might get published. And then I decided to go deeper and find the links, to share with you!
Here are FIVE broad-reach marketing magazines (hard copy) that you should be receiving for FREE if you're a copywriter or other marketing title.
You can write articles and get exposure worth countless thousands of dollars (I have). If you're really good (and you are!), you might even get yourself set up as a regular columnist.
Here's the list, and honestly, it's not just about getting exposure. Over 20+ years, some of these trade mags are responsible for a portion of my direct response knowledge. Not to mention that they'll keep you abreast of what's going on in the industry!
Take the time to request your FREE subscriptions today. You'll thank me for it each and every month from now on!
DM News - This is the industry's most important trade mag. And it offers lots of opportunities for consultants to get published. This is one where you can shoot for getting a regular column.
It has a weekly circulation of 50,300. Look for other article publishing opportunities in its special supplements, daily and weekly online newsletters, webcasts, podcasts, website, and blog. FREE signup here:
https://subscribe.haymarketmedia.com/dmn/?form=new
BtoB - As the name implies, there's a focus on the B2B side of marketing. The magazine calls itself "The Magazine for Marketing Strategists."
As with DM News, BtoB has a column for reader comments. This is an extra opportunity for FREE and fabulous exposure! It's often overlooked, but if you have something to share or an opinion pertinent to a previous article... send an email to the editor!
Like most magazines, look for other publishing opportunities under their umbrella, such as online newsletters. Circulation 45,000. FREE signup:
http://techxtra.tradepub.com/free/btb/prgm.cgi
Target Marketing Magazine - Tagline "Strategies and Solutions for Profitable Direct Marketing." I can't remember her name right off but one copywriter has had a regular column in TM as long as I can remember.
(Check out their other pubs — online Target Marketing Tipline, and Inside Direct Mail Weekly — too.) Circulation is 42,600, of which 84% are top decision-makers. FREE signup for U.S. residents:
http://sub.targetmarketingmag.com/A1/?PMC=WEB09&PUB=TK
Internet Retailer - IR focuses on e-commerce, web design, and search marketing for the e-retail trade. The monthly magazine reaches 44,800 — and again — don't forget to check out the opportunities in other IR publications. For instance, the IR Newslink Daily Newsletter reports a circulation of 38,000! FREE Signup:
https://www.cambeywest.com/subscribe/subscribe.aspx?p=irm&form=new
Deliver® - A relatively new bi-monthly publication that's published by the U.S. Postal Service, that offers great case studies on direct mail marketing.
I doubt if it offers much in the way of P/R opportunity, but I had to include it because it's very well done and a great resource for copywriters hungry for education. I can't get the circulation figures but they really don't matter if you're in it just for the info. Signup for FREE:
https://www.deliversubscribe.com/Deliver_SubscribeInput.asp?id=21300326
Our work focused on finding the quickest ways to get the attention of her target. Since her niche is not vertical — it's huge and amorphous — there are relatively few ways to regularly "hang out" with her targets at organized events or associations.
One of our solutions was to get her in front of her audience via published articles. Research didn't reveal any marketing-oriented publications for "mom" marketers, so that means she'll need to rely on marketing mags that are broader in scope.
That led me to share with her the top industry magazines where she might get published. And then I decided to go deeper and find the links, to share with you!
Here are FIVE broad-reach marketing magazines (hard copy) that you should be receiving for FREE if you're a copywriter or other marketing title.
You can write articles and get exposure worth countless thousands of dollars (I have). If you're really good (and you are!), you might even get yourself set up as a regular columnist.
Here's the list, and honestly, it's not just about getting exposure. Over 20+ years, some of these trade mags are responsible for a portion of my direct response knowledge. Not to mention that they'll keep you abreast of what's going on in the industry!
Take the time to request your FREE subscriptions today. You'll thank me for it each and every month from now on!
DM News - This is the industry's most important trade mag. And it offers lots of opportunities for consultants to get published. This is one where you can shoot for getting a regular column.
It has a weekly circulation of 50,300. Look for other article publishing opportunities in its special supplements, daily and weekly online newsletters, webcasts, podcasts, website, and blog. FREE signup here:
https://subscribe.haymarketmedia.com/dmn/?form=new
BtoB - As the name implies, there's a focus on the B2B side of marketing. The magazine calls itself "The Magazine for Marketing Strategists."
As with DM News, BtoB has a column for reader comments. This is an extra opportunity for FREE and fabulous exposure! It's often overlooked, but if you have something to share or an opinion pertinent to a previous article... send an email to the editor!
Like most magazines, look for other publishing opportunities under their umbrella, such as online newsletters. Circulation 45,000. FREE signup:
http://techxtra.tradepub.com/free/btb/prgm.cgi
Target Marketing Magazine - Tagline "Strategies and Solutions for Profitable Direct Marketing." I can't remember her name right off but one copywriter has had a regular column in TM as long as I can remember.
(Check out their other pubs — online Target Marketing Tipline, and Inside Direct Mail Weekly — too.) Circulation is 42,600, of which 84% are top decision-makers. FREE signup for U.S. residents:
http://sub.targetmarketingmag.com/A1/?PMC=WEB09&PUB=TK
Internet Retailer - IR focuses on e-commerce, web design, and search marketing for the e-retail trade. The monthly magazine reaches 44,800 — and again — don't forget to check out the opportunities in other IR publications. For instance, the IR Newslink Daily Newsletter reports a circulation of 38,000! FREE Signup:
https://www.cambeywest.com/subscribe/subscribe.aspx?p=irm&form=new
Deliver® - A relatively new bi-monthly publication that's published by the U.S. Postal Service, that offers great case studies on direct mail marketing.
I doubt if it offers much in the way of P/R opportunity, but I had to include it because it's very well done and a great resource for copywriters hungry for education. I can't get the circulation figures but they really don't matter if you're in it just for the info. Signup for FREE:
https://www.deliversubscribe.com/Deliver_SubscribeInput.asp?id=21300326
Radically and Scientifically Alter the Direction of Your Life and Your Business
Chris Marlow - Sunday, January 31, 2010
last Wednesday I hosted the teleseminar
100 Days to Your Greatest Success!
It was fantastic, and I recorded it. If you're
the type to set goals, then you'll want to take
45 minute to listen to Gary Ryan Blair,
The Goals Guy™.
This guy doesn't come cheap, and it was only
because he's my coach that I was able to secure
him for a teleseminar designed just for you!
Gary's been helping organizations and TV
shows for 20 years — orgs like NASA,
IBM, Starbucks, and even consults for
the TV show, The Biggest Loser.
So who better to listen to when it comes
to setting and achieving goals???
I hope you take the time to listen to this
invigorating mp3, which will really get you
thinking... and hopefully, taking action:
http://getgreatclients.com/_literature_48635
/Gary_Ryan_Blair_100_Day_Challenge
Then consider joining myself and thousands
of others as we take advantage of Gary's
life-changing program, the 100 Day Challenge!
Click the link below to watch the 100 Day Challenge
Start Fast Video. Then learn more about the
100 Day Challenge where it says "Click here to
join":
http://getgreatclients.com
Here's something cool: One of my colleagues,
Karen K., asked me to see if she and I can start
at the same time so we can go through the
100 Day Challenge neck-in-neck together.
So I asked Gary if he'd "reset the clock" for
us, to start today, the 31st, and he said yes!
So if you join today, you can start with myself
and Karen and we can be part of a group
traveling this journey together!
What fun, being able to communicate in the
100 Day Challenge Forum and add the
power of the buddy system to achieving some
really important business and personal goals!
What are YOUR goals for 2010? One of mine is
to MASTER the art and science of self-hypnosis.
And I'll surely do it in the next 100 days.
How are you with your time-management?
I can promise you you'll come out the other end
of this thing challenge with the one single most
important thing you can improve on in business
and that is time-management, and smarter time-
choices.
Gary will be asking, "What is the highest and best
use of your time? Are you spending 80 percent
of your time doing the work of someone who
would do it for $10/hr?"
Gary will ask, "When does your mind work best?"
It works best when you have a CLEAR picture of
what it is that you want. Not, "I want to lose weight,"
but "I want to lose 20 pounds by March 31, and that
means I need to lose 1.67 pounds per week, starting
this week." And then picture yourself at that weight...
using the power of your mind, just like the Gold Medal
Winners.
Your goals need to be...
1. Visual - you need a future picture
2. Specific
3. Measurable
4. Time bound (you have a deadline!)
5. There needs to be a proper sequence
Gary grew his business 312% last year using what
he knows, that he is sharing with us.
And before I go, I'd like to share his acronym
for FOCUS... which has helped me
in my work with Gary in 2009. FOCUS stands for
Follow One Course Until Successful.
Gary once said, "Scratch anyone successful and
you'll find someone seriously committed
to a select few, very clearly defined goals." I
printed that statement and it is taped down
to my desk, right in front of my computer
where I see it every day.
Gary's helped me in 2009... why not join me and
others in our group and have lots of
fun achieving big goals together over the next
100 days!
Join the Challenge today!
http://getgreatclients.com
100 Days to Your Greatest Success!
It was fantastic, and I recorded it. If you're
the type to set goals, then you'll want to take
45 minute to listen to Gary Ryan Blair,
The Goals Guy™.
This guy doesn't come cheap, and it was only
because he's my coach that I was able to secure
him for a teleseminar designed just for you!
Gary's been helping organizations and TV
shows for 20 years — orgs like NASA,
IBM, Starbucks, and even consults for
the TV show, The Biggest Loser.
So who better to listen to when it comes
to setting and achieving goals???
I hope you take the time to listen to this
invigorating mp3, which will really get you
thinking... and hopefully, taking action:
http://getgreatclients.com/_literature_48635
/Gary_Ryan_Blair_100_Day_Challenge
Then consider joining myself and thousands
of others as we take advantage of Gary's
life-changing program, the 100 Day Challenge!
Click the link below to watch the 100 Day Challenge
Start Fast Video. Then learn more about the
100 Day Challenge where it says "Click here to
join":
http://getgreatclients.com
Here's something cool: One of my colleagues,
Karen K., asked me to see if she and I can start
at the same time so we can go through the
100 Day Challenge neck-in-neck together.
So I asked Gary if he'd "reset the clock" for
us, to start today, the 31st, and he said yes!
So if you join today, you can start with myself
and Karen and we can be part of a group
traveling this journey together!
What fun, being able to communicate in the
100 Day Challenge Forum and add the
power of the buddy system to achieving some
really important business and personal goals!
What are YOUR goals for 2010? One of mine is
to MASTER the art and science of self-hypnosis.
And I'll surely do it in the next 100 days.
How are you with your time-management?
I can promise you you'll come out the other end
of this thing challenge with the one single most
important thing you can improve on in business
and that is time-management, and smarter time-
choices.
Gary will be asking, "What is the highest and best
use of your time? Are you spending 80 percent
of your time doing the work of someone who
would do it for $10/hr?"
Gary will ask, "When does your mind work best?"
It works best when you have a CLEAR picture of
what it is that you want. Not, "I want to lose weight,"
but "I want to lose 20 pounds by March 31, and that
means I need to lose 1.67 pounds per week, starting
this week." And then picture yourself at that weight...
using the power of your mind, just like the Gold Medal
Winners.
Your goals need to be...
1. Visual - you need a future picture
2. Specific
3. Measurable
4. Time bound (you have a deadline!)
5. There needs to be a proper sequence
Gary grew his business 312% last year using what
he knows, that he is sharing with us.
And before I go, I'd like to share his acronym
for FOCUS... which has helped me
in my work with Gary in 2009. FOCUS stands for
Follow One Course Until Successful.
Gary once said, "Scratch anyone successful and
you'll find someone seriously committed
to a select few, very clearly defined goals." I
printed that statement and it is taped down
to my desk, right in front of my computer
where I see it every day.
Gary's helped me in 2009... why not join me and
others in our group and have lots of
fun achieving big goals together over the next
100 days!
Join the Challenge today!
http://getgreatclients.com
Got Goals?
Chris Marlow - Monday, January 18, 2010
If you haven't yet signed up for the
Jan. 27, 2010 Teleseminar
'100 Days to Your Greatest Success'
visit:
http://getgreatclients.com/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=66816
To get the most out of this upcoming
FREE 1-hour Teleseminar,
read the following guest article by The Goals Guy™:
Got Goals?
The purpose of setting a goal must be to achieve it, as there is no purer form of success, no more exact and exacting test of what you are capable of, than to achieve a desirable outcome. A quality life is an example of what can be accomplished when thoughtful attention, goal setting and purposeful action come together without compromise.
The thing that makes goal setting both exciting and important are the results achieved because of it. But, the ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them, for what you become, you’ll soon find is so much more important than the goal itself.
The definition of success is quite different for each individual. Yet, the fundamentals for achieving a goal will forever remain the same. It begins with decisiveness, proceeds to focus, advances to action, persistence, follow through and eventually victory. There is no other way.
Scratch anyone successful and you’ll find someone seriously committed to a select few, very clearly defined goals. All too often and quite easily life flounders on a sea of luck and opportunity. Goal setting takes your life and gives it direction.
Goal setting helps you to determine:
- What
- Why
- Where
- When,
These are questions that only one person can answer. You!
If time is money, then goal setting is invaluable, for goals keep you focused, on time, and on schedule. You are responsible for your own success. You either work hard for what you want or you don’t; therefore if you want to be successful in any endeavor take complete ownership of the process, which begins with goal setting.
A life without direction is as foolish as going to sea without a compass. A ship with a broken rudder may maintain a full head of steam, but never reach a port, unless by accident. And if it does find a port, its cargo may not be suited to the people, climate or culture. You life, much like a ship must be directed to a definite destination for which your cargo of core skills and aspirations are best suited. If you want to succeed, you must not drift aimlessly.
It is out of vogue to speak of goal setting but there is nothing more fashionable than success, which owes its very life to goals.
Success requires that you pass the test before the learning the lesson. It requires patience to create anything of lasting value; it requires hard choices, complete commitment and total focus.
Success wants you to pursue you goals with great devotion and passion and says no to you when you are unprepared to appreciate it.
Success demands dedication, discipline, hard work, and courage. It requires your utmost attention and will not allow itself to be taken for granted. Success must be earned, deserved, respected and appreciated. Success plays by specific, non-negotiable rules, it will always require that goals be clearly identified, plans in place and action consistently enforced.
The basics of goal setting and results orientation are simple. If you want to get better outcomes, you must prioritize every action and activity you undertake, you must compartmentalize everything you do in order to remain focused on the goal at hand, and you must maximize your time and energy to capture the goal.
No one has the market cornered on success – it’s unlimited as to what you can be, do and have. You must learn the fundamentals of goal setting and be willing to invest a lifetime of discipline to continually enforce those fundamentals. Like any other good habit, you must do a few things and repeat them consistently and it will stay with you for life.
Most people have no training on how to successfully set and achieve a goal and try various strategies and finally acquire some knowledge through the bitter pill of experience. This is like learning to drive by having a series of accidents. Keep this in mind, if you do not profit from your mistakes, someone else will!
Your mind while blessed with permanent memory is cursed with lousy recall. Written goals are catalysts, transforming agents for success and achievement, they must be written as those kept only in your mind have an uncanny way of remaining figments of your imagination.
From eureka to achievement, the evolution of a goal begins in the mind and immediately takes shape when pen is put to paper. The goal progresses from thought to sketch, from sketch to action, and finally from action to achievement in real time. The achievement of a goal is an exemplary tale of power, purpose, and potential.
A goal is more than a thought in your head. It’s a profound message about who you are and what you are capable of.
To enjoy the fruits of victory begin by visualizing your goal and continue with that image until completion. If you first go there in your thoughts then your body will soon follow. I assure you, every Astronaut walks on the moon thousands of times in their mind before their feet ever touch the surface of the moon.
Embrace a small, select list of goals that gratify your passion and which beg for your attention. The ones that say come and get me. But, remember that no goal is complete until it’s entirely finished. Halfway doesn’t count, nor do good intentions or high hopes. For a goal to be achieved it must be saturated with personal integrity and ample doses of follow through.
Success begets success, and it also begets a strong desire to continually seek new adventures. A goal achieved is a mark of personal growth and mastery. It means that you have accomplished what you set out to do, that you have grown in ability and ambition and that you are now prepared to take on new challenges.
Will goal-setting ever become non-essential? If history is any judge the answer is a resounding no. Goal setting is not just a right it’s a responsibility. Goal setting is a responsibility that matters, in that everything counts!
___________________________________________________
Gary Ryan Blair is President of The Goals Guy. A visionary and gifted conceptual thinker, Gary is highly regarded as a speaker, consultant, strategic planner, and coach to leading companies throughout the globe. He helps business owners, corporate executives and sales professionals manage their time, set their priorities, and stay focused so they can achieve their goals, grow their business, and sustain a lasting competitive advantage.
To learn more, visit The Goals Guy at www.GoalsGuy.com as well as www.gotgoals.com
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