Nancy Boyd wrote: \”If s/he likes the work we did together, s/he will enthusiastically refer me to colleagues whom I can also serve in similar ways.\”

You\’ve hit on a powerful tool in its own right - Referral Marketing. Just as when hiring a plumber or contractor, people are more likely to hire someone who\’s referred to them by someone they know and trust.

John Gilger wrote: \”…willing to accept that not every promo will be a home run, but every promo is a learning experience.\”

Another great point, John! It\’s just as important to study what doesn\’t work what does. I like to think of it as \”growing pains.\”

Len Bailey

Keep up the great work Clayton, for introducing an established, yet hidden and groundbreaking concept for newer copywriters to pursue.

Wanting to become an established copywriter cum marketer, but barely scratching the surface of this thick subject.

It\’ll take many more months to get a profit-churning professional act together. Hope the education here will complete the journey to a great new career start. Thanks!

I have always been a fan of yours since I discovered your website and read your articles. I have almost always tried to read your articles for your great insight which sheds light on some issues that needs clarification.

But on the issue between you and the critic, I agree with Phil Bogan\’s comment, both of you are correct. I tried looking for the article in issue, and from reading it, the only main disagreement is regarding your statement that freelancing model is broken.

Actually, I agree with her that the freelancing model still works, and I also agree with you that the \”Partnering Model\” is a great option to look into. It just depends on several factors, 4 of which are (there might still be more):

1. your competence in copywriting

If your copywriting sucks, do you think your client will trust you with his business?

2. your competence in marketing

Competence in one area, does not make you an expert in another. Sometimes skills are portable, but sometimes, they aren\’t. \”The Critic\” said the rainmaker must know \”how to do this safely for their clients, as well as themselves\”. Because incompetence in this area and all other business skills might irreparably damage the business you\’re suppose to help.

3. are you comfortable doing the thing?

If you do not enjoy delving into your client\’s business, you might not enjoy the partnering model. Some freelancers stay that way because they do not like to do more than they need to. These freelancers just want to make good copy and then do some other things.

4. are you willing to put in the time to learn Your \”partner\’s\” business?

It will certainly take time to do this, and if you have several clients, will you be able to learn each one?

As I mentioned before in my previous comment in \”Insanity Chronicles III\”, not all copywriters have your business savvy, Clayton. Sometimes, it takes years for business acumen to develop, but sometimes an individual just don\’t have the inclination to develop it.

So, it boils down to competence and choices. If you are a freelancer and want to move to the next level, then this is a good option if you are willing to do the work. The decision rests on the individual.

Yours truly,
Tom

PS Did anyone win the \”Rainmaker\\ contest? Was it already announced?

PPS I do not have much experience with partnering, but if I will be looking for clients, the characteristics I\\ll try to look for are the following:

Character and Integrity
There\’s some \”chemistry\” between partners (The client likes you and you like them.)

You will stand out so far from the crowd! It feels like a herd of dumb sheep are looking at you. Some may insult you badly. Discuss back neutrally, don\’t argue back. Discuss logically along directmarketing terms.

You may even ignore it - sometimes others will defend you and thereby underline what you said. So much more powerful. You may argue if you really have done your homework in direct marketing. But be careful, what you say stays on the net forever.

Those articles stand out. Watch a thread and see if you can give valueable input. Answer along directmarketing terms.

Often you know you have hit some nerve if you write something and nobody answers. Or the thread ends with your statement.

Your prospect read those threads looking for answers for their own marketing questions. Make sure you stand out with your information.

Hope that helps.
Markus Trauernicht form Germany

If I meet someone and don\’t know if I should associate with that person, I look for a reason to lend €20, screwdriver or whatever to that person. If I have to follow up to get the money back, that is someone I will avoid. If someone can\’t be true in small things the likelyhood of that person being true in something bigger is small.

Bringing this forward to copywriting: If someone is interested in working with you give them 5 or 10 very good questions, even obvious ones (not studpid) via email. If he answers all of them you know there is more than just interest. Follow up with further specific questions, using his answers. Also helps to find out if you are the right copywriter.

Get them to send you something. Like a flyer or brochure. Do you have to follow up?

Make an appointment via email for a phonecall. I find that people who do not value your time or are not reliable are not suitable.

Ask them what kind of newsletters they subscribe to. Refer them to this one.

Hope that helps.
Regards Markus Trauernicht from Germany

Now, I have another question. I was reading through your insanity Chronicles\’ blog and a post got my attention. It was written by a lady had just been laid off and starting as a copywriter and asking for advice. In your reply, you told her about an ebook a friend of yours wrote and where he interviewed some marketers about the best move to take in such a situation ( 01-24-2008). Is there any way I can get my hands on that ebook?

Thanks for all this stuff! You\’re really an inspiration to us all.

I agree and disagree with you both. And, no, I\’m not running for any political office.

The difference between your approach and \”The Critic\’s\” I think is:

- You work primarily in direct marketing and, apparently, work direct with the customers.,

- IMH, most freelancers do not work that way – they are hired by graphic designers or agencies on a project basis for just the writing portion of a project. Negotiating a percentage deal just isn\’t a part of that world.

I hope this helps some. Maybe teaching us \”how\” to move into percentage opportunities is a direction you could take.

In the meantime, I would venture that 80% of the direct marketing/direct mail writing assignments are \”project\” basis only.

Thanks for all your great advice. And for taking the advice of your \”angel.\”

Wow, so many ideas and so little time! Since there\’s no way to cover so much in a few e-letters, will you be going in-depth on it at this year\’s Summit conference?

So the partner\’s characteristics in this instance was someone with insufficient working capital who had a potential killer product for an under served market filled with buyers eager to get their hands on valuable content. My contribution is implementing a product launch model with an amazing record of success, contributing ideas for back-end offers, suggesting value-added product bundles and continuity programs, with a bit of angel investing.

Continuous improvements and additions to my strategist toolkit will increase my value and ability to contribute to all my future business partners.

Thanks Clayton for encouraging this insightful dialogue with your readers.

*Frank is not requiring an NDA for his course and is encouraging us to implement Mass Control for our partners and clients.