10 Surefire Ways To Fail At Being A Copywriter
I am my own worst enemy. Yes, it’s true. I always get these great ideas, and often end up wasting time worrying about it. (What if…?) Honestly, it’s a glitch in my DNA. On the bright side, I’ve discovered the best way to fix it. I call it the ‘how many ways could I possibly screw it up’ game. I think of all the ways I could make it fail so that I convince myself that I’ll succeed. It’s almost a personal Jedi mind trick really.
Shall we play the game for all you soon-to-be copywriters? If you have been doubting yourself lately, why don’t you play along?
10. Ignore My Customer’s Specs
Having been in the customer service industry from the age of 12, ignoring the customer is WRONG. If customers are paying for something, they should have a say in what they get. Think of it this way: You freeze your tush off walking to the local coffee shop for your morning coffee. You wait in line, choose your favorite coffee, pay, and wait patiently for the counter clerk to make it. Wouldn’t you be a little hot in the warm-and-fuzzies if you received chocolate milk instead? How about if that person told you it was because milk is better? This doesn’t mean you can’t make a suggestion if you think of something better, but ultimately, it’s their buck.
9 Failing to Meet Deadlines
Sometimes crap happens. I recently had a software breakdown that left me with nothing but Twitter and IM to connect me to the outside world. In short, things fell apart. I had worked really hard to make things easier, and the breakdown messed everything up. Motivation is tough after that. It’s depressing really.
If you consistently fail to miss deadlines, you aren’t going to be very profitable. If you aren’t going to make your deadline, or if it looks like you’re going to miss it, say something. Even if that client decides to go elsewhere, they may come back because you showed them respect.
8 Failing To Prioritize
I hate to say it, but sometimes one project is more important than another is. I do the most important projects in my schedule first, and fit the rest in after that. I can complete the project when my brain is still fresh giving me the best chance at coming up with some ingenious idea (well hopefully anyway). I also find that if I get an interruption, it happens later in my day. When I have to stop working on a less important project, it isn’t as big of a deal because I can always go back to it.
7 Working When I Feel Like It
Self-discipline has to be the number one requirement for any copywriter. In one respect, you can work when it fits into your plans. If you only feel like working one day a week, and never on a consistent basis, making a $1000 a week just isn’t going to happen. Well, it’s possible, but not likely. We all have days when we don’t feel like working, but I’m of the mindset that if it happens too often, I may want to reconsider my career path.
6 Not Taking Time To Learn
Anyone who knows me has already found out what an information junkie I really am. I’m like Johnny 5 from Short Circuit: I need input, and lots of it. It doesn’t even have to be something profound, or on a specific topic. I’ve got a brain filled with all kinds of useless junk that sometimes comes in handy. I’m also a Google junkie. If it’s on the web, I manage to find it.
If you don’t take time out to learn, and catch up on what’s new in the world, eventually you wake up one day to a whole new world where you don’t belong. Besides, clients want someone who can offer them an edge, and what better way to do it. I’m always learning about writing, SEO, marketing, advertising, web design, and anything else connected to my work in an effort to improve my work.
5 Not Taking Time Out
Yes, I’m guilty. I rarely take time away little own off. I have to, and I know I do, but it isn’t as easy as it sounds. When you don’t take enough breaks away from your work, you get what I like to call brain rot. My brain fills with sticky glue that just won’t let me come up with the ideas I need to keep going.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re into Internet marketing, coaching, or copywriting, you will inevitably start hating your job. Too much is like not enough.
4 Failing To Concentrate On Quality
Eventually, we are all going to have a bad day. The trick is to make sure it stays down to one day, and that it happens as rarely as possible. Keep an eye on what you’re sending out, but also on your competitors. This isn’t so you can cut their throat. In fact, the reason is quite the opposite. My dear friend Glenn of Divine Write hosted a brilliant guest post by Carson Brackney entitled ‘Collegiality vs Competition: Why I Prefer Alliances to Hoses.‘ This explored that reason brilliantly. Learn from your competition and connect. You may find a best friend you didn’t know you had.
3 Underestimating Myself
I’d be the world’s richest woman if I had a dollar every time I doubted myself. In fact, I have a terrible fear of failure. While having some of this is healthy, you’ll never get anywhere if you don’t take the leap. This is also the entire purpose of this post. Every time I start thinking I can’t do this, I write down everything that will cause me to fail. When I go back through the list, I think of why or if I would do those things. By the time I get to the end of the list, the world looks a whole lot better. I keep those points for the future when doubt begins to creep back in.
2 Living In A Hole
I have a confession: I’m a terrible hermit in real life. I’m not much of a people person, and I hate leaving my house. In fact, I will even sweet talk and bat my eyelashes to convince hubby to grab the mail on the way home. It’s odd for me really. I can stand on stage at a beerfest in Germany (which have an amazing amount of people, and harsh music critics), talk all day to clients on the phone, but something about being one-on-one makes me feel like a mouse in front of a tom cat. I’ve talked with several online friends who all admit the same.
However, if you are going to make it writing online, you have to get yourself out there. It’s not only vital to finding clients and marketing, but for professional and personal support as well. My online connections are a priceless resource.
1 Not Giving It My Best
I can’t understand the person who spends a thousand dollars on a great website, sets everything up, attracts all kinds of business, and then can’t be bothered to follow through. I’m a firm believer that if you’re going to do it, then do it, but do it all the way. Half-hearted attempts are going to give you exactly that: half-hearted results.
Start your business for the right reasons. I guarantee that a writer who writes because she likes to do it will beat out the rich writer who does it purely for the money every time. It doesn’t matter how hard you try, your level of passion will show through your work. Make sure it shines brightly, and everyone benefits!
(image by carlsilver)
January 12, 2009 at 10:25 am | For the Writer | 8 comments
How To Succeed As A Freelance Writer By Learning How To Fail …: The best way to learn how to succeed as a free.. http://tinyurl.com/a8eg6z
Hi Angie, I met you on Twitter! We have a lot in common :
1) I have a confession: I’m a terrible hermit in real life. I’m not much of a people person, and I hate leaving my house
2) but something about being one-on-one makes me feel like a mouse in front of a tom cat.
In view of this I have learnt to nurture my online relationships. So glad I have met a kindred spirit!
That’s wonderful! Well…I understand the frustrations that come with that, but it’s so nice to know you’re not alone huh? I have Twitter to thank for a lot of important friendships. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I look forward to our future Tweets, and comments!
Angie
What a great post! Like Gina, I just “met” you on Twitter – amazing world, isn’t it? I gave this a stumble, by the way.
*smiles*
Michele
Michele’s last blog post..News: Top Health Blogger
Thanks Michele! Yes, Twitter has saved me a large number of times. In fact, it has given rise to new ideas, friends, connections, and help that I wouldn’t be able to do my job without. It is wonderful to meet you, and thanks for the visit!
Reading “10 Surefire Ways To Fail At Being A Freelance Writer” http://bit.ly/3GT2in
This is a fantastic post Angie!! Reading this post makes me realize just why you are such a wonderful person to work with – Don’t know what we’d do without ya!
Christine OKelly’s last blog post..How I Ranked A Brand New Site In Google & Yahoo’s Top 10 Within 3 Weeks
Awe thanks Christine! We make a great trio