Getting started
the “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…
Read Morekindness costs you nothing
I had a couple weird experiences within 24 hours, and I was surprised at how strongly they affected me. And it ties back to a little knowledge nugget that’s served me well over the course of my career… Kindness costs you nothing. It can seem daunting and maybe even a tiny bit overwhelming to be…
Read Morefollowing your internal GPS
Earlier this week, I was leading a coaching call with a badass group of up-and-coming copywriters. And one of them said: “I had a hard time with that last assignment. I just didn’t understand it, wasn’t connecting with it, and it took me a lot longer than I thought to get it done. I almost…
Read Morethe importance of getting burned
We’re all familiar with this situation: Hot stove. Curious kid. Concerned parent. Kid gets precariously close to the glowing red coils, and the parent says, “be careful, that’s hot!” Then maybe the kid looks at the parent quizzically. A quick back-and-forth glance between dad and imminent danger. Kid touches stove, gets burned, screams bloody murder.…
Read Morewhy sucking is a necessary part of success
Before you think I’m being pervy… I’m not talking about a potential sexual harassment case. I’m talking about being horrible at what you do. There’s actually a BENEFIT to allowing yourself to suck. Case in point, I just came across an interesting post from a frustrated copywriter: My trouble is getting started. I can’t seem…
Read Morehow to get hired (especially if you’re just starting out)
Last week, I got a bit ranty about why you shouldn’t offer to work for free. (refresher: There should always be an exchange of value, whether you’re paying a mentor to educate you/shorten the learning curve, or you’re being paid/trained as a copywriter. Both you and your client/mentor will value your work more.) At the…
Read Morewhat clients really think of your offer to “work for free”
Recently I came across a question in a copywriter group that I see pretty consistently: I have no degree and very little experience so I’m willing to work for free, which I’ve already proposed to two smaller businesses but unfortunately, I’ve received no response. How would you guys go about this? Any tips/strategies? …
Read MoreHappy New Year – here’s your fireworks
You know what drives me nuts? Freelancer groups on Facebook. They make me crazy sometimes… because they could be such a place of hope and inspiration. And what I see, more often than not, is an angry pitchfork mob. One could argue that it’s just kinda the norm on social media. But look… I don’t…
Read Moreadventures on the road
Life on the road… equal parts fun and frustrating. Fun because you get to travel somewhere new. There are loads of cool people (and usually a lot of good food and drink to try, which Angie likey). Frustrating figuring out what to pack. Interrupted sleep routines. Fighting off the “conference crud”.…
Read MoreShall I compare thee to a tree? (aka Angie's lame attempt at Shakespearean prose)
Today I spoke with a copywriter at the beginning of their career. At one point I asked what the most frustrating part of learning to become a copywriter was. The answer: I really just want someone to walk me through the process from start to finish. I think that’s a great idea,…
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