Prosperous Writer

Happy Summer! Some people think business is supposed to slow down in the summer. But if you’re serious about prospering as a copywriter, this is the perfect season to get your business off the ground in a big way…or give it a shot in the arm. To help you do that, this summer I am offering a special, limited-time-only “Prosperous Writer Jump-Start Program.” Read more about it below.

First, though, I extend an apology for not sending out a newsletter last month. I wish I could say I was vacationing in an exotic land with no e-mail access. The truth, however, is that I have been spending a lot of time with my parents, who are now in the Hospice program. That, as you probably know, means their life expectancies are not so great. Despite all Hospice does for them, my parents still have a lot of needs that I am able, willing and happy to meet.

Of course, this has meant less time for all the “me” things–including my copywriting work and lots of Prosperous Writer stuff. The situation also has prompted me to dedicate an upcoming feature article to the subject of what to do when you don’t have the time, energy or inclination to write.

Writers can prosper by writing a great book, selling it to a major publisher, getting a million or so people to buy their books and repeating the process every year or so. Or they can pitch article ideas to big-time magazine editors and somehow manage to collect a few checks amid all the rejection slips.

That’s the hard road to prosperity as a writer. If you can pull it off, you might make a decent living. But if you are serious about making real money with your writing, become a freelance copywriter for businesses and professionals. (You can work on the Great American Novel or the query letters in your spare time.) To find out more, check out http://www.prosperouswriter.com.

FEATURE: Get All The Word-Of-Mouth Advertising You Need

During my 20-some years as a freelance copywriter, I’ve been delightfully surprised at the really nice things some clients do for me -- such as recommending me and my writing services to someone else.

It’s a wonderful world when you get lots of credible word-of-mouth advertising without opening your mouth! And this kind of promotion doesn’t cost a dime.

However, you can’t just sit around waiting for word-of-mouth advertising. You need a plan to encourage your clients to refer others to you.

ü Always send a thank-you note to clients each time they refer someone to you, even if the referral doesn’t turn into an assignment or a new client. Thanking your clients demonstrates that you are sincerely grateful for what they did and you appreciate the fact that they made a special effort on your behalf. Plus, it’s human nature for people (in this case, your clients) to repeat actions or gestures (such as making a referral) that they have received thanks for in the past.

ü Handwrite your thank-you notes and envelopes on nice, professional stationery. This conveys a friendlier, more personal touch that is rare among professionals and businesses today -- but sorely missed.

ü If referrals don’t become clients right away, regularly follow up with them via a newsletter, articles of interest to them or just a quick note or phone call. Following up keeps your name fresh in their minds, so they will be more likely to remember you. And that, of course, is the key to getting prosperity-generating assignments.

ü Always follow up with your clients – at least those you want to keep! Use the same methods mentioned above.

Referrals from people who know your work are priceless. You can’t pay for that kind of highly credible word-of-mouth advertising. You can’t steal it, beg for it or fake it, either. But you certainly can plan for it. And, when you get it, just two little words will keep the referrals flowing. Those two words are “Thank you.”

ü Develop strategies (measurable actions) for generating referrals in your freelance business. Use the strategies mentioned above and any others that you think may help.

ü Incorporate your referral strategies plan into your overall marketing plan. That’s not as difficult as it may sound; all it takes is a few minutes to insert the new stuff into the best spot in your marketing plan.

ü Work your plan! Put your referral-generating steps into action. Do it now while the ideas are flowing. Even if the ideas are jammed 20 miles upstream, take action now anyway!

You say you don’t have a marketing plan? Oh dear. Contact me at kathy@prosperouswriter.com .I’ll show you how to make your marketing effective and even fun.

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Are you struggling to get your freelance copywriting business off the ground? Or is it off the ground but only by a few inches…meaning you want to make more money doing what you love?

The “Prosperous Writer Jump-Start Program” is for you! In four or more one-hour phone calls and unlimited e-mails, I will help you make big strides in your copywriting business in just one month. I’ll share a lot of “tricks of the trade” I’ve learned and used along the way, like:

How to sharpen your copywriting skills so you attract more – and better – clients

As a Writer’s Coach, I often spend months helping writers set up and grow their own freelance copywriting business. The “Prosperous Writer Jump-Start Program” is a condensed version designed to help writers who are in a big hurry to start prospering right away. (More coaching is always available if you’d like to pursue it after completing the one-month Jump-Start Program. But I will not try to “sell” you on more coaching or anything else unless you specifically request it. I simply want to show you that it is possible to get your copywriting business off the ground – and soaring – in a surprisingly short period of time.)

One caveat, though. The “Prosperous Writer Jump-Start Program” is not for everyone. You have to be really committed to working hard. You have to be at least a little courageous because, yes, you will need to market yourself. (I’ll show you how easy and even fun that can be.) And you have to be self-disciplined enough to stay motivated. I can share ideas, secrets and advice. I can hold your hand. I can warn you of the pitfalls. I can let you know when you’re on the verge of something stupendous. But *you* have to do the work required to become what you want to become…a Prosperous Writer. And for a full month, I will be with you every step of the way.

Normally I charge $300 a month for coaching. But, for a limited time, the “Prosperous Writer Jump-Start Program” is just $175. In fact, you can pay me just $100 at the beginning of the program, and, if you don’t think you got $175 worth of help at the end of the four weeks, you don’t have to give me the remaining $75.

So, if you’re ready to give your freelance copywriting business a kick in the pants…if you’re ready to stop struggling and start prospering, send me a note at Kathy@prosperouswriter.com or call me at (407) 324-9478. Let’s get you started on the road to prosperity!

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Writer’s Inspiration

“Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.” Alfred North Whitehead, Mathematician and Philosopher, 1861-1947

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Subscription Information

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Kathy Poole has had a highly profitable, award-winning freelance writing business since 1985. As a Writer's Coach, she helps other writers prosper financially, create freely and live passionately. For more information, resources and inspiration: