Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

Another fun feature on my blog is the Rock On ~ section where I share music selections that I dig. Beware, my musical taste is quite eclectic…. Each month I’ll share my current favorite with you and you can check it out to see if you like it, too. Plus, you can post your thoughts by visiting the Rock On ~ section.

When I say I have eclectic music taste I am not kidding. I listen to a little bit of everything from classical, blues, bluegrass, rock, pop, reggae, country and more. This month I’m featuring Destiny’s Child #1′s. While I don’t love all the tracks, I do LOVE Independent Women. It’s fun, funky and upbeat with an underlying message of success. In fact, I dedicate this to all the independent women I know and the wonderful partners and friends who support you.

Grab your copy here

[Tags] Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, Destiny’s Child, copywriting, independent women, [/Tags]

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

With only four months left of 2008 I’ve been on a bit of a planning jag. I’ve taken time to reflect on the first part of the year, consider what’s worked and what hasn’t and adjust future plans accordingly.

This has me thinking a lot about the planning process. I’m blessed with big picture vision. This allows me to see the brass ring and carefully plan to take hold of it – whatever “it” might be.

The gift of big picture vision isn’t something everyone possesses. Plus, planning is often one of the most resisted tasks in business– especially for entrepreneurs.

That’s why I’m asking you what you have planned for the New Year. Have you started to think about your marketing mix? Do you have a plan? If not, why not? The New Year will be here before we know it. That’s why I’m taking the time NOW to ensure smooth sailing into the New Year and beyond.

In fact, you might say planning mania has hit Write On ~ Creative Writing Services.

Team expansion is underway, my marketing plan for 2009 is already drafted, viral videos for a viral drip campaign for the New Year are in production, ezine topics are formulated, blog and website updates are being scheduled, new head shots are on the way and the list goes on.

Several of my colleagues have asked how I’m able to visualize the big picture, chunk my goals down into achievable tasks and create a plan so quickly. My answer is simple. I incorporate the POWER Planning Process into my business plan.

The POWER Planning Process is something I developed many years ago. It helps to visualize the end results and figure out how to get there by combining personal and business goals with ultimate desires (they really are intertwined especially if you are a business owner).

If you’re struggling with your plans, The POWER Planning Process just might help you too. I’ve received great responses from clients and colleagues who have shifted their thinking in regards to plans after participating in the POWER Planning Process. In fact, I want to take a moment to thank the people who have supported me and the POWER Planning Process. Thanks so much to Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, Jen Blackert, Wendy Maynard, Vera Randall and my loyal clients (I’ll keep your names under wrap for confidentiality purposes).

I admit that knowing the process helps others really makes me feel good. Ultimately I want to be of service to others and make a difference in some way. Plus, I believe everyone (including you) deserves to embrace success as personally defined and grab the brass ring.

With that in mind, I’ll ask you again. What are your plans for the New Year?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on planning and systems you use to achieve your goals.

[Tags] Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com, www.writeoncreative.com, entrepreneurs, planning, systems, goals, [/Tags]

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

What are you asking?
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer when creating copy is to always include an offer, otherwise known as a call to action.

What do you want your customers to do? Don’t assume they’ll come to your website or storefront just because you’ve told them you’re there. Results driven advertising, marketing and promotions take more planning and effort than an “If I build it they will come” approach.

Give your prospects and customers a reason to support your business. Invite them in to your storefront, request they visit your website and be sure to ask them to take action by giving them a compelling reason to do so.

What are you “asking” your clients and prospects to do?

How often do you see a billboard, print ad or webpage that makes you scratch your head and wonder “what was that all about?” Think about radio and television ads for a moment. Do you ever wonder why advertisers invest in the so called clever and catchy campaigns with no clear message?

Advertisements designed to build top of the mind awareness without any clear call to action are called institutional ads. I’m not saying they don’t have their place. If you have an unlimited budget this can be effective. I’m simply making a case for the use of direct response tactics in all of your marketing efforts. Direct response ads get better results. They promote action. Isn’t that what marketing is really all about?

Take a moment to consider the types of marketing or advertisements you personally respond to. If you see an ad on television that is unclear do you immediately gravitate toward the brand being featured? Probably not. On the other hand if you see an ad with a specific offer, perhaps a solution to a problem you’ve been experiencing or an item that fills a need you have right now you’re more likely to take action.

Here’s an example: If you’re reading this article in Manyon’s Musings, at some point you decided to subscribe to my ezine. You were probably intrigued by the offer to deliver savvy marketing insights directly to your inbox at no cost to you. Undoubtedly you wanted to learn more about copywriting and marketing. I trust I’m delivering satisfactorily or you would have unsubscribed by now.

On the other hand if you’re reading this article on my blog, you may not be a subscriber yet. In that case I’d like to invite you to claim your gift subscription to Manyon’s Musings. Each month you’ll receive Savvy Marketing Insights delivered right to your inbox at zero charge – valued at $97 per month. Simply click on the “Grab Your Free Stuff” button in the top right hand corner of any page on my blog.

Purple Cow is not a newly released book. However, many of the ideas in the book are new to business owners and will change the way you think about your marketing.

Godin has written many books since Purple Cow. They’re all packed full of innovative marketing ideas. Still, I am a raving Purple Cow fan and it’s not just because the cover sports my favorite color “purple”. However, I’m sure there is an emotional connection there which increases my passion for the contents and motivated me to purchase.

Purple Cow highlights a series of “case studies” and illustrations of remarkable marketing. Plus, takeaway points are flagged throughout for easy reference making it a breeze to revisit the content.

Godin maintains the checklist of marketing P’s that have been used for decades is tired. I couldn’t agree more. While Product, Pricing, Promotion and Publicity are a foundation for remarkable marketing, they are no longer what set your business apart from the crowd. I’ve known this for many years and Purple Cow reinforces my theory. The 4 P’s Marketing Mix (product, price, placement and promotion) is a textbook term originating in the 1940′s. Godin reinforces my thought that it needs to be updated. In fact, I’m convinced the 4 P’s is missing a vital component. The foundation, if you will. The 5th P should include the POWER Planning Process.

The 4 P’s are important but businesses really need a solid, big-picture plan in place to achieve maximum success. I challenge you to think about your big picture and then back into it. Not sure what I mean? You’ll need to do a little homework.

Simply put you need to plan to be remarkable and learn how to do so by modeling the advice of seasoned pros like Godin. Perhaps you need the big picture perspective of my POWER Planning Process? Either way, it’s vital to invest in your business and marketing. It’s time to think and act differently than everyone else in your industry-gain some new perspective.

Here are just a few of Godin’s takeaway points (if you want more and I’m sure you will, grab a copy of the book today):

*If a products’ future is unlikely to be remarkable – if you can’t imagine a future in which people are once again fascinated by your product – it’s time to realize that the game has changed. Instead of reinvesting in a dying product, take profits and reinvest them in building something new.

*Do you have the email addresses of the 20 percent of your customer base that loves what you do? If not, start getting them. If you do, what could you make for these customers that would be super-special? Visit www.sethgodin.com and sign up for Seth’s list to see what happens.

*Is there someone (a person, an agency?) in your industry who has a track record of successfully launching remarkable products? Can you hire them away, or at least learn from their behavior? Immerse yourself in fan magazines, trade shows, and design reviews – whatever it takes to feel what your fans feel.”

I imagine these three takeaway points have you thinking more about your business and your marketing plan. Good. You’re well on your way. What are you going to do to be remarkable? Start your plan and take action today.

Grab your copy here!

[tags] copy, copywriter, www.lisamanyon.com, book review, copywriting, www.writeoncreative.com, 4 P’s, innovative marketing, marketing P’s, Purple Cow, Seth Godin[/tags]