Goal setting relevance in the online world
Work HabitsIt is not the first time that I heard the magic words whilst listening to audio programmes in my car: ‘Goal setting is the first step towards achieving success’.Well-known speakers like Brian Tracy, Anthony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki,…
The Truth about Writing (even Hemingway found it hard sometimes)
Work HabitsI love this quote by Hemingway. It proves that even the most talented writers don’t effortlessly crank out prose so good it makes you want to cry or, if you’re like me, have an apoplectic fit of jealousy.Those of us who write for a…
What Should Your Service Fees Be?
Work HabitsDon’t just charge what your competitors charge.Don’t just charge the lowest price.Don’t roll the dice and guess.Instead, do the math.Here’s how…
1. Determine What You Need and Want To Make
Part of the calculation…
Is My Home Based Business Turning Me Into a Recluse?
Freelancing Work HabitsI’ve been working from home as a Freelance Copywriter for the best part of a year now. Recently, something’s started to play on my mind…I don’t really leave the house much now except when I need something urgently. Friday is…
How quitting my job saved my sanity
Freelancing Work HabitsThree years ago today, I walked away from a reasonably-well paid mid-senior management role into the unknown.For years, I had spoken about going freelance, but had never worked up the courage. Working for someone else was my comfort zone,…
Who moved my support staff? The skills you need for a home-based freelance job
Freelancing Work HabitsLast Thursday, around bed time, I learnt a valuable lesson about what it really means to be a freelance copywriter – to run my own little home-based freelance job. And it has nothing to do with writing.I was playing around in the back…
The story of how I went from broke wannabe writer to living the freelance life
Freelancing Work HabitsI always knew I wanted to be a writer. Yet I ended up in a Master’s program in Slavic Linguistics at UC Berkeley. (And yes, I did love it!)Then I had to make a choice: Do I want to continue on with the PhD program or follow my writing…
Want a SUPERSEKRIT “peek behind the scenes” into the copywriting process?
Copywriting Skills Work HabitsA couple of clients commented that the copywriting process looks a little like magic to them
Here’s what happens from their perspective…They turn up to a Strategy Session with me, armed with nothing but “a bundle of words and a vague…
In response to popular demand
Freelancing Work HabitsPeople often ask how I keep track of my copywriting work, so here’s the at-a-glance progress chart I use.As each project runs, you simply move Post-It Notes along the grid from left to right. Note that the columns with red headings are…
Should You Let Others Syndicate Your Blog Content?
Work HabitsWhen you publish great content on your blog, others will want to share it with their communities. They may even ask if they can syndicate some or all of your posts to their blogs.
However, as a marketer, do you want your company’s posts on…
How to Turn Casual Readers into Loyal Fans
Work HabitsThere’s a simple way to increase traffic, brand awareness and conversions without spending a single cent more. It has nothing to do with advertising, pay per clicks or any slick video campaign. You just have to get interesting. Get brave with…
The Big C: how to take it, how to give it, and how to make the most of it
Content & Strategy Work HabitsOne of the tougher sides (or “awesomeness-builders”, for those of you feeling extra positive today) of the word biz is that:
you’ve gotta get comfy with The Big C.Criticism.
Ok, before everyone hops aboard their proverbial high horses:…