Back in 1985 when I first started copywriting, the only helpI could find on the subject were books by Herschell GordonLewis, Bob Stone, David Ogilvy, and a few others. I didnteven look for books on how to build a copywriting businessbecause it never crossed my mind that one would exist.Since that time copywriters have access to some very fine bookson how to build their businesses, most notably books by Bob Bly,Steve Slaunwhite, and Peter Bowerman. But even these books cant help you when youre confused about how to make a projectmove forward thats stuck, or what to do with a clients new hire who doesnt seem to want to work with you.These are problems one of my coaching clients had last week,and I was able to solve both of her problems with onedocument that I have refined throughout the years and whichhas kept my direct response campaigns on target 100% of the time.This particular client reported back at our next session that everyone was thrilled with her idea, and the new hire became warm and friendly, and offered lots of eye contact.This is just one real world example of how personal coachingby a veteran copywriter can increase a copywriters businesssuccess. My clients come to me with all of the challenges, issues, and problems I encountered on my own for so many years challenges Ive overcome the hard way by making mistakes, spending too much money, and growing ever so slowly toward success.Today Im enjoying the benefits of working with some of theworlds most prestigious companies, of having many contactsin the industry, and being able to choose the projects I want towork on and reject those I dont.In recent years Ive helped many copywriters, mostly those whobecame friends. But now I have gone one step further by offeringmy services on a professional basis. Today I am coaching aseasoned copywriter on the best way to get more clients; foranother, Im getting her on track for earning more money; and fora third a newcomer to copywriting Im helping him createpowerful marketing materials. Rarely does a copywriter come to me with a single issue.Usually theyre trying to achieve a short- or long-term goal,so we set up weekly one-hour phone sessions with 24/7support in between. After each session, the copywriter (or graphic artist) completes homework that pertains to his or her goals. Issues common to the business of freelancing include makingmore money, getting more clients, getting paid what youre worth, and working for the companies or industries that respect copywriters and designers, and that pay well.Marketing is another area in which coaching is helpful. Copywriters grapple with getting samples and getting the resultsof their lead-generating or order-generating campaigns. They wonder how to go about doing a successful lead-generating campaign for themselves. And they wonder how best to sell themselves to a potential client once they do have a hot lead.Theres also things to know about copywriting that a writer may never find out about. For instance, do you know how somecopywriters are able to make millions of dollars each year? (Theycreate their own products and use their master copywriting skills to sell them.) Did you know that in some industries, you can get paid royaltiesfor writing a direct mail piece, just like book authors do? (Publishing and alternative health are two big ones.)And did you know that many high powered copywriters dont do all the work themselves? (Most of the famous guys use copy chiefs, sometimes as many as five, to go over an order-generating piece, until it has its best chance of winning in the mail, on the Internet, or in the case of a print ad, in a magazine.)If I had known what I now know when I started out in this fascinating business, I might have made different choices. But even if I had not, one thing is for sure, and thats that I would have achieved success much sooner.If youre ever in a quandary, or if youre goal-oriented and want to build a successful freelancing business as quickly as possible, now you know someone who will give you the support and information you need. For more on personal coaching for copywriters, designers, and other business freelancers, visit http://www.TheCopywritersCoach.com.
About the Author
A veteran freelancer and award-winning copywriter, Chris Marlow offers business coaching to new, aspiring, and seasoned businessfreelancers who want to accelerate their success. She can bereached via http://www.TheCopywritersCoach.com or via emailchris@chrismarlow.com. Publishers please respond to:jr-manager-thecopywriterscoach@earthlink.net Chris Marlow, 2004 All rights reserved.