STOP! Read This BEFORE You Write Another Word!!!

17 replies
I'm going to make myself totally vulnerable... to make a point...

...Because I REALLY believe this can help other copywriters and newbie-marketers alike.

You see...

You can have millions of dollars of sales to PROVE you're a good writer, but still FEEL your demons come out every time you produce copy.

I'm personally dealing with writing four sales letters, two product launches, two on-going relationships with a companies in San Francisco and Los Angeles...

...AND I also have my own new products that I'm trying to get to market ASAP because I have guaranteed money WAITING for me to create the supply.

Needless to say...

MY HEAD IS SPINNING.

Unfortunately...

I've been dealing with some confidence issues lately.

Strangely, I'm busier than I've been in over a year, my copy is converting better than ever, and yet when I sit down at this computer, I'm FEELING almost fragile.

Yesterday I decided to just walk away from my work because it isn't enjoyable for me to sit here, while my head is full of NOISE, questioning my every move.

As I was leaving my office, I looked at the wall where I have literally dozens of affirmations I wrote to remind myself to keep my ATTENTION deliberate...

...So negativity doesn't creep into my work.

One of them says: "Always write from an internal place of confidence... no matter HOW you must achieve that feeling."

Another one says: "I have a wonderful business, in a wonderful way and I give wonderful service for wonderful pay."

Kinda nerdy, I know.

Anyway...

I drove out to the river (I live in a beautiful alpine wilderness community) and sat there, watching big chunks of ice moving along the surface of the water...

...While I was repeating various affirmations in my mind.

I was reminded of all the amazing experiences I've had in my life that made me who I am, appreciating those memories and really creating a serene energetic space within myself.

I could literally FEEL all of the resistance to writing copy just melt away...

...And the ideas starting flowing again... effortlessly.

I got back to my office and pounded out over 15 pages of copy - in record time - without a single error.

As I read through everything I wrote, the copy exuded a strong, authoritative, yet sincere voice that perfectly suited what I'm selling for my client.

I was then able to shift gears and tackle one of my other projects with the same vigor and pleasure.

All of this happened because I was able to tap back into that organic confidence that's always available to me...

...Just covered up sometimes by emotional garbage.

Today I'm in the flow, LOVING my lifestyle and coming up with great ideas to frame my copy with.

The point being...

When you're in a clear, confident emotional space, you're much more apt to identify and target the emotion you need to infuse into your copy.

Go find your river.

Go find your FEEL GOOD sayings.

Then come back to your computer and watch in amazement as your copy sizzles as you're typing it.

Mark

P.S. Everything is energy... including the words you write. So part of your JOB when you're writing copy is to come from an energetic space that's conducive to inspiring the emotions you're after when people read your stuff. This isn't woo-woo nonsense. When you really understand that words are vibrations, you can be so much more deliberate in the emotions you elicit.
#read #stop #word #write
  • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
    Haha! Where was this yesterday as I was sitting behind a large mental block?!

    Ah well, live and learn. I stayed up late getting the project done and am proud of my effort. Next time I'll make sure to take time to get to my happy place before torturing myself.
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    • Sometimes I wish someone could cancel "Copywriting Rule 78"

      You have to work long hard hours.

      Snag is if you "cancel" the rule - the results diminish.


      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
        Banned
        Summed up for me in this manner Mark... using similar strategies to your own:

        http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...m-special.html

        Kindest regards,


        Mark Andrews
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
          Originally Posted by Mark Andrews View Post

          Summed up for me in this manner Mark... using similar strategies to your own:

          http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...m-special.html

          Kindest regards,


          Mark Andrews
          Love it Mark!

          Couldn't agree more!

          I also find it interesting how your writing has evolved since the time of that posting.

          I can tell you challenge yourself every day to keep honing in upon your skills...

          ...And really comes through...
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          • @ "Reflection" Mark,

            The good news is I enjoy every minute of it.

            With experience a good 80% is easy - but I want the challenge of the "hard" stuff.

            Making the Ads, Promo's and Sales Letters work even harder.

            For me - it makes it all the more interesting. The rewards are breathtaking.

            And the clients genuinely appreciate the dramatically improved results.

            Steve
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            • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
              Originally Posted by Steve Copywriter View Post

              @ "Reflection" Mark,

              The good news is I enjoy every minute of it.

              With experience a good 80% is easy - but I want the challenge of the "hard" stuff.

              Making the Ads, Promo's and Sales Letters work even harder.

              For me - it makes it all the more interesting. The rewards are breathtaking.

              And the clients genuinely appreciate the dramatically improved results.

              Steve
              That's what it's all about...

              You know...

              It's interesting you responded because I had more thoughts on why writing copy FEELS hard or contrived sometimes.

              This isn't directed at you, but just in general:
              • If you take on clients that you're NOT in harmony with, your work will often suffer, because there isn't a healthy exchange of energy.
              • If you take on projects you don't resonate with, because you need (or want) the money, you'll likely struggle. If you do this enough, you might even convince yourself that you suck at copywriting. That's why it's SO IMPORTANT to take on projects you can REALLY get into and invest your authentic emotions in the copy.
              • If you don't get PAID ENOUGH for the amount of time and energy you commit, you're going to FEEL resentful and the copy WILL SUFFER. You must get paid what you feel your worth. And it's your JOB to turn down gigs that don't pay enough or jive with what you specialize in.
              Thanks for following up Steve!


              You got my mind stimulated...
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
        Originally Posted by Steve Copywriter View Post

        Sometimes I wish someone could cancel "Copywriting Rule 78"

        You have to work long hard hours.

        Snag is if you "cancel" the rule - the results diminish.


        Steve
        Don't agree.

        Do you have to put in the hours?

        Yes.

        But if you know how to work efficiently and only sit down at the computer when the ideas are flowing...

        ...or you know WHERE to devote your research/interviewing time...

        ...This sh!t ain't hard at all!

        I used to work 8+ hour days as the norm.

        I get WAY more done in half that time now.

        It's all organization, allowing the creative process to marinate and sitting down when the iron's hot.

        This whole "hard work" thing is more not knowing what you want to say, how you want to say it, choosing what emotions you want your audience to feel... etc.

        I know a LOT of people disagree with me.

        And yes, everyone has their own writing "process,"

        But if I was wrong, I wouldn't be producing 50+ pages of converting copy a week, while only working 20-25 hours total.

        So I get where you're coming from, and I acknowledge this may be your experience, but this is not a resounding TRUTH by any means...

        May I also suggest telling a different story?

        You might be pleasantly surprised by how your results almost magically change...

        Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyke
    Inspiring stuff - thanks. I love writing but am not a copywriter by any stretch of the imagination. I'm trying to put my first sales copy together for a product I've created, and it's going OK, but far from brilliant.

    I'd certainly like to improve my copywriting skills and you ladies and gents appear to be experts at that particular skill, so could you give me some suggestions as to where I might look to start learning to be a better copy writer?

    Thanks a lot,
    Ray
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  • Profile picture of the author copyassassin
    Originally Posted by Reflection Marketing View Post


    P.S. Everything is energy... including the words you write. So part of your JOB when you're writing copy is to come from an energetic space that's conducive to inspiring the emotions you're after when people read your stuff. This isn't woo-woo nonsense. When you really understand that words are vibrations, you can be so much more deliberate in the emotions you elicit.
    What about this situation:

    As a tax accountant who has former IRS criminal prosecutors on our team of professionals, we sometimes deal with cases involving nasty stuff.

    To get in proper "emotional space", I don't think a river would do it. Perhaps visiting a county jail

    In other words, what about cases in which the potential client is in a true state of terror & fear of the IRS.... do you purposely put yourself in the emotional turmoil to write effective copy?

    Kinda like "method acting"?

    My concern is the for "positive" services that uplift the client, it's emotionally pleasant to get into that "head space". But what about services that deal with crisis (and I'm not talking about Google banning you. I'm talking about Uncle Sam banning you 5-10 years)

    Adam
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    • Mark,

      Great advice on choosing clients.

      We have a worldwide unlimited number of potential clients.

      Every company, business and entrepreneur needs excellent copywriting.

      We can choose who we want to work for.

      The people we got on with with extremely well.

      The best part is -

      They aren't just "clients" they become good friends.


      Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by copyassassin View Post

      What about this situation:

      As a tax accountant who has former IRS criminal prosecutors on our team of professionals, we sometimes deal with cases involving nasty stuff.

      To get in proper "emotional space", I don't think a river would do it. Perhaps visiting a county jail

      In other words, what about cases in which the potential client is in a true state of terror & fear of the IRS.... do you purposely put yourself in the emotional turmoil to write effective copy?

      Kinda like "method acting"?

      My concern is the for "positive" services that uplift the client, it's emotionally pleasant to get into that "head space". But what about services that deal with crisis (and I'm not talking about Google banning you. I'm talking about Uncle Sam banning you 5-10 years)

      Adam
      Sometimes I do immerse myself in the darkest, most painful place a person I work with might be experiencing.

      But the ONLY reason to do that is to discover that BEACON OF HOPE!

      When people are being attacked by the I.R.S., they're going to encounter mind-numbing fear, anxiety, irrational thoughts and a whole gauntlet of other feelings.

      People in that position (or any similar fear-inducing circumstances) need LEADERSHIP!

      Helping them play their violin HELPS NOBODY.

      What are the solutions?

      What IMMEDIATE and LONG-TERM steps can be taken to eliminate the worst case scenario out of the equation?

      How can you act as the stability for someone in this situation?

      So from that perspective...

      It's ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to do everything in your power to keep clearing away all the negative vibes that would impede your leadership skills.

      Deep conscious breathing, yoga, meditation, walks in nature...

      ...These things aren't nonsense for people who deal with scary ordeals.

      THEY ARE A NECESSITY!

      It's your job to remain as clear as humanly possible,

      That's where you'll discover the most effective SOLUTIONS!

      Great question Adam!
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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    You know Mark, I enjoy your posts...but I think sometimes they're just a revelation of someone who has just started out in copywriting.

    You'll have losers...probably more than winners.

    Get over it.

    Copywriting isn't something where you have to start experiencing some sort of weird crap when it comes to writing.

    Seems you're stuck in the starting stages of your career.

    You're so convinced that it's all about some sort of mental mind thing...you'll get over it and just learn to sell.

    If you're having a mental block...chill out...it's natural...don't blow a gasket.

    Hopefully you'll learn over time that it's a selling game and not a mental game.

    You probably don't understand it yet...but if you stick at it long enough you will.
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    • Yes, and with total respect to Mark.

      I've been in this game for over 28 years - and never get get too deep about any troubles, travails and hassles.

      Copywriting is just selling in print.

      Best way - find out what people want and make sure they get it.

      You know you'll find all the right solutions and answers - just enjoy looking looking for them.


      Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
      Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

      You know Mark, I enjoy your posts...but I think sometimes they're just a revelation of someone who has just started out in copywriting.

      You'll have losers...probably more than winners.

      Get over it.

      Copywriting isn't something where you have to start experiencing some sort of weird crap when it comes to writing.

      Seems you're stuck in the starting stages of your career.

      You're so convinced that it's all about some sort of mental mind thing...you'll get over it and just learn to sell.

      If you're having a mental block...chill out...it's natural...don't blow a gasket.

      Hopefully you'll learn over time that it's a selling game and not a mental game.

      You probably don't understand it yet...but if you stick at it long enough you will.
      Let me ask you two questions Max:
      1. What is the purpose of the C.W. Forum - in your opinion?
      2. What is YOUR purpose for participating in the forum?
      Anyway, you don't need to post your responses here...

      ...But you're way off base.

      And while I appreciate some of your contributions to the forum, I've also seen a very immature side of you where you take pot shots at people for absolutely no reason at all.

      Personally speaking...

      My purpose for being here is to both express myself...

      ...and hopefully, HELP other people who are looking for little bits of insight to write their own copy.

      I express myself to communicate to the people I'm hoping to reach (you know, targeting the tone in my writing to the audience I'm talking with.)

      I'm NOT looking for pats on the back, nor am I here to boast about all the money I've made my clients...

      ...or brag about the toys I've purchased as a result of being a successful copywriter.


      I'm a 32 year old man, with a 9 year old daughter, a 29 year old wife, and I support them very well by writing sales copy & pimpin' out my own ebooks.

      Mind you...

      I have a 4th grade education.

      And the reason why a dude without even so much as a high school diploma can succeed at playing the copywriting game (with the big boys) is my willingness to dive into emotion...

      ...and observe problems from an abundance of various angles.

      ...to find the most inspiring way to articulate the SOLUTIONS...

      This thread isn't complaining about writer's block...

      ...It's about plainly expressing that sometimes, just like everyone else on planet earth, I too experience an overload of emotions.

      And I was expressing what I do to clear my head so I can get into the space of putting down the most effective, converting sales copy for myself AND my clients.

      Nothing more.

      Nothing less.

      At the end of the day...

      You and I have very different philosophies.

      I'm a hippie kid getting off on the highs of attuning myself with very specific emotions...

      ...And HELPING people manifest the prosperity that is their absolute birthright by doing what I love (which is something I take very sincerely.)

      And you...

      I can FEEL your passion for copywriting.

      It DOES come through when I read some of your work (posts.)

      But with someone of your supposed experience, I just expect more.

      Anyway...

      I didn't really want to respond to your feedback.

      But I saw it as an opportunity to get an even deeper perspective into the original thread topic...

      Mark
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      • Profile picture of the author NickN
        Why knock someone's writing methods? We all have our own special "happy place," right?

        Do whatever works for you.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
          Originally Posted by NickN View Post

          Why knock someone's writing methods? We all have our own special "happy place," right?

          Do whatever works for you.
          Yup... just ask Happy Gilmore!

          Seriously though...

          I was talking about this with my wife when we went out for dinner and she commented how I'm ALWAYS sitting in front of the computer...

          ...with a tone of resentment in her voice.

          Her point was:

          Copywriters are some of the most dedicated-to-their craft people on the planet...

          ...And if anyone NEEDS to peel themselves away from the computer, and you know, enjoy life a little bit, it's this group of people RIGHT HERE!

          Again, personally speaking...

          If I didn't make a commitment to getting away, going on hikes along the Marin County coast, surfing in Santa Cruz, swimming across the lake...

          ...or like today, playing an absolutely epic 3 set tennis match, I wouldn't be making so much money.

          Why?

          Some of the best ideas have come from UNPLUGGING.

          When you relax, you open yourself up to greatness.

          Likewise...

          There are absolutely times when buckling down and ATTACKING a sales letter (or writing a book) and not getting up until you NAIL IT can be an experience that few people truly understand.

          To each their own...

          ...As long as you producing copy that makes freaking money!

          But I prefer REALLY resonating myself with the audience and emotions I want to convey and elicit...

          ...Because why do anything UNLESS you get some sort of pleasure out of it?

          That is,

          unless you're just fear-based or complacently remain in situations that are not in your hightest and best good.

          Mark

          P.S. I exclusively worked for a company for a year in the SF Bay Area underneath a highly successful copywriter. This guy made money hand over fist (for himself AND clients) and never worked more than 4-6 hours a day. My point is, you don't need to play the role of tortured writer (you know, cause you're a genius) even if you love doing it! Investing in your well being is essential for remaining passionate for playing this wacky game.

          P.P.S. Funny, I remember in a past post by Max how he mentioned the absolute necessity of exercise and taking care of yourself to be a successful copywriter... And I QUOTE:

          "6. Do you have a plan in place for personal health.

          Your answer should be yes.

          If your living day to day with bad habits...or unwilling to take care of yourself physically, you'll suffer in your work.

          Exercise can clear your mind and open up thoughts that you wouldn't otherwise have.

          I daily run on the treadmill...sometimes to the point where I lose all my negative thoughts and start to open my mind to new ideas.

          Most of your best thoughts come to you when your mind is clear of all negative thoughts." - Max5ty
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  • Profile picture of the author Carol_A
    Wow, I've enjoyed this thread, and I'm not a copywriter...just wandered in out of curiosity.

    I've been helped by the contributors of this thread and have been influenced yet again to take care not to become cynical in my outlook of anything I spend my energy on.

    I'm determined to extract every drop of enjoyment possible from my work. I want to learn the skill of optimizing my time in a way that I'd be prepared for each task, so that the ideas flow - to be empowered by using my strengths and talents to do bigger and greater things, not be drained and depleted because of feeling inept in certain areas.

    Lots of food for thought in this thread, and for that, I thank you all.

    Have a great weekend.
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