freedom Friday
rejection is part of the process
“Another one for the hook…” I’m paraphrasing the punch line of a great story told by Stephen King in his book, On Writing. Back in the day, he’d work his day job and submit stories and book ideas on the side. And he’d get letter after letter back – no. So he hung a hook…
Read Morecreating good problems
What if, instead of freaking out whenever problems pop up (as if we’ll ever solve ALL the problems)… We focused on creating good problems? It’s a different way to look at the same challenge, but it’s a critical distinction. Rather than focus on lack or overwhelm, often a shift to opportunities created can open your…
Read Moreadvice to new copywriters, from someone who hires copywriters
Today I had an ambitious up-and-coming copywriter reach out to me via private message. Normally I would leave this kind of convo unread and not engage – life is much saner for me that way. But his approach caught my attention and I felt inspired to try and help him out by sharing some advice…
Read Moreit’s kinda like a loose hose drill…
A long time ago, in a lifetime far, far away… Angie was a firefighter. Some of you will be shocked by this. Others will be like, “yeah I can totally see you with a pickaxe in your hands. Or a chainsaw.” If you couldn’t picture it before, now you can: You’re welcome. 19-year-old Angie, take…
Read MoreI painted a thing…
I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint. I’d see these amazing works of art… online, in museums, even in restaurants and friends’ homes… and I’d just wonder. How ON EARTH do they do that? I tried to recreate that art on my own but I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, and…
Read MoreFinding a fix (hammer time?)
Awhile back, I felt this really strong calling. It might have something to do with the fact that I sit at home, alone in an office, talking to my cat for most of the day… But it struck me one day out of the blue… I wanted to get out and volunteer. Do something bigger…
Read Morewhy everyone needs a kudos file
When I was first starting out, there was something that wasn’t really talked about in entrepreneurship and owning your own business: It’s friggin’ lonely. Sure, the bros bragged about Lambos and parties and working from the beach (#laptoplifestyle #douche). A few more genuine folks talked about the freedom and flexibility and fun projects. I was…
Read Moregetting advice you didn’t ask for
I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there… Screwing up the courage to share something you’ve been working hard on, and ask for feedback. And then that feeling of being sucker-punched when someone reacts critically. This happens often in copy and marketing, so I have seen folks develop an interesting self-defense mechanism to…
Read Morethe choices we make
This week I find myself in a situation that I never dreamed I’d be in, not in a million years. I’m in Cleveland, Ohio. I’m wrapping up my last day at an event called the Titans Master Class. And what it is, is a business/marketing training/mastermind hybrid. It’s put on by people who have decades…
Read Morethe “school of hard knocks” is a thing… and it’s about time you graduate
Some thoughts to ponder this weekend, particularly on education. [WARNING: I’m fired up, swearing ahead] Recently I was talking to someone about my path to becoming a coach. It sparked an interesting discussion on education, training, certification. Or rather, it brought up the age-old notion that only folks with degrees and certifications are qualified to…
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