So today I left work early because I needed some mental health time. I played a little but still didn't feel completely comforted so I'm here to write. Writing makes the world go away...it makes everything simplified, clear and coherent in my mind. There is no question it is simply part of my being.
So why don't I do it more?? I could argue that I write several times a week - which I do - but even that isn't enough. I must do it daily...for hours every day. It must become one of my main sources of income.
There are days like today when writing feels like a compulsion, it's a pulsating drive flowing through the veins of my arms and into my fingers out through my fingertips. It's as necessary as blood is to my body's survival. Writing is necessary to my mental, spiritual and emotional survival. Yet there are times I stymie it or I question it...clearly I do so unnecessarily. Or I do so because of some inner belief that maybe I'm not that good or it's really not a gift of mine.
Whatever the reason I do stop myself from writing. Perhaps because my words come from such a sacred space I am hesitant to share that with the world for fear of rejection...or even better, fear of joyous celebration.
What would that be like? To joyously celebrate me and my gift? How many of us have ever been joyously celebrated and acknowledged? Few.
But I will say this much: it must come from within. Before anyone else can fully embrace and enrapture me I must do that for me. And I am...slowly, slowly progressing on that end. I'm doing more projects for my copywriting coaching program for example. This week I am writing articles that will be given to one of the coach's clients. :) It makes me feel incredibly happy to do so!
So for that I am grateful. There is progression in my copywriting career.
This week I have struggled with being grateful for where I am - my "mind" has wanted to focus on where it thinks I should be. And naturally I have felt quite frustrated most of the week because where my mind says I "should be" is not where I am...but when has it ever been and when will it ever be?
My "mind" is attempting to trick me and keep me in my current situation. It won't work! I am stronger than that and so I grow out of my comfort zone and into a new one. :)
So as I write this I settle back into gratitude and thankfulness (is that even a word?!).
I am happy to have a lovely home, co-workers and bosses who appreciate me, clients who appreciate my work and a path I am traveling on (and enjoying the travel!). All in all things are good and well on their way to great. I embrace both the highs and the lows because it is all necessary - even my frustration is necessary and purposeful. Writing for me is both a blessing and a curse..as all things are. I choose to acknowledge the curse and keep a welcome focus on the blessing.
Showing posts with label copywriter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label copywriter. Show all posts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, September 1, 2008
Self Promo Package
So I have decided I have been setting my sights too close to home in terms of clients.
I've also been barking up a small fruit-bearing tree. I love my local clients and love to help them grow their businesses but few of them have the money to afford me in an on-going arrangement.
With those experiences in mind, I decided to branch out. I'm going after bigger clients and have been creating a self promotional package. Woo wee!!!
One of the greatest lessons I've learned in life is that if we're going to do anything noteworthy in life we have to tackle things that intimidate us. And this package sure does intimidate me. My ego has a nasty habit of cropping up at times like this and nagging me about my (perceived) lack of experience and my own internal doubts about whether or not I can really write.
Both of those nags are complete crap (pardon my bluntness but that's the best word: crap). I write for one of the most well-known alternative health doctors on the web! And his staff loves me and tells me so regularly.
Being in marketing it's easy to lose sight of the fact that I study this stuff almost daily (ok sometimes I like to take a break on the weekends - it's necessary) and by doing so, I know more about marketing than 85% of the population.
I lose sight of this fact because my ego likes to compare me to the greats - Clayton Makepeace, Drayton Bird, Gary Bencivenga, John Carlton and one of my all-time favorites, Carline Anglade-Cole. My ego likes to tell me I know about 1/1,000,000,000th of the info these people know.
And while that may be true (ok it's probably more like 1/1,000,000th) what is also true is that they gained their knowledge by being in the playing field. They learned by DOING - not by just studying, reading and talking.
As my favorite man in the Universe would say (James Arthur Ray): you've got to get in the water.
And he's right. It's time to get in the water. With my self-promo package it's time to get into some deeper waters. I'm aiming for deeper waters where I have no idea how to swim and I have every belief that I will learn how to jump into, how to navigate and how to gracefully swim those waters. :)
Then it will be onto the next, even deeper waters. Here's to enjoying the journey!
I've also been barking up a small fruit-bearing tree. I love my local clients and love to help them grow their businesses but few of them have the money to afford me in an on-going arrangement.
With those experiences in mind, I decided to branch out. I'm going after bigger clients and have been creating a self promotional package. Woo wee!!!
One of the greatest lessons I've learned in life is that if we're going to do anything noteworthy in life we have to tackle things that intimidate us. And this package sure does intimidate me. My ego has a nasty habit of cropping up at times like this and nagging me about my (perceived) lack of experience and my own internal doubts about whether or not I can really write.
Both of those nags are complete crap (pardon my bluntness but that's the best word: crap). I write for one of the most well-known alternative health doctors on the web! And his staff loves me and tells me so regularly.
Being in marketing it's easy to lose sight of the fact that I study this stuff almost daily (ok sometimes I like to take a break on the weekends - it's necessary) and by doing so, I know more about marketing than 85% of the population.
I lose sight of this fact because my ego likes to compare me to the greats - Clayton Makepeace, Drayton Bird, Gary Bencivenga, John Carlton and one of my all-time favorites, Carline Anglade-Cole. My ego likes to tell me I know about 1/1,000,000,000th of the info these people know.
And while that may be true (ok it's probably more like 1/1,000,000th) what is also true is that they gained their knowledge by being in the playing field. They learned by DOING - not by just studying, reading and talking.
As my favorite man in the Universe would say (James Arthur Ray): you've got to get in the water.
And he's right. It's time to get in the water. With my self-promo package it's time to get into some deeper waters. I'm aiming for deeper waters where I have no idea how to swim and I have every belief that I will learn how to jump into, how to navigate and how to gracefully swim those waters. :)
Then it will be onto the next, even deeper waters. Here's to enjoying the journey!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Zap! Boom! Pow! Use Will Smith's "Magic Formula" to Ramp Up the Selling Power of Your Copy
Since it has been an eternity since I have posted on this site (must improve posting efforts!), here is a great AWAI article for you to enjoy:
By Guillermo Rubio, AWAI Staff Copywriter
Will Smith has made Hollywood history.
And his personal "magic formula" can accelerate your growth … and income … as a copywriter.
His most recent film, Hancock, has raked in $107.3 million since its release last week. This makes him the first actor to star in eight straight movies that brought in over $100 million.
Simply put, Will Smith is the industry's most "bankable" man.
How does he do it?
A recent USA Today article reveals his secret …
"I study patterns," he says. "Nine out of the top 10 biggest movies of all times have special effects; eight out of 10 have creatures in them; seven out of 10 have a love story. So if you want a hit, you might want to throw those in the mix. I just study patterns and try to stand where lightning strikes."
As a copywriter, you can use Will's "magic formula" of studying patterns. In fact, if you plan on becoming an "A"-level copywriter with the earning power to live out the life of your dreams, this might be the easiest and quickest way to get there.
Here's why:
Your biggest challenge as a copywriter is to attract and keep your prospect's attention. The better job you do of this, the higher your response rate—and the more money you and your clients make.
One way to learn how to keep your prospect engaged all the way to the order device is to study control promos that are, or have been, blockbuster hits.
But you can take it one step further by actually studying the patterns in movies like Will Smith does.
Legendary copywriter Gene Schwartz regarded watching successful movies as the best way to train a copywriter in writing persuasive, engaging copy. His reasoning was that popular movies do a masterful job of keeping an audience captivated, all the way through the credits.
In fact, Gene used to tell copywriters to watch the blockbuster film, Lethal Weapon. It keeps the audience riveted right from the start with an explosion, and every few minutes there's a new action scene.
But Gene isn't the only one who knows the value of watching a hit film.
Gary Bencivenga, considered the world's greatest living copywriter, suggests it too.
Gary says, "Watch movies, because movies are the playgrounds of human emotion. As a marketer, you want to be an expert in human emotions. As you watch, try to identify every emotion the actors are playing, and let yourself feel it intensely. It's fun and instructive.
"You'll also open up your emotional channels as never before. This will help you immensely in writing more emotionally powerful copy, because you will feel what you are writing about."
Without question, movie watching can put you on the path to crafting control-crushing copy that can earn you industry-wide respect.
So what patterns do you look for?
Structure. Part of what Gene Schwartz loved about the movie Lethal Weapon is that it has an identifiable pattern in its structure. Action scene … dialogue … action scene … dialogue, etc. This pattern creates what he called a "rhythm." When you watch a movie, notice how often an action scene comes up … how often dialogue between action scenes occurs … at what points new plot elements are introduced. You can use this same pattern, or "rhythm," in your copy.
For instance, begin with an attention-getting headline (action scene) … a compelling lead (dialogue scene) … followed by a new, and attention-grabbing piece of information (action scene), etc.
Emotions. Just as Gary Bencivenga suggests, analyze and feel the emotions in a movie. Understand how you're being set up to feel them. Did the movie give you a peek into the main character's troubled past? Was a word said in a certain way? Was it the music? Facial expressions? How many times throughout the movie are your emotions jerked?
Also, notice patterns across different hit films. Maybe 8 out of 10 focus on suspense and anxiety. And maybe only 6 out of 10 focus on happiness and hope. Knowing these patterns will clue you in to what emotions "sell" best.
Plot. What is it about the plot or story that's engaging? Do 9 out of 10 movies follow a similar plot structure? At what point does the plot climax? The answers to these questions can help you keep your copy fresh and engaging. For instance, many hit movies might seem predictable at first, and then go in a completely different direction than expected, to grab your attention.
Hit movies offer a great copywriting education. Watching them is the quickest, easiest, fun way to learn how to gain and keep your prospect's attention all the way to the sale. Plus, you'll gain a deeper understanding of human emotion.
Next time you watch one, don't just watch it. Study it. Who knows, it might lead to a string of million-dollar controls—making you the most "bankable" copywriter in the industry.
This article appears courtesy of The Golden Thread, an e-letter from AWAI that delivers original, no-nonsense advice on how to build your freelance copywriting business. For a free subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/thegoldenthread
By Guillermo Rubio, AWAI Staff Copywriter
Will Smith has made Hollywood history.
And his personal "magic formula" can accelerate your growth … and income … as a copywriter.
His most recent film, Hancock, has raked in $107.3 million since its release last week. This makes him the first actor to star in eight straight movies that brought in over $100 million.
Simply put, Will Smith is the industry's most "bankable" man.
How does he do it?
A recent USA Today article reveals his secret …
"I study patterns," he says. "Nine out of the top 10 biggest movies of all times have special effects; eight out of 10 have creatures in them; seven out of 10 have a love story. So if you want a hit, you might want to throw those in the mix. I just study patterns and try to stand where lightning strikes."
As a copywriter, you can use Will's "magic formula" of studying patterns. In fact, if you plan on becoming an "A"-level copywriter with the earning power to live out the life of your dreams, this might be the easiest and quickest way to get there.
Here's why:
Your biggest challenge as a copywriter is to attract and keep your prospect's attention. The better job you do of this, the higher your response rate—and the more money you and your clients make.
One way to learn how to keep your prospect engaged all the way to the order device is to study control promos that are, or have been, blockbuster hits.
But you can take it one step further by actually studying the patterns in movies like Will Smith does.
Legendary copywriter Gene Schwartz regarded watching successful movies as the best way to train a copywriter in writing persuasive, engaging copy. His reasoning was that popular movies do a masterful job of keeping an audience captivated, all the way through the credits.
In fact, Gene used to tell copywriters to watch the blockbuster film, Lethal Weapon. It keeps the audience riveted right from the start with an explosion, and every few minutes there's a new action scene.
But Gene isn't the only one who knows the value of watching a hit film.
Gary Bencivenga, considered the world's greatest living copywriter, suggests it too.
Gary says, "Watch movies, because movies are the playgrounds of human emotion. As a marketer, you want to be an expert in human emotions. As you watch, try to identify every emotion the actors are playing, and let yourself feel it intensely. It's fun and instructive.
"You'll also open up your emotional channels as never before. This will help you immensely in writing more emotionally powerful copy, because you will feel what you are writing about."
Without question, movie watching can put you on the path to crafting control-crushing copy that can earn you industry-wide respect.
So what patterns do you look for?
Structure. Part of what Gene Schwartz loved about the movie Lethal Weapon is that it has an identifiable pattern in its structure. Action scene … dialogue … action scene … dialogue, etc. This pattern creates what he called a "rhythm." When you watch a movie, notice how often an action scene comes up … how often dialogue between action scenes occurs … at what points new plot elements are introduced. You can use this same pattern, or "rhythm," in your copy.
For instance, begin with an attention-getting headline (action scene) … a compelling lead (dialogue scene) … followed by a new, and attention-grabbing piece of information (action scene), etc.
Emotions. Just as Gary Bencivenga suggests, analyze and feel the emotions in a movie. Understand how you're being set up to feel them. Did the movie give you a peek into the main character's troubled past? Was a word said in a certain way? Was it the music? Facial expressions? How many times throughout the movie are your emotions jerked?
Also, notice patterns across different hit films. Maybe 8 out of 10 focus on suspense and anxiety. And maybe only 6 out of 10 focus on happiness and hope. Knowing these patterns will clue you in to what emotions "sell" best.
Plot. What is it about the plot or story that's engaging? Do 9 out of 10 movies follow a similar plot structure? At what point does the plot climax? The answers to these questions can help you keep your copy fresh and engaging. For instance, many hit movies might seem predictable at first, and then go in a completely different direction than expected, to grab your attention.
Hit movies offer a great copywriting education. Watching them is the quickest, easiest, fun way to learn how to gain and keep your prospect's attention all the way to the sale. Plus, you'll gain a deeper understanding of human emotion.
Next time you watch one, don't just watch it. Study it. Who knows, it might lead to a string of million-dollar controls—making you the most "bankable" copywriter in the industry.
This article appears courtesy of The Golden Thread, an e-letter from AWAI that delivers original, no-nonsense advice on how to build your freelance copywriting business. For a free subscription, visit http://www.awaionline.com/thegoldenthread
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Interesting Post
I belong to Copywriters Board forums and this is an interesting blog post by one of my fellow forum members. She discusses the different types of writers out there including definitions for copywriters.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
What Do Gardeners and Potters Have in Common with Copywriters?
Most artistic expressions have similar correlations that can be drawn between them (or so I believe).
For the last few weeks, I've been gardening: I'm growing sprouts for lavender, basil, oregano, tomatoes and peppers.
And this past Tuesday I began a pottery class.
I've uncovered lessons in both practices as I believe both gardening and pottery-making are true art forms...as is copywriting.
So what are the commonalities? How are these 3 things like the other? (I can't help it a song just popped in my head- the Sesame Street song "One of these things is not like the other"!). Are these 3 things alike or not?
They are in several ways including learning to be present, tapping into patience and accepting and believing that something new will be transformed from the current state we are working with.
Allow me to explain...
When gardening you must present so that you are conscious of where you are planting your seeds (not too close and not too far apart - which is another beautiful metaphor for relationships but I digress), when you are planting them and how they are planted.
When throwing your pot (I have yet to call myself a potter), you must be very present with the material you are working with.
I found that when I was centering my clay (the part where you make sure the clay is centered and attached properly to the wheel), I had to stop thinking about what I was doing...and just do it! The more I learned to let go of what I thought I should do, the easier it was to actually do it.
Cool huh?!
And as I formed the clay into my bowl, allowing the present moment and the movement of the clay with the gentle touch from my hands, the clay simply transformed itself. It became the pot.
There's a very significant lesson in that. All new things come to form and fruition with simple and gentle guidance. It's the difference between power and force. Some may say that's just semantics but it's not.
Power is found inside of us, it is innate, it is our direct line from the Divine. Power simply allows something to come forth into the world.
Force is what we make happen.
I see the difference between the two as being a difference of faith. When we have faith that all things happen in due time and in due course (with appropriate levels of action), then we have tapped into the force within us, the God potential inside of ourselves.
Power is what we do when there is a lack of belief. When we think we have to steer our own ships with no outside assistance.
Force requires patience, unyielding belief and faith.
To me force is the most beautiful of the two because of that extra unseen factor, that mystical quality that faith requires.
I've taken a bit of tangent to explain how gardening, potting and copywriting are all linked! But I think they are all similar in the respect that they require faith, patience, persistence, belief in an unseen force and a willingness to tap into that force and let a new development unfurl from its current state.
There's a transformation that takes place when you plant a sprout, when you take a piece of clay and you take some words. They all start as being in one state and eventually grow and become another state (the sprout becomes a seedling which becomes plant, the piece of clay becomes a bowl, a vase, etc and words become a power within someone compelling them to act in a certain way).
And that's the beauty of art: showing us how things change states and evolve...and the life that flows through each of those changes to create a new being in the world. Fascinating!
For the last few weeks, I've been gardening: I'm growing sprouts for lavender, basil, oregano, tomatoes and peppers.
And this past Tuesday I began a pottery class.
I've uncovered lessons in both practices as I believe both gardening and pottery-making are true art forms...as is copywriting.
So what are the commonalities? How are these 3 things like the other? (I can't help it a song just popped in my head- the Sesame Street song "One of these things is not like the other"!). Are these 3 things alike or not?
They are in several ways including learning to be present, tapping into patience and accepting and believing that something new will be transformed from the current state we are working with.
Allow me to explain...
When gardening you must present so that you are conscious of where you are planting your seeds (not too close and not too far apart - which is another beautiful metaphor for relationships but I digress), when you are planting them and how they are planted.
When throwing your pot (I have yet to call myself a potter), you must be very present with the material you are working with.
I found that when I was centering my clay (the part where you make sure the clay is centered and attached properly to the wheel), I had to stop thinking about what I was doing...and just do it! The more I learned to let go of what I thought I should do, the easier it was to actually do it.
Cool huh?!
And as I formed the clay into my bowl, allowing the present moment and the movement of the clay with the gentle touch from my hands, the clay simply transformed itself. It became the pot.
There's a very significant lesson in that. All new things come to form and fruition with simple and gentle guidance. It's the difference between power and force. Some may say that's just semantics but it's not.
Power is found inside of us, it is innate, it is our direct line from the Divine. Power simply allows something to come forth into the world.
Force is what we make happen.
I see the difference between the two as being a difference of faith. When we have faith that all things happen in due time and in due course (with appropriate levels of action), then we have tapped into the force within us, the God potential inside of ourselves.
Power is what we do when there is a lack of belief. When we think we have to steer our own ships with no outside assistance.
Force requires patience, unyielding belief and faith.
To me force is the most beautiful of the two because of that extra unseen factor, that mystical quality that faith requires.
I've taken a bit of tangent to explain how gardening, potting and copywriting are all linked! But I think they are all similar in the respect that they require faith, patience, persistence, belief in an unseen force and a willingness to tap into that force and let a new development unfurl from its current state.
There's a transformation that takes place when you plant a sprout, when you take a piece of clay and you take some words. They all start as being in one state and eventually grow and become another state (the sprout becomes a seedling which becomes plant, the piece of clay becomes a bowl, a vase, etc and words become a power within someone compelling them to act in a certain way).
And that's the beauty of art: showing us how things change states and evolve...and the life that flows through each of those changes to create a new being in the world. Fascinating!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Where's Your Gunk Coming From?
This is an interesting article by Michael Fortin. He discusses his path to copywriting (beginning as an insurance salesman and eventually hanging his own proverbial shingle as an independent freelancer and eventual business owner).
In the comments section someone asked Michael about his opinion on college education vs. real-world experience.
He makes interesting points for both sides and I've always been of the belief that college was an important part of a person's education but it is definitely not the last step...nor is an MBA or a PhD or any other advanced degree. Learning is a lifelong process.
To be a true student of your craft (whether that's copywriting or another craft), studying is a necessary part of your growth and development.
All great leaders in this world are great readers. What you fill your mind with through books, music, audio programs, movies, etc...all of those things contribute to your development (or lack thereof). It's definitely true in copywriting because it is an art. And art is an expression of your internal state or it comes from your internal state so it reflects whatever is going on inside of you. If you've got gunk in there, there'll be gunk in your copy.
I take this to heart in all areas of my life. I'm particular about what I read, what I watch on TV (the few hours I watch), what movies I see and even the people I spend time with. I've battled through enough gunk in my life which accumulated before I was old enough to fend it off. So I've decided to monitor the incoming gunk and keep it to a minimum!
What can you do to ward off the gunk? Turn off the heavy metal music and turn on a personal development audio CD instead? Maybe you can turn off the TV, skip the nightly news and read a book instead.
Try it for a week and see what happens. Notice if there's a difference in the way you feel and the way you express yourself.
It's had a substantial impact on my life and well-being, perhaps it will do the same for you.
In the comments section someone asked Michael about his opinion on college education vs. real-world experience.
He makes interesting points for both sides and I've always been of the belief that college was an important part of a person's education but it is definitely not the last step...nor is an MBA or a PhD or any other advanced degree. Learning is a lifelong process.
To be a true student of your craft (whether that's copywriting or another craft), studying is a necessary part of your growth and development.
All great leaders in this world are great readers. What you fill your mind with through books, music, audio programs, movies, etc...all of those things contribute to your development (or lack thereof). It's definitely true in copywriting because it is an art. And art is an expression of your internal state or it comes from your internal state so it reflects whatever is going on inside of you. If you've got gunk in there, there'll be gunk in your copy.
I take this to heart in all areas of my life. I'm particular about what I read, what I watch on TV (the few hours I watch), what movies I see and even the people I spend time with. I've battled through enough gunk in my life which accumulated before I was old enough to fend it off. So I've decided to monitor the incoming gunk and keep it to a minimum!
What can you do to ward off the gunk? Turn off the heavy metal music and turn on a personal development audio CD instead? Maybe you can turn off the TV, skip the nightly news and read a book instead.
Try it for a week and see what happens. Notice if there's a difference in the way you feel and the way you express yourself.
It's had a substantial impact on my life and well-being, perhaps it will do the same for you.
Friday, February 1, 2008
You've got to check this out...
For the last several weeks Clayton Makepeace has given his Total Package readers some terrific info (all for free).
Each Monday he's been sending us articles on how to freelance copywriting is dead in the water and strategic marketing partnerships are the only way to go in today's economy.
Whether or not you agree with him he always has great advice & insight.
Here are links to two of his articles. DO read the comments sections on both as there are avalanches of information.
The most recent article:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/content/view/493/161/1/0/#comments
Where it all began:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/clayton-makepeace/six-figures-is-chump-change.html
It's well worth the investment of your time. Enjoy!
Each Monday he's been sending us articles on how to freelance copywriting is dead in the water and strategic marketing partnerships are the only way to go in today's economy.
Whether or not you agree with him he always has great advice & insight.
Here are links to two of his articles. DO read the comments sections on both as there are avalanches of information.
The most recent article:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/content/view/493/161/1/0/#comments
Where it all began:
http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com/clayton-makepeace/six-figures-is-chump-change.html
It's well worth the investment of your time. Enjoy!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Where's that silver lining?
I don't know where it is exactly but it's around here somewhere. Everybody tells me it is and my heart agrees so I know it's true.
Why am I looking for a silver lining? Because I didn't get the copywriter job in Boulder. The one I had my heart set on. The one my gut told me was right for me. The one that would have made good use of my creative abilities and paid me 10K more than I make now.
Yeah that one.
*sigh*
I got the news this afternoon and I was crestfallen. I fully understand the meaning of that word after the way I felt. I was so completely sure it was mine.
But it isn't.
So now I am waiting and looking for the my silver lining. It's there and I will see it soon. This I know.
I know it's true because when I set an intention or ask for a wish, I always add "this or something better" to the end of it. And the universe listens and responds in kind. I must simply trust.
It will grant me the "something better" soon and much sooner if I let go of my sadness and grief about the Webroot job.
So tomorrow is a new day, a new dawn and another day to be thankful for. And tonight before I fall asleep I will thank the universe for this blessing that at first blush doesn't appear to be much of a blessing and then I will ask for the "something better" to come my way.
I'll let you know when it does. ;)
All the best,
Lara
Why am I looking for a silver lining? Because I didn't get the copywriter job in Boulder. The one I had my heart set on. The one my gut told me was right for me. The one that would have made good use of my creative abilities and paid me 10K more than I make now.
Yeah that one.
*sigh*
I got the news this afternoon and I was crestfallen. I fully understand the meaning of that word after the way I felt. I was so completely sure it was mine.
But it isn't.
So now I am waiting and looking for the my silver lining. It's there and I will see it soon. This I know.
I know it's true because when I set an intention or ask for a wish, I always add "this or something better" to the end of it. And the universe listens and responds in kind. I must simply trust.
It will grant me the "something better" soon and much sooner if I let go of my sadness and grief about the Webroot job.
So tomorrow is a new day, a new dawn and another day to be thankful for. And tonight before I fall asleep I will thank the universe for this blessing that at first blush doesn't appear to be much of a blessing and then I will ask for the "something better" to come my way.
I'll let you know when it does. ;)
All the best,
Lara
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Why me?
If you've ever had a significant occurrence in your life perhaps you've pondered that same question: Why me?
I certainly have asked that question once or twice in my life. After spending the last 3 months without a car I've been pondering that same thought. Why me? Why now?
But instead of asking those words, I've found it easier to ask: What can I learn? How does this serve me?
Those questions are a bit easier and a whole lot less self-pitying which is a waste of energy.
For some of you not having a car may not seem like much of an obstacle; it may seem like a luxury. And yes it is a luxury but it was one I was accustomed to.
I've been pondering what I can learn from all of this and I've found many, many things. All of which are positive (of course because I've chosen to see the positive in them but that's beside the point or maybe it's in addition to the point....I digress).
Being without a car has made me depend on others and I've now seen how incredibly independent I am.
And I've unearthed what independence means to me: I like to be in control. Without a car, I don't control all of the variables. I have to go when someone else wants to go; I have to leave when they want to leave.
Or I can only get around via the bus and Denver's bus service runs when it feels like it some days.
So how does all of that serve me? I've learned more patience (I swear I could out-Job Job right now) and I've also learned to speak up for myself and to ask for help. Ask my family and they will tell you how often I ask for help: rarely.
Where all of that lack of asking comes from, I'm not entirely certain but it's definitely rooted in childhood experiences.
Regardless, this experience is definitely serving me. I am much more sympathetic, patient and open to asking for help. And if I wasn't asking other people for help you can bet your Etnies (or Nikes or whatever you're wearing) that I wasn't asking the Universe for help either!!!
Or at least not consistently. So yes I am learning to vocalize my desires more and more. And I think it's working for my benefit. :)
That being said I'm buying a new car pretty darn quick. ;) I become a full-time copywriter at The Sports Authority next week and then I'll be shopping for my Jeep Liberty. Wish me luck! Car shopping can be fun...I just have to step into the right attitude and it will be.
After all of the searching, research and energy I have put into buying a car (both now and in the past), I'm wondering if there's a suitable market for helping female car buyers. Perhaps there's a new info-product in all of this????!!!!!!!!! Maybe! More research will help me see what's out there. I'll keep you posted!
All my best,
Lara
Why not you?
I certainly have asked that question once or twice in my life. After spending the last 3 months without a car I've been pondering that same thought. Why me? Why now?
But instead of asking those words, I've found it easier to ask: What can I learn? How does this serve me?
Those questions are a bit easier and a whole lot less self-pitying which is a waste of energy.
For some of you not having a car may not seem like much of an obstacle; it may seem like a luxury. And yes it is a luxury but it was one I was accustomed to.
I've been pondering what I can learn from all of this and I've found many, many things. All of which are positive (of course because I've chosen to see the positive in them but that's beside the point or maybe it's in addition to the point....I digress).
Being without a car has made me depend on others and I've now seen how incredibly independent I am.
And I've unearthed what independence means to me: I like to be in control. Without a car, I don't control all of the variables. I have to go when someone else wants to go; I have to leave when they want to leave.
Or I can only get around via the bus and Denver's bus service runs when it feels like it some days.
So how does all of that serve me? I've learned more patience (I swear I could out-Job Job right now) and I've also learned to speak up for myself and to ask for help. Ask my family and they will tell you how often I ask for help: rarely.
Where all of that lack of asking comes from, I'm not entirely certain but it's definitely rooted in childhood experiences.
Regardless, this experience is definitely serving me. I am much more sympathetic, patient and open to asking for help. And if I wasn't asking other people for help you can bet your Etnies (or Nikes or whatever you're wearing) that I wasn't asking the Universe for help either!!!
Or at least not consistently. So yes I am learning to vocalize my desires more and more. And I think it's working for my benefit. :)
That being said I'm buying a new car pretty darn quick. ;) I become a full-time copywriter at The Sports Authority next week and then I'll be shopping for my Jeep Liberty. Wish me luck! Car shopping can be fun...I just have to step into the right attitude and it will be.
After all of the searching, research and energy I have put into buying a car (both now and in the past), I'm wondering if there's a suitable market for helping female car buyers. Perhaps there's a new info-product in all of this????!!!!!!!!! Maybe! More research will help me see what's out there. I'll keep you posted!
All my best,
Lara
Why not you?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
A Personal Note from Robert Bly
Remember when I told you I received a personal response from Bob Bly? Remember when I said I would post it here?
Yeah that was 2.5 months ago. Shame for shame.
Here it is...finally:
My note to Bob Bly (he asked for what we would like to see/read more of in his newsletters):
Hello Bob!
I enjoy all of your shared insights, thoughts and tips but along with RK I truly love your personal musings. I'd love to know more about how you've become who you are (again, agree with RK..you are an icon).
In particular, I'd love to read more of your personal stories and insights you've gained through different experiences.
Thanks so much for sharing with us!
All the best,
Lara Kay Loest
Bob Bly's Response:
Thanks ... I will work on delivering what you've asked for!
I wish I could figure out how to do a screen capture because I'd capture the email message itself and post it here for you. But again my technology savvy falls short.
Yeah that was 2.5 months ago. Shame for shame.
Here it is...finally:
My note to Bob Bly (he asked for what we would like to see/read more of in his newsletters):
Hello Bob!
I enjoy all of your shared insights, thoughts and tips but along with RK I truly love your personal musings. I'd love to know more about how you've become who you are (again, agree with RK..you are an icon).
In particular, I'd love to read more of your personal stories and insights you've gained through different experiences.
Thanks so much for sharing with us!
All the best,
Lara Kay Loest
Bob Bly's Response:
Thanks ... I will work on delivering what you've asked for!
I wish I could figure out how to do a screen capture because I'd capture the email message itself and post it here for you. But again my technology savvy falls short.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
What's the single greatest asset a copywriter can have?
Many copywriters have pondered this question but few have managed to nail it as simply and elegantly as Daniel Levis in this edition of The Total Package.
Do you have the key ingredient for great copy?! Read on and find out.
All the best,
Lara
Do you have the key ingredient for great copy?! Read on and find out.
All the best,
Lara
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
For some reason I cannot enter text in my title box so I apologize.
Saturday Musings
Here's a great interview with Caleb O'Dowd, a fantastic copywriter who mentored under the late Gary Halbert. He shares his insights on marketing, writing copy and million dollar ideas. He's willing to be there are several floating right under your nose at this instant.
Check it out here.
Saturday Musings
Here's a great interview with Caleb O'Dowd, a fantastic copywriter who mentored under the late Gary Halbert. He shares his insights on marketing, writing copy and million dollar ideas. He's willing to be there are several floating right under your nose at this instant.
Check it out here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Can you be a copywriter?
Clayton Makepeace is arguably one of the best out there...he's definitely one of my teachers. He took some time to discuss advice and tips for any of us interested in pursuing copywriting as a profession/career/vocation.
Since he is one of the masters, it's worth your time to read (and re-read as I did today).
Enjoy it here.
Since he is one of the masters, it's worth your time to read (and re-read as I did today).
Enjoy it here.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Hot Stuff
Yes it's hot here today ... and about 10 degrees hotter in my office because it's upstairs. Time to get a fan going in here...the sweat on my legs is running like the Mississippi at its southern mouth. It's flowing fast!
Just the usual update for today: spent the day temping and am exhausted from moving and unpacking boxes, closets and things. I'm glad to have the work because I like the income though.
In the evening I emailed a few people about Chicago, listed my furniture for sale on craigslist and did a search for info on Vernon Howard. I'm working on a small project for my local copywriting friend about him. Not finding a great deal about his early years though and that's the info I need!
Things are progressing on the Chicago side. I've got a place to stay for a few nights in July and August. My friend's friend's works in the ad biz there so I'm eager to talk to that person and learn more. Keep your fingers crossed!
In other news, I'm moving out either the 1st weekend in July or the 2nd. Then I'll be a box lady for a bit. What an eventful summer...I wasn't aware I wanted to create this for myself. :\
I'm off to rest and unwind before turning in. Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Just the usual update for today: spent the day temping and am exhausted from moving and unpacking boxes, closets and things. I'm glad to have the work because I like the income though.
In the evening I emailed a few people about Chicago, listed my furniture for sale on craigslist and did a search for info on Vernon Howard. I'm working on a small project for my local copywriting friend about him. Not finding a great deal about his early years though and that's the info I need!
Things are progressing on the Chicago side. I've got a place to stay for a few nights in July and August. My friend's friend's works in the ad biz there so I'm eager to talk to that person and learn more. Keep your fingers crossed!
In other news, I'm moving out either the 1st weekend in July or the 2nd. Then I'll be a box lady for a bit. What an eventful summer...I wasn't aware I wanted to create this for myself. :\
I'm off to rest and unwind before turning in. Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Monday, June 18, 2007
Moanday Monday
It is pretty tough to work all day, take care of a house and then find time for job searching/apartment living/figure-out-what-I'm-going-to-do-in-the-next-few-weeks-type planning as well. Not to mention updating this blog for you!
I met with a local freelance copywriter to learn more about his career path. He worked for a few of the biggies (JWT, Leo Burnett, etc) and spent almost a decade in Chicago. Currently all of his clients are ad agencies he has worked with in the past (or has become acquianted with over the course of his advertising tenure). He doesn't solicit clients, he just picks up overflow projects from a variety of agencies.
He also recommended I consider a semester or two of school at a specialized advertising school so I can build my portfolio...that or I find a young art director to team up with and conceptualize spec ads.
Great input and insight on his part and I'm exploring both the school and the team concept options.
My next step is to contact more agencies, talk to a few other friends and get things in place for my visit in late July. I'm planning to be in the Windy City from the 19th/20th til the 28th. Hopefully I can find a place to stay and can meet with some acquiantances as well.
Exciting times!!
That's my update but I wanted to take the focus off of me for a moment and share some copywriting knowledge with you. Straight from The Man himself, here's today's newsletter from Clayton Makepeace.
Clayton shares some tidbits on online marketing, copywriting, web traffic and all the other good stuff we love to hear him rant about!!
Enjoy.
Create a nice day,
Lara
I met with a local freelance copywriter to learn more about his career path. He worked for a few of the biggies (JWT, Leo Burnett, etc) and spent almost a decade in Chicago. Currently all of his clients are ad agencies he has worked with in the past (or has become acquianted with over the course of his advertising tenure). He doesn't solicit clients, he just picks up overflow projects from a variety of agencies.
He also recommended I consider a semester or two of school at a specialized advertising school so I can build my portfolio...that or I find a young art director to team up with and conceptualize spec ads.
Great input and insight on his part and I'm exploring both the school and the team concept options.
My next step is to contact more agencies, talk to a few other friends and get things in place for my visit in late July. I'm planning to be in the Windy City from the 19th/20th til the 28th. Hopefully I can find a place to stay and can meet with some acquiantances as well.
Exciting times!!
That's my update but I wanted to take the focus off of me for a moment and share some copywriting knowledge with you. Straight from The Man himself, here's today's newsletter from Clayton Makepeace.
Clayton shares some tidbits on online marketing, copywriting, web traffic and all the other good stuff we love to hear him rant about!!
Enjoy.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Wow!
I thought I had updated you on Thursday but it seems I didn't and I apologize. I appreciate that you are here now! So on to your update...
Thursday was much of the same...I spent the day temping, had dinner with a friend and that's about it. Friday was a repeat except instead of meeting up with friends, I sent my information to ad agencies. I also contacted my friend's brother who works for one of the big agencies - at least he did the last time I checked anyway.
This weekend I'm spending some time contacting people I know with direct ties to Chicago so as to line up housing. I plan to spend a week there next month and during the week I'll interview with as many agencies as I can! It should be fun. Chicago is a terrific city - summer especially!
I'm also posting this article about copywriting to ezines and the like. Hope you enjoy it!
Don’t have time to rewrite all of your marketing materials? Need to better focus your copy? These three questions will help you do just that.
Copywriting is both art and science and as a result it uses artistic, creative qualities that are refined with scientific tools to measure response rates so you can maximize your return on investment.
Ask yourself these 3 questions and use them as tools to inspire and recreate artistically copy with better results.
1.) Does each sentence engage and provoke your reader to read the next sentence?
This engagement starts with your first sentence and shouldn’t end until the last sentence of the P.S. Each sentence builds on the sentence before it and carries your reader along on a ride!
It’s that ride that will create and retain a bond with them as they learn about your product/service/company and how you’re going to help them and make their lives better.
2.) Does your copy tell or sell?
Truly great copy doesn’t “sell” anything…at least not in the traditional sense. Great copy tells your reader how your product/service/company will make their lives better. In his book Scientific Advertising, Claude C. Hopkins, writes “Ask yourself – would it help a salesmen sell goods?” “Would you it help me sell them if I met a buyer in person?”
The key word in both questions is help, help your prospect, help your client and help yourself. Again from Scientific Advertising, Hopkins says the best ads ask no one to buy.
3.) Does your prospect have an identity?
When you write your copy who are you writing it for? What does your prospect look like? What do they do? Where do they live? Are you talking to Fred/Frieda the weekend bowlers and avid baseball fans? Or are you writing to Donald and Ivana, exclusive country club members and Four Seasons brunchers?
Your advertising is reaching someone. Know who it is and it’ll be at least 10 times more effective. Conceptualize and visualize your prospect before and during the copywriting process for increased response rates. Get inside their minds.
Give your prospect all the likeness of your best friend and that’s how they’ll respond.
Questions? Comments? Interested in learning more? For more copywriting tips, contact Lara Kay Loest at lloest@gmail.com or leave a comment at http://goodtogreatcopy.blogspot.com/.
Thursday was much of the same...I spent the day temping, had dinner with a friend and that's about it. Friday was a repeat except instead of meeting up with friends, I sent my information to ad agencies. I also contacted my friend's brother who works for one of the big agencies - at least he did the last time I checked anyway.
This weekend I'm spending some time contacting people I know with direct ties to Chicago so as to line up housing. I plan to spend a week there next month and during the week I'll interview with as many agencies as I can! It should be fun. Chicago is a terrific city - summer especially!
I'm also posting this article about copywriting to ezines and the like. Hope you enjoy it!
3 Quick Questions to Improve Your Response
Don’t have time to rewrite all of your marketing materials? Need to better focus your copy? These three questions will help you do just that.
Copywriting is both art and science and as a result it uses artistic, creative qualities that are refined with scientific tools to measure response rates so you can maximize your return on investment.
Ask yourself these 3 questions and use them as tools to inspire and recreate artistically copy with better results.
1.) Does each sentence engage and provoke your reader to read the next sentence?
This engagement starts with your first sentence and shouldn’t end until the last sentence of the P.S. Each sentence builds on the sentence before it and carries your reader along on a ride!
It’s that ride that will create and retain a bond with them as they learn about your product/service/company and how you’re going to help them and make their lives better.
2.) Does your copy tell or sell?
Truly great copy doesn’t “sell” anything…at least not in the traditional sense. Great copy tells your reader how your product/service/company will make their lives better. In his book Scientific Advertising, Claude C. Hopkins, writes “Ask yourself – would it help a salesmen sell goods?” “Would you it help me sell them if I met a buyer in person?”
The key word in both questions is help, help your prospect, help your client and help yourself. Again from Scientific Advertising, Hopkins says the best ads ask no one to buy.
3.) Does your prospect have an identity?
When you write your copy who are you writing it for? What does your prospect look like? What do they do? Where do they live? Are you talking to Fred/Frieda the weekend bowlers and avid baseball fans? Or are you writing to Donald and Ivana, exclusive country club members and Four Seasons brunchers?
Your advertising is reaching someone. Know who it is and it’ll be at least 10 times more effective. Conceptualize and visualize your prospect before and during the copywriting process for increased response rates. Get inside their minds.
Give your prospect all the likeness of your best friend and that’s how they’ll respond.
Questions? Comments? Interested in learning more? For more copywriting tips, contact Lara Kay Loest at lloest@gmail.com or leave a comment at http://goodtogreatcopy.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Quick Update
Well it was a busy Wednesday so I only have a few minutes to update you.
I had a chat with a potential client today and I hope we've been able to provide some direction and support for her. The challenge in new clients (one of the challenges I should say) is helping them without doing things for them. I cannot figure out what a business marketing plan should be nor the direction for them to take. I can provide feedback and resources. However there is a tendency to provide consulting...and that should not be free. I have a challenge in that area as well.
Most small business owners are simply self-employed...they aren't business owners at all. There is a huge difference between the self-employed and a small business owner. Anyone who tells you they are the same thing is full of horse manure and you can tell them I said that.
A business owner spends time outside of his/her business, consistently evaluates their business from a non-bias perspective and can easily hand the reigns over to a manager without the business missing a beat. The business owner is independent of the business in other words and that is a significant distinction.
A self-employed person is just a worker who does the work on their own. There's no business plan, no future goals, no outside management or perspective.
The latter isn't bad, it's simply something to be aware of because there are limitations within that structure. The self-employed person will always be at their own mercy. If they take a vacation, they aren't earning money. If they are sick, they aren't getting more clients. If they fall ill on a long-term basis they are basically screwed.
I'm not throwing stones here at all. I've been struggling to move into the business owner shoes myself. I would definitely keep myself on as an employee because I work damn hard and I'm pretty good at everything I do.
However I do believe I have mainly acted as a self-employed person for the majority of the last 14 months and my results so that.
When I do this again (because I will) and run my own business, I will do things differently. I could go into a whole list but it's a bit late and I'm tired.
My whole point to this post was to tell you I am still in process with the potential client. She falls into the self-employed side of things and is mainly looking for consulting/marketing input. The issue there is that it costs money for good consulting...as it should. We'll do our best to help her though.
I'll keep ya posted!
Off to bed...I had a long day of packing boxes and listening to Robert Allen's Empower Yourself! And Your Downline. Very interesting CDs, I highly recommend them. It fascinates me to hear the "gurus" talk because they overlap so often!!! Everything we really need to know is out there, we just have to open our eyes and see it, grab it and learn it.
Fascinating.
Create a nice day,
Lara
I had a chat with a potential client today and I hope we've been able to provide some direction and support for her. The challenge in new clients (one of the challenges I should say) is helping them without doing things for them. I cannot figure out what a business marketing plan should be nor the direction for them to take. I can provide feedback and resources. However there is a tendency to provide consulting...and that should not be free. I have a challenge in that area as well.
Most small business owners are simply self-employed...they aren't business owners at all. There is a huge difference between the self-employed and a small business owner. Anyone who tells you they are the same thing is full of horse manure and you can tell them I said that.
A business owner spends time outside of his/her business, consistently evaluates their business from a non-bias perspective and can easily hand the reigns over to a manager without the business missing a beat. The business owner is independent of the business in other words and that is a significant distinction.
A self-employed person is just a worker who does the work on their own. There's no business plan, no future goals, no outside management or perspective.
The latter isn't bad, it's simply something to be aware of because there are limitations within that structure. The self-employed person will always be at their own mercy. If they take a vacation, they aren't earning money. If they are sick, they aren't getting more clients. If they fall ill on a long-term basis they are basically screwed.
I'm not throwing stones here at all. I've been struggling to move into the business owner shoes myself. I would definitely keep myself on as an employee because I work damn hard and I'm pretty good at everything I do.
However I do believe I have mainly acted as a self-employed person for the majority of the last 14 months and my results so that.
When I do this again (because I will) and run my own business, I will do things differently. I could go into a whole list but it's a bit late and I'm tired.
My whole point to this post was to tell you I am still in process with the potential client. She falls into the self-employed side of things and is mainly looking for consulting/marketing input. The issue there is that it costs money for good consulting...as it should. We'll do our best to help her though.
I'll keep ya posted!
Off to bed...I had a long day of packing boxes and listening to Robert Allen's Empower Yourself! And Your Downline. Very interesting CDs, I highly recommend them. It fascinates me to hear the "gurus" talk because they overlap so often!!! Everything we really need to know is out there, we just have to open our eyes and see it, grab it and learn it.
Fascinating.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
So Long Denver, Hello Chicago
Well I asked the Universe for a sign today. I asked to receive a positive sign if I was supposed to move to Chicago because I was leaning in that direction. And receive I did.
I won't go into what the sign was because it's personal but I did make the decision today.
Now my next step is to commit and by commiting, I have to choose a date. I need to form a timeline for my decision. I'm thinking by August 15th but that's not firm. I have to be in Wisconsin for a wedding the last weekend of August so it seems silly to fly home for a week only to fly back...and then move to Chicago. In other words, life would be easier if I were to be back in the Midwest before the wedding.
Ugh. Midwest. I'm going to avoid saying that from now on and just stick with Chicago. It's about the only city in that region I find interesting. But the market is great and it's a metropolitan town with great cultural events, fun night life with an urban vibe - all of which I love.
So that was my revelation for the day.
The move isn't permanent. Ideally I'll move there for a few years, get an even better portfolio and move back here or have multiple homes in Denver, Chicago and on a beach somewhere.
In other news, I've picked up a temp gig to make extra money and save up for the move. I'm also reaching out to as many people as possible so as to line up work and housing in Chi-town before I actually get there.
Tomorrow I'm talking with one of our potential clients...we shall see what that leads to! Keep your fingers crossed. I certainly am!
Hope you had a lovely day.
Create a good tomorrow,
Lara
I won't go into what the sign was because it's personal but I did make the decision today.
Now my next step is to commit and by commiting, I have to choose a date. I need to form a timeline for my decision. I'm thinking by August 15th but that's not firm. I have to be in Wisconsin for a wedding the last weekend of August so it seems silly to fly home for a week only to fly back...and then move to Chicago. In other words, life would be easier if I were to be back in the Midwest before the wedding.
Ugh. Midwest. I'm going to avoid saying that from now on and just stick with Chicago. It's about the only city in that region I find interesting. But the market is great and it's a metropolitan town with great cultural events, fun night life with an urban vibe - all of which I love.
So that was my revelation for the day.
The move isn't permanent. Ideally I'll move there for a few years, get an even better portfolio and move back here or have multiple homes in Denver, Chicago and on a beach somewhere.
In other news, I've picked up a temp gig to make extra money and save up for the move. I'm also reaching out to as many people as possible so as to line up work and housing in Chi-town before I actually get there.
Tomorrow I'm talking with one of our potential clients...we shall see what that leads to! Keep your fingers crossed. I certainly am!
Hope you had a lovely day.
Create a good tomorrow,
Lara
Monday, June 11, 2007
When Is It Too Much?
Today I realized I have a tendency (strong tendency) to push hard when I'm worried about something. All that pushing stems from my lack of trust and now that I recognize my habit, I can fix it.
And therein lies my next hurdle: when am I pushing too much? And how much is enough?
I'm still figuring that out but I understand when I feel anxious, overwhelmed or scared...that's when it's time to let go.
I did my best today and I'll keep reaching and improving.
On top of that internal struggle, I spent today contacting ad agencies, following up with specific people from those agencies and arranging meetings. I don't have any solid leads but I'm confident something will come through soon.
My next worry was whether or not to simply move to a better market. I have to make up my mind on this one and then commit to it. I just haven't gotten to that point yet.
Ideally I would be offered a full-time copywriting position either here or in Chicago while I'm still living in Denver. I'd be happy to move to Chicago...it's a great city and closer to my family. I'm confident I can relocate and reestablish myself fairly easily so I'm open to that.
However I don't like the idea of packing up and moving across the country without a job secured in the new city. I wonder if it's enough to simply state my intention of landing a full-time copywriting job here in Denver or in Chicago? Is that too many options for the Universe? Will I end up with nothing if I don't get more specific? Or will I be overwhelmed with choices??
That's just an explain of what goes on in my head when I think too much. But I do know this: it feels good to simply say I will take a copywriting job either in Denver or in Chicago so I think I'm sticking with that right now.
It's all right to re-evaluate too so I'll keep that in mind as time passes. I'm talking to a few people with 15 - 20+ years experience in ad agency biz so they should have insight as well.
Wish me luck - it's getting interesting!
Create a nice day,
Lara
And therein lies my next hurdle: when am I pushing too much? And how much is enough?
I'm still figuring that out but I understand when I feel anxious, overwhelmed or scared...that's when it's time to let go.
I did my best today and I'll keep reaching and improving.
On top of that internal struggle, I spent today contacting ad agencies, following up with specific people from those agencies and arranging meetings. I don't have any solid leads but I'm confident something will come through soon.
My next worry was whether or not to simply move to a better market. I have to make up my mind on this one and then commit to it. I just haven't gotten to that point yet.
Ideally I would be offered a full-time copywriting position either here or in Chicago while I'm still living in Denver. I'd be happy to move to Chicago...it's a great city and closer to my family. I'm confident I can relocate and reestablish myself fairly easily so I'm open to that.
However I don't like the idea of packing up and moving across the country without a job secured in the new city. I wonder if it's enough to simply state my intention of landing a full-time copywriting job here in Denver or in Chicago? Is that too many options for the Universe? Will I end up with nothing if I don't get more specific? Or will I be overwhelmed with choices??
That's just an explain of what goes on in my head when I think too much. But I do know this: it feels good to simply say I will take a copywriting job either in Denver or in Chicago so I think I'm sticking with that right now.
It's all right to re-evaluate too so I'll keep that in mind as time passes. I'm talking to a few people with 15 - 20+ years experience in ad agency biz so they should have insight as well.
Wish me luck - it's getting interesting!
Create a nice day,
Lara
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