Posted by:
Carline Anglade-Cole
December 30, 2008
Issue 578
One of the highlights of 2008 was the opportunity to write a direct mail promo for Oprah’s newest book, O’s Big Book of Happiness.
As a freelance copywriter for the past 10 years – I’ve dealt with my share of “drama” – but nothing – I mean, NOTHING compared to the red tape and hair-pulling experience graphic designer Lori Haller and I dealt with the team members of a megastar like Oprah. For example …
… The approval process involved three different companies (and creative teams)… turnaround time was long … and the changes seemed endless.
But, looking back – it was all worth it. The experience was valuable … all the team members were satisfied with the final product … and I get to be on the “short list” as one of Oprah’s copywriters! Woo hoo!
The experience also reminded me of some important lessons just about every copywriter can benefit from. I shared these 10 tips in the recent AWAI 2008 Fast Track to Success Boot Camp – and I’m certain they can help you too – even if you’re not writing for Oprah:
(more…)
Posted by:
Clayton Makepeace
December 25, 2008
Issue #30
Part One
Welcome, Business-Builder!
Nothing does my heart more good than to see a young copywriter take root and blossom. And of all the copy cubs I’ve worked with over the years, NOBODY has blossomed bigger or better than Kent Komae has!
Kent’s hard-selling direct mail packages are legendary in the health supplement industry. His fabled controls for Sun Chlorella, Healthy Directions, Health Resources and many other major mailers have made Kent one of the top two or three choices for supplement companies looking to grow – FAST.
I first hooked up with Kent back in the 1990s – when he was an eager younger writer, looking to make a name for himself (and, of course some truly obscene royalties). I hired him to help me on several health promotions for a favorite client – and on his very first draft, it was clear to me that this guy had what it takes!
Since then, Kent has gone on to fame, fortune and a jamb-packed dance card as one of the half-dozen or so most in-demand copywriters in the alternative health industry. I’m proud to count him as one of my closest friends.
A few days ago, Kent took time out of his insane schedule to talk copy with me – here: Listen in …
(more…)
Posted by:
Daniel Levis
December 24, 2008
Issue #574
In this issue:
- Why some people almost always make money online …
- The sad truth that may be holding you back …
- The astonishing secret to harnessing the awesome mental magic that lies latent within your own mind …
- And more!
Dear Web Business-Builder,
Some days writing Web copy is like a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, all sky. Other days it’s easy as pie. Here’s a strange fact for you that may explain why …
(more…)
Posted by:
Michael Masterson
December 23, 2008
Issue 573
"For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work."
Doug Larson
Of all the ETR essays I’ve written about self-improvement, the ones that get the most response - both positive and negative - are those that have to do with saving time. I don’t know why that is. You would think ETR readers would be very happy to get advice about how to be more productive by spending less time doing routine tasks. You would think.
The biggest fracas was in February of 2005. That’s when I suggested that ETR readers could save time by spending less time in the shower. I have friends, I told them, who spend a half-hour in the shower every day. That’s crazy, I said. Two-minutes is usually plenty for me. Five-minutes tops.
Readers were outraged by this. They scolded me for my insensitivity. They accused me of being arrogant, sexist, and downright dirty.
Many people are apparently quite attached to their showers. For someone to even suggest they limit their time under the hot water puts them into a rage.
But that’s not what this article is about. It’s about stealing time for yourself. So I am going to make a number of suggestions to help you find more time to invest in your future health, wealth, and happiness … if you are willing.
(more…)
Posted by:
Clayton Makepeace
December 22, 2008
Issue 572
(Plus six cool gifts to help make 2009
YOUR most profitable year ever!)
Dear Business-Builder,
I just figured out what’s been keeping you up nights.
You’ve been waking up in a cold sweat worrying about what you’re going to give me – Clayton Makepeace – this holiday season.
And why not? After all; I’ve given you nearly 600 zero-baloney articles packed with money-making insights, ideas and advice on this blog so far – nearly 300 articles this year alone.
And each one of those articles is jammed with brainstorms other online coaches charge a freaking fortune for – all for free.
I mean, when you think about how much time and money my staff and I invest to give you all this great free stuff — and especially about how much the help you get here will earn you every year for the rest of your natural life … WHO ELSE would you be shopping for right now?!
In my book, the fact that you’ve recognized the value The Total Package brings to your life — and that you want to thank me for it with a nice holiday gift — makes you a good person. (Not like folks who greedily snark up all the free stuff they can get and then complain when offered something to actually buy!)
And since you are obviously a quality individual … since I am NOT an easy guy to buy presents for … and especially since my mission here is to make your life easier; not harder … I’m going to solve your problem for you.
Now, if you’ve been reading The Total Package for a while, you probably already have some gift ideas for me. You know I love Grey Goose and Cohibas … $30,000 Harley-Davidsons and $130,000 Porsches. And the fact that you’ve actually considered giving me such thoughtful gifts touches my heart. Sincerely.
But frankly, I’m good in all those areas. Besides; there’s something I want from you that will give me more holiday cheer than all of those things combined – and it won’t cost you a red cent …
(more…)
