The Business of Writing Podcast
The Business of Writing Podcast is where the best creative minds of our time share how they’ve built thriving businesses around their writing skills. It’s time to kill the myth that writing doesn’t pay—on this show you’ll learn how to make words work for you. We’ll be going deep into the art and science of great writing, the business acumen you need to make your business thrive, and writers of all kinds will share hard-earned insights you won’t get anywhere else. So if you want to master the business of writing, subscribe so you never miss an episode
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BOW 100: Rachel and Laura: So Long And Thanks For All The Fish
07/27/2021
BOW 100: Rachel and Laura: So Long And Thanks For All The Fish
In This Episode: After 100 amazing episodes, we are stepping away from The Business of Writing Podcast to focus on exciting new ventures and partnerships. In the final episode of this first chapter, Laura and Rachel reveal why they’re making this decision, what we’re doing next, the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how you can make space for your business (and yourself) to evolve. Episode Highlights Why we’re stepping away from the BOW Podcast for a little while How to give yourself and your business space so you can evolve and change over time Why you should never forget that everything has a shelf life Finding people who can ask you hard questions to make sure you don’t get “stuck” in your business How to treat your business as an experiment so you can test new ideas without fear Where we’re putting our focus and attention next A very special ‘rapid fire’ question round And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 099: Adam Hunt: Comedic Conversion Writing
07/13/2021
BOW 099: Adam Hunt: Comedic Conversion Writing
In This Episode: Adam Hunt is a TV Producer turned Copywriter who specializes in comedic copywriting. He says there’s an art to writing jokes that work for brands – and a science that makes sure the end result is on-brand, on-message and won’t get you cancelled. Adam brought together TV’s best comedy writers to form his White Label Comedy Hive-Mind. They, to help brands of all shapes and sizes entertain, engage and sell. Which, he says, was not as hard as it sounds, since they were all in the same branch of Starbucks complaining about the WiFi. He now keeps them in a small bucket on his coffee table, occasionally feeding them episodes of Cheers. Episode Highlights How Adam convinced a bunch of TV writers to give up their fat paychecks and jump ship and start a copy agency Why joke formulas don’t always work in persuasive copy (and the counterintuitive reason Adam still uses them) How to find the perfect balance of comedy, psychology, and marketing to write a winning piece every time Why you should always start with conversion copy before thinking about the joke How to use comedy to get your audience to lower their resistance and be more open to hearing your message. The secret to avoiding cringe worthy jokes when injecting humor into your brand How to avoid the biggest mistakes newbie writers make when trying their hand at humor Adam’s advice for managing (and corralling) a team of writers and comedians And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 098: Laura Valenti: Project Management Mindset
06/29/2021
BOW 098: Laura Valenti: Project Management Mindset
In This Episode: So many of our listeners want to market themselves and build great platforms, we want to highlight the kind of person who can really make it happen. So today we are interviewing Laura Valenti, who is the genius behind many of the systems here at the Business of Writing. We could not have made this show without her. Laura is a creative and dynamic project manager and UX/UI designer freelance. Ever since she was young, Laura rejected the idea that having a job had to be exhausting so she simply decided to build her dream career. She spent 5 years working in London and a year and a half in Lisbon, before moving back to Italy (where she grew up) and bringing back everything she learned abroad. Right now she is working for multiple clients with different "hats". These days Laura is primarily a designer but she is also a project manager, social media manager and ux researcher. Today we talk about project management, mindset, and building a business that’s authentically you. Episode Highlights How to embrace free online learning to change your career (and your life!) Laura’s advice for getting paid to learn new skills How to see change in your business as healthy and exciting (rather than stressful) The first person you should hire when launching your new business How to build trust and brand awareness quickly when you’re just getting started Which parts of your business you should automate and systematize first How to automate more of your writing business so you can focus on the work you love most Becoming a collaborator (rather than an employee) when working with clients The powerful mindset strategy behind increasing productivity and creativity Laura’s advice for fixing an unproductive day The 3 lists you should carry around with you daily to consistently move toward big goals How to enjoy the “journey” of building your business (and not just the destination) And plenty more along the way.
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BOW 097: Finka Jerkovic: How To Love Your Business, Clients, and Offers
06/15/2021
BOW 097: Finka Jerkovic: How To Love Your Business, Clients, and Offers
In This Episode: Finka Jerkovic is an author, international speaker, and coach. She consults with clients on their personal branding, leadership, sales, client experience and employee engagement. Finka believes when you bring authentic leadership and a mission-based mindset to business, you can achieve inner fulfillment, outer success and leave a transformational impact. Today we’re talking about how to “own” your offers and your business, as Finka share her strategies from selling from a place of love, instead of fear. Episode Highlights How to pull on the tendrils of the book hiding inside you Dealing with the pain (and sometimes necessity) of throwing out your first draft How to know when it’s the right time to write your book The strategy behind fitting a book into your overall business plan How to write your book while balancing a full time job or business Working with a book writing coach to get past your sticking points How to fully embrace what you’re selling so you can feel free in promoting yourself and your work Managing book launch anxiety (and how to avoid constantly hitting the ‘refresh’ button on your results) How to sell from love instead of fear (for both your own business, and your client’s) And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 096: Angie Colee: Permission To Kick Ass
06/01/2021
BOW 096: Angie Colee: Permission To Kick Ass
In This Episode: Angie Colee is a heavily-tattooed rocker turned copywriter and entrepreneurial coach. She was one of our very first guests here on the show, and since then she’s made some incredible shifts in her business. She’s recently said goodbye to most of her client work to focus on her coaching, podcast, and writing a book – All supported by the incredible lessons she’s learned on her journey from cubicle copywriter to badass business owner. In that time she’s coached hundreds of creative freelancers through finding clients and confidently fulfilling the gig… Strategized and written multiple multi-million dollar launches, including two during the recent pandemic… And Generated over $50MM in direct-to-consumer sales with her copy. Since she walked away from her day job, she’s created strategies and promos for companies like Masterclass, Copy Chief, The Hustle, Rich Dad Poor Dad, and Product Launch Formula. These days, she’s teaching everything she’s learned in her new business called Permission to Kick Ass. There she provides business and confidence coaching for creative entrepreneurs. Episode Highlights Why Angie decided to move away from being a copywriting gun for hire How Angie manages her creative work while working remotely from the road Her superpower that makes her the perfect person to turn to when you need a loving kick in the butt. How to have difficult conversations with clients when you need to set boundaries The difference between a "red flag" and s "miscommunication" when it comes to managing clients How you can use your personality and quirks to attract the right clients The filters you should run all prospects through to make sure they’re easy to work with And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 095: Mayank and Prerna Malik: Scaling Your Biz While Working Less
05/18/2021
BOW 095: Mayank and Prerna Malik: Scaling Your Biz While Working Less
In This Episode: Mayank and Prerna Malik are the founders of Content Bistro where they serve up wallet-wooing conversion copywriting services for creatives and seasoned-for-growth consulting for service providers. They’re also the creators of Profits on Tap ® and Momentum Mise-en-Place ® where they work closely with fellow service providers who want Sustainable Scale ™ for their businesses. They’ve worked with over 500 clients worldwide including some of the biggest and best names in the industry, such as Pat Flynn, Vanessa Lau, Amy Porterfield, Kerwin Rae, Carrie Wilkerson, Alli Worthington, and others! They live in India with their daughter, Manini and when they aren’t working on launches with clients or on profit optimization with service-based businesses, they’re traveling the world and eating all the food! (Sounds like our kind of people!) Today we talk about getting strategic about your profits and mindset, scaling on your own terms, running a business Internationally, and how to grow your business while scaling back the hours you work. Episode Highlights How chronic illness forced Prerna and Mayank to launch their own business Their system for finding international clients while based in India How they moved from “content creation” to sales copywriting (and why they made the switch) Scaling your business on YOUR terms (and doing it sustainably) How they scaled BACK the hours they worked without sacrificing growth in their business The 3 key areas of your business to focus on if you want to work LESS hours while your business continues to grow How to be intentional and strategic about building profits in your business (and you don’t need to be an accounting whiz) And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 094: Rachel and Laura: Building A Business That Lasts
05/04/2021
BOW 094: Rachel and Laura: Building A Business That Lasts
In This Episode: Many industries today - especially online marketing - are so transient and based on “trends.” One thing we want to do here on this show is make sure we’re sharing lessons and insights that will stand the test of time. Stories to help you build a business without being worn out, stressed out, and ready to quit. Stuff that is sustainable and can help you build long-term growth. So today Laura and I want to share more about the evolution of our businesses over time, and the lessons we’ve learned that will help you build a business that’s set to thrive through all kinds of ups and downs, and turns of industry so you can always make great money doing what you love. Episode Highlights The catalyst that caused each of us to launch our businesses How we overcame the biggest difficulties as we built our businesses The main values we seek out in clients, employees, and business partners Our biggest “ah ha” moments over 10 years of working for ourselves How we stay updated with new business ideas and strategies The secret to finding that work-life balance Our best advice for our younger selves if we were to do it all again And plenty more along the way.
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BOW 093: Ilise Benun: The Writer’s Money Mindset
04/20/2021
BOW 093: Ilise Benun: The Writer’s Money Mindset
In This Episode: Ilise Benun helps creative professionals bust through mental money blocks, to find better projects with bigger budgets. She’s a national speaker and author of 7 books, including "The Creative Professional's Guide to Money," and 3 online courses tailored to the needs of creative professionals. Since 2008, she has hosted the Marketing Mentor Podcast and her newest project is her role as “Business Coach” for the Savannah College of Art & Design. With over 30 years of experience, Ilise has a lot to teach about clearing the mental clutter, getting more comfortable with tough money conversations, and building a thriving creative business. Let’s dive in. Episode Highlights How Ilise helps her clients clear their mental clutter Why promoting your creative on social media may NOT be a good idea How to create a marketing plan for your business that works for you and your personality How to break out of the “low paying client’ cycle and work with clients who are happy to pay you more Why Ilise thinks you’ve been brainwashed to avoid marketing your business Understanding the difference between “worth” and “value” when pricing your services How to develop great collaborative relationships with your clients The 3 simple action steps you can do over and over again to get a flood of great clients How to meet potential prospects and develop a genuine relationship with them Busting through mental money blocks that stop you from earning more How to make money negotiations a conversation instead of a confrontation And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 092: Jacqueline Burns: Publishing Books That Sell Millions
04/06/2021
BOW 092: Jacqueline Burns: Publishing Books That Sell Millions
In This Episode: Jacqueline Burns was commissioning editor at Random House and Editorial Director at HarperCollins. There she edited classics such as Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus, Who Moved My Cheese, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Toddler Taming - all of which have sold millions of copies. She is the author of Write a Bestseller, and a bestselling series of successful books for Random House. Jacq has also ghostwritten a number of well-known titles, co-founded The London Writers Club, and is a literary agent for authors. Today we get her to spill the beans on the “behind the scenes” details of publishing books that sell millions of copies, how authors can work with large publishers, and what makes a blockbuster bestseller. Episode Highlights What it’s like working on the most well-known books of modern times What Jacq looks for in books that she chooses to publish How authors can write a book that will stand the test of time The common elements of books that are likely to become blockbusters How to avoid the biggest mistakes new authors make when writing their first book The #1 piece of advice Jacq gives authors who want to make it big The specifics of what you should look for in a writing coach (and it’s not a long list of accreditations) And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 091: Licia Morelli: How To Get Bad-ass Testimonials and Referrals
03/23/2021
BOW 091: Licia Morelli: How To Get Bad-ass Testimonials and Referrals
In This Episode: Every once in a while we have an interview that is so packed with value and actionable advice, that it could be a whole masterclass on it’s own! Our guest today really pulled out the good stuff for us in this interview. Licia Morelli is a copywriter, best-selling author and marketing consultant. Her writing has been featured in Vanity Fair, The Boston Globe, Publisher's Weekly, Elephant Journal, Johns Hopkins University Press and more. She is also a poet and prose writer, publishes children’s books, helps copywriters grow their businesses, has worked as an editorial director in the online marketing industry for over 10 years. Today we’re diving into writing copy that goes above and beyond, getting bad-ass testimonials (and referrals) from your clients, pricing your services like a pro, and how to balance everything without going insane. Grab a notebook and buckle up for this one! Episode Highlights How Licia launched her writing career by telling jokes on twitter Her “single person” copy tactic that guarantees her work will hit hte mark How she gets bad-ass testimonials (and measurable results!) from her clients Her system for using “The 5 Love Languages” to get incredible case study’s and proof for your biz How to get testimonials for a brand new offer that’s never been sold before Licia’s system for getting long-term clients who book out full days with her months in advance How to manage a busy roster, your personal life, creative work, and the functional part of your biz without going crazy Why Licia DOESN’T raise her prices And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 090: Sharon Hurley: Shifting Focus In Your Writing Career
03/09/2021
BOW 090: Sharon Hurley: Shifting Focus In Your Writing Career
In This Episode: Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism writer, a professional B2B writer and blogger, and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast. She holds Masters degrees in both media and education and has not missed a deadline in 25 years of work! More than that, she’s a true veterans of the industry – having thrived through the many changes that professional writers have weathered as the market shifts. Today we talk about growing your business as a B2B writer, building a strong network of writers to support you as you grow, and the fast-growing needs that writers can fill as diversity, inclusion, and equality take the forefront. Episode Highlights Sharon’s accidental launch into journalism How she made the transition to B2B writing The truth about competing against other writers Her process for bringing in new client leads The criteria she runs through before accepting new clients How she builds a strong network of writers (and why it’s been critical to her career) The nirvana fallacy about creating an equal world And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 089: Rachel and Laura: Getting Your Head Straight When Everything Seems Crooked
02/23/2021
BOW 089: Rachel and Laura: Getting Your Head Straight When Everything Seems Crooked
In This Episode: By now we’ve all discovered that things did not magically go back to normal after the year ticked over into 2021. Surprise! (not). For many writers, working from home, where family and domestic distractions run wild takes a serious toll on our creative work. Today Laura and Rachel dive into the headspace (or lack there of) involved with protecting and fueling your creativity while everything feels like it’s in flux. Because when everything feels crooked, sometimes you need a little help getting your head straight. Episode Highlights How to focus on work when life feels crazy Balancing your own passion projects with client work when creativity is low How to manage your financial goals when you need to pull back on your workload The easiest way to reserveHow to work when you feel like life is crazy Dealing with the lack of novelty and stimulation that usually fuels your creative ideas The best way to reduce your “mental load” when you feel like you’ve got nothing in the tank And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 088: Athena Dixon: Getting Your Poetry and Prose Published
02/09/2021
BOW 088: Athena Dixon: Getting Your Poetry and Prose Published
In This Episode: Athena Dixon is a poet, essayist, and editor. She is the author of The Incredible Shrinking Woman and No God in This Room. Her work also appears in The BreakBeat Poets Vol. 2: Black Girl Magic. Athena’s work has appeared in various publications including GAY Magazine and Narratively. She is founder of Linden Avenue Literary Journal, which she launched in 2012, and the co-host of the New Books in Poetry Podcast. She lives in Philadelphia. When she’s not publishing her own work, Athena helps businesses and authors edit their work – both for quality, and by providing “sensitivity reading” which helps them hone their marketing in a way that promotes equality, and fights discrimination and stereotypes. In this episode, we cover a wide range of valuable topics like getting your prose published, what to do FIRST if you’re just launching your writing career, and the raw truth about what it takes to make it as a professional writer. Episode Highlights The step-by-step process Athena used to find and land her publisher Demystifying the “romantic writer’s life” with the truth about a professional writer’s day to day How Athena supports her “ideal writer’s life” financially Why she recommends NOT writing every single day What to do FIRST if you want to build a career in editing or professional prose The biggest mistakes new writers make when pricing their services How to package up editing services so they’re a “no brainer” for clients to say yes to Athena’s advice for helping business owners market with equality and inclusion in mind How the publishing industry can make more room for smaller presses and authors And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 087: Rebecca Otis Leder: Cold Outreach Done Right
01/26/2021
BOW 087: Rebecca Otis Leder: Cold Outreach Done Right
In This Episode: Rebecca Otis Leder founded an award-winning blog, TheRebeccammendations® in 2009, as well as a marketing consulting company for small businesses, startups, and nonprofits. Rebecca has shared her career development, personal branding, and marketing insights for organisations like Salesforce, DePaul and Loyola Universities, Startup Institute Chicago, BlogHer, and YearUp. Now she teaches marketers how to develop genuine, lasting career relationships through her communication and networking system called The Knock Method. In this episode, we dig deep into one of the biggest challenges for freelancers and writers – cold outreach to forge new connections and open doors to new opportunities. Episode Highlights How Rebecca took her blog from fun creative outlet, to award-winning content The KNOCK method for cultivating genuine (and valuable) relationships in your career How to stand out when doing cold outreach (and avoid looking like a spammer) Rebecca’s strategy for finding common ground with new connections so a “cold” message quickly becomes a personal conversation How to show value right up front so new connections WANT to get to know you more The best way to put new connections in a “collaboration mindset” so they’re ready to work with you Cold outreach killers - the biggest mistakes that make new connections fall flat.And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 086: Mike Abramov: A Holistic Approach To Copywriting
01/12/2021
BOW 086: Mike Abramov: A Holistic Approach To Copywriting
In This Episode: Mike Abramov is a direct response copywriter and consultant based in Los Angeles, California. He's written for industry titans like Agora, PaleoHacks, The Dig Agency, NativePath, and Organifi – and is now branching out to seek exciting new ventures of his own. When he's not writing, he's coaching up-and-coming writers – helping them move past mental and emotional blocks they have around their writing process. Episode Highlights How Mike ended up the youngest copywriter for some of the writing from some of the biggest direct response publishers in the world Mike’s process for qualifying new client projects Why Mike prefers a holistic approach to writing a sales page How he works with other copywriters to make sure he’s doing his best work Mike’s advice for moving past perfectionism How he finds stories hidden in “boring” product research Mike’s advice for balancing work and life while in lockdown How to start writing a new draft quickly Mike’s advice for creating urgency in your copy without being sleazy How to manage your emotions when it comes to the writing process And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 085: Rachel and Laura: How To Prepare Yourself And Your Business For 2021
12/29/2020
BOW 085: Rachel and Laura: How To Prepare Yourself And Your Business For 2021
In This Episode: Sooo, obviously 2020 happened. And it was a doozy. This past year has been transformative for everyone, and not a single person or business came out the same way they went in. There’s no magical switch that will flip when we tick over into 2021, but we can plan and prepare ourselves to move into the new year with strength and a clear direction. In this episode, Laura and Rachel sit down together to take a close look at how things changed in 2020, and their plans for moving into next year strong and focused. Join us as we chat about shifts in the industry, what we’re prioritizing moving into 2021, and how we’re adapting to all the changes that happened this past year. Episode Highlights How businesses changed the way they work in 2020 The biggest shifts in the way we find new clients and projects Why streamlining and simplifying is more important than ever How to deal with feelings of failure that come with the chaos of this past year Doubling down on your most profitable activities (and reducing the energy draining tasks) How to find the right help so you don’t have to do everything yourself Our thoughts on specializing and “niching down” in 2021 How to make yourself a “no brainer” fit for your ideal clients Getting specific about your specialty and experience How to prioritize your health, sanity, and life without dropping the ball on client work And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 084: Bonnie Caton: Writing Your Way Around The World
12/22/2020
BOW 084: Bonnie Caton: Writing Your Way Around The World
In This Episode: Bonnie Caton is an in-house copywriter at AWAI — The American Writers and Artists Institute – where she helps AWAI provide copywriting training for over 250,000 writers. Before her time at AWAI, she was a content marketer and travel writer – using her writing skills to work her way around the world in over 40 countries. Now she writes for one of the biggest companies in the copywriting industry, is a regular contributor to The Right Way to Travel, and also runs the Breakfast Stock Club, which helps folks to get up-and-running selling their photos in online stock photo agencies. Join us today as we talk about using your writing skills to work your way around the world, working in-house for a major marketing company, and battling imposter syndrome. Episode Highlights How Bonnie has used her writing skills to travel to over 40 countries What it’s like working in-house for AWAI How Bonnie transitioned from content writing to copywriting What’s involved in writing big front-end promos that bring in new leads How experienced copywriters deal with imposter syndrome What it’s like working with a high-level Copy Chief How Bonnie writes for multiple platforms while still fully “showing up” for her copywriting at AWAIAnd plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 083: Rosie Moore and Dr. Alexis Shields: The Healthy Writer
12/15/2020
BOW 083: Rosie Moore and Dr. Alexis Shields: The Healthy Writer
In This Episode: We’re tackling something a bit different in this episode, and that’s how all us writers can take good care of our health. Writing is a sedentary, solitary job, and the better health, the better work we’re able to do. So today, we have a special double-guest interview, with two very dear friends of ours, Rosie Moore and Dr. Alexis Shields. Rosie is an online fitness, nutrition and accountability coach who helps busy professionals create sustainable change in their health and wellbeing. Dr. Alexis Shields is an online functional medicine doctor who specializes in the assessment of blood work and creating customised health plans for each client, in order for them to restore and optimise their health. Today we’re talking how your health impacts creativity, how to counteract the sedentary nature of our work, and tactical advice for taking care of your health as a writer. Episode Highlights How your physical health impacts your creativity and ability to write The #1 thing you can do to manage stress (and creativity killing cortisol) Tactical advice for offsetting the sedentary nature of our work Why entrepreneurs and freelancers are more prone to perfectionism than most How to motivate yourself without relying on willpower A doctor’s tactical advice for counteracting loneliness or depression And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 082: Eric Maisel: Mastering Creative Anxiety
12/08/2020
BOW 082: Eric Maisel: Mastering Creative Anxiety
In This Episode: Eric Maisel is a creativity coach and the author of 50+ books, including A Writer's Space, Coaching the Artist Within, and Mastering Creative Anxiety. He leads deep writing workshops around the globe to help writers form their ideas into actionable offers and programs, and also coaches writers on how to manage anxiety and mindset around their creative work. Episode Highlights Why creative work causes so much anxiety Anxiety management tools to help you manage your creative energy The visualization exercise to reduce your stress How to control self sabotaging thoughts while still allowing your brain to have creative freedom Why we often push our own work back in favor of client work How Eric has written over 50 books without sacrificing quality What to do when your fears are realized and your writing doesn’t work How Eric uses his writing to travel around the globe Eric’s advice for carving out space to work on your own business in between client work The sleep-thinking exercise to “write in your sleep” so your words flow smoothly the next day And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 081: Rachel and Laura: The Head Trash of Selling Yourself
12/01/2020
BOW 081: Rachel and Laura: The Head Trash of Selling Yourself
In This Episode: There’s a lot of head trash that pops up around pricing your services and selling your own services. Even if you’re great at selling your clients’ offers, freelancers and creatives are notoriously bad at promoting themselves and confidently presenting their achievements. Join Laura and Rachel in this episode as we talk about money mindset, building confidence in your skills, and how to get over the fear of promoting your offers and services. Episode Highlights Why creatives struggle with promoting themselves How to be more obvious about what you’re offering so people seek you out for your services What to do when you get bored of promoting the same thing The 1 thing that’s worse than a prospect saying “no” and rejecting your proposal How to get over the fear of quoting big numbers The biggest mistake people make when raising their prices How to practice your price pitch before getting on your next sales call And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 080: Amisha Shrimanker - How To Get Repeat Clients and Referrals
11/24/2020
BOW 080: Amisha Shrimanker - How To Get Repeat Clients and Referrals
In This Episode: Amisha Shrimanker is a copywriter who specializes in launch copy – blending psychology, persuasion & personality to help her clients have less stressful launches. Her clients love her for going super deep into research – not only for the products she’s selling and the market she’s selling it to – but also researching her CLIENTS to pull out the most interesting pieces for her copy. But what they don’t see behind the scenes, is that she’s got a very detailed and strategic system for consistently exceeding her clients expectations. Today she’s walking us through all the nitty gritty details of how she “wows” her clients again and again – to keep them coming back and send her new work. Episode Highlights An in-depth walkthrough of Amisha’s robust research process The “smile” test she uses to predict if copy will work well or not How to get clients to work with you exclusively Amisha’s strategic (and unique) new-client onboarding process How she gets great referrals from her existing clients Why she only works with 2 clients at a time (even though she has a team and an agency) How she raises her rates consistently when working with repeat clients Her detailed sales process for landing new projects The first roles she hired for when building her team Her advice for adding multiple revenue streams to your own writing business And plenty more along the way.
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BOW 079: Laura Briggs: Tactical Tips To Grow Your Freelance Business Without Going Crazy
11/17/2020
BOW 079: Laura Briggs: Tactical Tips To Grow Your Freelance Business Without Going Crazy
In This Episode: This. Episode. Is. MEATY! Laura Briggs is a two-time TEDx speaker, award winning author of How to Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business, and the founder of a nonprofit that teaches military spouses how to start a freelance business. She’s just released her second book, Six Figure Freelancer… At least that’s what her “official” bio says. In truth, she’s much more than that. She’s an inspiring, no-nonsense author, entrepreneur, and project manager who creates needle-moving marketing assets for her clients, while helping hundreds of freelancers launch and grow their businesses. She bounds effortlessly across industries – meeting the varied needs of her personal clients – while also helping military spouses find purpose (and a solid income source) by developing and promoting their own freelance skills. Today we’re getting tactical as Laura shares actionable, step-by-step lessons for developing your skills, growing your freelance career, and scaling your business while maintaining your sanity. Episode Highlights How Laura went from Middle-School Geography Teacher to professional writer and freelance coach Why Upwork donated $20,000 to help her launch her non-profit for freelancers Laura’s advice for writing in tough industries like Law The 2 things you MUST have to launch your freelance business (and what you should put off until later in your career) How to get started with freelancing, even if you have no clients and very little xperience Why Laura says you should pitch your ideas to agents even if you don’t have a book yet The biggest difference between pitching fiction and non-fiction work to publishers Why you shouldn’t rely on your publisher to market your book Laura’s step-by-step process for marketing her new books after they’re published How to write quickly so you can deliver great material fast Laura’s #1 tip for managing your time (and everything else) when you’re overloaded with work How to tell your clients that you need to scale back your work when you need a break Tactical tools and processes for managing multiple projects at the same time Laura’s advice for building your “legacy” business The biggest mistake new freelancers make when trying to launch their new businessAnd plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 078: Brett Randell: Writing In A Woman’s World
11/10/2020
BOW 078: Brett Randell: Writing In A Woman’s World
In This Episode: Our guest today sports a pretty impressive resume. Brett Randell is a sales copywriter, content strategist, and yogi-musician who works almost exclusively with female clients. Over the past 7 years, Brett has written content and copy for 4 TEDx Speakers with 3.5 million+ combined views, as well as dozens of leaders in the spaces of women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, diversity & inclusion, and more. Brett has also supported Austin-based Storytelling for Entrepreneurs with content, copy, and social since 2011. Brett has also spoken on the topics of Storytelling and Diversity multiple times at Denver Startup Week, Storytelling intensives, and recently created productivity and remote leadership trainings for the Western Council of US Forestry leaders during Covid. Outside of business, Brett has released 4 CDs, published poetry, traveled to 30+ countries, and performed music at yoga festivals around the world. He lives in Denver, CO and is working on his first fiction novel as a 2019-2021 Fellow for the Book Project at The Lighthouse Writers Workshop. Episode Highlights Why Brett works almost exclusively with female clients How he learned to write in a woman’s voice The surprising fact Brett learned about the companies who thrived during COVID How Brett survived the “pandemic pivot” when he lost BOTH of his biggest clients His tactics for getting new clients FAST How to reactivate old client relationships to explore new work opportunities Why times of chaos are best times for copywriters and marketers How draws out the authentic stories his clients often have trouble sharing His advice for boosting your mental and physical health so you can do your best work Brett’s intense morning routine that he says is the main reason his life is so awesome And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 077: How to take time off when you work for yourself
11/03/2020
BOW 077: How to take time off when you work for yourself
In This Episode: In a world of hustle and grind, “resting” is not something that’s traditionally built into our work culture. But taking a break isn’t just some “nice to have” – it’s critical to staying productive and producing your best work. When YOU’RE the boss – sometimes taking a vacation can seem impossible. Add on pressure from client expectations, and the R&R always seems to get pushed to the back burner. So how do you take a break when it feels like the work never ends? In this episode, Rachel and Laura chat about how rest impacts the quality of your work, and how to get some much-needed time off when you’re working for yourself. Episode Highlights The warning signs of pending burn out Why taking time to rest isn’t a “nice to have” How to identify when you need to take a break The easy way to plan vacations and time off in advance How to reset boundaries with clients when things have gotten out of hand Dealing with the fear of “dropping the ball” when you’re feeling burned out How to communicate your need to rest with client And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 076: Terrell Turner: Storytelling By The Numbers
10/27/2020
BOW 076: Terrell Turner: Storytelling By The Numbers
In This Episode: Your business numbers tell a story – do you know what it’s saying? If not, Terrell Turner can help with that. Terrell is an accountant-finance leader by trade with over a decade of experience — from running Fortune 500 business segments to helping start ups go from pre-launch to billions in revenue. He is also a content creator focused on making complicated business topics simple, using words, and numbers to tell compelling stories that shape the vision and actions of entire organizations. His Business Talk Library show helps business owners understand their numbers and use them to craft a story they actually WANT to tell. Join us today as we dive into financial best practices for your business, understanding your numbers, and crafting your financial story so it has a happy ending. Episode Highlights How Terrell uses his storytelling abilities to make complicated topics simple Why knowing “the numbers” is just as important for writers as it is for accountants How to use YOUR numbers to make smart business decisions Terrell’s advice for crafting powerful stories (even when talking about seemingly mundane topics) How to get more proactive with your business finances Best practices for managing your revenue and expenses (even while navigating tough times) How to “rewrite” the rest of your story if your numbers don’t look ideal right now And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 075: Samar Owais: Say Yes First, Freak Out Later
10/20/2020
BOW 075: Samar Owais: Say Yes First, Freak Out Later
In This Episode: Samar Owais is an email strategist and copywriter for SaaS and eCommerce brands. She helps both clients and agencies increase conversions, boost sales, and most important, increase retention so they keep more of their existing customers. While her mission is to get every brand to leverage active, human-to-human conversation with their users and create raving fans… She’s also passionate about helping freelancers overcome head trash and fear about putting themselves out there to promote themselves. Today we’re chatting with Samar about pivoting your business, customer retention, and finding the courage to proudly show your face. Episode Highlights How Samar pivoted her business (and her skills) from content marketing to persuasive copywriting The big lesson she learned about negotiating higher rates (she calls it the most stressful 48 hours of her career!) How she pitched her writing coach to land one of her best long-term clients Why she butts heads with her clients over their own customers (and why it’s worth it for everyone involved) Her advice for working quickly and efficiently to keep up with a fast-paced roster. How she got over her fear of showing her hijab so she could put herself out there Her tactical advice for freelancers who are afraid to promote themselves The biggest change she made when she decided to start showing her face online And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 074: Sophie Littlefield: Shame, Grit, and Fixing Your Money Problems
10/13/2020
BOW 074: Sophie Littlefield: Shame, Grit, and Fixing Your Money Problems
In This Episode: SHAME! According to novelist Sophie Littlefield, it’s at the root of most of your money problems. Sophie is an award-winning author who the New York Times calls a “writing machine” and The Midwest Book Review says is a “master storyteller". She’s written over 20 published novels and also speaks at writing events about financial management and protecting yourself financially. Today we talk about grit, stubbornness, and dealing with rejection on the road to writing success. Join us for this very transparent conversation about fixing your financial issues and getting your head straight. Episode Highlights How Sophie published 9 successful novels before getting her first agent Why being an introvert can be a great strength as a writer How Sophie writes across so many genres successfully What Sophie did after getting rejected by every agent she submitted to Her “lucky mailbox” trick that helped her land her first agent The #1 thing that keeps writers from fixing their financial issues Why people feel the need to present themselves as more successful than they really are (and why it’s actually hurting you to do so) The biggest mistakes writers make with their money How to pay yourself a consistent salary from your business Why Sophie believes that writing is NOT a consistent income source How to plan ahead for inconsistent workflow Sophie’s advice for making sure you NEVER get caught by a surprise tax bill Why having a “side hustle” isn’t optional How Sophie was able to save 2 years worth of income as a buffer And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 073: Shelly Ellis: The Nuts and Bolts of Publishing Novels
10/06/2020
BOW 073: Shelly Ellis: The Nuts and Bolts of Publishing Novels
In This Episode: Shelly Ellis has built an incredible career out of writing and publishing fiction novels. Contrary to the path many writers take, she actually started with a publishing house, and after several successful books, decided to take off on her own so she could be more creative with her work. Now she writes under 2 different pen names across several different fiction dramas. Along the way, she’s won several prestigious awards and learned a lot of lessons about writing, publishing, and marketing books that your audience is hungry to read. Join us as we talk about getting an agent, building a thriving career in fiction writing, and recovering from creative burn-out. Episode Highlights Why Shelly writes under 2 different pen names How she comes up with ideas for her many novels Why she never writes a story straight from start to finishHow she comes up from ideas for her stories Her advice for burned-out writers who’ve lost their love for the craft How she gets her books into Barnes and Nobles and other bookstores Why she left her publishing house after years of success and decided to self-publish instead How to recover when you write something that flops Her advice for getting helpful feedback from your readers How she takes the “traditional” book tour and moves it online Her favorite ways to replenish her creativity when she’s feeling drained And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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BOW 072: Rachel and Laura: Going Beyond Client Work By Building Your Own Offers
09/29/2020
BOW 072: Rachel and Laura: Going Beyond Client Work By Building Your Own Offers
Client work is the bread and butter of most freelance businesses, but it’s important to protect yourself by building other revenue streams into your business model. Building your own offers not only provides security… It’s also a great way to scale up your business by leveraging what you already know. Building coaching offers, courses, informational products, consulting offers… All of these are great ways to go beyond client work and get paid for your experience, and for the valuable knowledge in your brain. In this episode, Rachel and Laura break down different types of offers you can develop for your writing business to leverage everything you’ve learned and done so far in your biz. HIGHLIGHTS The different ways to get paid for what’s in your brain How to create your own offers as a writer The different levels of consulting that get you paid for your time How to scale your intellectual property The best way to launch and grow your own products
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BOW 071: Lara Lillibridge: Publishing Your Fiction Work
09/22/2020
BOW 071: Lara Lillibridge: Publishing Your Fiction Work
In This Episode: Despite the whimsical nature of the genre, there’s a strategy behind writing and publishing great fiction, and Lara Lillibridge has got a plan. Lara is the author of four books, and has collaborated with other writers on many other published pieces. She also mentors emerging writers through writing and publishing their own great works. On today’s episode she goes in-depth into her fiction-writing process, the fast-track to getting your book published, and how to strategically grow your career as an author. Episode Highlights How Lara develops her fiction stories and characters Why writing about “real stuff” makes your fiction stories even better How Lara uses her kids to test if her fiction work is believable. Lara’s writing routine that keeps her new books on track The different professional publishing options available (and how to choose which is right for you) The difference between a writing teacher and a writing mentor Lara’s advice for getting your first book published Why sharing your work publicly or on social media can actually HURT your career Lara's strategic plan for marketing and promoting your books And plenty more along the way. Get the resources mentioned in this episode below.
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