Copy-Cat-Copywriting

For many of us, September signals, “Back to school!” Many of us followed a structured plan – from kindergarten to grade school to high school and college. Beyond choosing a major, we rarely had to ask, “What next?” But once you’re on your own as an Internet entrepreneur, you have to structure your own program. And it’s easy to take steps out of sequence. You no longer have to worry about passing a course. But following a system can save you great amounts of money and time. And you’ll most likely become successful and profitable a lot faster. 1. Baby steps: whatever’s easy to reach. I recommend beginning with whatever’s cheap and easy to reach. Nearly every marketing and business consultant offers low-cost (and sometimes no-cost) classes. Subscribe to ezines. Read widely and talk to lots of people. Resist the temptation to dive in deeper. 2. Elementary school: Manuals and Home Study Courses. As you get to know who’s who, start to invest in manuals and home study courses. Don’t spend big bucks – you can get more than half of what you need for just a few hundred dollars. Check out my favorite business resources. 3. Middle school: Classes and seminars. Which manual actually helps you make money? Which ones seem to be fluff? After you’ve identified the “good guys,” invest in lower-cost classes, mostly delivered by phone. Tip: Buy the recordings, too. You’ll want to listen over and over again. 4. College: One-to-one consulting or coaching Many newbies start here. I did too. “Just get a coach and follow her suggestions.” “Let someone walk you through the process.” “First step: find a coach.” But when you’re new, you don’t know what you want – much less who can help. You won’t know what questions to ask. So save this step till you’ve completed the earlier programs – and you’ll be ready. 5. Graduate school: High-powered mentoring programs and seminars. Now you can sign up for programs costing four figures and more. Consider attending some “live” seminars with big-name speakers. I attended my first seminar in July 2005 – and learned more in 2 days than I’d gained in the previous 2 years! The pace was fast and furious. Don’t forget: Unlike traditional education, it’s okay to repeat a grade. It’s even a good idea! As you review what you learned three or four years ago, you’ll have a whole new context to place ideas. For example, I attended Tom Antion’s teleseminars three years ago. I learned a lot. But recently I listened to the tapes again, after implementing some of his ideas over the years. I was surprised to realize how much was on these “basic” tåpes – and how much I could still learn. Get Tom's tapes here. And you’ll most likely derive even greater benefit, this time around. Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., helps solo-preneurs, professionals and small businesses build Internet revenues -- without turning themselves into techies or high-powered pushy sales people. Download: 7 best-kept secrets of client-attracting websites. Get your Report here. Email Cathy. Consulting and Copywriting Phone (206) 819-0989

# posted by Cathy Goodwin @ 10:20 AM