Persuasive Words

Blog has moved...

2008-01-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

I will no longer be posting here. I have another blog - Make Money Writing and More where I talk about copywriting, affiliate marketing, writing, and building a business doing what you love. Check it out!

A Much Needed Travel Break

2007-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

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Do you work hard? It could be time for a vacation. Even a business trip getaway that brings you away from your normal routine can do wonders for your well being. The best thing to do is to book your travel online. But, if you are a Spanish speaking individual who lives in the United States, you may have noticed that there are not a lot of sites where you can book Hoteles and other things that you need. That is why espanol.hotels.com is a good bet for you - you can find what you need on that site because it is custom tailored for your needs - no matter if you are traveling for business or pleasure.

How to Find Copywriting Clients

2007-12-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

As a copywriter, it is always a good idea to build your client list. The problem is, sometimes it can be a challenge. Here are some ideas:

Look through the job boards such as Craigslist.com. Be careful applying for some jobs, some of them are scams or don't amount to anything.
Freelance bid sites are another option. Try ifreelance, getafreelancer, and rentacoder.
Approach local businesses and see if they need any help.

Make it a goal to get at least one new client a week, or more - depending on how much you want to make.

Check out this resource - it tells you how to get your first copywriting client in 14 days or less Even if you're an old pro, there's bound to be some information in here that will help take your business to the next level.

Easy Cash System: Ewan Chia's Autopilot Profits

2007-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Part of me thinks it sounds too good to be true. Can you really find an easy cash system that will help you make money? I think so.
.
The problem with most online money making systems is that they're time consuming. It takes forever to set them up, and it takes a long time until the money starts rolling in.

Not with Ewan Chia's Autopilot Profits. You can set this system up quickly, sit back, and watch the money start to roll in. The best part? You don't even need a website.

When you visit the site, make sure you sign up to get your free report. When I got it, I couldn't put it down!

Choosing a Credit Card for Your Business

2007-12-03T23:39:00.000-08:00

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If you run a business, it is a good idea to find a credit card that is just for the business. This is because it makes it easier to keep track of purchases. It may not seem like it matters, but when it is time to do your taxes, having it all in one organized credit card definitely makes things easier. When it comes to choosing Credit Cards the best bet is to use a comparison service such as CreditCardSearchEngine.com is a good move. One thing you may notice is that there are so many different kinds of cards out there making a decision can be agonizing. Well, the thing that makes comparison sites so useful is that they give you access to a ton of different offers.

Make Money Writing with Constant Content

2007-12-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

I've had an account with Constant Content for a while, but I just recently rediscovered it. What I like about it is that you can write an article and set your own prices. You also determine if you want to sell the article to the client exclusively, or if you don't want to give away full rights.

In order for this to be truly lucrative you need to have a good amount of articles in the system. But this is not that hard to do because they don't all need to be really long. You can write an article of 300 words and clients will buy it if it is a good fit for their needs.

Christmas Copywriting and a Weak Economy

2007-12-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when a lot of your clients will want to do some special copywriting, especially those that have retail businesses.

Typically, people are in the mood to spend money. However, people don't seem to be in as much of a spending mood as they were a few years ago.

Good copywriting, however, can help fix that. Keep that in mind as you do your copywriting work this year.

Purchasing New Toys

2007-11-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

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We all work hard - I know that I do. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than purchasing new toys such as a flat screen tv. I have my eye on the new mitsubishi 65 inch LCD because it is just a great tv. I can watch football, movies, and just about anything - it makes anything high def look better. And when I think about what I want to spend my hard earned money on, this is definitely it. Krillon.com is a great store to purchase things like this at because of the selection and the prices. They make the process of purchasing things like this much easier. So, when it is time to watch my favorite team or favorite movie, I'll really appreciate that new tv!

Save Money on Your Business Phone

2007-11-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

As copywriters it is possible to have clients all over the world. That's why it is so important to be able to save money on your business phone.

These days, internet phone services have come a long way. Unlike how it was in the pasta, the sound quality is good and there is no more lag time.

Try Skype.
It's the best program I've found. They have a free service if you need to call from computer to computer. Or, they have really inexpensive rates for making calls anywhere in the world.

I use it to communicate and network with other writers and business people and I have yet to spend a dime on the phone service itself.

Check it out!

Holiday Season Copywriting

2007-11-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season - a busy one for all retail establishments. Brick and mortar businesses should already have their holiday copy already written. But, it still may not be too late to offer your services to them during the holidays, especially if they need to make updates on their website. Call all of your clients to see if they need any help. This could bring you a lot of extra cash for purchasing those gifts!

Do you have time to get a degree?

2007-11-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

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Have you thought of going back to school? Perhaps you want to change careers or further your education. When you have other stuff going on such as a family or a full time job, it isn't always convenient to commute to a school. Thankfully, there are places like capella university which are not only accredited, but also fully online. This means that every class and program that they offer is online. They have over 100 different programs to choose from. I know that if I were to get another degree, I would definitely do it online because I just don't have the time to drive to class, attend class, and then find time to do the homework. Doing it in the comfort of my home is a must.

To Make Money Blogging You Need Traffic

2007-11-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

These days, if you want to make money writing, you really need to get the traffic. In the early stages, using sites like blogitive.com to make extra money writing blog posts was fairly simple. Now, there are rules and requirements. I have several blogs, and if the traffic on any of them dips, then I won't get the good assignments.

Even if you only have Adsense on your blog and you do nothing else, you need the traffic because that's what will generate the clicks.

Making Money is a Balancing Act

2007-11-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

I am a writer - I make money with the words I form into sentences, paragraphs, and complete works. There are several ways I do this. The main source of my income in the past has been copywriting. I also make money blogging, with affiliate marketing, and through projects that mean a lot to me such as my gig as an expert writer at ehow.com.

I think the main thing is to always make sure that you have work lined up. And if I don't have anything lined up, I could always write some articles at Associated Content. The pay isn't as much as I'd make with copywriting, but if I am going through a dry spell, it really is nice.

More About Investing

2007-11-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

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I don't know about you, but I work hard. My ultimate reward is not to spend my money. It's actually to invest it. The thought of having enough money to afford something like a second home in Europe is extra motivation that helps me spend my money wisely. I am always looking for new investment options. Lately, I've really been researching gold. The Monex Deposit Company makes the process of purchasing precious metals a lot easier. It is also very secure. When you think about the potential that someone may steal the items that you purchased, the best thing to do is go with a trusted company that has the system down pat. Why is investing in precious metals so desirable? Things such as Gold never go out of style and have always had a lot of value. So if this is something that you want to do, remember that the MDC is a really solid company that can help make the process of purchasing it go smoothly.

Creative Copywriting Exercise - Strong Headlines

2007-11-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

Do you want to increase your creative copywriting skills and make your words even more persuasive? Think about creating strong headlines that make people want to click on the link, sign up for your newsletter, or make a purchase from you. Without a good headline, the goal of the copy will not be achieved because people simply won't read it.

Which headline is more interesting?

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

or

The Easy Way to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

I'd personally click on the article that promises to make it easy. I'm always looking for shortcuts in the kitchen.

As an exercise, write ten headlines and then work to make them more interesting. Use words like "Easy" or say something like "5 Ways to" ... think about the headlines that work for you, and emulate the style.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T21:08:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. For me, my agenda is to relax with my loved ones and watch some football! Last year, I worked on Thanksgiving in addition to having people over. I had a tight deadline. This year, I learned from that. It truly is no fun to work on holidays so I didn't line anything up for this week. I hope everyone out there has a relaxing day. :)

Build Your Business through Lists

2007-11-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

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If you have a business, you understand how important it is to have a working list of people who are interested in your product or service. At the same time, Mailing Lists are something that can really help speed that process up. The only problem is, it can be tough building your own list - and time consuming. ResponseCom is a great resource that can help with this process because it is a comprehensive database that can perform quick searches over important demographics. When building a list, demographics are an important consideration. If you are selling laundry detergent, for example, you want to hit the demographic that is most concerned with that product. At the same time Martin Worldwide not only uses the database to find the information, but they take things one step further by putting together the list for you. This can save a lot of time and hassle.

Learn Copywriting Skills to Make Money Online

2007-11-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

These days, if you want to make money online, copywriting is everything. These are the skills that help us make money with our words. Whether we are writing blog posts, ads, or website content the end goal is always the same. More customers. More money. Clicking on a certain link.

It isn't often that I find a resource that helps you learn copywriting skills that are needed to get the job done. I've read a lot of books. I even took an ecourse. But they are always missing something.

Well, that is, until I found The Step By Step Copywriting Course. This book takes a unique twist. It not only teaches you copywriting skills that will help you start a copywriting business, but it also teaches you what you need to do in order to boost your site rank.

Most copywriting courses seem to assume that you want to do it for a living. Since I do this kind of work for my clients AND for myself, I really appreciated how both were presented here.

Get your copy here.

Copywriting for Internet Marketing

2007-11-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

I've been doing some internet and affiliate marketing lately. One thing I've realized is that it is very important to make sure that the copy is designed to sell.

But for a lot of internet marketing techniques, thinking in terms of selling will not give you the results you want. You need to do what is known as "pre-selling". This means that you need to get the person interested enough to click on the link for the product you are selling.

Learning New Things

2007-08-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

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One way to keep up with your business is to make sure that you learn about your niche subjects. If you write primarily for psychology clients, for example, you will gain more customers if you studied psychology. Yes, higher education can be very powerful. Distance learning makes it super convenient as well. That means you can work from home or from wherever you are, as long as you have a computer and internet connection. Capella University is one of the premier distance learning schools and they've just introduced new degree programs such as psychology and law. You should check it out. They have tons of programs and you will find that they have a good reputation.

Being More Productive

2007-08-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how you can make more money? Being more productive is one of the things that can help you. If you are not wasting time, you will find that you are getting more done and making more money.

Keep track of how you spend your time. Think about what is necessary and what isn't and what seems to be taking you too long. It will help you understand what you need to outsource. You can keep track with a spreadsheet, a calendar, a planner, or a simple word document.

There are some software programs that can do this as well. You can also keep track on your hand held planner.

Where to Find Copywriting Jobs

2007-08-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

There are several ways you can find copywriting jobs and get new clients. Here are some of my favorites:

look in the phone book and contact local businesses
join your local chamber of commerce
browse through the listings at Craigslist
visit writersrow.com and look at Deb's Freelance Writing Jobs blog
Post bids on sites like ifreelance.com, rentacoder.com, and guru.com
Get an agent - there are some agencies that find the jobs and distribute them to writers
Hand everyone you know a business card saying what you do
Go to trade shows and pitch your services. If you have a niche, go to the trade shows that attracts companies that are part of your niche.

Pick two or three of these and work on them every day. Before long you will have a solid business.

Mailing List Products

2007-08-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

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If you are in business, then chances are you are at least familiar with direct mail. Some businesses really have a lot of success with this tactic. If you are one of these businesses, then you would appreciate the direct mail products that Martin Worldwide has to offer such as their Travel leads and ResponseCom. ResponseCom is a product that combines several database, and has a lot of diversity when it comes to at least 100 different demographic areas and regions. Direct mail is a tool that you can use. But if you do it incorrectly and don't have the right database and products to support your efforts, all your time and money could be wasted. ResponseCom is an inportant product to consider and it can be really helpful.

Managing deadlines

2007-08-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

As a writer, one of the things I've found is that it can be a challenge learning how to manage my deadlines. I just started a new system where I have a spreadsheet that lists the projects and when they are due. I have a new one for each month. I have a few projects that are ongoing and unless I put the information down somewhere, I am in danger of forgetting. This system prevents me from missing a deadline.

Enhancing Your Copywriting Skills

2007-08-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Lately, most of my copywriting has been done online. So, every time I read a blog or a website I consider it research. The more I read, the better I am at writing. This tactic can apply no matter what kind of copywriting you do. If you write catalog copy, then you should read catalogs. If you write brochures, you should read other brochures in the industry you work at. Keep a file of the best samples you can find and try to emulate them.

Great Resource for Paid Blogging - Pay Per Post

2007-07-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

I have found that getting paid to blog is a great way to increase your writing income. Blogging is fun and easy, and PayPerPost presents a great opportunity in that regard. All you need to do is put some ads on blogs and then get paid for your efforts. You have to make sure that you follow all the instructions.

So far I have made about $100 give or take with about $50 of that going to charity. I like how the site makes it easy for me to donate to a variety or different charities and it is easy to complete the posts. I highly encourage you to sign up for the service. All you need to do is log on and choose the offers you want to complete from the list.

What do you do with your money?

2007-07-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

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I am wondering - what do you do with all of your hard earned money? Do you spend it? Invest it? I personally choose to invest it. Something that I have been meaning to look into is investing in precious metals. Prices fluctuate so it is a good idea to check things like the silver price or gold price to make sure it is a good time to invest. But before you rule out investing in precious metals, understand that it is timeless. And the monex company can really help you because they have been in business for a while and have really learned how to simplify the process and make sure that you get your silver, gold, or other metals securely shipped to you. I think it is definitely worth checking out.

Finding Inspiration

2007-07-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Even copywriters need a little inspiration. To some, it may seem like dry, boring work. But it requires a lot of creativity. Here are some ways I get inspired:

Exercise such as hiking or walking can really spark the creativity.
Do some writing exercises to get the juices flowing.
Go to a restaurant or a bar or anything that will get me away from the computer.
Learn something new, such as tae kwan do.

How do you get your inspiration?

Summer Lull? Not for me!

2007-07-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone says that there is a summer lull when it comes to writing, but not for me! Here it is, the eve of a major US holiday, and I have a deadline.

I love my job. :) The great thing about being a self employed writer is that I get to control my work flow. I can take on as much or as little as I can handle. If you are trying to decide if you want to be a writer, understand that this is one of the benefits.

Get an Education

2007-06-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sponsored post

Capella University is all about helping you get an education, including continuing education. They are devoted to it and they have a lot of different programs for you to choose from if that is something you want to do. One thing that helps set Capella apart from the rest is that they have a great faculty. One instructor just released a book about Appreciative Coaching to help managers and other people in charge make a difference within their organization. Why is this important? Because it shows that Capella cares about their students and about changing things. The instructors are a direct reflection of what the university is all about.

Affiliate Marketing is all about Pre-Selling

2007-06-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Affiliate marketing is something htat should come naturally to writers, especially copywriters. But the job of someone who promotes affiliate programs is not to actually sell the item, but to pre sell it.

For example, if you want to promote a website that offers people with website templates, you would write an article or blog post about the importance of having a website for your business and then include a link for the site. It's all about providing something useful. This is much different from selling outright.

Summer Break

2007-06-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

As a work at home pro, I am faced with the problem of having the "summer break" mentality. When the weather gets hot, I want to relax and have fun. But I have a job, and I need to make money. So it makes me wonder if there are other options. Residual income would be nice. But how can you make residual income as a writer except with royalties? That's something to think about.

Are You Looking for a Dentist?

2007-05-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post.

When it comes to visiting the dentist, most of us don't want to do it. But the truth is, unless we take care of ourselves, we will not be healthy enough to take care of our businesses. So if you have been putting off scheduling a dentist appointment, now is the time to take care of it. If you live in the Alexandria, VA area, then you should consider charles brown dds pc. He works under the Hafield Dental Care group which is devoted to providing clients with the best dental experience possible. Charles Down has a great reputation and a perfect record in terms of the Virginia Board of Dentistry. (He doesn't have any complaints). This is important and comforting because if you haven't to the dentist in a while, this means that you are in good hands and have nothing to be afraid of. Remember that if you take care of yourself, you will be able to perform your best at work.

Is Summer Vacation Hurting Your Routine?

2007-05-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Now that it's summer and the kids are at home (or, you suddenly feel like a kid again) it could be hard to get your work done when you need to. The weather is warm and you want to be outside enjoying it.

The truth is, we all have trouble concentrating when we would rather be doing other things. So what is the alternative? To learn to manage our schedules so we can still make time for fun things. Try waking up a little early and going to bed a little later. It is easier to get work done in the early hours or late at night so that our days can be free to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Keeping Track of Clients

2007-05-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

How many times have you found a new, potential client, only to forget about them before you had a chance to follow up? This has happened to me before. And the problem is that I am not organized when it comes to keeping track of my clients and potential clients. There are software programs that are designed to help. You can also come up with your own system with spreadsheets or a database of your own creation. Not keeping track could be costing you money!

Help Businesses and Individuals Make Sound Investments

2007-05-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored post.

When it comes to investing, there are many reasons why you'd want to do it. Individuals may want to invest their money to save for a specific goal or they may want to save for something like retirement. Gold bullion investing, for example, is one of those things that can benefit everyone. Businesses and individuals can invest in the gold by purchasing it from a company like Monex who has been doing it for a while. They understand the process. Why would you choose to buy gold as opposed to purchasing stocks in the latest company? Gold prices are fairly steady. But before you make any decisions, you will want to observe the market and see if this is a good option for you.

Web 2.0 Copywriting

2007-05-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

If you are just getting started as a copywriter, you may want to learn about Web 2.0 strategies because that's what companies want. They need writers to blog for them, write their web content, and take care of things like creating myspace pages and squidoo lenses. Don't know what this means? Well, that is even more reason to research. Web 2.0 is making a lot of print advertising and marketing efforts almost obsolete.

Blogging or Copywriting? Why Not Both?

2007-05-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Blogs have changed the way we market our business online. Blogs provide helpful and interesting content to their readers. Copywriting sells things. Yet, with affiliate marketers such as Rosalind Gardener, the two merge beautifully. Look at her blog. She is helpful and has a very homey and to the point style of writing. And each link she gives you is an affiliate link but it doesn't matter. She seems so genuine you don't mind. This is something to strive for when writing blog posts that are ultimately designed to sell something.

You Know it's time for a vacation...

2007-05-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

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How do you know if it is time for a vacation? There are many signs and symptoms. Do you find yourself staring at your desk for long periods of time? Do you wish you could be more relaxed? I know when I need a vacation I suffer from these symptoms and more. I feel that if we spend the whole day working, then it actually hurts our productivity. A good vacation choice is to get Universal Studios Tickets. Orlandofuntickets.com is a good resource for getting tickets to Universal and Disney World. The great thing about this type of vacation destination is that you can do what you want and there is something for everyone. Do you like water parks? Disney World has something for you. The movies? Unviersal and MGM are also worth a visit. Get your tickets and plan that trip so you can rest, no matter where the vacation is.

Finding Copywriting Work

2007-05-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Copywriting is a skill that pretty much all businesses require. Some business owners choose to do it themselves. Others choose to make copywriting their business and main source of income.

As a beginner, a good way to get started is to post your profile on job sites such as gofreelance.com. Most of these sites charge either a fee or a commission. As a beginner, remember that you will want to choose a site that has a lot of traffic and a high amount of quality jobs.

Find thousands of freelance writing and editing jobs...fresh jobs daily. Kickstart your writing career for just $2.95. Click here to visit gofreelance.com

The Well Fed Writer - A Great Copywriting Resource

2007-05-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Peter Bowerman is one of my favorite copywriters out there. He offers a free ezine publication that is packed with hints and tips. In addition, he has penned numerous books that help you learn how to start your own copywriting business. If you check out Bowerman's site you can get information on signing up for the ezine and links to his other resources. Check out the back issues as well.

Getting Your MBA is a Good Thing

2007-05-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

The following blog post is based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Do you love what you do? Do you want to take it to the next level? Well, if you don't have one already you can get an MBA. Capella University is dedicated to helping you succeed in life and one of the programs they offer is an MBA. Sara Orem, a faculty member at Capella, along with a few others has created a book on coaching called Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change about effective strategies for business coaching. This is just one aspect that shows that Capella is a quality institution. It is accredited by the Higher Learning commission ad is an online school that has a variety of different programs. If you want to extend your education further and get your advanced business degree, Capella is a great place to start.

Persuasive Words and Affiliate Marketing

2007-05-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Affiliate marketing is different than other forms of marketing. The goal is to get someone to take action and purchase the product or service from the affiliate link. However, it takes a different kind of writing to make that kind of marketing effective. It is still persuasive writing. But the focus shifts from making the sale to giving helpful information, and then oh by the way, here is where you can get more information.

So, if you are interested in affiliate marketing, this is a valuable tip to keep in mind. One person who is extremely good at this is Rosalind Gardener. I picked up her Super Affiliate Handbook and it completely changed the way I think about affiliate marketing. She has a homey style of writing, and recommends products she can stand behind. I have adopted her as my Affiliate Role Model!

Want Your Words to be Persuasive? Use Squidoo!

2007-05-04T05:43:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the Squidoo is an excellent way to give your words more leverage when it comes to google. For those of us who are internet marketers and copywriters, this is a valueable tool that should not be ignored.

Consider this. My lens - Make Money Writing - shows up on the top of the second page on google for keywords that returned over 8 million pages. Not too bad.

Investing as a business owner

2007-04-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

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If you are a business owner, you understand what it is like to build something up from scratch. Investing is much the same way. But have you considered investing in your business? As a business owner you have a lot of choices. Gold coins are one of them. Monex is a company that specializes in this. They understand that in order to help people decide to invest in precious metals that they need to develop a process that works. You can buy coins and precious metals from them and also they will deliver it. But as with anything, there are so many choices that it is a good idea to learn about them all before you make a choice.

Guard your time

2007-04-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

As a busines owner you need to learn how to manage your time. And that also means that you need to learn how to guard your time. You need to make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do each day. Make a list of five items that are crucial and stick to it. Also learn to say no, especially if the activity is not essential and has nothing to do with that list.

Starting a Business

2007-04-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Have you wanted to start a business but are not sure what to do? The process can be overwhelming. But there is something that is even more destructive. Not doing anything. To start a business successfully you need to take that first step. Look online for information. Take a class. Do something - just take those first steps. Looking back on it, you will be glad you did. And don't worry about making the wrong choice. You will find that any choice is better than nothing.

New Cell Phones

2007-03-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

How many of you always seem to have cell phone mishaps? Have you learned the hard way that phones will NOT survive being submerged in a toilet, or a pool? Or maybe the thing just keeps getting lost and this time, it was for good. I don't know about you, but I've done things like leave my cell phone on top of the car, dropped it, etc. And, my cell phone plan offers insurance, which means that mishaps like that are covered. But of course, I did not sign up for that insurance. Nor would I want to. It seems like a rip off. In all of those cases, I needed a new cell phone but not one that would be too expensive.

Wirefly is exactly for people like us. It is for those of us who simply need a new cell phone or need cell phone accessories. However, we don't necessarily want to pay the same prices that they charge at the cell phone store. These prices always seem quite high. One of the problems is that they have the latest models and tend to mark them up for their customers. Wirefly does not seem to do that. They have the latest models, but the prices aren't completely ridiculous.

Great Uses for Craigslist

2007-03-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

As a work at home professional, you may already know about Craigslist. In fact, most people know about Craigslist. You can use it to sell things, buy things, find a job, etc. Here are some of the uses for craigslist.com for the work at home professional.

Find jobs and new clients
Advertise your business
Advertise an affliliate program
Get e-zine and list subscribers

Are you an executive?

2007-03-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

If you are an executive, then ExecPlatform.com is interested in hearing from you. They are a company that only accepts certain executives. You must be a C-Level or Senior executive in order to participate. Basically, ExecPlatform.com asks for executives to be a part of a panel where they can make their opinion heard. But, you need an invitation.

There are benefits for applying to be part of ExecPlatform.com. Check out the website to find out more about ExecPlatform and to get informationabout the benefits. This can be a beneficial partnership.

Getting Freelance Jobs

2007-03-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

Do you want to get more freelance jobs that what you already have? There are some options for you. If you want to pursue writing, you can find jobs at joob posting sites such as elance.com. If you need to hire freelance writers you can post your project on elance and find them. So no matter if you are a freelancer looking for work or if you need to hire a freelancer, there is something for you on this site. It is a good way to connect freelancers with clients, and to also offer a way to protect both sides. Freelancers don't need to worry that they will get paid, and clients can feel good knowing that they are protected and will find a reliable freelancer.

Do you blog?

2007-03-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you want to have a successful online business, a blog is a great way to accompany that. A blog shows people that you have a certain expertise. It gives them a feeling that the KNOW you. And when they know you, you will get the sale or the client. It is easy to set a blog. There are free services or you can have your own domain. It is up to you.

Make Money Writing

2007-03-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Have you wondered how you can make money writing? Sometimes, the best way to do it is to start small. That's what I did. I learned that even though an assignment could pay only $5 for 400 words, as long as that article took 10-15 minutes I would still make a good hourly rate.

Check out my squidoo lense. It helps you learn what you need to do to make money writing.

What Do You Want to Invest?

2007-03-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

When it comes to investing, it is important to remain consistent with it. Set aside a certain amount each month or a certain percentage of your month's earnings if you don't have a consistent salary. I chose to save and invest 20% of all that I earn each month. One great investment is to invest in precious metals, such as silver. When it comes to investing in silver you can do so by buying silver coin options and silver that is cast into specific shapes. Monex has been helping people invest in precious metals for some time and they have the process down to a science. Investing in metals such as silver is a great way to maintain a diversified portfolio as well.

Learn Internet Marketing for Passive Income

2007-03-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been obsessed with building up passive income so I can live a leisurely life where what I write is what I choose to write, not what I have to write.

So much of my writing life is devoted to developing projects for clients where my goal is to craft persuasive words, as the name of this blog implies. However, that kind of writing is coming to a close in my life. It is time to do something for me. That is where passive income and internet marketing come in.

How I Make Money Writing

2007-03-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

I make a pretty consistent salary these days doing different kinds of work. Are you a writer who is looking to find ways to make a decent starting salary? I've compiled a squidoo lens that will help you through the beginning steps of learning how to make money writing.

http://www.squidoo.com/make-money-writing/

My salary is dependent on my ability to type quickly. The faster I type, the more worth it the types of jobs I get become.

Advertising Agencies in London

2007-03-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

One thing that copywriters can do to help them get work is to work with advertising agencies. These agencies work directly with the client and come up with ad campaigns. They are usually fully staffed.

So why would an ad agency want to hire you? It is because they are often understaffed and need more help for a project. This can work in your favor.

There are plenty of websites out there that are directories that list advertising agencies. Or, you can search on the directory or agency on your own. When you find one you like, send a letter to them with some samples and then call them for a follow up.

The Changing Nature of Copywrting

2007-03-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about this. When I first started considering copywriting, most of it was done for mail and direct mail campaigns. I know that this kind of copywriting is still going on. But, the business has changed and the internet is responsible for that change. This is both positive and negative.

Because of the global market, the internet has driven down the prices. There are countries that don't have as high a standard of living as we do in the United States. So, 30 USD to them is a lot more than it is to someone living in New York or Boston.

But it has also made more jobs available. There is more work, and it is more accessible. I guess we all have to figure out what these changes mean for our businesses.

Incorporating in Nevada

2007-02-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored link.

Do you have a business? Is it located in Nevada? You may want to incorporate in Nevada. Check out http://www.paralegal-plus.com/incorporate-in-nevada.php. The idea behind incorporation is that it can help consolidate your businesses. Most sole proprietors end up putting their assets at risk if something happens. If you incorporate in Nevada it can help with this.

But when you need to incorporate, you need a lawyer to help you do it. That is why you should check out http://www.paralegal-plus.com/incorporate-in-nevada.php. They can help you go through the process and do everything necessary to make sure you Nevada incorporation goes smoothly.

How's Your Business Plan?

2007-02-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

New year - New business plan. That seems to be my motto lately. The first months of the new year are an ideal time to revise and redo your business plan. This means that no matter what you do, you should make time for that business plan.

If you haven't written one yet, now is the time. They can be complex or simple, ornate or hand written. It doesn't matter. Just follow the instructions for writing a plan on sites like www.sba.gov and write it!

How's Your Business Plan?

2007-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

New year - New business plan. That seems to be my motto lately. The first months of the new year are an ideal time to revise and redo your business plan. This means that no matter what you do,

When Shopping Online Makes Money

2007-02-03T03:33:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

There is a trend nowadays for consumer sites and coupon sites on the internet. Some of them offer rewards, discounts, and cash back for using their site to make your purchases. Ebates.com is one of those websites. By signing up for a free account with them and then accessing one of their 800 merchants such as target you make yourself eligible for their rewards program. There is a lot of variety on this site so you are sure to find what you need.

These sites have basically changed a lot about how we do business on the internet. On the one hand, it allows the consumers to make money. On the other, it also is a good way for these merchants to gain new exposure. And then of course ebates will be making a profit, too. Everyone wins.

Keeping Up With Your Writing Projects

2007-02-03T03:28:00.000-08:00

As you get busier as a copywriter you may start to realize that it gets harder and harder to manage your projects. I've found that to be a problem too.

To help, I've learned to structure my days so that I can get more done and achieve a better balance.

My schedule:

Work on Client's Projects - 4 Hours

Work on Personal Projects - 2 Hours

Marketing and Promotion - 1 Hour

Paperwork - 1 Hour

This has helped me and boy did I need it after the hectic writing week I had.

Getting Ideas for Copywriting during the Superbowl

2007-02-03T03:25:00.000-08:00

How long have you been copywriting? If it has been at least a year chances are you have a pretty impressive list of samples to show potential clients. But at some point, you may realize that your writing has gotten a little stagnant.

A good way to juice up your copy is to go out there and see what others are doing. Some of the most creative and innovative copywriting happens during the Superbowl. So as you watch the Big Game you may want to take notes when the commercials are on. Or better yet, tape the commercials and watch them later.

Frustrated? Hire a recruiter

2007-02-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

Are you frustrated with the process of looking for employees to fill open positions in your company? Why not hire a recruiter? A recruiter is someone who weeds through the many resumes and applications and chooses the best candidates for the job. You of course have the final say but the recruiter does all the hard and frustrating work. But with this comes certain risks. That is why risk management is important. This is a way to help manage the risks of recruiting. When you have a goal, you want your recruiter to help you reach that goal as effortlessly as possible.

Productivity at Work

2007-02-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Where are you the most productive? For work at home pros this is a question that needs to be answered. For example, I have learned that I am most productive in the car and at my desk. I am not that productive in the kitchen, probably because I may need to do the dishes, and marginally productive on the bed. Nothing beats how productive I can be in my office, though.

New Squidoo Lens

2007-02-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

I don't talk much about my other writing besides this blog. But, I need to say that I have been addicted to Squidoo lately. I currently have three lenses. This morning I created a new one:

http://www.squidoo.com/make-money-writing

It is all about how I make money writing. I tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help would-be writers and copywriters. Thought I'd pass it along!

Podcasting Host

2007-01-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

Are you in on the podcasting craze? If you are then Free Podcast Hosting is a good thing for you. Podcasting is something that can really help boost your business. And if you don't have a business, it is just plain fun. Free podcasting and free bandwith are both good things, especially if your business is new and you don't have a lot of money to use for it. Don't know how to podcast? Give it a try! There are plenty of sites on the internet that can teach you.

Social Networking and Your Business

2007-01-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Do you take advantage of social networking? As a business owner, I've come to understand that developing a network filled with people can help offer you support in a pinch and give you some really good job leads.

www.writingup.com is a site that I joined thinking I was going to set up a blog and post on it every now and then. What I found was a community filled with writers who help each other out. If you don't use social networking for your business, it can really help out.

Shopping for Valentine's Day

2007-01-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

It is that time of year again. This is the day when most people take a break and honor their sweethearts. That makes valentines day flowers a popular and often necessary gift. Even if you are having a busy day, it is a thoughtful thing to pause and order something for your loved one or even just a friend or family member. Dotflowers.com makes it easy for you to do that. The site has tons of gift ideas and options for people who are looking for the perefect flowers. They have great customer service and options for every price range and need. And don't forget that there are other occasions to give flowers, too- not just on Valentine's Day.

Your Business - Where do You Want to Be?

2007-01-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

Assessing the current state of your business is a good first step when making business decisions and setting goals. But, where would you like to be? Before you can set new goals, take some time to envision your ideal business situation. What are your days like? What kind of business is it? How do you feel? Your goal should be to make the reality of your business match this dream.

Current State of Your Business

2007-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

While assessing your business goals it helps to know where you are before you decide where you want to go. Determining the current state of your business can bring up any problem areas. For example, I want to increase my earnings. I realized that in order ot do so, I need to build up my client list. Here are some things to think about:

How many clients or customers do you have?
How much is your business making a month?
How many hours does it take to get that amount of money?
What is your product or service?
Do you have people working for you?
What kinds of marketing and promotional things are you doing?

Want More Profit?

2007-01-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

No matter how successful your business is, chances are, increasing profitability is a desirable thing. Some peope need to do it so they can survive and not go out of business. Other businesses would just like to see their company and their profits grow. Either way, Acorn Systems can help. They have IT chargeback software that can help businesses increase their profits. What kind of business do you have? Acorn will help you no matter what your situation is. Their various products are designed to help. Instead of letting your profits stay low, why not do something about it and check them out?

Don't Forget to Promote

2007-01-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

When you set out to create your marketing plan, don't forget to include plans to promote your business by writing press releases and getting out there and spreading the word. Generating publicity and buzz about your business is an important part to getting and keeping clients and customers. Write press releases. Give free talks that are loosely related to what your business is about. Hold classes as a way to get the word out about your company. Or, come up with your own ideas.

What You are Worth

2007-01-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Are you charging enough for your products or services? Some people don't pay enough attention to how much they are charging. At the end of the month, these people realize that they did not charge enough and barely have enough to cover their business expenses, let alone cut a profit. Don't let this happen to you. Make sure you are charging what you are truly worth. That way, you can know that you are truly on your way to success.

A Good Business Lawyer

2007-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

When you start a business, it is a good idea to hire a business lawyer right off the bat. They can help you set up your business and be on call whenever you need a lawyer to consult with. Simmons jannace & stagg is a law firm that is devoted to helping you out no matter what you need. They are located in New York, New Jersey, and Conneticut so if you need a good lawyer and your business is in those states, you are in luck. They have a lot of high profile clients including K-Mart, Best Buy, General Motors, and Coca Cola so you know they have a lot of really good experience. Don't wait until you really need a lawyer to get one. Hire one right off the bat so you can have someone to call on.

How to Find a Copywriter

2007-01-27T12:56:00.000-08:00

If you are a business looking for a copywriter there are a few things you can do:

post the project on job boards such as getafreelancer and rentacoder.
look for listings on the internet or in the phone book for writers
work through a firm who hires their own copywriters

If you can't find one to do the job or can't afford it, you can do the work yourself. But keep in mind that copywriters are trained and are good at what they do which could yield higher results.

Internet Marketing

2007-01-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

I am intrigued by the world of internet marketing. It is something that I have only touched the surface of, but I want to know more. I am currently looking for resources that will help me. Bob Bly currently has a new program for internet marketing that I am thinking of purchasing. It really couldn't hurt because it has a 90 day back guarantee. I don't usually believe the claims put out by those systems but I know that Bly is a straight shooter.

Take a Break!

2007-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

I know. You work hard and you love what you do. Maybe you have your own business. Or perhaps you just work long hours. Either way, get out of the office and take a vacation! People who go on vacations are happier, less stressed, and more relaxed. An extra bonus is that when they are actually at work they are more productive. Well, what you really need is an all inclusive resort. Vacations.net is a great place to book your trip because it is a one stop shop. This means that booking your trip will be so much easier and you can spend the time on your trip relaxing and enjoying yourself before you need to go back to the office.

Write Your Marketing Plan

2007-01-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

When people write their business plans, they often forget to include information on marketing. A good business plan will have a section on marketing. However, a marketing plan can change a lot more often than a business plan so a lot of business owners separate them out.

A good marketing plan will define the market, the competition, and exactly what it is you would like to accomplish with the marketing and how you will accomplish it. Not writing a plan means that you won't put in a focused effort and you may not get the results you want.

Write Your Business Plan

2007-01-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

It is January and it is time to evaluate this past year and revise your business plan. If you haven't revised your business plan or even written one you are doing yourself and your business an incredible diservice. Without a business plan, it is hard to know where you are going.

If you don't have the skills or the patience to write your own, why not hire someone to do it? Plenty of copywriters (such as myself!) can write very good business plans that will help you succeed.

Gifts for Clients

2007-01-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

If you have a business that has some valuable clients, it is a good idea to send them gifts every now and then, especially if they give you a lot of work. Some gift ideas include sending flowers (non romantic bouquets), gift baskets, and gift certificates. Flowers are a good idea and so are fresh plants. This is because everyone loves flowers. Seasonal bouquets are a nice gesture especially since they don't usually have romantic connotations. Sending things like roses to a client is a no-no. But sending something neutral, like sunflowers or any other seasonal arrangement is a nice touch. BeyondBlossoms.com is a great place to shop for flowers because they are devoted to giving you the freshest flowers for the best prices. And when it comes to your business, it is a good thing to find ways to save money.

Marketing for Your Business

2007-01-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

If you have a business, you need to pay attention to marketing. But, it is easy to fall into a pattern. You have customers already so why should you keep marketing? Well, what if your customer or client backs out? Instead of leaving you with no income, marketing will help insure that your business will be successful no matter what happens to your current client list.

It is a good idea to write a marketing plan in addition to your business plan. And it is also a good idea to revise it as often as you need to.

Revamping Your Business Plan

2007-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

Now that it is the new year you need to think about your business goals. A good place to start is to take out your old business plan and read through it. Chances are, some of that information is outdated and you may now have different business goals. Go through and make any revisions needed for a successful new year.

Scheduling Help

2007-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

When it comes to scheduling, do you feel as if your business needs help? Scheduling Software is a great option. NetSimplicity offers software to take care of your scheduling and assets management options. Check out the 30 Day free trial of their best software programs. Being organized is a good thing, especially when it comes to your business.

Taking Your Career to the Next Level

2007-01-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Persuasive writing can take your business or your career to the next level. Good copy can determine whether or not a potential customer will definitely become a customer. If you have a business, consider outsourcing. Or, learn the skills needed to get the job done.

There are plenty of copywriting courses out there. Find one that has you working with a master copywriter. That will bring the best results.

Investing for the Future

2007-01-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

Investing for the future is something that everyone should be concerned with. It becomes even more important for the self employed because they don't have the luxury of company sponsored investment programs such as the 401K or even a retirement pension that people who work for the millitary or government enjoy. A great option is to buy gold coins. Gold is a precious metal that has been valued for thousands of years, ever since ancient times. The Monex Deposit Company allows you to purchase gold and other precious metals. Gold is a great investment because it retains its value. It is always valuable. They are a good company that really knows how to take care of the investment.

Building My Client List

2007-01-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

One thing I am working on for the new year is to build my client list. Here are some things I will be doing:

Revise my business and marketing plans.
Network with other business owners.
Join the local chamber of commerce.
Step up my marketing and promotional efforts.
Work on client retention.

Copywriting Links

2007-01-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

When it comes to copywriting, it is important to build your skills and your client portfolio. Sometimes I turn to my favorite resources to get advice from the experts. Here are two of my favorite sites:

www.bly.com

www.wellfedwriter.com

Sign up for the Well Fed Writer e-zine. It is filled with great articles and advice. Bly.com also has some good advice. Both Bob Bly and Peter Bowerman have excellent books and I highly reccomend them.

Finding Cell Phones

2007-01-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

This is a sponsored post.

When it comes to starting a business, it is often the little things that are the most overlooked. Take cell phones for example. It is important for all your employees to be in touch with one another. But most people go to their local cell phone store and don't even think about what they are doing. It is better to find a place that may offer free cell phones and have a large selection different options. Wirefly.com is one of those places. They have a selection of all kinds of different phones and have some good deals. Check them out! When it comes to your business, the ability to save money will help you be more successful in the long run.

Controlling Your Schedule

2007-01-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

As independent business owners, it is great that we are able to control our own schedules. But, unless we are organized, this can be difficult. Especially if we work at home. That is why it is important to make sure we guard our time closely and learn time management.

Here are some websites that I find helpful:

Flylady - all about organizing your home
Time Management on Mindtools.com
Entrepreneur.com - has a lot of resources for the business owner

Brand Million

2007-01-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

When it comes to advertising, developing a brand is the top goal. If you have a brand, that means that the consumers recognize your product. Brandmillion.com is a site that helps consumers increase their brand awareness and also helps the advertiser by providing other services.

There are a few different ways to use Brandmillion.com. The first is to go to the site as a consumer and enter the name of a "brand". If the business has not put an advertisement on the site, you will get a message indicating "brand recorded". If they eventually advertise on Brandmillion.com you may get a reward. If the company has already advertised, you may still win an award at a future time.

The other way the site works is to approach it from a business perspective. By using this site, your brand could get more exposure and increase the potential.

Writing Words that Sell

2007-01-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

That's what it's all about. To be a good copywriter, you need to write words that sell. But how do you do that?

Well, the most important ingredient, besides having decent writing skills, is to be able to listen to your clients. Most tell you exactly what they want. And the ones that don't initially will tell you what they want when prompted.

Ask questions. Be open to revising (within reason) and please your client. If you deliver what they want, that will make you successful.

Business Blog to Help You Grow

2007-01-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

Everyone could use a chance to grow. Corporations are no exception. the N2Growth Blog is devoted to providing information that will help your business grow. Articles on communication, networking, marketing, and other business practices forms the basis behind this blog (http://www.n2growth.com/blog/).

It is a great thing to find a site that provides useful information. And you don't need to have a large corporation to benefit from what they have to say. The N2Growth Blog has something for every business.

Copywriting - Do You Have What it Takes?

2007-01-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Do you want to be a copywriter? How do you know you have what it takes?

Copywriting is deadline oriented.

You need to be willing to not have a byline.

Will you do what it takes to market yourself?

These are just three aspects of copywriting. But they are important.

Merchant Credit Accounts Online

2006-12-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

If you have an online business where you process credit cards, it is a good idea to use a service such as AdvantageProcessors.com to take care of it. They are a company that is focused on providing this service for a low fee. Getting an online merchant account can often be so expensive that it is not worth it for small businesses. But http://www.advantageprocessors.com/ is a good option because of the rates. When starting your business, it is okay to use services such as paypal for a while, but it doesn't end up being worth it. AdvantageProcessors.com is a great choice.

Last minute gifts

2006-12-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

Do you still need to get some last minute holiday gifts for your clients and other people on your list? Well, an online flower delivery is your best bet right now. It is convenient. You don't need to brave the malls and the stores. We are all busy making last minute preparations so this is easier. Dotflowers is a good option because the flowers are fresh and top quality.

There is something for everyone. Flowers aren't just for romance. Certain types of flowers can be neutral or not have anything to do with romance. These are the kinds that are ideal for clients and other people that you may not know very well.

Christmas Gifts for Customers and Clients

2006-12-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas so why not give your best customers and clients a little something to show you appreciate them? An exclusive sale, a special coupon or gift certificate, or just a holiday card will go a long way to help you retain them as clients.

This is a good time to get things like pens and calendars printed up with your business name on them and send them off as gifts. There are plenty of print shops online or you can find a shop in your area that will do the work for you.

Copywriting Career Success Tip #2 Make Plans

2006-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

In the first copywriting career success tip we learned that you can only find success if you know where you are going. Copywriting career success tip #2 focuses on making a plan to get to where you are going.

Copywriting Career Success Tip #2 Make Plans

Once you set a goal, you will need to figure out how you will achieve it. For example, if your goal is to make a certain amount of money each year or each month, make a list of how you will achieve it.

You can use this technique for every goal you set no matter if it is personal or professional.

Social Networking

2006-12-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

Sponsored

Social networking is a big deal for businesses nowadays. Visiting chat rooms is a good way to meet business contacts. It is also a good way to meet with a client and discuss a project without running up a high phone bill or doing the meeting in person. In the early days, the goal of social networking was to just meet people. But now, it has expanded. That is a very positive thing for business.