Been a little slow on replying. Let's see...
@heavy: That's a tough question. Judging from your posts, you seem to have the potential. Oddly enough, though, there are some guys who drastically change their writing style when in a more "formal" setting (like articles, ads, etc.). The best way to figure it out would be to write a spec ad or two and see what others think--feel free to PM me if you do so, I've tried to help as many of the guys who've PM'd me as possible get started.
@jake1720: No problem, man--I owe you a PM or 2.
@RichieP: Good question. I'd have to go with "conscious empathy." The more that you can put yourself in the prospect's shoes, the more that you can tap into their fears and desires, and find out what makes them tick, the better. The problem is, if you get
too far on the side of empathy (like a lot of chicks do), then oddly enough you can start to lose faith in the product you're peddling, "Is it good enough?", etc. That's why I put the "conscious" part in there--if you're empathic, but remain grounded and centered, you're ahead of 90% of copywriters already. If you can get into your prospects' shoes enough to the point where you adopt their language and manner of speaking in your copy, it can even cover up a lot of technical flaws in your writing.
@Elance Guys: I don't want to derail the thread too much--I've never used elance to get clients, though I've contemplated doing so since I've heard it can be a goldmine if you play it right--there are apparently a lot of good companies willing to pay handsomely. The problem for me is that it seems like you have to give out a few "cheapos" to get feedback on those sites. I'd
really prefer not to have to lower my rates in order to build up a "rep" on a site like that, when I have an established track record and rates in real life. Don't think I haven't thought about it during slow periods--a lead source is a lead source.
@GeneralMayhem:
Quote:Quote:
One thing I learned is not to waste time working for asshole clients. I would tell him to fuck off politely. He sounds like he is going to be hard to please.
This is sage advice. Clients who want freebies are rarely good ones. There's a difference between doing a test project (at your quoted rate, minus maybe a discount for a first-time client) and "proving" yourself by working for free. Think of it like inner game--YOU'RE the prize. YOU can help these peoples' businesses. They should be LUCKY to have you work for them. The sooner you can internalize this (while maintaining a smile, providing excellent customer service, etc.), the better off you'll be.
@Darius: Thanks man, but I can do you one better--somebody posted the entire Gary Halbert letter archive on the Warrior Forum the other day:
Gary Halbert Archive
Hopefully this link stays active a little longer.
Think that's everyone--if I missed anyone, feel free to PM me. Good luck, fellas.
Vigo