Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

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 on my blog by visiting the Rock On ~ section.

Jenny Scheinman makes her vocal debut on this album. Traditionally you’ll find her working magic on the violin. Now she’s exploring new avenues in her self titled album Jenny Scheinman. I think it’s funky and soulful and I’m not saying that just because we grew up in the same little northern California town in the stix although I do like to support homegrown talent. Check it out. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I also urge you to grab some of her earlier stuff too.

Grab your copy here.

Technorati Tags: Jenny Scheinman, Lisa Manyon, copywriting, rock on, www.writeoncreative.com

It’s no secret that I have purposely aligned myself with top copywriters to fast track my own career. YOU can too!!!

The Online Summit will help you better market and sell your copywriting services by learning directly from pros who have been there and done that.

Two of my favorite copywriting mentors Bob Bly and Peter Bowerman will share their expertise during this online summit — that alone makes it worth your time!!!

Do you want to effortlessly attract more clients, become the envy of your competitors and earn an executive income as a no-hype copywriter?

The first of its kind, Copywriting Success Summit 2008 brings Bob Bly, Peter Bowerman, Steve Slaunwhite, Michael Stelzner, Copyblogger’s Brian Clark and other pros together to share their closely guarded secrets to copywriting success.

No travel required. This online summit allows you to attend sessions, meet the experts and network with peers, all from the comfort of your home or office. This event is sure to sell out quickly.

Learn how to qualify for a $200 savings and lock in your key to success. Visit Copywriting Success Summit 2008 to save your spot and get an immediate gift valued at $39 entitled “Writing Compelling Titles and Headlines (Luring Readers With a Few Well-Chosen Words).”

Here’s a peek at some of the great content you’ll get:

Plus there are some really cool bonuses you can access when you check out the Copywriting Success Summit 2008 site and register.

I hope you take advantage of this valuable offer to up-level your copywriting business. I know from experience that gaining insider info from top pros accelerates success! Oh, and I think they’re only accepting the first 1,000 people. So you better register now if you’re considering it. If not, how are you accelerating your success?

I’m Ready To Make More Money Writing Copy – Sign me up!

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, Copywriting Success Summit 2008, Bob Bly, Peter Bowerman, Steve Slaunwhite, Michael Stelzner, Copyblogger, Brian Clark

Why It Pays (BIG) to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Personally I think this book should be required reading for anyone remotely involved in sales.

Face it, we all sell to some extent and I’ve always felt the key to being successful in sales is to NOT sell out. My convictions on this matter didn’t always settle well especially when I was asked to do “dog and pony shows” back in the print, radio and ad agency days. It’s true, my foray in advertising and marketing started in sales. But I could never embrace the worn out, salesy approach. That just wasn’t me. I choose to connect with my clients and treat them as real people. Guess what? It worked and it still does today.

Little did I know, doing what I believed to be the right thing was actually not the norm. I’m glad and I’m proud to be a contrarian. Are you?

Michael Port and Elizabeth Marshall team up to share insights into typical sales tactics and they skillfully illustrate why the old school ways are not necessarily the best approach.

Consumers are savvier than ever. They demand more. They expect more and they deserve more than a stale sales pitch and antiquated, canned attempts at “the close”.

The new marketing model is all about relationships and meeting the ever demanding expectations of today’s consumer.

Two of the most important tips I hope readers take to heart are:

1. Identify and target specific groups of individuals rather than the mass market.

This may seem like a no-brainer to most contrarians but I am amazed to hear people today say “I want to speak to those who are even remotely interested in my product or service.” This broad approach to marketing, advertising and sales is not cost effective. With this approach the messages created are often watered down and don’t connect with people who may actually want what you’re selling. Why don’t more people understand the narrower the target the more qualified the consumer and coincidentally the more likely people are to buy from you?

2. Collaborate with strategic partners who share the same target market.

Collaboration is the key to your success on the new business playing field. Gone are the days of bitter competition, back biting sales strategies and unauthentic attempts to make the sale. These out of date techniques hinder rather than help both sales and the economy. Odd as it may seem there is more than enough business to go around. In fact, I regularly collaborate with other professional copywriters. We have a referral network and we send business to each other based on our specialties and who we like to work with. It’s a win-win situation.

Another vital component to being a contrarian is following the Contrarian Primer. Port and Marshall created a list of 9 fundamental contrarian traits (this chapter alone is well worth the small investment in the book). I’ll list them here but please note the book elaborates in the importance of each.

1. Build relationships and make connections
2. Respect your customers and honor their wishes
3. Target specific groups of individuals and the people with whom you do your best work
4. Make relevant and timely offers
5. Increase your likability factor
6. Practice radical transparency
7. Establish yourself as a trusted advisor
8. Collaborate with strategic partners to leverage your efforts
9. Think bigger about who you are and what you offer your clients

I dare you to invest in a copy of the book today. Read it, apply the principles and be contrarian! By being your authentic best the rest will follow – and yes, that does mean increased sales for you.

I’m ready to be a contrarian – take me to Amazon now!

Technorati Tags: The Contrarian Effect, Michael Port, Elizabeth Marshall, Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreattive.com, copywriting, sales,

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Internet marketing and Google are almost synonymous.

Well, maybe not quite. But, if you are not utilizing Google and Google alerts in your internet marketing mix you’re missing out.

Google alerts aren’t actually an internet marketing tool but actually an internet marketing monitoring tool.

Let’s face it, the World Wide Web is a big, huge fish bowl. With that being said, how can you possibly know who’s blogging who, especially you? (or posting any type of content or comments about you or your business online).

The answer is Google alerts.

If you haven’t set any alerts yet, I urge you to do so immediately.

It’s quick, easy and free.

I know that sounds too good to be true but it’s not. And if you’re not taking full advantage of Google alerts, you could be missing out on what people are saying about your business, services and even you.

It’s important to keep up on this for a multitude of reasons. I’ll just assume you understand that.

I receive Google alerts for my name, business name and several industries of interest. Because of the alerts, I can easily monitor what’s happening on the internet and in the blogosphere pertaining to me.

If someone publishes an article I’ve written, mentions me in their blog or on their website, Google alerts let me know. And, I can respond appropriately by responding to blog or forum posts, sending a “thank you” to someone who has plugged my business or published one of my articles. By the way, this also helps boost your search engine rankings but that’s a topic for another article. Once daily, I receive my Google alerts delivered in email format straight to my inbox. I can then peruse them to see where I am showing up. It’s that easy. So go ahead, Google me, baby.

You’ll find pages of information. But what’s out there about you?

I suggest you set up a Google alert today, so you can find out tomorrow.

Discover step by step instructions and get your free alerts here http://www.google.com/alerts.

Technorati Tags: Google, marketing, online marketing, google alerts, Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, copywriting, blogging,

by Lisa Manyon: www.writeoncreative.com

When you’re ready to tackle your next copywriting project these POWER Points will help you get focused. Writing is a process and believe it or not there is a method to the madness. Whether you plan to write your own copy or outsource these POWER Points will kick start the process.

There are nine key questions I ask before considering any copywriting project. And this is just the beginning of the process. Once a client has invested in my services we go through a deep process of evaluating copy needs with a customized questionnaire. Some clients are even resistant to the process because it really makes you think about your business and direction.

However, these POWER points set the tone and direction to get started. Consider your next copywriting project. Now consider the following questions and jot your answers down.

1) Who am I talking to?

2) What is the main point?

3) What motivates my audience about this business, product or service?

4) What makes my business, product, or service unique?

5) What does my company, product or service do better than the competition?

6) What’s my niche?

7) What do I hope to accomplish with this promotional marketing piece?

What do I want the finished product to look like (postcard, brochure, catalog, direct mail, letter, print ad, etc.)? How will I use it? Who will receive (see) it and how or where?

9) Do I have a positioning statement, slogan or tagline for my company’s promotional materials? If not, should I consider creating one?

These POWER Points should get your creative juices flowing. Answering the questions will help you analyze key points and angles to include in your next copywriting project. Again, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to going deep to really connect with your customers.

Take Action Challenge: Consider your next marketing piece. How will you use the answers to your POWER Points to better connect with your customers and prospects? Make a list of your ideas and get started today or offload the project to your favorite professional, copywriter.

Technorati Tags: copywriting, marketing, Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, professional copywriter, promotional materials

by Lisa Manyon: www.writeoncreative.com

Lately I’ve noticed a lot of indifference.?  I’m wondering if you’ve noticed it, too?

It used to be I could count on people – especially in business-to do what they said they would do. Now it seems missed deadlines are “no big thing” and this isn’t simply a personal observation on my part.

The topic of reliability, integrity, ethics and honesty in business has come up more than once as of late. Friends, mentors, and mastermind group members have all seen an odd trend.

Some people simply aren’t doing what they say they’ll do and worse yet others are being really dishonest and hurting the reputation of entire niches.

There’s been some buzz about being authentic in business. To me that seems the only way to go. After all, I’m me — my business is a direct extension of me and because of that I always try to do the right thing.

I guess that isn’t the way it is with everyone, though.

To me it’s disheartening. Recently Sylvie Fortin got really fed up with similar actions. In fact, she created a report about it and it’s stirring the pot. I urge you to grab a copy if you haven’t already read it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are you doing to do your part in supporting honesty, ethics and integrity?

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, Sylvie, Fortin, Internet Marketing, internet marketing sins, authentic in business, copywriting, www.lisamanyon.com,

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

How to Win the Battle for Success by Using What You’ve Got to Get What You Want

I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of using “battle” terminology in business. However, Liz has a unique approach to applying this terminology. She tackles the inner issues women have with success.

Instead of preparing to go forth and conquer the competition, she suggests we should all begin within. I wholeheartedly agree with this approach. I believe everyone deserves success and that there’s enough business to go around.

Liz helps pave the way to personal success by clearly defining a MavHERick. She’s sure to point out that MavHERicks are not rebels.

Instead, women who possess the MavHERick traits are:

• Unafraid to color outside the lines
• Confident in their own power without taking away the power of others
• Thankful for and implements the unique gifts they’ve been given
• Cognizant of individual purpose and strive to use natural talents to better the world
• Excited by helping others
• Respectful of themselves

Throughout the book you’ll find helpful, personal stories to remind you that we are all human and face similar fears and challenges. Additionally Liz provides actionable items to help you fully embrace
your own MavHERick mindset. Plus, she provides access to worksheets and resources to truly involve you in the process (including the very cool Vision Map).

By taking the time to invest in yourself and read this book you’ll have a fresh perspective on your future and what makes you tick. But you must be willing to set aside some time to implement what you read. You’ll also create your own script for the life you ultimately desire.

If you’re a woman ready to embrace your true inner beauty and power this is a must read. Or, if you simply know of a woman who would benefit from enhancing her MavHERick mind this is the perfect gift.

Check it out here.

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, The MavHerick Mind, Liz Pabon

by: Lisa Manyon

I think I already know the answer to the question and I’m with you!

That’s why I’m sharing this information with you BEFORE I’ve even had a chance to send you my review of The Contrarian Effect (stay tuned).

I know that’s unusual but here’s why I’m doing it.

I don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity!

First: The Contrarian Effect is a GREAT book. I deeply resonate with the message and think everyone who is involved or remotely involved in sales should read it.

Second: When you grab your copy today you can earn points to also nab some really awesome stuff on the first ever Book Tour Auction. I got a sneak peek at all the fantastic gifts last night on the Virtual Book Tour call and was amazed at the value.

Here’s how it works.

Buy the book here (and copies for friends, associates and you entire team – before you buy you might want to check out the auction to see how many points you need to bid on your favorite item). The Contrarian Effect

Log on to this site to check out the auction items Contrarian Effect Auction

This is totally clever (and never been done before).

Here’s the scoop and peek at some of the great auction items.

Starting today, you have a chance to grab my “Full Meal Deal “Press Release Package (worth $750)!

It’s one of a huge collection of products and programs being offered as part of Michael Port and Elizabeth Marshall’s never-been-done-before book launch for The Contrarian Effect: Why it Pays (BIG) to Take the Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite.

In addition to my special giveaway there are other REALLY valuable items to boost your business.

Here are just a few of the items that can be yours: including:

* A seat at Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero’s She Factor Event – yep — the one I’ve been telling you about and that I’ll be attending live.

* a seat for Michael Gerber’s Dreaming Room Workshop (worth $3000)

* premium business software from Mindjet, Daylite and iThemes

That’s just a taste of all the cool items available, so visit the link above for the full scoop.

I really believe this book is important. It’s all about how you can sell more effectively without selling out. And, how you can ditch the typical sales tactics you didn’t like anyways and start selling the contrarian way.

If you’re not interested in being a part of this groundbreaking auction or any of the amazing items being offered, that’s ok. At the very least, grab a copy of the book ($13 at Amazon) to learn how to sell more than ever before — authentically.

Oh and finally: Because the Contrarian Effect is a must-read for every entrepreneur, I’m doing a special teleseminar with Elizabeth and Michael later this month. On the call, I’ll share the specific strategies I’ve used to be a contrarian and sell by doing the opposite. You can register here:
Save Your Seat Here & I’ll listen for you on the call!

That’s all for now. So, go ahead and check out the auction and see what other great products are being offered. Plus, be sure to grab a copy of the book and save your seat for the upcoming teleseminar.

Technorati Tags: www.lisamanyon.com, Lisa Manyon, The Contrarian Effect, Michael Port, Elizabeth Marshall, virtual book tour, book tour auction, www.writeoncreative.com

Is Your Path Rock Solid…

From time to time, I’ll post a little inspiration because I think it’s important for us to reflect on our lives a bit.

Leadership is a special gift. We all lead in some capacity. Do you prefer to lead or follow?

Take a quick peek at this moment of inspiration and ask yourself “How can I lead myself and my team on to greater success?”

Lead, follow, or get out of the way!~

Technorati Tags: leadership, simple truths, inspiration, copywriting, lisa manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com,