What’s the Word: Creating a Theme For the New Year

This post is from Katy Tafoya, a teacher and a coach who finds joy in helping women claim their passion and expertise. She guides solopreneurs to make their lives and their businesses juicier, more fulfilling and more successful. She also leads the Val Gal quarterly networking dinners which are always open to the public and in the greater San Fernando Valley. If you’re ready to identify, claim and leverage your expertise and live your passion you can sign up for a a F.R.E.E. subscription to her weekly ezine at SuccessForSolpreneurs.com.

WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE? See Katy’s blog at SuccessforSolopreneurs.com/blog

“I’m a woman of very few words, but lots of action.” ~ Mae West

Happy New Year!

No, really, my wish for you is that this year you will discover and experience your HAPPY new year. So now that we’re a couple days in, how are things shaping up for you?

Have you made those resolutions? I’m not one for making resolutions myself. Like many folks out there, I found that I made these promises and within days, I’ve broken then. And then I feel crappy, like a failure for not being able to follow through.

So instead, I like to focus on setting an intention or a theme for the year. Following my mentor, Christine Kane’s advice, I choose a word (any word or short phrase) that can become the theme for my year. For example, in the past I’ve used, “let go,” “create,” and one year, “giggle.” I know others have used joy, love, peace, strength, bold, etc. The word can be anything that resonates with you, inspires you, makes you smile or motivates you.

I’ve noticed that for me, the word that I start the year with and the word that I end the year with, are not always the very same word. Take last year for an example…I started the year with “create.” My intention was to spend the year not only creating new products, new services and new business, but I also wanted to remind myself to BE more creative. I wanted to get out there and embrace my inner artist.

Well, about mid-way through the year, my word changed to “imperfection” (which I’ve no doubt you noticed as I wrote about it all the time). I realized that I couldn’t be very creative if I was always striving for perfection.

So to allow more creativity and moments of actual creation, I had to learn to allow imperfection. I had to just do it, and not stress how perfect it turned out. In my mind, it was better to have something out there imperfectly, than to have nothing out there at all because I was still stuck on making sure everything was perfect. This opened the world up for me. In fact, it brought me to this year’s word…expand.

This year I want to expand — my life, my relationships, my products and services, my presence and my business as a whole. I want to be BIGGER and BOLDER. I want to be more audacious and more approachable. I want to be the me I know I was put here to be.

At the same time though, I want to it to be easy and effortless. I mean why make it difficult, right? Which then brought me to the phrase — effortless expansion. This year will be the year for effortless expansion.

Will I change it up mid-way again? Quite possibly. It really all depends how things go and expand. Either way, I’m open to whatever sort of “expansion” the new year brings my way.

I encourage you to find a word that empowers you, brings you joy, has you feeling focused and in charge. It can be a short phrase. It’s not carved in stone, so don’t stress over this.

Get silent and see what comes to you. Then put that word up somewhere where you can see it throughout the day. Let it inspire you. Let it BE you. Then remember to live your life….with intention. And if all else fails, there’s always the 2012 Resolution Generator.

I’d love to know what your word or short phrase is for this year. Feel free to respond back to this newsletter or send me an email.

ACTION PLAN: Pick a word for your year and try it on for size. When it feels right, embrace it! 

I invite you to share a little about who you are, what you do and your successes as solopreneur by joining the conversation at the Success for Solopreneurs community.

I hope you enjoyed Katy’s post!
Amandah

Related articles

• To Get More Clients, Sometimes Less is More (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• The Business of Being Happy: Real Life Solutions to Add More Fun, More Focus and More Balance in Your Business and in Your Life! (life-accomplished.com)
• Trust Me, Affirmations Work (tonyadesigns.wordpress.com)
• The Lonely Solopreneur (coachtactics.com)

Monday’s Creative Writing Prompt Based on 2012

Happy New Year! It’s 2012, and according to the Mayans, it should be one heck of a year. I’m kidding. Who knows what happened to the Mayans and why they couldn’t finish their calendars. Anyway … Here’s a writing prompt based on 2012 and all of the whacky and perhaps not-so-whacky predictions.

Monday’s Creative Writing Prompt Based on 2012

You’re given psychic powers and can see what will happen in 2012, write a story based on your vision.

A Mayan shaman appears before you and says he has important information to share with you, what is it?

You’re outside one night gazing at the stars. All of the sudden you see flashing lights in the sky and a whiling motion. Did you see a UFO? If so, what does it look like? Write about your experience.

What predictions would you write for 2012?

Amandah

Freelance Writers Follow These 7 Steps to Write Catchy Headlines

I was supposed to attend Copyblogger’s Headline Clinic on Thursday, December 15, but I had a meeting regarding Event and Party Planning. Anyway … As a freelance writer, it’s important to write appealing headlines for your clients as well as personal projects such as blogs, newsletters, articles, teleseminars, webinars and so forth. Below you’ll find 7 steps to writing catchy headlines.

Freelance Writers Follow These 7Steps to Write Catchy Headlines

1. Know your target audience and write for them.

2. Write headlines that contain 40-80 characters.

3. Identify the problem and offer a solution in the form of a question. Example: How to Write a Newsletter in 5 Easy Steps.

4. Pay attention to headlines in the newspaper and online. See how they create a call to action or make you want to stop and read the post.

5. Use the headline formulas of Question + Problem = Solution or Question + Problem + Solution = Specific Answer.

6. Make a statement without making a statement. Translation: statement headlines can appear weak — use them in moderation.

7. Read gossip magazines (I know) to see how they write jaw dropping headlines.

Amandah

What Advice Do You Wish You Received before Becoming a Freelance Writer?

Like many freelance writers, I jumped in the deep end of professional writing with my eyes wide open. I didn’t have anyone to coach or guide me through the sometimes murky waters of freelance writing. I admit that it would have been nice to have had some ‘solid’ advice about freelance writing before I embarked on this journey. It would have been nice if a ‘seasoned’ freelance writer would have given me solid information about the business of writing. Oh well! Sometimes, it helps to learn as you go and learn from your mistakes.

Here’s the advice I wished I would have received before becoming a freelance writer:

1. Freelance writing is a business. It’s up to you, the freelance writer, to run your business. No one else will do it for you. Unless, of course, you hire outside help so you can work in your business not on it.

It’s important to know who your target market is. Also, it may be easier to write for a ‘niche’ market than trying to be everything to all businesses. It’s important to be comfortable with sales and marketing. If you can’t sell you and your writing services, who will?

A freelance writer needs to know how to create quotes, proposals, and invoices. Lucky for me, I have an accounting background and creating these types of forms wasn’t difficult for me. But what do if you don’t know how to do this? You could do a Google search or find forms on the internet and ‘tweak’ them.

2. Learn about web design and HTML coding. Tweaking your WordPress theme may or may not be easy. If you can’t afford to hire a professional web designer, learn about web design and coding or barter with a web designer. For example, in exchange for a clean and professional website, you could write blog posts and articles for the web designer.

3. Choose your domain name wisely. Is it better to use your name or a business name? What are the pros and cons? It’s possible that you could choose a domain name only to outgrow it. Before you setup your freelance writing website, conduct a ‘domain name’ brainstorming session and choose the name that’s right for you. Bounce names off of close, supportive family and friends. It’s better to do this then purchase a domain name that you really don’t like.

4. Learn how to write and submit query letters the first time. Let’s face it; there’s a lot of advice online about writing and submitting query letters. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Is there a right or wrong answer about writing and submitting query letters? It would have been nice to have been mentored by an experienced freelance writer who wrote and sent   query letters throughout the years. Fumbling in the dark doesn’t help.

5. How do you set freelance writing rates? This is another area where it’s completely gray. When you’re a new freelance writer, how do you know what to charge? What’s the ‘magic’ formula? Is there a magic formula? Most ‘seasoned’ freelance writers say there isn’t a ‘standard’ when it comes to setting rates. Personally, I think they forget what it’s like to be a newbie. New freelance writers could use guidance and solid answers when it comes to setting rates. It would cut down on the frustration of it all.

6. Where to find the right clients? This would have been extremely helpful. How did ‘seasoned’ freelance writers find their clients when they started out? How do they find their clients? Did they go through the yellow pages? Would a newbie go through Yelp? Did a ‘seasoned’ freelance writer drive through their local business park and write down the business names? What’s the 411 on this?

7. How to stick with freelance writing when you’re not earning what you expected to earn or don’t have a solid support system? What happens when you quit your job because you thought you could immediately earn the same amount of income or even more each month from freelance writing? What happens when you ‘jump into’ freelance writing without having a backup income? Are the ‘gurus’ who say, “You can earn a living doing what you love” wrong? Are they selling ‘pipe dreams? Are they doing a disservice to people? Ugh!

What happens when you don’t have the support of family and friends? How do you persevere and press forward? Connect with local writers through Meetup.com, the library or local bookstores. Sometimes, it helps to meet face-to-face with others who are experiencing the same situation as you. Of course, you can connect with other writers through forums along with Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media websites. Just remember — you’re not alone. There are other writers who probably feel the same as you do. All you have to do is meet them. Before you know it, you’ll have cultivated a network of writers and friends.

Amandah

What advice do you wish you were given before you became a freelance writer? Share

Related articles

• How Authors and Freelance Writers Brand Themselves on LinkedIn (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• Freelance Writer Dotted I’s and Crossed T’s: Query Letter Still Needs Work (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• Freelance Writers: Rebranding Doesn’t Have to be Painful (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• American Writers & Artists Inc. Announces Breakthrough Program for Landing Lucrative Clients as a Freelance Writer (prweb.com)
• Breaking Into The World of Freelance Writing (askepticaloptimist.wordpress.com)

Freelance Writers: Rebranding Doesn’t Have to be Painful

Freelance writers are no different than companies when it comes to branding. We have to creative a website, a web presence, and logo; stay on top of social media, communicate effectively with clients, etc. The owners or board of a company will rebrand because it could be time to go in another direction. Other times, a company will re-brand if it’s suffered a publicity scandal. Ouch! In any event, I’m no different than a company and have decided it’s time to rebrand me along with my portfolio site Savvy-Writer.com. Change is good, and I anticipate only good to come from my decision. With that said … my new, balanced name is Amandah Tayler Blackwell (Amandah Blackwell); it has a nice ‘ring’ to it. For business purposes, I’ll use Amandah T. Blackwell as my signature.

I was surprised at how common it is for solo professionals to change their name. Let’s face it; most actors and actress change their name or use a stage name instead of their legal name. All of us know that Norma Jean became Marilyn Monroe. Marion Morrison is best known as John Wayne. I can’t imagine the movie poster for True Grit with the words, “True Grit starring Marion Morrison as Rooster Cogburn.” I don’t think so.

What’s this: Did you know that some freelance writers and authors use ‘pen names‘ instead of their ‘real’ names? Some of the best-selling authors don’t use their legal names and or publish under different pen names. Some authors have five or more pen names. That’s too many for me!

You may be wondering how I came up with Amandah Tayler Blackwell. Well … I contacted a company in Vancouver, B.C. that specializes in business and personal name changes. It’s not a decision I made lightly. In fact, I’ve been contemplating changing my name for quite some time. Family and friends may need more time to adjust to the change, but I believe it’s in my best interest and look forward to the new ‘energy’ around my ‘new’ name.

How to rebrand your company

1. Life is constantly changing, nothing is stagnant. Embrace change, and it will embrace you.

2. Re-branding can breathe new life into a business and or take it in a totally new direction.

3. What is your mission? Why are you in business? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you embrace rebranding your company.

4. Talk to your clients/customers. There’s a reason why companies conduct focus groups — they want to know what they’re customers want and or how to improve upon products and services. You may as well go straight to the ‘source’ and ask, “What can we do for you?”

5. Ask for help. If you’re in a ‘niche’ that’s saturated, partnering with other businesses is a great way to expand your market.

6. Rethink your target market. Can you expand your target market without having to introduce new products and services?

7. Consider renaming your company. Did you know that Pepsi was first known in 1898 as Brad’s Drink? The name was changed to Pepsi-Cola in 1903 and later to what we now recognize as Pepsi. Talk about an evolution! Pepsi is well-known throughout the world, with many satisfied customers.

8. Communication is the key. It’s important to show and tell clients and customers ‘why’ you’re rebranding and how it will benefit them. Create a video, infographic, etc. Change doesn’t have to be hard — it can be exciting and take you places you could have only imagined.

Thanks for tagging along on my journey. I appreciate everyone who reads and likes Savvy Writing Careers!

Best,
Amandah T. Blackwell

Related articles

• Rebrand as Necessary: But wait, didn’t I just create it? (nadiacvanderhall.wordpress.com)
• When A New Name Is Bad PR: A Rebranding Gone Sour (crenshawcomm.com)
• Google To Rebrand Picasa, Blogger (smallbusinessmavericks.com)
• The One Thing You Can’t Forget When Rebranding Your Company (stevefarnsworth.wordpress.com)

How to Stop Writing Fairly Difficult Content

I received an interesting email from the assistant editor of the television network I write for. I was told I was a fairly difficult writer. I know what you’re thinking, “I thought Rebecca was professional; Rebecca doesn’t come across as a difficult writer; and I got the impression Rebecca meets her deadlines.” Of course, I’m professional! It’s my writing that’s fairly difficult to read. BTW: I almost fell out of my chair when I read that my writing is fairly difficult to read.

According to the assistant editor, “the formula uses a 100-point system based on the number of syllables per word and words per sentence.” An article that scores close to 100 is easier to read; the closer to 0 means readers will need a dictionary and other reference materials to help them understand the content. Adapted from Flesch, R. (1949). The art of readable writing. New York: Harper. p.149.

I had no idea that the network is using The Flesch Reading Ease Readability Formula. I never heard of this formula; I never knew it even existed. Apparently, “The Flesch Reading Ease Formula was created by Rudolph Flesch in 1948. He was an author, writing consultant, and supporter of the Plain English Movement. Rudolph earned a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University and advocated the return of phonics.” Who knew?

FYI: A score of 70 is estimated for readers with an eighth or ninth grade education. A score of 100 means content can be understood by readers with a fourth grade education. This isn’t ideal but it is what it is.

This was very fascinating to me, and I decided to test one of my articles from Savvy Writing Careers with Rebecca. I used the free online readability test from Readability Formulas.com and the article I chose scored an 80. It scored an 80 because it was the ‘typical’ list type of blog post which is very easy to read. 

BTW: I was told by a writing coach to write my screenplays for a ‘general audience’ that has at least an eighth grade education.

How to Stop Writing Fairly Difficult Content

1. Write more list and ‘how to’ articles and blog posts.

2. Always write content for the target audience; make sure you know who the target audience is.

3. Most people ‘scan’ articles instead of reading them. Keep blog posts and articles to the point and use shorter sentences.

4. Forget about using 50 cent and $1 words — use simple language

5. Use bold headings and sentences, bullet points and blurbs.

FYI: Did you know that newspaper reporters write their articles to be understood by readers with at least a fifth grade education?

Some writers may be shaking their heads from reading this blog post, but the fact-of-the-matter is this is reality right now. Some readers aren’t that skilled in English and grammar or they don’t have the time to read lengthy blog posts or articles. Always keep your target audience in mind when you write and most importantly, keep your freelance writing clients’ target audience in mind when you write.

*Statistics on this blog post are as follows:

Passive sentences 14%
Flesch Reading Ease 63.2
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 7.5 (readers with at least a 7th or 8th grade education can understand this content)

Rebecca

How difficult is your content to read?

Related articles

• How to Check the Readability of Your Writing With Microsoft Word (imittcopy.com)
• Microsoft Word’s Readability and AutoSummarizing Features (theeclecticreadingteacher.com)
• Enable Readability Statistics In Microsoft Word (ghacks.net)
• Can You Read Me Now? How to Make Your Copy More Accessible (comprehension.prsa.org)
• When Freelance Writers “Can’t Write” This is What They Do (savvy-writer.com)
• Welcome to Savvy-Writing Careers with Rebecca (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• Writing without the Use of Your Five Senses (savvy-writer.com)

How Authors and Freelance Writers Brand Themselves on LinkedIn

Authors, freelance, ghost and creative writers would benefit from listening to Greig Wells‘ (owner of Be Found Jobs) webinars on creating your brand on LinkedIn. Many business professionals use LinkedIn to find employees, contractors and freelancer writers. Linked In is the ‘go to’ website for professionals. If you’re uncertain as to ‘how to’ brand yourself on LinkedIn, follow the steps below.

How authors and freelance writers brand themselves on LinkedIn

1. Create a hook. As a writer, you’re familiar with writing a ‘hook’ when you submit a pitch or query letter to editors. It’s important to catch the eye of potential clients/customers/readers in 30-seconds or less.

Greig’s three-step process to writing a hook that works is as follows:

1. You know how a <Company> is always looking for <Insert the biggest problem in your industry>.

2. I solve this.

3. I do this by Unique Way #1 and Unique #2.

Here’s an example for a Freelance Writer:

You know how business owners always struggle to write optimized web content that converts visitors to customers.

I solve this.

I do this by writing unique, compelling web content using your keywords and phrases which lands your business on the first page of Google and draws visitors to your website.

2. UVP Power. This stands for Unique, Value and Promise. What makes you a unique freelance, creative or ghost writer? What makes you a unique fiction, non-fiction or YA author? What value do you bring to clients? What value do you bring to readers? Do you keep the promises you make? For example, if you promise to meet deadlines, do you actually meet them? If you promise to deliver a thrilling novel that takes readers on the adventure of their life, does your novel deliver?

3. The Proof. What proof do you have that you’re an expert in your field? Do you have testimonials from clients? Do you have testimonials from readers? Do you have testimonials from other authors in your genre? Remember, actions speak louder than words. This may be difficult for writers to read, but it’s the truth.

Other tips are: create a word cloud; connect with ‘Super Connectors’ (people with 500+ connections), have a solid call-to-action, and post relevant status updates that people will comment on. Join pertinent groups where you can share your expertise; voice your thoughts, beliefs and opinions.

What is branding? Through the use of your name, symbol, term, sign or combination of these, you create a ‘brand’ that clients/customers recognize as a resource that solves their problem. Remember, you’re in business to solve problems and market your products and or services. Therefore, your brand should reflect this.

As authors and writers, you’re familiar with tapping into the emotional side of writing. You can do this when you create your brand as well. For example, let’s say you’re an expert author on dating after divorce. You could use words such as pain-free relationships, self-esteem, self-confidence, independence, frustration, etc.

According to Greig, “The biggest mistake is building a brand that no one wants. Get to the core of the biggest problem facing a company or client.”

The advantage authors and writers have with branding is they know how to write. However, sometimes it can be difficult to create a ‘brand’ for your author website or freelance writing business. Think about hiring someone else to do this for you so you can concentrate on growing your writing business or finishing your first novel. Check out Greig’s profile on LinkedIn and see how his program could help you, even though it’s marketed to job seekers, branding is still branding. I’ve learned a lot from listening to Greig’s webinars. Check them out today!

Rebecca

Related articles

• 7 Points to Look for on Social Media Sites When Hiring a Freelance Writer (savvy-writer.com)
• Get it now: LinkedIn & Lovin’ It! (freelanceswitch.com)
• Freelance Writers Market Your Honesty to Clients (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• How a LinkedIn Endorsement Can Hurt Your Freelance Writing Business (savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com)
• The Challenges and Joys of Freelance Writing … Freelance Writer’s Perspective (savvy-writer.com)

R.L. Stine Shares the Worst Writing Advice Given to Writers

According to R.L. Stine, author of the popular Goosebumps series, the worst writing advice given to writers is as follows:

• Write from your heart.
• Write what you know.

When I read Zachary Petit’s interview with R.L. Stine in the November/December 2011 issue of Writer’s Digest, I was taken aback that Mr. Stine would say writing from your heart and writing what you know is the worst advice given to writers. Mr. Stine said, “Well, I hate it when authors come into a school and they say to kids, “Write from your heart, write from your heart, only write what you know, and write from your heart. I hate it because it’s useless.” Ouch!

Mr. Stine made a good point by saying, “I’ve written over 300 books — not one was written from my heart. Not one. They were all written for an audience, they were all written to entertain a certain audience.” Publishing is a business and most publishers are in business to make money; however, it would behoove them to understand that marketing and solving problems is a part of the business of writing as well. Authors are in the business of marketing their books and solving various problems from self-help to educating; from entertaining to inspiring. Again, it is a business.

R.L. Stine pointed out that if authors only write from their heart or write what they know, they’ll become blocked. This is true. Their imagination goes out the window along with pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. It’s good to try different genres, tones, voices and styles of writing. You won’t know what you’re good at if you don’t try it. And, you may find that you prefer one genre over another.

I’m guilty of telling writers to write from the heart and write what they know. Of course, this was the ‘friendly’ advice I was given; I passed it along to my fellow writers. Perhaps, R.L. is correct that writing from the heart and only writing what you know is the worst advice given to writers. Who knows … Then again, Mr. Stine is a famous and well paid author. Perhaps, he does know what he’s speaking about.

Rebecca

What’s the worst writing advice given to you? Share.

How Your Freelance Writing Career Can Help Your Kids

What fun would being a freelance writer be if life didn’t throw you curve balls now and again? Of course, some curve balls are not the types of curve balls you’d expect and some are not. I was just thrown a curve ball in the form of becoming a ‘surrogate‘ mom to my 15-year-old nephew. Did I see this coming? Yes and no. Yes, I knew that someday this could possibly happen; however, I didn’t think I’d be in the ‘thick’ of it. No, I didn’t think it would happen as I’m trying to build my brand and write my books. No, I didn’t think it would happen this year!

Thank goodness my nephew is a smart 15-year-old teenager. Now that he’s with me, I can untangle the webs that were woven into his precious little mind. I won’t preach, lecture or spew my ‘dogma’ every day; however, I’ll teach him how to ‘think for himself’ and use his mind for success. Luckily, my nephew is conscientious and actually listens to what I have to say. Imagine that!

How your freelance writing career can help your kids

1. Educate your kids about languages and writing.  I will educate my nephew about languages and the art of writing. I’ll show him how he too can use his creative mind and write eBooks, fiction, YA, non-fiction, travel, etc. His favorite class is Home Improvement. He can write an eBook for teens on How to Build a Model House Frame. My nephew’s good at drawing and could provide the illustrations as well.

2. Teach your kids to love reading. My nephew dreaded reading The Great Gatsby over the summer. Of course, I almost fell over when he said, “I have to read this long, boring book.” My response was, “The Great Gatsby is a wonderful classic novel that’s been made into many movies (big and little screen).” He still dreaded reading the book.

I may not convince my nephew that reading classic novels could benefit him; however, I’ll reiterate that reading is a privilege. To know how to read is one of the doorways to freedom. Reading is a great way to escape the daily monotony of life. Reading is a great way to educate one’s self. I’ll teach my nephew that reading and implementing what he’s learned can lead to a successful life.

3. Go with the flow. I learned a long time ago, “What you resist persists?” Stuff happens in life. You can either deal with it in a rational, calm manner. Or, you can allow your emotions to run the show. Either way, you’ll get what you expect. However, you won’t help your kids if your emotions run and rule your life. You’ll drive them and yourself nuts!

I’m learning to go with the flow. I’ll write during the day when my nephew goes to school. I’ll write when he does his homework or hangs out with his friends. If I need to write at night, I’ll do it. I’m somewhat of a night owl anyway. I’ll work it out somehow. I’m reminded of what Louise Hay says, “Out of this situation, only good with come.”

Rebecca

How to Get Freelance Writing Clients without Selling

Most creative, freelance and ghost writers don’t like sales and marketing; they’d rather have a root canal! However, you can’t get around sales and marketing. Is it possible to get clients/customers without selling? The answer is “Yes You Can!” The key is to be yourself and stop wearing a ‘mask’ of what you think you should be.

According to Executive, Small Business, Career and Personal Life Coach Bill Barren, “You must close the gap. The gap is potential clients who want to travel from where they are now to where they want to be. They’ll travel with you. If you master this, you can increase the number of clients and customers. You’ll have fewer consultations and be able to increase your fees if you want to.”

“Imagine that potential clients/customers are sitting on one island but want to get to another. The island they want to get to is the one where you’re at — where you solve their problems(s). You are the captain of the ship that will take them to your island.” ~ Bill Barren

Questions

1. Where are your clients? Most are on the isle of the here and now; clients want to move away from this island.

2. What is the isle of full potential?

3. What’s stopping clients/customers from getting their business/website to where they want it to go?

4. Closing the gap — establishing you (copywriter, blogger, writing coach, social media expert, etc.) as the closer. You’re (blogger, writer, writing coach, social media expert, copywriter) the one who’ll help your potential clients close the gap.

Example of closing the gap — A health coach

A health coach has a client, a woman, who wants to leave the isle of being overweight. The woman wants to weigh 115 pounds again. The dead weight is tiring, and she doesn’t want it anymore. She’s anxious about her weight. The woman likes it when people notice her. She’s frustrated and fed up and is looking for a health or fitness coach to help her. This is where you, the health/fitness coach, help the client discover how to get from where she is to where she wants to be. You, the health/fitness coach, will help the client close the gap because you have the perfect boat (product and or service) for the client to get to where she wants to be. You’ll create clarity within the client.

The above example can be applied to your creative, freelance and ghost writing business. It’s important for potential clients to understand what you can do for them. Be an active listener. What problem are you solving for them? Do they need an eBook? What about blog posts? How about a series of articles? What about white papers? Really listen to what potential clients need and want.

Some potential clients may say, “I don’t have the money right now. I can’t pay your writing fee.” Give them ‘free’ resources and say what you have to say. Show and tell potential clients what you can do for them and then be silent. Clients usually have a disconnection from what they want in their business and where they’re at. Give them time to ‘think’ about what you said. Believe it or not, they’ll hire you.

Take-away

1. Work with the creative, freelance and ghost writing clients you want to work with.
2. Attract the clients to you.
3. Master the ‘inner game’ and boost your confidence. Clients want to work with people who are confident.

Rebecca

Related articles

• Tips to Writing an eBook That Leads to Sales … Hire a Freelance/Ghost Writer (savvy-writer.com)
• 7 Benefits of Hiring a Ghost Writer (savvy-writer.com)
• The Challenges and Joys of Freelance Writing … Freelance Writer’s Perspective (savvy-writer.com)
• 7 Tips for Handling Freelance Writing Clients (savvy-writer.com)
• What Doesn’t Attract Clients and Customers (savvy-writer.com)