Is It Time To Act?

In This Issue:

• Main Essay: Is It Time To Act? by Krista Jones
• Resource Referral: Get the Edge
• Quick Copy Tip: Two Ways to Get Reluctant Prospects to Say “Yes”

Is It Time To Act
by Krista Jones

Have you ever purchased a gym membership, but then cancelled it after only a few months? Ever wished you’d followed your childhood dream of becoming an artist?

Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life that either pulls us forward or plagues us.

Some people call the difference between our two lives fear. Others call it laziness. But to me, it’s because we’re undecided…uncommitted. We won’t take sustained action until we’ve committed to an ideal or goal.

I know indecision very well. It has kicked my butt more times than I care to count. I’ve quit meditation practices, businesses, yoga classes, and diet plans simply because I didn’t commit to them before I started.

Matter of fact, I’m questioning my commitment right now…

See, after many years of hearing about the Sedona Method—a unique technique that shows you how to let go of unwanted or painful feelings—I finally decided to order it. I started it a few days later, but then…as is often the case…I got caught up in the details of my life. Now this 6-CD program has been sitting in my room for three weeks running without a single play.

This despite the fact that I really wanted that program. I am convinced it contains the solution to most any problem where I continue to be stuck.

Of course I’m not the only person who has doled out hundreds of dollars for some “thing” before getting completely knocked off course.

It’s common knowledge that most people who buy self-improvement products don’t put them to good use in their lives. (I’d quote you the exact percentage but I can’t seem to put my hands on the right resource that will reveal that little golden nugget. Of course that will change soon once our research expert finishes putting together our research course!)

The fact that we don’t act on the things that can help us—even when they’re right at our fingertips—speaks volumes as to how our minds can get the best of us!

Thankfully, for one of the few times in my life, I had totally committed to becoming a copywriter before I purchased the copywriting program. So when the program arrived, I didn’t even let it get cold. I opened the package right away and laid out a schedule for completing it. And I got it done…one lesson at a time. It felt good—my commitment made all the difference in the world.

So I have a question for you: Are you sure you want to be a copywriter?

If you’re still toying with the idea of living the copywriter’s life, then do nothing until you figure it out.

But if you are sure, then you should be eager to do what it takes to become the best you can be. And that means getting your head around the actions you need to become an A-level copywriter.

If late at night you have ever experienced a vision of the person you might become and the life you could lead, then you know what inaction is. And what it can do to your life.

You and I both know that my copy of the Sedona Method and your copy of AWAI’s program—or any other copywriting resource that might be gathering dust on your shelf—won’t do us a bit of good until we take advantage of what they can offer us.

So, I’ll make you a deal. I promise to get started on the Sedona Method this week. And you pledge to take an action that will get make you a better copywriter next month than you are right now.

Deal?

Kick indecision and inaction to the curb. Be one of the few people who finishes what they start, and gets a chance to enjoy the unlived life that they dream of. The fact that you’re taking the time to read this e-letter bodes well for you. Keep up the good work.

I’ll let you know how I’m doing on my end of the bargain, and I hope you do the same. I look forward to hearing from you.

Resource Referral: Get the Edge

Monica and I have pledged to tell you the unabridged truth about what it takes to become a six-figure copywriter as quickly as possible. So I’m going to tell you something you may not want to hear: During my first year of studying copywriting, I invested $5,500.

I hadn’t planned on making that kind of investment, but one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you have to invest in yourself to become an A-level copywriter.

I’m certainly not suggesting that you drop $5K to get your career started. But I am saying that if you really want to become a top-notch, in-demand copywriter, you’ll have to continue to do what any successful company does: pump a percentage of your profit (or take home pay) into Research & Development. Yes, even if you’re on a shoestring budget.

If you’re not sure if you’re on the right track, ask yourself how much of your take home pay you spent in the last year for resources that will make you a better copywriter next year than you are today. The answer shouldn’t be zero.

Monica and I have talked a lot about AWAI’s basic program, which provides a fantastic foundation for getting your career started. But if you truly want to master the profession, you should enroll in the revised Master’s Copywriting Program.

What I liked most about the Master’s program is that it made things really “click” for me. As I worked my way through the program, writing copy came easier and far more naturally to me. I could go on about all the benefits of taking this in-depth program. But you know how we feel about AWAI’s courses by now—and what taking these programs have done for our careers. Suffice it to say that if this is the field you want to take you to the top, I strongly recommend that you find a way to take this program. You can get more information here: www.thewriterslife.com/masters/cpcw

Quick Research Tip: Two Ways to Get Reluctant Prospects to Say “Yes”

When you’re hungry for work, you might be tempted to tout your skills, schmooze, or just plain beg for work. But rather than approach prospective clients, partnerships, or other relationships that can boost your career from the perspective of what they can do for you, make it clear what’s in it for them.

The easiest way to get people to give you an assignment is to make them feel like they have nothing to lose. You do that by finding a way to make it a win/win situation—an agreement will be mutually beneficial.

This type of agreement could take many forms. A couple of suggestions include agreeing to do the work on spec or offering to do the first assignment at ½ your normal fee. And there are many more creative things you can do to make the other person feel like he can’t lose. Find ways to do that and you’ll get work faster than you might think.