Posted by: Carline Anglade-Cole
January 3, 2008
Issue #324

How to Kickstart
Your Copywriting Career in 2008

Recently, my husband Mick reminded me of why I became a copywriter.

He said, “Tomorrow morning, be dressed by 5 a.m.”

That’s it.

And before I knew it, I was on a plane headed for Las Vegas. We spent 4 restful days and 3 fun-filled nights celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary at The Venetian Hotel.

I’ve always wanted a “no stress” vacation: no packing, no creating itinerary, no headaches and no worries – and I finally got it!

I did just 3 things:

1. Called my daughter/assistant Jael to cancel/rearrange a few appointments …
2. Notified my personal trainer, Anissa that I would be slacking off in my workouts for the next few days (by the way, I’m up to 4 pull ups – if you don’t know what I’m talking about see How to Pump Muscle Into Your Copy).
3. Grabbed a research book for my current project.

No kidding, my husband even packed all my clothes! (I did end up wearing the same dress to two different occasions – but who cares!)

Mick and I had a fantastic time. We saw Cirque du Soleil’s “O” at the Bellagio and “Phantom” at the Venetian. We shopped … held hands … really TALKED to each other … took goofy pictures … and even went on a gondola ride!

I reconnected with the love of my life and we rekindled some passionate flames. Plus, we had FUN – LOTSA FUN!

So why I am I telling you this?

Yes, I do enjoy reminiscing about my fantabulous getaway, but I’m telling you this story as a reminder to all of you “sitting on the fence” – wanting to try copywriting but afraid to go for it.

Remember, I didn’t have to request time off from my boss in advance. Didn’t exhaust my vacation hours. Didn’t resort to faking an illness to tap into my sick leave. Plus, I never even checked my e-mail while I was away!

That’s the beauty of copywriting:

• You can do it anywhere! A computer and a phone line is all I had when I started out. Whenever I would finish a new assignment, I would “treat” myself to a piece of office furniture. Plus, on the 6-hour round trip Vegas plane ride, I read my research book. That’s what I was planning to do if I was in the office anyway. So even though I was on vacation, I still didn’t get behind in my work!
• The pay is pretty darn fantastic! You can afford to do the things you like and treat your family and friends with gifts throughout the year. Who needs holidays – EVERY DAY can be “Gift Day!” Plus, our little getaway trip was paid off before I even got on the plane!
• You can create your own schedule! Time is yours again. You set your priorities and you regain your life! For most copywriters, 4 to 6 hours is a “full day’s work”. I’m not like that – but I start working at 5 am, so even an 8 hour day means I’m done about 1pm! And since I LOVE what I do – it doesn’t feel like work at all!

I could keep going on and on …
but here’s how to get started
on your new copywriting career …

If I was starting out as a copywriter today, here’s what I would do:

1. Join AWAI’s copywriting program. Here is where you’ll get the nuts and bolts of copywriting. You’ll learn a copywriting formula that’s proven successful. Plus, you’ll get to meet other aspiring and established copywriters. And the folks at AWAI really work hard to help you succeed. To get your money’s worth – get to know all of those folks by name. Do the assignments they recommend and get free crits of your work!
2. Attend reputable copywriting seminars! In addition to honing your copywriting skills, these seminars are where you’ll meet prospective clients. Why? Because those big wigs are there looking for new copywriters! So make sure to network, Network, NETWORK! Find out who’s attending and make sure you make face-to-face contact with them. You’ll never have the opportunity once these marketing directors and owners are back in their offices – they’ll be too busy to take your cold call! If spec assignments are offered at the seminars – make time to do them! Remember: THIS IS POTENTIAL MONEY and OPPORTUNITY to get your foot in the door. DO IT!
3. Go after the small fish! Take a look at your local mail. Who’s sending out postcards, flyers and letter promotions? Target the local businesses – that includes the lighting companies … landscapers … accounting companies – just about any one using direct mail is fair game! Tell ‘em you can write a promo that will beat the pants off their current control (by the way, you may have to explain to them what a “control” is). And tell them to pay you only if your promo wins. That way, you overcome the initial fee objection/obstacle and you get your foot in the door. When your promo works, you’ve got a client – and a sample to use in your next pitch! Remember, on a scale of 1 to 10 – you don’t have to be a “10.” You just have to be better than the package you’re competing against. Fortunately, most sales writing for smaller companies SUCK. If their copy is a “2” – you just have to be a “3” to be brilliant!
4. Write, Write, WRITE! The old joke is true: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!” How do you become an A-level copywriter? Write, Write, WRITE! Also, study the copywriting masters. Imitate them. And incorporate their knowledge to create your style! In my opinion, the best copywriter alive is Clayton Makepeace – and he’s GIVING AWAY his secrets every week in his FREE e-zine, The Total Package – you’d be a fool not to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m already an established writer and I read – and study – EVERY issue! It’s like getting a Master’s degree in copywriting and marketing!
5. Don’t give up! The truth is: getting into copywriting is not as easy as many professionals claim. Clients aren’t going to knock on your door until you’ve established yourself as a solid copywriter. And it’s hard to build up your portfolio if no one’s going to give you a chance. One way to break that cycle is to follow advice #3. But no matter what, you’ve got to believe in yourself and not give up. Keep looking for opportunities to write for prospective clients. Start small … pay your dues … and when you land that writing assignment – write KICK BUTT copy! All you need is one winner and then you’ve got a “story” you can present to other prospects. With a proven track record – the jobs will start rolling in!

So for 2008 – get off your butt and make your copywriting dreams a reality. Trust me, I ain’t no genius. If I can do it – so can you!

Here’s to Creating Success Your Way!

Carline Anglade-Cole
Guest Contributor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE™

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5 Comments »

1. Comment by Adam — January 3, 2008 @ 8:03 am

   Hey Carline,

   I LOVE your articles. Great info once again.

2. Comment by LaMarl — January 3, 2008 @ 9:23 am

   Carline,
   Im a newbie newbie. I appreciate this article/post. I joined AWAI and just received my notebook \\\”Six Figure Copywriting\\\” Thanks for the inspiration…See you on top!!

3. Comment by Wichai Suthapornpatra — January 3, 2008 @ 10:15 am

   Dear Mr Clayton Makepeace:

   Hello, Mr. Clayton, May I communicate in informal in later ? I know that it seem to be impolite in sometime.

   But I think these informal communications can make the closely relationship. Do you think so ?

   Finally, I would like to say Happy New Year once again.

   Very truely Yours,
   (Wichai Suthapornpatra)

4. Comment by Duane Ford — January 3, 2008 @ 10:49 am

   Thanks Carline,
   This letter is exactly what I need today. More than that it inspired me in more than one way.
   I need to start a physical development routine too.
   I\’ve been toying with the idea of becoming a copywriter for several months now and finally set as one of my goals (intentions) for 2008 to begin studying copywriting and to write at least one piece for which I am paid before the end of July.
   I\’d seen the info on the AWAI course and was considering it. At your suggestion (also Claytons) I\’ll dig out the letter I got from them several months ago and apply.
   I love your storytelling in all your articles here. They always keep my attention. Hopefully, by the end of the year I\’ll be able to do four pull-ups too! (and write copy for hire)
   Duane

5. Comment by Carline — January 4, 2008 @ 5:52 am

   Wow–I better put together my retirement plan. Looks like there\’s going to be LOTS more competition in the copywriting field
   Glad I inspired you to get off your butt and get into the action!
   –Carline

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