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
Recovery 2007-08-08 17:44:00 Hmm...there isn't a whole lot to update you on! I've been working my usual daily contract gig and am exhausted by the time I get home. Between the continuous volume of work, the two hour mass transit commute and the never-ending pain in my body (from the car accident), I am just plain wiped out when I arrive home. I do my best to focus my energy and thoughts on work and healing my body. I'm getting there!So here's a brief update...just the basics:*still in Denver*still looking for ad agency work*still in pain*small claims court process starts next week (I am suing the man who hit me)And that's about it.I'll find some great copywriting updates for you and post before the end of the week. You deserve more than a few lines about my life! Read more:Recovery
Feeling the Fever 2007-08-28 22:29:00 Well I know it's been 10 days since I wrote - I was in Wisconsin for most of those days and upon my return to Colorado, I came down with a bad viral infection. I've got a high fever, chills, aches and a sore throat.Wish me a speedy recovery!! I'll give you a proper post when I'm better.All the best,Lara Read more:Feeling
, Fever
What's the single greatest asset a copywriter can have? 2007-08-29 21:20:00 Many copywriters have pondered this question but few have managed to nail it as simply and elegantly as Daniel Levis in this edition of The Total Package.Do you have the key ingredient for great copy?! Read on and find out.All the best,Lara Read more:single
Why me? 2007-09-18 21:46:00 If you've ever had a significant occurrence in your life perhaps you've pondered that same question: Why me?I certainly have asked that question once or twice in my life. After spending the last 3 months without a car I've been pondering that same thought. Why me? Why now?But instead of asking those words, I've found it easier to ask: What can I learn? How does this serve me?Those questions are a bit easier and a whole lot less self-pitying which is a waste of energy.For some of you not having a car may not seem like much of an obstacle; it may seem like a luxury. And yes it is a luxury but it was one I was accustomed to.I've been pondering what I can learn from all of this and I've found many, many things. All of which are positive (of course because I've chosen to see the positive in them but that's beside the point or maybe it's in addition to the point....I digress).Being without a car has made me depend on others and I've now seen how incredibly independent I am.And I'v
A Personal Note from Robert Bly 2007-09-05 22:34:00 Remember when I told you I received a personal response from Bob Bly? Remember when I said I would post it here?Yeah that was 2.5 months ago. Shame for shame.Here it is...finally:My note to Bob Bly (he asked for what we would like to see/read more of in his newsletters):Hello Bob!I enjoy all of your shared insights, thoughts and tips but along with RK I truly love your personal musings. I'd love to know more about how you've become who you are (again, agree with RK..you are an icon).In particular, I'd love to read more of your personal stories and insights you've gained through different experiences.Thanks so much for sharing with us!All the best,Lara Kay LoestBob Bly's Response:Thanks ... I will work on delivering what you've asked for!I wish I could figure out how to do a screen capture because I'd capture the email message itself and post it here for you. But again my technology savvy falls short. Read more:Personal
, Robert
, Personal Note
The easy way to do things... 2007-10-02 20:51:00 Awhile back I learned it's easiest to find someone who's an expert at something and then pay them to help you. This strategy works best when you don't know the fastest, most efficient & best way to get something accomplished but you know it has to be accomplished.So that's the approach I took when I bought my new car. I found an auto broker with a ton of car buying experience.He helped me find exactly what I was looking for and yesterday, I got my new car.The entire process was 1,000x easier than my first car buying experience. In both situations though I took the decide, commit & act approach. I decided what car I wanted and for how much then I committed to buying that car and eventually the car came into my life.It worked like that for my new Jeep Liberty but this time I let someone else shop, price & finance it for me! It was a cakewalk.Anyway, it sure was fun to let someone else do the hard stuff and pay him for it. I like doing things
that way and I think I'll con
Another one... 2007-10-14 16:45:00 Ok it's my last survey of the day, I promise! But gosh-darn do I love these things. Here goes...***100 Nosey Questions*** by longtallsally28The BasicsName: Lara...you'll have to ask to get the rest ;)Age: 31Month of birth: MayAny Siblings?: yep - 2 in my fam, 7 total (long story - weird family tree)Parents still married?: my dad & stepmom are yesOccupation: copywriterDo you like your job?: ah, I like the freelance work and the day gig is decent.Any pets?: My roommate's dog HeadyHair color: dirty blondeEye color: blueShoe size: 6.5Any Tattoos?: not yetAny Piercings?: yep - 5 in my earsCurrent mood: intriguedCurrent wardobe choice: sweatpants, cute T and a sweatshirt with sneakers. It's cold out!!What are you listening to?: the crappy TVWho did you last speak with on the phone?: SeanWhat do you currently smell like?: Olive leaf soap & lotion - it's wonderfulLast....Movie you watched: Cold Creek ManorMagazine you looked at: Rolling Stone with super hot David Beckh
Wow 2007-10-20 22:45:00 That's one of the words I'd use to describe the past 2 days. Wow. Incredible. Amazing. Profound. Real. exciting. Exhilarating - however it's spelled. True, truth, awareness. If you don't know, I've spent the last 2 days in Atlanta, GA attending James Arthur Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend. The simple fact that I was even at this event is incredible. It cost me roughly one month's income/salary. That seemed unattainable to me earlier this year. I've been a fan of James since I saw him in The Secret. Within a few short months I promised myself I would invest in this weekend.And I did. I made it happen. It seemed almost too big of an investment for me to make this happen. I'm so thrilled I did. I'm even more excited to implement the things I learned. What did I learn you might ask? Far too much for me to write here but I can give you a few of the points I took away from tonight. Tonight's discussion was about money. We played a game where we took out as much cash as we chose (bas
Breaking the Board 2007-10-23 16:08:00 So I promised you a recap about how I broke a wooden board with my bare hands. Well one hand to be specific! I'm not sure I can adequately walk you through the details of it so I'll give you a brief overview. Basically we spent about an hour preparing for the actual act. We mentally prepared (James walked us through the act and we watched movie clips (Braveheart, The Edge). James told us about other people who had succeeded - people like a 65+ year old woman with arthritic hands so crippled she couldn't open them. Or the quadriplegic who couldn't even lift his own arm.They all broke their boards.And they did it because they followed James' instructions exactly. He said that if we did exactly as he told us to do, anyone could do this. And he was right.Now that we were mentally prepared,we began the emotional / spiritual preparation by writing down a limiting belief we currently hold on one side of the board. And on the other side, we wrote a new and supportive belief we were going Read more:Breaking
, Board
Where's that silver lining? 2007-12-10 22:27:00 I don't know where it is exactly but it's around here somewhere. Everybody tells me it is and my heart agrees so I know it's true.Why am I looking for a silver lining? Because I didn't get the copywriter job in Boulder. The one I had my heart set on. The one my gut told me was right for me. The one that would have made good use of my creative abilities and paid me 10K more than I make now. Yeah that one.*sigh*I got the news this afternoon and I was crestfallen. I fully understand the meaning of that word after the way I felt. I was so completely sure it was mine. But it isn't.So now I am waiting and looking for the my silver lining. It's there and I will see it soon. This I know. I know it's true because when I set an intention or ask for a wish, I always add "this or something better" to the end of it. And the universe listens and responds in kind. I must simply trust. It will grant me the "something better" soon and much sooner if I let go of my sadness and grief about the Web
Wanna blog? 2007-12-21 17:10:00 You all know I love to write which means I like to blog because it's an extension of writing for me. So when I saw this link, I jumped on it. It's from the good peeps at Simpleology and it's a fun way to profit from blogging. I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.It covers:The best blogging techniques.How to get traffic to your blog.How to turn your blog into money.I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
James Ray from The Secret in Denver 2008-03-03 14:04:00 You've read my posts about the weekend I spent with James
Ray last October ( and -board.html). Now he's coming back to Denver
to share his wisdom and teachings. I saw him last summer at this same event and he was great. :) You can check it out here: me - I'll be there!
You've got to check this out... 2008-02-01 12:25:00 For the last several weeks Clayton Makepeace has given his Total Package readers some terrific info (all for free). Each Monday he's been sending us articles on how to freelance copywriting is dead in the water and strategic marketing partnerships are the only way to go in today's economy. Whether or not you agree with him he always has great advice & insight. Here are links to two of his articles. DO read the comments sections on both as there are avalanches of information. The most recent article:#commentsWhere it all began:-makepeace/six-figures-is-chump-change.htmlIt's well worth the investment of your time. Enjoy!
Happy New Year! 2007-12-28 13:14:00 With the new year just around the corner most people are making resolutions. Personally I don't use the new year as a reason for a resolution; I prefer to make my resolutions throughout the entire year as I see fit. Regardless I have decided 2008 is already a fantastic year. Instead of trying to explain that thought process to you, I found this writing by Bob Perk. Below is a repost of the email sent today. Please keep his details if you share it.All stories copyright 2007 Bob PerksToday's message:"The Echo"by Bob PerksYou hear so much about memories at this time of year. From Thanksgiving Day on we are bombarded with the ideathat we are not only making memories but somehow building upon them. It is the sites, sounds and smells of the holidays that trigger vivid flashbacks for me. The t Read more:Happy
, Happy New Year
18 Minutes to Change Your Life 2008-03-24 10:39:00 I like this video quite a bit so I thought I'd share. It's Jill Bolte Taylor's recollection of her stroke. She's not just any woman though - she is a neuroanatomist. It's fascinating to hear a scientist recount an experience with "nirvana". It's interesting and thought-provoking. Here's a link to Marie Forleo's blog entry where I originally saw this video. Hopefully I've embedded the video properly but in case it doesn't, click the link. Read more:Change
Where's Your Gunk Coming From? 2008-04-07 16:09:00 This is an interesting article by Michael Fortin. He discusses his path to copywriting (beginning as an insurance salesman and eventually hanging his own proverbial shingle as an independent freelancer and eventual business owner).In the comments section someone asked Michael about his opinion on college education vs. real-world experience.He makes interesting points for both sides and I've always been of the belief that college was an important part of a person's education but it is definitely not the last step...nor is an MBA or a PhD or any other advanced degree. Learning is a lifelong process. To be a true student of your craft (whether that's copywriting or another craft), studying is a necessary part of your growth and development.All great leaders in this world are great readers. Wh
What Do Gardeners and Potters Have in Common with Copywriters? 2008-04-10 10:44:00 Most artistic expressions have similar correlations that can be drawn between them (or so I believe).For the last few weeks, I've been gardening: I'm growing sprouts for lavender, basil, oregano, tomatoes and peppers.And this past Tuesday I began a pottery class.I've uncovered lessons in both practices as I believe both gardening and pottery-making are true art forms...as is copywriting.So what are the commonalities? How are these 3 things like the other? (I can't help it a song just popped in my head- the Sesame Street song "One of these things is not like the other"!). Are these 3 things alike or not?They are in several ways including learning to be present, tapping into patience and accepting and believing that something new will be transformed from the current state we are working with Read more:Gardeners
, Common
I Rock 2008-04-14 11:28:00 It is a rare day when I pat myself on the back (mental note: give myself more praise, more often) but Friday was one of those days.A few weeks ago while browsing the web site for Longmont Free University (a local community "college"...they offer classes to enrich the community but very few are for credit in the traditional college sense), I checked out their writing classes. They currently offer a few of the more creative type like how to write a villain & hero/heroine for your novel, etc.What I didn't see was a course offering how to actually make some money as a writer. The proverbial light bulb went off in my head. :)I decided there may be a few other people who enjoy writing and enjoy getting paid. I thought they would be interested in learning how to do just that: write and make s
Harmonic Wealth 2008-04-28 15:19:00 Well I'm sure you've read my other posts about my HarmonicWealth
Weekend experiences with James Ray (check here and here if you haven't).When you'd like a taste of it for yourself, pick up James Ray's new book "Harmonic Wealth". James discusses his book in this short video. Enjoy! :)
My class 2008-04-29 12:28:00 Remember the class
I'm teaching this summer? Well here's a link to sign up: copy got chopped a bit on their web site but I'm creating posters onmy own and I'm going to put them up in libraries, coffee shops, etc. Fun stuff!
Interesting Post 2008-05-06 16:50:00 I belong to Copywriters Board forums and this is an interesting blog post by one of my fellow forum members. She discusses the different types of writers out there including definitions for copywriters. Check it out here.
Sharing Without Saying a Word 2008-07-11 09:45:00 The greatest expressions don't come through words but through actions. This story and video is a heart-warming example of the power of actions by just one man. Here is your Friday story,Be sure to watch the video at the end of this story.Free Hugs"Do you want a hug?" The young man asked Ginny. He held a sign in his hand, "Free Hugs." I looked around. There were other people with him. They held the Read more:Sharing
Zap! Boom! Pow! Use Will Smith's "Magic Formula" to Ramp Up the Selling Power of Your Copy 2008-07-10 14:37:00 Since it has been an eternity since I have posted on this site (must improve posting efforts!), here is a great AWAI article for you to enjoy:By Guillermo Rubio, AWAI Staff CopywriterWill Smith
has made Hollywood history.And his personal "magic formula" can accelerate your growth … and income … as a copywriter.His most recent film, Hancock, has raked in $107.3 million since its release last we Read more:Magic
, Formula
Last Lecture Professor Dies 2008-07-25 11:26:00 At times I post news on this site that doesn't seem directly or overtly "copywriting" in nature. Today is a day like that. But as I have expressed in the past, always remember that any sort of communication that evokes a response has a copywriting lesson in it. The nature of copy is such that it is a form of communication designed to evoke a response. So here's your lesson for today:Randy Pausch,
What's Your Reality? 2008-08-13 12:33:00 This is an interesting and completely accurate discussion regarding reality - how we shape it, how we change it and how we create it. Hopefully it will provide you with some additional insights:-levis/find-your-flow-state-for-more-effective-creativity.html#comment-6074
The Underdog 2008-08-11 15:28:00 I'm always a fan of Underdog
-type stories - who isn't? - so I especially enjoyed Jason's quest. You can read more about it here: -marketing/friends-help-me-topple-the-gurus.htmlBlessings,Lara
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