So the other day I was reading a book called Power of Purpose and it helped motivate me to begin plans for next year.
I came to two important decisions: I'm replacing my PT job with income from teaching classes and one on one coaching/marketing assistance. My deadline to do so is by June of 2009.
Now I don't have a clue how I'll make this happen but it's what I want to do so I'm setting the intention. I will teach people about direct marketing, copywriting and how they can improve their businesses with these tools. Ideally the teaching will be in a non-traditional setting and will generate more than my PT income does now.
Beyond those specifics I am open to however these classes come about and how I work within them.
My second decision is simply to spend at least half of the month of May in Ireland - the month of my birthday. It's time to really celebrate being me and doing something I have dreamt of for years! And in recent years I've taken a spiritual/personal journey in honor of my birth. Combining a long-time dream with a personal celebration seemed perfect to me. :)
Those are my 2 intentions for 2009...at least for now. I'm sure I'll come up with more. What are your 2009 creations going to be? I'd love to hear them!
Showing posts with label copywriting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label copywriting. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Making up for lost time
I've been pretty lax with the updates on this page. So to make it up for it I'm posting some interesting copy links. Check 'em out below.
Zig Zigler on copywriting: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/12/09/how-to-sell-in-print-the-secret-of-writing-killer-copy/
Joe Vitale on publicity for your business: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/12/08/how-to-get-publicity-for-your-business/
And one of my favorites: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/04/21/why-change-is-so-difficult-and-seven-ways-to-make-it-easier/
Enjoy!
Zig Zigler on copywriting: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/12/09/how-to-sell-in-print-the-secret-of-writing-killer-copy/
Joe Vitale on publicity for your business: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/12/08/how-to-get-publicity-for-your-business/
And one of my favorites: http://blog.onecoach.com/2008/04/21/why-change-is-so-difficult-and-seven-ways-to-make-it-easier/
Enjoy!
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
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.
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/.
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
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Weekend Update
The last two days have been a whirlwind of networking, social engagements and settling back into my house (for the next 3 weeks til I'm kicked out).
Last night I met with a local ad agency guy who shared his thoughts on great agencies around here and the not so great ones as well. It turns out Denver is 23rd in the US in terms of agencies. 23rd. I think Chicago is probably 3rd. *sigh* At least I got the inside scoop on where to target my efforts and he gave me a few names.
I really want this to happen...or something better. I'm taking part in Joe's 30 day experiment and the end goal I'm concentrating on is landing a copywriting job with an agency. I didn't set a specific location so I'm open to relocation.
For the experiment all I needed to do was to get clear on the goal (preferably write it out in present tense) and then meditate on it for the next 30 days. And during the meditation I am to focus on feeling as though it has already happened and I am feeling the feelings associated with it. I should actually concentrate on how I feel now that I have the copywriting job at an ad agency.
It'll be fun because I think it will work. I've already done this once and we did manifest the goal although it didn't materialize in my bank account. It's a bit of a story but I do believe this works. I think it didn't fully materialize the first time because I had some internal blocks. I probably still do but they are lessening.
To that end I had an unusual experience last night while meditating. If you know anything about chakras, energy centers, etc you might be interested in what happened to me.
As I was in the final minutes of my one hour session I felt my first chakra open. The only way I can explain it is that it's like an internal fireball lights up and spreads through that area and into your body fully. It's pretty intense. In my mind I could actually see the energy spread through my body as it happened. Pretty cool!
That's it for me - I'm going to watch The Princess Bride and go to sleep. Tomorrow I'm windsurfing for the first time! That will be super fun. I'll share photos with you too. :)
Enjoy your weekend!
Lara
Last night I met with a local ad agency guy who shared his thoughts on great agencies around here and the not so great ones as well. It turns out Denver is 23rd in the US in terms of agencies. 23rd. I think Chicago is probably 3rd. *sigh* At least I got the inside scoop on where to target my efforts and he gave me a few names.
I really want this to happen...or something better. I'm taking part in Joe's 30 day experiment and the end goal I'm concentrating on is landing a copywriting job with an agency. I didn't set a specific location so I'm open to relocation.
For the experiment all I needed to do was to get clear on the goal (preferably write it out in present tense) and then meditate on it for the next 30 days. And during the meditation I am to focus on feeling as though it has already happened and I am feeling the feelings associated with it. I should actually concentrate on how I feel now that I have the copywriting job at an ad agency.
It'll be fun because I think it will work. I've already done this once and we did manifest the goal although it didn't materialize in my bank account. It's a bit of a story but I do believe this works. I think it didn't fully materialize the first time because I had some internal blocks. I probably still do but they are lessening.
To that end I had an unusual experience last night while meditating. If you know anything about chakras, energy centers, etc you might be interested in what happened to me.
As I was in the final minutes of my one hour session I felt my first chakra open. The only way I can explain it is that it's like an internal fireball lights up and spreads through that area and into your body fully. It's pretty intense. In my mind I could actually see the energy spread through my body as it happened. Pretty cool!
That's it for me - I'm going to watch The Princess Bride and go to sleep. Tomorrow I'm windsurfing for the first time! That will be super fun. I'll share photos with you too. :)
Enjoy your weekend!
Lara
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Could This Thought Make You Happier?
I didn't realize I had missed writing an update yesterday...penance for me.
Clearly it's been busy around here. I've got a few projects I've been working on for my local copywriter friend, a few emails and quotes to put together for potential new clients on top of my full-time job search ... not to mention taking care of my friend's house and her two mischevious cats...one of which escaped into the backyard the other day. They are NOT outdoor kittens.
For the most part though I've been handling the stress fairly well. I have faith that everything will unfold perfectly and fall into place. I am simply and completely committed to my quest for a full-time copywriting job with an ad agency (or something even better!!).
Tomorrow I am following up with a friend's contact and meeting for drinks with another local agency contact. It has occurred to me that I have picked a tough market in Denver.
Be that as it may I will persevere. If I end up moving somewhere for a kick ass agency and an even cooler job then I will move (but I'm limiting that to the Midwest - mainly Chicago...I refuse to live in LA and NYC). So I'm putting my intention out there, I'm believing in it and I'm acting in accordance.
The most difficult part of this is the believing I think. So when I catch myself with that thought, I simply hear it and decide to play around with it, test out the Universe to see if I can manifest something using the intention, belief and action set up.
For instance, today I set the intention that I wanted someone to give me a dollar. And you know what? I got it! I needed cash for windsurfing on Sunday and was a dollar short til today!
Now my struggle is in believing that the $1 is no different than the $400 or $4,000...it's all the same within the realm of the Universe. It's simply my belief system that makes $400 or $400,000 seem so much bigger.
At least I recognize where the battle lies and I'm working on it. Yay me! I see progress and I'm beginning to reap the rewards.
Whenever I get down on myself about where I'm at in any area of my life (whether it's financially, career-wise or interpersonal), I take a step back and look at where I was and compare it where I am now. I see progress and I see growth.
What else could I ask for?! As long as I'm moving and growing I'm happy. So I'm happy. I hope you are too.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Clearly it's been busy around here. I've got a few projects I've been working on for my local copywriter friend, a few emails and quotes to put together for potential new clients on top of my full-time job search ... not to mention taking care of my friend's house and her two mischevious cats...one of which escaped into the backyard the other day. They are NOT outdoor kittens.
For the most part though I've been handling the stress fairly well. I have faith that everything will unfold perfectly and fall into place. I am simply and completely committed to my quest for a full-time copywriting job with an ad agency (or something even better!!).
Tomorrow I am following up with a friend's contact and meeting for drinks with another local agency contact. It has occurred to me that I have picked a tough market in Denver.
Be that as it may I will persevere. If I end up moving somewhere for a kick ass agency and an even cooler job then I will move (but I'm limiting that to the Midwest - mainly Chicago...I refuse to live in LA and NYC). So I'm putting my intention out there, I'm believing in it and I'm acting in accordance.
The most difficult part of this is the believing I think. So when I catch myself with that thought, I simply hear it and decide to play around with it, test out the Universe to see if I can manifest something using the intention, belief and action set up.
For instance, today I set the intention that I wanted someone to give me a dollar. And you know what? I got it! I needed cash for windsurfing on Sunday and was a dollar short til today!
Now my struggle is in believing that the $1 is no different than the $400 or $4,000...it's all the same within the realm of the Universe. It's simply my belief system that makes $400 or $400,000 seem so much bigger.
At least I recognize where the battle lies and I'm working on it. Yay me! I see progress and I'm beginning to reap the rewards.
Whenever I get down on myself about where I'm at in any area of my life (whether it's financially, career-wise or interpersonal), I take a step back and look at where I was and compare it where I am now. I see progress and I see growth.
What else could I ask for?! As long as I'm moving and growing I'm happy. So I'm happy. I hope you are too.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Letting Go
Today I had decided to spend the day working on a few projects and relax my focus on the full-time job search (and relax the worries too!). And when I did, I got a call from a potential new client. She saw my response to her request for sales copy assistance and liked my samples.
So I called her back, we talked for awhile and I'll be sending her our recommendations by early next week.
It's nice when unexpected surprises like that light up my day. I was happy to talk to her, she's a fellow Wisconsinite with some interesting and exciting projects in the works. It'll be great fun to help her and watch her business expand.
It seems things unfold when I relax and let go. So I'll follow that plan of attack from here on out.
That was one my day's highlights. The other was a conference call with Joe Vitale by Healthy-n-Wealthy. Joe gave a great talk about his life, following your inspiration and his new book Zero Limits. It was a fun and uplifting hour.
Now I'm off to bed...it was another exciting day!
Create a nice day,
Lara
So I called her back, we talked for awhile and I'll be sending her our recommendations by early next week.
It's nice when unexpected surprises like that light up my day. I was happy to talk to her, she's a fellow Wisconsinite with some interesting and exciting projects in the works. It'll be great fun to help her and watch her business expand.
It seems things unfold when I relax and let go. So I'll follow that plan of attack from here on out.
That was one my day's highlights. The other was a conference call with Joe Vitale by Healthy-n-Wealthy. Joe gave a great talk about his life, following your inspiration and his new book Zero Limits. It was a fun and uplifting hour.
Now I'm off to bed...it was another exciting day!
Create a nice day,
Lara
Monday, June 4, 2007
Under the Weather
I'm feeling quite sick tonight so your update will happen tomorrow. I spent most of the day applying and contacting ad agencies. I've made a few contacts in an effort to learn more about the local advertising scene...it seems to be quite different than Milwaukee.
Wish me luck.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Wish me luck.
Create a nice day,
Lara
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
What's your threshold?
The last month has pushed me over my threshold repeatedly but the last 2 weeks have been particularly difficult. I've never been a big fan of change but now that I understand why change occurs and that the end result can be positive (if I make the choice to see the positive), it's become easier.
Notice I said easier...not easy. Change still isn't my favorite thing in the world.
Today I found a bit of clarity though and I have Bill Harris to thank yet again. My internal map of reality is changing and pushing me above my threshold so I've been uncomfortable. I'm uncomfortable seeking copywriting jobs with ad agencies because it's new territory. I'm uncomfortable not knowing what my mailing address is going to be on July 1st because that again is new territory and very undefined.
So what's the easiest approach to all of this? Simple: raise my threshold and remember whatever happens is ok.
Yes easier said than done but at least I know how to approach my current circumstances and that is making a huge difference in my response. I'm finding I have an incredible ability to find peace, love and joy in all events and situations right now. No not at every moment of every day but I can find that inner calm much more frequently.
To further aide me I am reading Joe Vitale's The Attractor Factor. I love Joe and his work. This book is incredible. It's another fun tool to help me create!
One of my intentions is to find a full-time copywriting job by June 27th so that is where my focus was today. I spent the day sending emails to ad agencies and showcasing my talents. I had 2 responses...one I initially interpreted as snarky and condescending. And it probably was.
But then I decided that person was someone I wouldn't want to work with anyway...if they would talk that way to someone they didn't know, imagine how they would talk to someone they did know! Clearly that person and that agency just isn't inline with my goals and dreams and I'm not inline with theirs. And so it is!
The second was a nice, personal note from the HR Director thanking me for my interest. It was an actual email though - not a standard rote response - so I was happy with that.
Tomorrow is more of the same along with fixing up the sales letter for a mailing.
Create a nice day!
Lara
Notice I said easier...not easy. Change still isn't my favorite thing in the world.
Today I found a bit of clarity though and I have Bill Harris to thank yet again. My internal map of reality is changing and pushing me above my threshold so I've been uncomfortable. I'm uncomfortable seeking copywriting jobs with ad agencies because it's new territory. I'm uncomfortable not knowing what my mailing address is going to be on July 1st because that again is new territory and very undefined.
So what's the easiest approach to all of this? Simple: raise my threshold and remember whatever happens is ok.
Yes easier said than done but at least I know how to approach my current circumstances and that is making a huge difference in my response. I'm finding I have an incredible ability to find peace, love and joy in all events and situations right now. No not at every moment of every day but I can find that inner calm much more frequently.
To further aide me I am reading Joe Vitale's The Attractor Factor. I love Joe and his work. This book is incredible. It's another fun tool to help me create!
One of my intentions is to find a full-time copywriting job by June 27th so that is where my focus was today. I spent the day sending emails to ad agencies and showcasing my talents. I had 2 responses...one I initially interpreted as snarky and condescending. And it probably was.
But then I decided that person was someone I wouldn't want to work with anyway...if they would talk that way to someone they didn't know, imagine how they would talk to someone they did know! Clearly that person and that agency just isn't inline with my goals and dreams and I'm not inline with theirs. And so it is!
The second was a nice, personal note from the HR Director thanking me for my interest. It was an actual email though - not a standard rote response - so I was happy with that.
Tomorrow is more of the same along with fixing up the sales letter for a mailing.
Create a nice day!
Lara
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