Owner: Becoming a great copywriter URL:http://goodtogreatcopy.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:00:15 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: My Journey To Become a World Class Copywriter Site statistics:Click here
Sleepy Sunday 2007-05-27 16:39:00 What a lovely day!! I feel rested, refreshed, rejuvenated.I spent the morning washing and cleaning my much-neglected baby, Kala...most of you would call her a Toyota Rav4 but I call her Kala (sounds like Kuhla) because she's my doll. I missed my car so much when I was back in Wisconsin that I wanted to give her some TLC today. I ran errands, played with the cats, etc and after I grab a quick snack I'm going to send out more thank you notes for the giveaway gifts I've gotten.I'm quite thankful for today - it's been an excellent day and it's only going to get better because I'm off to dance the night away with some of my Cozumel friends. It's a foam party!! Don't know what that means but it sounds too fun to pass up!Happy holiday weekend.Create an even better tomorrow.Lara Read more:Sleepy
, Sunday
Books, books, books 2007-06-02 16:37:00 Not much going on in my world. Yesterday I contacted more ad agencies in the Denver metro area. I also picked up Timothy Ferriss' "The 4-Hour Workweek" at a local bookstore. I haven't started it yet as I'm also working on "The Attractor Factor" and am only half-finished with Joe's terrific book.I love to read and I'm excited to apply the information in both of these! Books are fantastic and reading will always be one of my favorite pasttimes. I highly recommend it!That's about it from here - I'm off to a toga party tonight! Enjoy your weekend.Create a nice day,Lara
Quick Update 2007-05-31 23:30:00 Just a quick update - not feeling very good at the moment.I spent the day looking up ad agencies in the Denver area and sending my information to them. I've got another 30-40 on my list so that is exciting. Next week starts the follow up and hopefully the interviews. Keep your fingers crossed for me!Tomorrow I'll send more emails to the agencies and more thank you notes for the giveaway gifts. There is plenty to do and it's up to me to do it!Enjoy the Clayton Makepeace article below and I'll talk to you tomorrow.Create a nice day,Lara Read more:Quick
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, Quick Update
I'm A Thief! 2007-05-31 15:17:00 Yep that's right, I steal. And I steal good stuff...now I'll share it with you.Here's another brilliant article by Clayton Makepeace as it originally appeared in The Total Package. Since I haven't figured out how to repost the article, I'm just providing the link.Enjoy!Mind Games: How To Program Yourself for Total Success! Read more:Thief
Under the Weather 2007-06-05 00:11:00 I'm feeling quite sick tonight so your update will happen tomorrow. I spent most of the day applying and contacting ad agencies. I've made a few contacts in an effort to learn more about the local advertising scene...it seems to be quite different than Milwaukee.Wish me luck.Create a nice day,Lara
Super Sunday 2007-06-04 01:33:00 Today was another lovely day! I worked a bit, made some contacts about copywriting jobs, emailed other people to thank them for their giveaway gifts and generally enjoyed the day.I'm still reading The Attractor Factor so I thought I'd pass along another terrific article by Joe.The book provides a five-step process to attracting whatever you desire. This article is a great look at one of the most essential parts to manifesting your wants. Enjoy!Here it is... Read more:Super
, Sunday
Could This Thought Make You Happier? 2007-06-07 22:19:00 I didn't realize I had missed writing an update yesterday...penance for me.Clearly it's been busy around here. I've got a few projects I've been working on for my local copywriter friend, a few emails and quotes to put together for potential new clients on top of my full-time job search ... not to mention taking care of my friend's house and her two mischevious cats...one of which escaped into the backyard the other day. They are NOT outdoor kittens.For the most part though I've been handling the stress fairly well. I have faith that everything will unfold perfectly and fall into place. I am simply and completely committed to my quest for a full-time copywriting job with an ad agency (or something even better!!).Tomorrow I am following up with a friend's contact and meeting for drinks with another local agency contact. It has occurred to me that I have picked a tough market in Denver.Be that as it may I will persevere. If I end up moving somewhere for a kick ass agency and an ev
Letting Go 2007-06-05 22:50:00 Today I had decided to spend the day working on a few projects and relax my focus on the full-time job search (and relax the worries too!). And when I did, I got a call from a potential new client. She saw my response to her request for sales copy assistance and liked my samples.So I called her back, we talked for awhile and I'll be sending her our recommendations by early next week.It's nice when unexpected surprises like that light up my day. I was happy to talk to her, she's a fellow Wisconsinite with some interesting and exciting projects in the works. It'll be great fun to help her and watch her business expand.It seems things unfold when I relax and let go. So I'll follow that plan of attack from here on out.That was one my day's highlights. The other was a conference call with Joe Vitale by Healthy-n-Wealthy. Joe gave a great talk about his life, following your inspiration and his new book Zero Limits. It was a fun and uplifting hour.Now I'm off to bed...it was another e Read more:Letting
When Is It Too Much? 2007-06-11 21:10:00 Today I realized I have a tendency (strong tendency) to push hard when I'm worried about something. All that pushing stems from my lack of trust and now that I recognize my habit, I can fix it.And therein lies my next hurdle: when am I pushing too much? And how much is enough?I'm still figuring that out but I understand when I feel anxious, overwhelmed or scared...that's when it's time to let go.I did my best today and I'll keep reaching and improving.On top of that internal struggle, I spent today contacting ad agencies, following up with specific people from those agencies and arranging meetings. I don't have any solid leads but I'm confident something will come through soon.My next worry was whether or not to simply move to a better market. I have to make up my mind on this one and then commit to it. I just haven't gotten to that point yet.Ideally I would be offered a full-time copywriting position either here or in Chicago while I'm still living in Denver. I'd be happy to
It's Not Where You've Been But Where You Are Going 2007-06-10 23:28:00 That is all that matters - your focus and intention on where you are headed. It's a mental shift I've had to make and have to make daily. Well not every single daily but at least weekly. It does change how I act, where I focus my energy and my thoughts.Just some food for thought. I'm currently reading Timothy Ferriss' The Four Hour Workweek and Wallace Wattles' The Science of Getting Rich. Both are fascinating reads I recommend!In addition to reading those books (haven't finished either one yet), I spent the morning and the majority of the afternoon at a nearby lake learning how to windsurf. It was so fun!!! I had a fantastic time. I'm excited to go again soon!!! I'll post pics when I get them.That's about it for me. I'm going to spend the week contacting agencies, following up with two potential clients and somehow working out my living & work situation. Somehow it will all come together, of that I am sure! I've much improved in my ability to simply have faith in the creati Read more:Going
Weekend Update 2007-06-09 23:59:00 The last two days have been a whirlwind of networking, social engagements and settling back into my house (for the next 3 weeks til I'm kicked out).Last night I met with a local ad agency guy who shared his thoughts on great agencies around here and the not so great ones as well. It turns out Denver is 23rd in the US in terms of agencies. 23rd. I think Chicago is probably 3rd. *sigh* At least I got the inside scoop on where to target my efforts and he gave me a few names.I really want this to happen...or something better. I'm taking part in Joe's 30 day experiment and the end goal I'm concentrating on is landing a copywriting job with an agency. I didn't set a specific location so I'm open to relocation.For the experiment all I needed to do was to get clear on the goal (preferably write it out in present tense) and then meditate on it for the next 30 days. And during the meditation I am to focus on feeling as though it has already happened and I am feeling the feelings associated Read more:Weekend
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Quick Update 2007-06-13 23:18:00 Well it was a busy Wednesday so I only have a few minutes to update you.I had a chat with a potential client today and I hope we've been able to provide some direction and support for her. The challenge in new clients (one of the challenges I should say) is helping them without doing things for them. I cannot figure out what a business marketing plan should be nor the direction for them to take. I can provide feedback and resources. However there is a tendency to provide consulting...and that should not be free. I have a challenge in that area as well.Most small business owners are simply self-employed...they aren't business owners at all. There is a huge difference between the self-employed and a small business owner. Anyone who tells you they are the same thing is full of horse manure and you can tell them I said that.A business owner spends time outside of his/her business, consistently evaluates their business from a non-bias perspective and can easily hand the reigns over to a m Read more:Quick
, Update
, Quick Update
So Long Denver, Hello Chicago 2007-06-12 21:59:00 Well I asked the Universe for a sign today. I asked to receive a positive sign if I was supposed to move to Chicago
because I was leaning in that direction. And receive I did.I won't go into what the sign was because it's personal but I did make the decision today.Now my next step is to commit and by commiting, I have to choose a date. I need to form a timeline for my decision. I'm thinking by August 15th but that's not firm. I have to be in Wisconsin for a wedding the last weekend of August so it seems silly to fly home for a week only to fly back...and then move to Chicago. In other words, life would be easier if I were to be back in the Midwest before the wedding.Ugh. Midwest. I'm going to avoid saying that from now on and just stick with Chicago. It's about the only city in that region I find interesting. But the market is great and it's a metropolitan town with great cultural events, fun night life with an urban vibe - all of which I love.So that was my revelation for the d Read more:Denver
, Hello
Windsurfing! 2007-06-16 22:44:00 Since you didn't get any updates for several days I'm giving you a couple of posts in one day. How cool is that?! :) I promised you windsurfing pictures and here are a few of me. It was a blast!!!
Wow! 2007-06-16 22:25:00 I thought I had updated you on Thursday but it seems I didn't and I apologize. I appreciate that you are here now! So on to your update...Thursday was much of the same...I spent the day temping, had dinner with a friend and that's about it. Friday was a repeat except instead of meeting up with friends, I sent my information to ad agencies. I also contacted my friend's brother who works for one of the big agencies - at least he did the last time I checked anyway.This weekend I'm spending some time contacting people I know with direct ties to Chicago so as to line up housing. I plan to spend a week there next month and during the week I'll interview with as many agencies as I can! It should be fun. Chicago is a terrific city - summer especially!I'm also posting this article about copywriting to ezines and the like. Hope you enjoy it!3 Quick Questions to Improve Your ResponseDon’t have time to rewrite all of your marketing materials? Need to better focus your copy? These three que
Can you be a copywriter? 2007-06-20 23:16:00 Clayton Makepeace is arguably one of the best out there...he's definitely one of my teachers. He took some time to discuss advice and tips for any of us interested in pursuing copywriting as a profession/career/vocation.Since he is one of the masters, it's worth your time to read (and re-read as I did today).Enjoy it here.
Hot Stuff 2007-06-19 23:09:00 Yes it's hot here today ... and about 10 degrees hotter in my office because it's upstairs. Time to get a fan going in here...the sweat on my legs is running like the Mississippi at its southern mouth. It's flowing fast!Just the usual update for today: spent the day temping and am exhausted from moving and unpacking boxes, closets and things. I'm glad to have the work because I like the income though.In the evening I emailed a few people about Chicago, listed my furniture for sale on craigslist and did a search for info on Vernon Howard. I'm working on a small project for my local copywriting friend about him. Not finding a great deal about his early years though and that's the info I need!Things are progressing on the Chicago side. I've got a place to stay for a few nights in July and August. My friend's friend's works in the ad biz there so I'm eager to talk to that person and learn more. Keep your fingers crossed!In other news, I'm moving out either the 1st weekend in Jul
Moanday Monday 2007-06-18 23:02:00 It is pretty tough to work all day, take care of a house and then find time for job searching/apartment living/figure-out-what-I'm-going-to-do-in-the-next-few-weeks-type planning as well. Not to mention updating this blog for you!I met with a local freelance copywriter to learn more about his career path. He worked for a few of the biggies (JWT, Leo Burnett, etc) and spent almost a decade in Chicago. Currently all of his clients are ad agencies he has worked with in the past (or has become acquianted with over the course of his advertising tenure). He doesn't solicit clients, he just picks up overflow projects from a variety of agencies.He also recommended I consider a semester or two of school at a specialized advertising school so I can build my portfolio...that or I find a young art director to team up with and conceptualize spec ads.Great input and insight on his part and I'm exploring both the school and the team concept options.My next step is to contact more agencies, talk to Read more:Monday
Moving... 2007-06-24 11:53:00 Well it's official, I have 7 days to move out my house. I'll have temporary housing for the next 1-2 months while I plan the Chicago thing. It's a bit stressful and uncertain but it will be okay no matter what.So this week will consistent of a lot of packing, selling and donating. I'm getting rid of anything I don't absolutely need because I'm paying to ship it to Chicago.It'll be a good exercise in clearing the junk out of my life!! Read more:Moving
That John Carlton Is One Salty Dog 2007-06-28 19:59:00 Now I know why John Carlton
signs everything "Stay frosty"! He is salty. If he were a woman I'd say he's sassy but he's not so I'll call him salty instead. It's a much more masculine adjective. :)This is an entertaining post on the advantages of long copy over short copy. Check it out - I guarantee you'll learn a thing or two. All of his posts enforce my firm belief that he is a master. I love his copy. Enjoy.Create a nice day,Lara Read more:Salty
Midweek Mover 2007-06-27 21:36:00 It's been a long week already. I've spent my nights packing and my days at a temp job. Granted this temp job was pretty easy - my only responsibility was to answer phones. They rarely rang so in essence I simply had to show up.Anyway, the move is underway. The first big step is to spend a week in Chicago and I booked my flight today. I'll be there from July 23rd through July 29th. Wish me interviews!I'm continuing to expand my network and asking people to contact their friends for me. So far I've been introduced to one woman with Leo Burnett - that is exciting! I'm thrilled to talk to her and hopefully her contacts as well.Enough about me, it's time for another brief educational tip! In this article, Clayton, the Man, Makepeace shares his thoughts on fully utilizing copywriting techniques. Enjoy! Read more:Midweek
, Mover
Busy Bee - That's Me! 2007-06-30 23:10:00 Yep, it's been busy around these parts. I'm packed and ready to move...it's going to be hot though! I've got at least 4 friends coming over to help so hopefully it will go quickly. And my new place has a pool so you know how I'll be spending my afternoon. :) :)Also I may have limited Internet access for the next few days so my posting may be spotty but I'll do my best.So for now, adieu! Rest and be well.Create a nice day,Lara Read more:Busy Bee
T-Bone 2007-07-02 21:36:00 Sadly I don't mean the steak. T-bone is when someone smacks into the middle of your car and the accident forms a T-shape.It's what happened to me today.I'm ok but am shaken up and very sore. Fortunately the other driver hit my passenger side and not the driver side. I would have been seriously injured or worse if he had hit me instead. Thank heavens for that.However my car (Kala as I call her) is not in good shape. She is in the body shop as we speak. It is one of the only nights she has not been with me.I am sad and miss her.She is my baby and has been with me through many big life events like moving here to Colorado! We have conquered fears, mountains and mangy men together!! I have named her Kala which is Hawaiian for princess. She's the princess and I'm the queen (queen b**ch to some!).There's a possibility she is totaled because of her age (10 years, 152,000 miles). I hope not but if that's the case, I will simply take the insurance money and move to Chicago with it. I thin
Today was a day of ups and downs.
Although the in... 2007-07-09 22:55:00 Today was a day of ups and downs
.Although
the insurance company hasn't officially announced it, my car appears to be totaled. My baby Kala has died and is going to RAV4 heaven. I will miss her. She was the first car I ever bought and completely paid for all by myself.In fact, she's the only "big ticket" item I've ever bought and paid off myself. My parents helped me with my education and I have no real estate or other significantly large material holding.*sigh* But the plus side to losing Kala (sounds like Koohla, it's Hawaiian for "princess"), is that my insurance company is going to pay me for her. I don't know exactly how much but it will be a few thousand dollars. Those few thousands will be my ticket straight to Chicago.And continuing on the positive side, I have a 30 day contract to work for The Sports Authority starting on Wednesday.It's as a special projects copywriter! Cool right?! I'm excited for that, it should be a lot of fun. The pay is better than my other temp job Read more:Today
For some reason I cannot enter text in my title bo... 2007-07-07 13:27:00 For some reason I cannot enter
text in my title box so I apologize.Saturday MusingsHere's a great interview with Caleb O'Dowd, a fantastic copywriter who mentored under the late Gary Halbert. He shares his insights on marketing, writing copy and million dollar ideas. He's willing to be there are several floating right under your nose at this instant.Check it out here.
Silver Linings 2007-07-06 11:33:00 Napoleon Hill said...and I paraphrase...all adversities carry a seed of opportunity. It's a wonderful thought I keep tucked away in my mind for days like yesterday.Yesterday morning I found out the man who hit me doesn't have insurance and my coverage doesn't include medical. My insurance will cover my car damages but that's it. Personal injury lawyers can't help me because at this point I would have to go after the individual who was at fault and not his insurance company (or mine).Because no insurance company has done wrong, lawyers won't touch my case. I'm still exploring but it seems civil court is my only alternative here in Colorado. That option doesn't seem worth it because my injuries are minor. With some chiropractic help I'll be back to normal - hopefully even better than before!I'm still in a bit of pain so I'm going to see a friend this afternoon. He has a background in both Western and Eastern medicine. He'll help me figure out my best options and can recommend Read more:Silver
Wanna Know 3 Things You Can Do Each Day to Be Successful?? 2007-07-17 10:09:00 I read this very interesting post on David Garfinkel's blog today. It's about daily habits of successful people including the 3 things Warren Buffet does every day.Since Warren is currently the 2nd wealthiest man in the world I thought it was worth reading. :)Enjoy!I promise a more thorough update in the next day or two...including the personal response I received from an email I sent to Bob Bly!Create a nice day,Lara Read more:Wanna Know
Where Have I Been?! 2007-07-27 15:52:00 Yikes! 10 days without a post..sorry...extra apologies because I promised a longer post and never delivered. :(Honestly you haven't missed much - just the usual daily contract gig which has been pretty good. I also signed up to attend James Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend in October.But this week has been cool!I have been in Chicago since Monday night (23rd) and am enjoying my week in the city. Because of the car accident and the pain I've been living with since, I was not able to set up as many interviews as I had planned.Since picking up my contract job, I've also been on the fence about leaving Denver. It seems silly to leave a city where I have a fairly good-paying gig as a copywriter to move to a city where I do not have any job - contract or otherwise - nor a place to live nor any good, close friends or family. (My family is 2.5 hours away by car).From that respect I decided to come here, see what happened this week and simply enjoy myself. And I have!I've been to the Contempo
Some Cool Copy! 2007-08-09 22:32:00 Do you know how Robert Ringer is? He's a self-help legend and best-selling author. In other words, he's damn good.Did you know he loves the copy on this page? He had this to say about it:"Don't know how I came across this link,but I'm obliged to tell you that it's really excellent ad copy. I rarely compliment anyone's copywriting, as most of the stuff out there is schlock. But if you wrote thisyourself, my hat's off to you. Good to see quality stuff for a change."See the copy he's talking about on Joe Vitale's page. It's right here.
Forgiveness 2007-08-09 22:24:00 It has been a rough few weeks and I've had to learn how to forgive myself for my limitations. Currently I've been pushing myself to look for ad agency work (freelance or full-time), look for a new apartment, consider looking for a new car AND figure out how long I'm staying in Denver.Today I realized I need to let go and be where I am and simply be happy with it. I was beating myself up today for not accomplishing very much in the last 2 weeks.Then I realized how ridiculous that idea really is: I'm still in physical and emotional recovery from the accident. I spend close to 12 hours of every day either going to, coming from or being at my contract job. Isn't that enough???My physical recovery has become mentally and emotionally difficult. I do not have the energy to go out at night so I stay in (often by myself), on the weekends it's tough to go places so I stay in or stay close to home. I'm not enjoying the outdoors as I normally do and that has become a mental burden as well ( Read more:Forgiveness
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