Archive for April, 2008

Blackert Bursts Through Barriers

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

?€?Seven Dragons: A Guide To A Limitless Mind?€? is jam-packed with proven advice that shows you how to rapidly increase the manifestation of your desires.

Simply put, you can easily burst through your own barriers by applying simple techniques from this book.

The book offers a series of profound self-coaching questions and journal activities so you can immediately change your behaviors, make better choices, and bring success into all areas of your life.

This book reveals:

  • The seven (mental) dragons that keep you stuck
  • 10 rules to really getting what you want in business and life
  • Sure-fire ways to manifest abundance
  • A step-by-step process to shift your mindset
  • The keys to transforming your desires into physical reality
  • How to be what you want so you can create what you want!

?€?Seven Dragons?€? is an investment in yourself and your business.

When you do order and read the book, I?€™d love to hear how it?€™s helped you. So, keep in touch or post your comments here.

[tags]Lisa Manyon, Write On Creative, www.lisamanyon.com, www.writeoncreative.com, Jen Blackert, Seven Dragons, Seven Dragons: A Guide To A Limitless Mind[/tags]

REAL Secrets According to Roy Williams aka The Wizard of Ads~

Monday, April 21st, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

I?€™m off to see the Wizard. The Wizard of Ads that is?€¦

Even though my business is primarily internet based there are tried and true advertising methods that span the mediums. One of my all time favorite reads is no exception.

Roy Williams aka The Wizard of Ads is an absolute marketing genius in my book.

The Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads is not a new release but the contents are timeless.

I love the wacky approaches Williams uses in his own marketing strategies. In chapter 29 ?€?Sing a Little Song, Dance a Little Dance?€? he shares the story of his not so conventional appearance at an American Marketing Association meeting held at a country club. He rolls in wearing jeans and turtle neck. Realizes he?€™s clearly underdressed for this crowd and doesn?€™t bat an eye. During his speech, he pitches his book. He tells the crowd it?€™s different than any book they?€™ve ever read. Goes on to say, ?€?It?€™s hilariously funny in some parts and heartbreakingly sad in other parts, and it?€™s for sale in the back of the room.?€?

Williams is right on target. What he says is true and he doesn?€™t leave it at that. He raises the book above his head, leans into the microphone and whispers, (you know how a whisper gets attention, right?), he whispers ?€?You?€™ll laugh, you?€™ll cry, you?€™ll kiss seventeen bucks goodbye!?€?

He then gets all James Brown on everyone, starts clapping and chanting ?€?I?€™ll laugh! I?€™ll cry!, I?€™ll kiss seventeen bucks goodbye!?€? Almost the entire room of stuffy suits follows his lead?€¦

He sells out. Not a single copy is left in the back of the room when he is done.

I share this excerpt because Williams connects with his core audience. He does it in ways that get results and are unexpected. He knows exactly what he is doing.

Williams is aware that:

1) Surprise causes delight and begins to persuade
2) Follow through occurs when people hear themselves say they are going to do something
3) Speaking to needs sells especially when your audience can envision the end result (in this case, kissing seventeen bucks goodbye)

Williams shares golden nuggets throughout the book. Things really get rolling beginning with chapter 36 when he highlights the Six Tugs-of-War relating to advertising.

1) Intellect vs. Emotion
2) Time vs. Money
3) Opportunity vs. Security
4) Style vs. Substance
5) Pain vs. Gain
6) Sight vs. Sound

I?€™m not going to spoil the suspense by telling you what he has to say. I?€™ll simply recommend that you grab a copy today and set aside some time to read it.

Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads is a must have for any marketer. Williams discusses a myriad of topics to be considered when implementing your advertising and marketing efforts. His advice is solid and experience based. You won?€™t be disappointed. Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads: Turning Paupers into Princes and Lead into Gold

Rock On ~ Joss Stone

Friday, April 18th, 2008

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

I am a HUGE Joss Stone fan and one of my favorite albums is The Soul Sessions. This lady has soul and her music speaks to mine.

It’s hard to pick a favorite track but currently I am grooving on I’ve Fallen In Love With You.

Personally, I think this is a must have for your music collection.

Listen to Joss Stone here~

[tags]Lisa Manyon, Write On Creative, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, copywriter, copy[/tags]

Is Your Business Card Working for You?

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

Using Your Marketing Real Estate Wisely.

Small spaces can pack a real punch. One of the smallest areas you have to work with is your business card.

So, let’s take a look at how to make the most of this little chunk of your marketing real estate.

Wise use of both sides of the business card makes sense. Many people are still stuck in the standard, one side of the card method. This works if you only want to provide your contact information or you don’t have anything else to offer your prospects. It’s the bare bones approach.

However, using the real estate on both sides of your card to pique curiosity and invoke action is important. It’s especially important if you are an internet marketer.

It’s one thing to include your website address and it’s an entirely different (and more effective) technique to invite visitors to your site and offer them something in return (think free reports and bonuses).

It’s also important to include contact information. All of your contact information. This includes your business mailing address (even if you are an internet marketer and do the majority of your transactions online).

Here’s why: People may actually have the occasion to send you valuable information, thank you cards and even gifts.

Personally, I’m a firm believer in good old fashioned thank you cards. It’s common courtesy to send them and since it’s become the exception rather than the rule, it’s even more important to me. In fact, Peter Bowerman has gone so far as calling me the “Thank You Card Queen.” I’ll take it, thank you. Perhaps that warrants another card?

Some business owners may not find this important. Maybe they aren’t interested in receiving a ton of junk mail. Who knows? What I do know is not being able to contact people by various means of communication can actually turn potential customers and business colleagues off. At the same time, using your calling card or business card to your fullest advantage is just smart business.

Here’s a quick checklist of questions to make the most of your cards.

Follow these simple guidelines and your business card will really begin to work for you.

  • Is your contact information including snail mail address, website, telephone number and email included?
  • Have you included an offer with a call to action?
  • Are you using both sides of your card?
  • Does your business card support your professional brand? (logo, colors & overall message)
  • Is the design unique and memorable?
  • Have you professionally printed your card on nice card stock? (no perforated edges, please).

With these simple guidelines, your card will really start working for you.

What is a Reasonable Turn Around Time for Copywriting Projects?~

Monday, April 14th, 2008

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

WARNING: This musing may come across as a bit of rant. (thanks in advance for reading on).

As you know, I’m a relatively positive and optimistic person. I usually don’t let people get me fired up. After all, I’d rather channel good energy into doing the best possible job I can at whatever it is I happen to be doing.

So, let me start by sharing a story. Please note, this story isn’t specific to one incident. It’s actually been fictionalized from a combination of experiences from me and my colleagues. (It’s so great to have like minded tribes who “get it!”).

Imagine a busy day in the life of a copywriter. Deadlines looming, research projects in full swing, writing time blocked out, scheduled conference calls on the calendar, email correspondence clicking away and calls rolling in via telephone or messages being filtered via stellar VAs.

Then “IT” happens. A new client inquiry from a frantic soul. Someone who “doesn’t have time to write copy.”

The questions begin. A barrage of inquires peppered forth. How do you work? What are your rates? Can I have the copy tomorrow?

Patiently and methodically the copywriting process is explained. The “this is how I work” spiel is shared.

When we get to the standard turn around time of 4 – 6 weeks there is silence.

Then, slight stammering from the potential client and a request to have the project sooner.

Eloquently, the option of requesting a rush job (anything less than 2 weeks out for me) is billed at 50% more is offered.

More stammering and the comment ” I don’t consider two weeks a rush job.”

Suddenly, the copywriting groove is broken.The copywriter’s groove is a fun, funky process. It is writing after all. Plus, some negotiation and knowledge that the end product helps provide a solution or lucrative end result. This includes time, creative mojo, talent and most professionals are booked well in advance.

A deep breath from the copywriter and a polite “That’s my policy” ends the inquiry.

Amusement overtakes annoyance. The copywriter smiles, shakes his or her head and gleefully realizes the potential client wasn’t a good fit. Clearly there was a lack of understanding of how professional copywriters roll.

The satisfaction of knowing only clients who understand the value of both great copy and time are worthy of a collaborative working agreement, settles in.

Finally, we’re left to question, “If you don’t have time to write your own copy, why would you think someone who does so for a living would have time to drop EVERYTHING else on their plate to move heaven and earth for you without an already established working relationship?”

The answer: Quick turnaround time isn’t likely (without a rush fee or prior working knowledge of the clients needs). Especially when it comes to seasoned copywriting pros. We’re busy, we have loyal clients we work with regularly and they understand not only the importance of stellar copy, they respect the process.

So, thanks, on behalf of copywriters across the globe, to all of you who “get it”. You are appreciated and you’ll have your copy in 4 – 6 weeks.

[tags]Lisa Manyon, Write On Creative, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, copywriter, copy[/tags]

Welcoming Peter Bowerman to the Blogosphere~

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

The Well Fed Writer is THE book that really lit a fire under me. After devouring the contents from cover to cover, I KNEW I had to follow my calling. That was back in 2003. Since then, I’ve followed Peter Bowerman’s advice, invested in mentorship with top guns like Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, completed Glazer Kennedy’s Creating Copy that Sells certification and am happily doing what I love.

I always give credit where credit is due and I want to thank Peter for his inspiration. I also want to welcome him to the blogosphere. He recently launched a new blog and if you’re interested in copywriting and weighing in, you’ll wanna check it out. In fact, I urge you to check out all he has to offer at The Well Fed Writer.

Thanks again, Peter and welcome to the blogosphere!? 

[tags] blogs, copywriting, copy, blogging, blogosphere, Peter Bowerman, Well Fed Writer, www.lisamanyon.com [/tags]