If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you already know a little something about the term branding, or at the very least have heard it’s something important you need to start doing. The problem is that many people think branding is simply slapping up a logo and being done with it.
Um… no. Not quite.
Redefine your definition of work- this is huge in my opinion. So many people grew up in the era …
We are by nature, creatures of habit. When you look back on your life, and closely examine the things you do it’s a sure bet you will notice quite a few habits…
This letter is courtesy of fellow copywriter Rick Duris who is also a fellow Warrior on the Warrior Forum. I think he has some great points in this letter than a lot of marketers need to hear, and he gave me permission to share it. Warning: Somewhat long, but a great read regardless. Thoughts and comments are welcome!
Dear Fellow Marketer,
Like you, I am a marketer.
But at my core, in my heart, I am a copywriter. I get paid thousands per sales letter and email. Frankly, even more than the late, revered Gary Halbert, the Prince of Print.
Many online marketers frequent this forum to find that one, special, gifted copywriter who has what it takes to write copy for them.
It’s to *YOU*, this post is directed.
Everyone should have goals for their business, whether personal or professional. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that without planning you plan to fail. That said, here are 12 things I think are important goals to set for yourself and your biz. These are 12 things I strive for myself, and feel could be a good fit for you as well.
I am sure there are plenty of other important things I’m just not thinking of at the moment, so if you have ideas of your own, please leave them in the comments below. I’d love to hear them and I’m sure the rest of BGB’s readers would love to hear them as well!
1. Map out a business plan. Even if it’s a loose one, you need SOME sort of plan this year to keep your business on track, measure your goals, and reach milestones. Make your businesses milestones specific, attainable, and set a deadline to reach them. Use a mindmap, write it down on paper, or go ‘whole hog’ and create an honest to goodness business plan. (With a little help from a professional if you need it!)
So in the last post, Self-Employment: Do You Have What It Takes? I introduced the topic and discussed a bit about what it really takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Now here are 8 traits that many of those who are successfully self-employed share in common… let’s see how you rank. Make sure to leave your comments in the box below and subscribe to my RSS feed to keep up with new posts.
8 Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs:
Sure, self-employment sounds glamorous. You envision working for yourself, ditching the grind of a J.O.B., making oodles of cash, and doing it all in just one day a week! But the reality isn’t quite so glamorous, nor is it achieved in working just one day a week. At least not when you start out at any rate! Unless you’ve had a different experience than me? If so do share! 🙂
The reality is that being self-employed really takes a special kind of person. It takes someone who is dedicated, motivated, and disciplined or is at least is all three of those things the majority of the time.
Pass out flyers at your local mall.
3. Place your biz cards under windshield wipers at your local Walmart.
4. Pass out business ‘buttons’ to everyone you meet.
5. Hand out pens to people you meet.
6. Create simple welcome gifts to give to newcomers with your
Coffee and Convo… Let’s Chat!
I created this post because, let’s face it… you really can’t get to know someone in a 140 characters or less. And that’s kind of crappy because the point of Twitter is to connect, get to know people, and build relationships! So to that end, I thought I’d post a little about me so that you can dig around and see a bit of what makes me tic.
Your next freelance copywriting client could be worth $1,000 to you. Or it could be worth $10,000 or more.
It’s up to you.
No, it isn’t the luck of the draw. No, it isn’t about the economy. No it isn’t about competition from other freelancers.
If you think the value of your next freelance assignment is determined by external factors, you’re just making excuses. It is determined by you.
Alpha freelancers have a plan. They know where they are going. They have a goal and a set of waypoints to reach between where they are now, and where they want to get to.
Having a plan, and a goal in mind, means that every action they take is considered and deliberate. They don’t accept assignments that happen to come along. They seek out assignments that will help them achieve their goals.
