Copywriter Wanted...Step Up And Read All About It!

29 replies
Hot off the press.

Big Honcho Internet Marketer has put a bounty on a copywriter.

The amount remains a secret at this point in time,
but sources close to him say it is considerable.

Here's his bounty notice seen around town...

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Wanted!

Aspiring superstar writer to help Rich rock the online business world!

Here's what you need...

Must be able to think! To grasp high-level concepts, stimulate and contribute ideas, pinpoint key details, and create compelling deliverables with "Ah-Ha" moment power.
Must be able to write! Persuasively and influentially and be willing to re-write until a project meets Rich's high standards. Proficiency in "direct response" skills a must.
Must be flexible! The ability to adapt to different kinds of projects is a must. There's no telling what you'll be delivering to the online world.
Must be a self-starter able to manage your schedule! Able to take initiative - but also to take direction. (If you need someone to feed and burp you, this position isn't for you.)
Must be results and goal oriented! Working fast, hitting deadlines, and getting results is the name of the game.
Must be a team player! No hot-heads, big mouths, primadonnas or mammoth egos.

If you think you're up to the challenge, here's what you need to do: send an email with your resume, cover letter and ONE writing sample to Janine at jshea@strategicprofits.com.

Put "Strategic Profits: Writers Call-Out" in the subject line.

We'll review all your submissions. If we like what we see, we'll be in touch with a special writing challenge for the next step.

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There you go, a Rocking Ad!

Best,
Ewen
#copywriter #read #wantedstep
  • Profile picture of the author Jay White
    I wrote for Rich for many years. It was an unforgettable experience, not to mention an incredible marketing education that has multiplied my own business several times over.

    If you want to work for the guy who taught most of the big players how it's done, jump all over this.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
      Originally Posted by Jay White View Post

      I wrote for Rich for many years. It was an unforgettable experience, not to mention an incredible marketing education that has multiplied my own business several times over.

      If you want to work for the guy who taught most of the big players how it's done, jump all over this.
      Agreed - seems like an excellent window of opportunity for a sharp, talented up-n-comer.

      Instead of dealing with a parade of boneheads desperate for a win, you'll be working with an organization that has the reach, expertise and resources to fully leverage your creative output.

      All it takes is ONE GREAT CLIENT to completely transform your career as a copywriter...

      Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    As great as an offer as this is for any copywriter who applies
    it puts you in a disadvantaged position. All of a sudden
    you are begging "pick me, pick me!"

    Don't you think that Rich knows where to find the copywriter
    he is looking for? So why write an ad for one?

    I'll leave you to work that one out for yourself.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      Here is a huge red flag:

      we'll be in touch with a special writing challenge for the next step.
      Translation: We want you to write something for us for free.

      Jump all over this if you want to be exploited.

      Even junior copywriters should get paid for their work.

      Marcia Yudkin
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    • Profile picture of the author Studio13
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      As great as an offer as this is for any copywriter who applies
      it puts you in a disadvantaged position. All of a sudden
      you are begging "pick me, pick me!"

      Don't you think that Rich knows where to find the copywriter
      he is looking for? So why write an ad for one?

      I'll leave you to work that one out for yourself.

      -Ray Edwards
      Indeed Ray. I saw through it as well. Nice angle, not biting though.
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      • Profile picture of the author Doceye
        Sounds like someone (and I don't give a whit how well-known they are) thinks they can con desperate newbie/intermediate-level copywriters into doing the "pick me" dance.

        I hope I'm wrong ... but with the economy the way it is worldwide, I've seen an ugly rise in these "opportunities" the last couple of years.

        If anyone's interested in you writing for them, they should be just as interested in making sure you're paid ... up front, and on the back end.

        Remember, the presumption is these folks are smart enough to pick someone whose writing will make them money. And if that's the case, there has to be money to pay the scribe who helped them make it. Not some *******ized version of a beauty contest.

        If they try and make a competition of it, guess what's in play? That's right, your time and your money. Not their's.

        Word to the wise: pass on this. Too many other real opportunities out there.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Spotting, attracting and cultivating young talent is one of the greatest forms of leverage you can have as a business owner.

    Why ask why?
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Some see opportunities where others see only holes...

    It's all a choice of perspective.

    Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    He could do with a decent recruitment ad writer for starters.

    "create compelling deliverables with "Ah-Ha" moment power"

    "Must be a self-starter"

    "Must be results and goal oriented!"

    - straight out of the book of clichés.

    Ho hum...back to the creation of my compelling deliverables.
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    • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
      He's using the "challenge" recruitment ad used by Chet Holmes to recruit the best sales people.

      Brad Sugars uses it to recruit franchisees for Action Coach, the worlds largest
      business coaching organization.

      It's used to test strength of character.

      First step is to draw in the high achievers and repel the rest.

      Next stage is to test them to have the cream of the crop left standing.

      Now the recruiter has only the best to work with.

      Actions of the applicant get found out under pressure
      so nasty surprises get found out fast.

      Bit of inside information for you.

      Best,
      Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Gee Whiz...

    Someone posts an opportunity for an aspiring copywriter and everyone cries "exploitation" foul. Guess what? Every friggin thing in this world has a price. Imagine actually responding to this offer and working in someone's stable for a while.

    You might actually learn someting about marketing and writing. You might actually be able to hone your skills to the point where you didn't have to be a staff writer. You might even discover you're really good at copywriting and pick up a bunch of high-paying future work from the person who's alledgedly exploiting you. It's called paying your dues.

    But pay no attention to me. Continue to beat the victim drum. You'll find plenty of people who'll sing right along with you. Better you just get out there as a new writer and start offering your services for $5000 a letter. Yep. That'll work. *throws up hands in disgust and frustration at the sheer stupidity of some people*
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    • Profile picture of the author Studio13
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Gee Whiz...

      Someone posts an opportunity for an aspiring copywriter and everyone cries "exploitation" foul. Guess what? Every friggin thing in this world has a price. Imagine actually responding to this offer and working in someone's stable for a while.

      You might actually learn someting about marketing and writing. You might actually be able to hone your skills to the point where you didn't have to be a staff writer. You might even discover you're really good at copywriting and pick up a bunch of high-paying future work from the person who's alledgedly exploiting you. It's called paying your dues.

      But pay no attention to me. Continue to beat the victim drum. You'll find plenty of people who'll sing right along with you. Better you just get out there as a new writer and start offering your services for $5000 a letter. Yep. That'll work. *throws up hands in disgust and frustration at the sheer stupidity of some people*
      Wait a minute. So from your perspective, is a diet coke loaded with toxic aspartame an opportunity to lose weight? Is a whoring yourself on a street corner an opportunity to make some extra money?

      Woo to those who trade their liberation for alleged "security". Who moved my cheese anyway?

      You don't need to "pay your dues" to anyone. Your dues are paid by your own judgement of your merits. I might just as easy throw my hands up as well.
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        He's using the "challenge" recruitment ad used by Chet Holmes to recruit the best sales people.

        Brad Sugars uses it to recruit franchisees for Action Coach, the worlds largest
        business coaching organization.

        It's used to test strength of character.

        First step is to draw in the high achievers and repel the rest.

        Next stage is to test them to have the cream of the crop left standing.

        Now the recruiter has only the best to work with.
        I do not agree with this logic or method for copywriters.

        Copywriters do not need the aggressiveness and ability to withstand a million "no's" that sales people need. Therefore this weeding method, for copywriters, will not necessarily yield "the best."

        Indeed, it's quite likely that "the best" copywriters don't even enter the game.

        I do agree that this opportunity could be right for someone who is able, ambitious and desperate about their ability to get a foothold in the world of the person running this challenge.

        Marcia Yudkin
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        • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
          Marcia,

          Whether we agree with this method or not for recruiting
          top talent, it works for fast growing organizations founded by
          Rich Schefren, Chet Holmes and Brad Sugars.

          Best,
          Ewen
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          • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
            Ewen,

            Of course, people can use whatever recruitment methods the market will bear. My point is that it's a fallacy to say that this method yields "the best" where copywriters are concerned. The willingness to submit to this kind of (to me) degrading contest (if I have understood it accurately) and the ability to shine in that arena have very little correlation with copywriting talent. Those are personality and choice issues. Those who do decide to play this game should do so with their eyes open.

            (And lest you think I am exaggerating when I call this degrading, I can tell you that I quit my first career as a college professor in large part because I saw the faculty tenure process as degrading and I was unwilling to submit myself to it. )

            Regards,
            Marcia Yudkin
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      • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
        Originally Posted by Studio13 View Post

        Wait a minute. So from your perspective, is a diet coke loaded with toxic aspartame an opportunity to lose weight? Is a whoring yourself on a street corner an opportunity to make some extra money?

        Woo to those who trade their liberation for alleged "security". Who moved my cheese anyway?

        You don't need to "pay your dues" to anyone. Your dues are paid by your own judgement of your merits. I might just as easy throw my hands up as well.
        Yeah, right. You can take your bogus analogies and stick them in your garden with the rest of the weeds. I don't know much about diet Coke or whoring myself. We're talking about an opportunity to get into the fast lane of copywriting. I've laughed and will continue to laugh at people who stand on some foolish, bogus self-pride ivory tower BS principles while others recognize opportunity and jump on it.

        The world is full of broke-ass fools who actually think self-judgment of their merit actually means something. Well, it doesn't. A proven track record of success means something. And you get a track record by getting in the game, not by sitting around whining about how unfair the game is. But that's okay. Go about your business as you see fit. Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author MissLauraCatella
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Better you just get out there as a new writer and start offering your services for $5000 a letter.
      Yesss. People should just do this and let the market tell them where they stand.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay White
    Wow, the backlash on this is astounding...but I guess everyone is a little skittish in this day and age.

    Anyway, I just talked to Rich and he wanted to clarify something: He's not just looking for just a "copywriter" but somebody who can jump in and be an integral part of the company. Product development, marketing, scripting, you name it. He wants somebody who can do the copy work when needed, but also add a lot more expertise to the mix. More like a partner than an employee.

    That's how it works with Schefren. He doesn't treat you like the "copy guy" or "copy gal". You're a part of the whole process, and your input on ALL aspects of that process is valuable.

    And as far as the "work for free" angle, that's not the case. Rich needs to know if you're on the same page with him, the way he communicates, etc before looking long term. How do I know this? Because I went through an "audition" of sorts several years ago myself (for which I was paid, and paid handsomely) over a 72 hour write-a-thon in his South Florida office. It was a whirlwind experience, but at the end of those three days, we had a retainer deal in place.

    I wasn't exploited. I could still take on other clients. I didn't have to do the in-house thing (except for the occasional all-expenses-paid trip down there for an event or important meeting. Can I just say there's worse places to be than South Florida?) And being known as Rich's email copy guy opened LOTS of other doors for me, including some rather large ones.

    Plus, I made a good friend. Spent time at his home, got to know his family. An all around wonderful experience. We're going to reconnect at the AWAI bootcamp in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to it.

    So be skeptical if you want. But Rich is the real deal. And this is a great opportunity. Will you click with Rich like I did? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's certainly worth looking into.
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  • Profile picture of the author Doceye
    Certainly Jay's clarification via conversation with Rich helps illuminate this further.

    Maybe even makes it a more palatable beauty contest.

    But I agree with Marcia, Studio13, et al, that this is far from the best method available to find talented, experienced writers.

    And when you factor in Mr. Schefren's obvious notoriety, this becomes, at least to me, even more confusing. Meaning why isn't Rich tapping his own (almost certainly) considerable circle of contacts to fill this position?

    To give someone new a break? Could be.

    Or it could be thinly veiled usury. As some feel it might be.

    And that's why this feels like golden opportunity to some, while others view this thing with considerable doubt.

    But to get angry and roar that this situation can only be viewed through one possible accurate prism, is near-sighted in the extreme.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Pardon the cliche... nothing to lose and just perhaps a lot to gain by taking this a step further.

      I mean, why not?

      At the very least, I might receive a pointer or two to push me further in the right direction for the future. And who knows?...

      This pointer could be worth it's weight in gold in the long term, all for the sake of a little time investment.

      Strange that so many of you view this with such suspicion given Rich Schefren's business track record. Very odd.

      Hmmmm.
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      • Profile picture of the author arfasaira
        Every time someone says they want to test on spec or something similar, everyone throws their arms in the air.

        The way I see it, it's horses for courses. We have the same problem every time someone mentions a job site such as Elance.

        I'll be honest with you - I will try any and every opportunity I can to get more work because right now, I'm not in a position to be picky. I've had three long term contracts from work on Elance - and all three ended up on retainer (two are STILL on retainer).

        Back in March, I submitted 'spec' work to an agency in the Middle East....and this agency not only paid me an excellent rate for my work, but kept me on their books and have now hired me again for October...at DOUBLE the rate I originally asked for.

        Sometimes it's about proving your worth to someone - which yes, admittedly can get everyone's hackles up and make them see red, but heck, we aren't all so lucky to walk into work worth thousands of dollars.

        But - isn't that similar to a job interview when you spend a day at an assessment center and go through a series of rigorous tests before they hire you? Spec work is not too dissimilar.

        Yes you can argue all you want about it, but I see it as an opportunity to showcase your work under pressure and to show your potential client that you're a good fit for them.

        I second what others here are saying about seeing an opportunity. In this day and age, unless you're John Carlton or so in demand that you can afford not to have work on for several months at a time, there isn't anything wrong with taking whichever opportunity you can to garner more work - hence why I am constantly booked months in advance.

        My guess with this position is that it's most likely in-house which is why I'll be checking first...and if this is remote, then you can bet your house on it that I'll be applying.
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        • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
          Originally Posted by arfasaira View Post

          Every time someone says they want to test on spec or something similar, everyone throws their arms in the air.

          The way I see it, it's horses for courses. We have the same problem every time someone mentions a job site such as Elance.

          I'll be honest with you - I will try any and every opportunity I can to get more work because right now, I'm not in a position to be picky. I've had three long term contracts from work on Elance - and all three ended up on retainer (two are STILL on retainer).

          Back in March, I submitted 'spec' work to an agency in the Middle East....and this agency not only paid me an excellent rate for my work, but kept me on their books and have now hired me again for October...at DOUBLE the rate I originally asked for.

          Sometimes it's about proving your worth to someone - which yes, admittedly can get everyone's hackles up and make them see red, but heck, we aren't all so lucky to walk into work worth thousands of dollars.

          But - isn't that similar to a job interview when you spend a day at an assessment center and go through a series of rigorous tests before they hire you? Spec work is not too dissimilar.

          Yes you can argue all you want about it, but I see it as an opportunity to showcase your work under pressure and to show your potential client that you're a good fit for them.

          I second what others here are saying about seeing an opportunity. In this day and age, unless you're John Carlton or so in demand that you can afford not to have work on for several months at a time, there isn't anything wrong with taking whichever opportunity you can to garner more work - hence why I am constantly booked months in advance.

          My guess with this position is that it's most likely in-house which is why I'll be checking first...and if this is remote, then you can bet your house on it that I'll be applying.
          Bless you, sweet woman...

          There are still a few young ones who get it!
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
      Originally Posted by Doceye View Post

      Certainly Jay's clarification via conversation with Rich helps illuminate this further.

      Maybe even makes it a more palatable beauty contest.

      But I agree with Marcia, Studio13, et al, that this is far from the best method available to find talented, experienced writers.
      I'm purely guessing when I say this but... Some of the most talented experienced copywriters may not have the space in their schedule to handle all of Rich's copywriting needs in the near future. Rich may not want to wait weeks or months to get on someone's schedule. Depending on what he's got going on business-wise, he may not be able to wait weeks or months to have a copywriter start working on his copy needs either.

      And when you factor in Mr. Schefren's obvious notoriety, this becomes, at least to me, even more confusing. Meaning why isn't Rich tapping his own (almost certainly) considerable circle of contacts to fill this position?

      To give someone new a break? Could be.
      Some business owners love to find diamonds in the rough or a star copywriter who hasn't become a big name yet.

      In Rich Schefren's case, he's hired copywriters before like Jay White, Harlan Kilstein, and Vin Montello to hire copy for him. All of them were able to take that experience and leverage it to command higher fees afterwards.

      Or it could be thinly veiled usury. As some feel it might be.

      And that's why this feels like golden opportunity to some, while others view this thing with considerable doubt.

      But to get angry and roar that this situation can only be viewed through one possible accurate prism, is near-sighted in the extreme.
      Depends on the opportunity, niche and the copywriter. If you have the time and desire to try to hook up with a high-profile IM client like Mr. Schefren, then go for it. If you don't, then set your sights on the types of clients you do want and go after them.

      Would I do a spec ad?

      Probably not at this point in my career but it would really, really depend on the potential opportunity.

      I've done one partial spec ad in my copywriting career and that was for a multi-billion dollar company looking for a full-time copywriter... the compensation they were prepared to offer was quite good.

      I took a few hours out of my busy schedule and took a shot at landing the mega-client with the partial ad.

      The ONLY reason I was willing to write a partial ad was I had never written for that niche (or a similar one) to be able to show them that I could nail the voice and style of copy they needed. If I had a portfolio sample that would have worked to demonstrate that point then I wouldn't have done the partial spec ad. They also gave me a written promise that none of my copy would ever be used without compensating me and they've kept that promise.

      Bottom line, I did the quick spec ad... didn't land the client but that's okay.

      Like Wayne Gretzky once said, you miss 100% of the shots you never take.

      I've had other opportunities open up for me since then that were very rewarding for me. And who knows... if the copywriter who beat me out for the gig quits or doesn't work out, then I may get a phone call from them in the future.

      At the very least, the contact person with that company has stayed in touch with me so we may wind up doing business together at some point.

      Take care,

      Mike
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Sounds to me like a great opportunity for the right person.

    As a couple of posters have pointed out, it could also open a lot of doors for you.

    I've seen a lot of copywriters advertising on here for work -- and usually dropping names of those they've trained under or worked with...

    ...what better name to mention?

    Thanks Ewen for passing this info along.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
    Nice thread. Gave me some entertainment value. Some people have misconceptions about what this guy is looking for. He isn't looking for the best, most talented copywriter on the block. He's looking for someone who can meet strict deadlines on time and still do a bang up job. Kind of like how a business operates.

    Most of you are just turned off because you don't meet the last three criteria in the very "lead generation ad written exactly to spec." Well, neither do I meet all of them. But at least I'm willing to admit it.

    Marc

    P.S. Now that I've sufficiently irked a few readers, maybe those of you still here can shed some light on this problem:

    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ml#post4772642

    Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author JustinBrooke
    I've had the pleasure of working for Rich over the last couple
    of months and it's been an incredible opportunity.

    The amount of learning and the unlimited level of access to
    anything you want in the industry is AMAZING.

    This thread threw me for a HUGE loop though. I couldn't believe
    someone was actually complaining about this offer. Before you
    take some of the criticisms seriously please do your own research.

    Take a look at the reputations of the people who are saying this
    is a great opportunity. Take a look at the reputation of the man
    offering the opportunity. Take a look at the reputations of the men
    he has taught and the employees who have worked with him.

    Look at what the people who have said this is a great offer have
    done in their careers. Weigh their reputation with their words.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Good to see you, Justin!

    Hope you and Chaunna are doing great.

    Best,

    Brian
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