7/31/2008
The Gift Of Mentoring Others In Our Field
| I don’t know about you, but the summer is flying by for me here in South Florida. My kids have already been out of school for about 8 weeks and the first day of school (in mid-August) is right around the corner. Before the summer, I set all kinds of goals for myself, from launching a copywriting site for VAs (which is done! VAs check it out: http://www.copywritingforvas.com/) to walking for an hour every summer morning (ummm….hasn’t happened yet). As I told you in a previous post, I count on the summer to be a time for new work, great projects and growth – I shun the summer slowdown and hope you do, too! Do you ever receive questions or requests for advice from others in your field or area of expertise? Do you take the time to answer them? I have been fortunate to learn and benefit from some amazing mentors in my business life. Early on in my career, I promised myself I would always reply to anyone who asked me just about anything business-related and that I would always try to help as I was (and still am being) helped by others. Below, I excerpted some advice I sent to a budding copywriter who wrote me and asked me a series of questions (many of which I also answered in detail in a past blog post here: Advice To A New Copywriter). I’m no sage, but I do know what I know. I think this is decent advice for anyone in any business….hope you do, too!  Here was the question I received: What is the most important thing a new copywriter should do to ensure success? Here is the answer I gave: Whether you are new or experienced, these will apply to you:
business advice copywriter copywriting business mentoring business writing Labels: answers, business advice, business building, business relationships, copywriting, mentoring, networking, questions |
4/22/2008
Effective Networking, Words to Live By (Part 2 of 2)
 In the last post, we talked about the importance of networking. What about those of you who hide behind your computer?Come on, you know who are you are! Well networking is just as important for you. Trust me, I know first-hand how hard it can be to make time. Between work, family and life, I am just as busy as the next person. However, what I have to come to learn is that networking is essential to sustain my business growth. If I want to stay busy behind my computer, I need the customers to do it! I found a great article by Internet marketing guru Derek Gehl that focused on effective networking and how to best utilize workshops. I highly recommend it to anyone that may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process. Some highlights: • When meeting people, describe yourself and your business in less than 10 seconds. • Don’t stay too long in one place. If at a workshop and the conversation is running beyond eight or 10 minutes excuse yourself politely, so that you have ample time to meet other people. • Listen and ask questions, this is a key part of networking. You don’t have to be the one doing all the talking for the networking to be effective. • Follow up. Once the workshop is over, keep networking. Labels: networking, online networking |
4/21/2008
Effective Networking, Words to Live By (Part 1 of 2)
Whether you are employed or self-employed, work from home, work in a large corporate office or are somewhere in between, you likely know that effective networking is essential to your success.  So why do so few people do it effectively? I have heard from many people that they feel like networking is phony, for schmoozers, and with the rise in Internet usage, a thing of the past. For all of you who don’t feel comfortable networking, I have to tell you that all of those excuses are nowhere near the truth. Business, regardless of the industry, is all about people and the relationships between them. I can tell you with certainty that there are many people out there that do exactly what you do just as well as you do. The professionals that thrive and succeed are the ones with lasting relationships and effective networking that allows them to build new relationships. Labels: networking, online networking |
1/23/2008
What's up for the new year?
| Print vs. online marketing A one-time shot to your clients through a piece of paper may not lead to more business. I always tell my clients that when they are in doubt, choose online marketing over print marketing because online is instant, changeable, less expensive and has a wider reach. In-person vs. online networking More and more, online networking and communications with potential clients, colleagues, alliances and vendors will prove to be more efficient, effective and long-lasting in terms of results than its in-person networking and communications cousins. (I know some of you may disagree with this.) Content is still king Ultimately, your message and words will make -- or break -- your sale. Be clear on what you are selling and to whom. Also be clear that your message is solutions- and benefits-oriented (and accurate, too!). Labels: marketing, networking, online marketing, online networking |