Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

It seemed like a fitting time to revisit The Tipping Point since times are somewhat tumultuous (or at least being presented that way) with the political season, stock market changes and more. It seems we are very near a new “tipping point” and during times of change it’s always good to explore what triggers change and makes epidemics occur.

The Tipping Point is an excellent source for recognizing upcoming shifts and what makes them stick.

Gladwell eloquently illustrates how little things make a big difference. It only takes one different approach or element to dramatically change the way people view the world, how we react to certain information and more. I think most of us have embraced this notion at least to some degree.

One of my favorite ways to look at change is to consider this quote that I’ve heard used throughout Glazer-Kennedy. “Little hinges open big doors.” I also like the fact that this particular quote is a more positive approach to change. A hopeful look at what’s behind the big door.

Gladwell explores the three rules of epidemics, how they manifest themselves and more. The basic premise of the book is that it only takes three elements to create an epidemic.

1) The Law of the Few: This follows the basic rule of thumb that 20% of people do 80% of the work. The same it true of creating epidemics. Thought leaders ban together to present and distribute information that sways public opinion.

2) The Stickiness Factor: This isn’t new to most seasoned marketers - your message must have some staying power, create interest and become contagious in a sense. It’s all about restructuring messages to make them appealing with more impact.

3) The Power of Context: The key to connecting with others, making them want to change behavior or buy into a particular train of thought is in the smallest details pertaining to immediate situations. Simply put it’s all about presentation and doing so in a way that evokes emotion and buy in.

This sounds surprisingly familiar to most marketing strategies yet it is a bit more complex. According to Gladwell, there are three types of personalities that are instrumental in bringing topics, trends, and more to the tipping point; Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen. Each possesses special gifts and goals that contribute to the tipping point (you’ll have to read the book to find the characteristics of each).

The theory of the Tipping Point requires reframing the way we individually think about the world to forge change.

There are two big lessons of The Tipping Point:

The first is that starting any epidemic requires concentrating on a few key areas to gain momentum. This is easily illustrated by word of mouth marketing and the energy it creates to effortlessly spread the word about individual topics or issues of importance.

The second is the realization that the world does not accord with our intuition no matter how much we want it to. Those who are successful at creating epidemics know they must go beyond doing what they think is right and actually test their intuitions and ideas. This combination ensures success.

It stands to reason that focusing on more positive approaches, solutions and mindsets will in turn create an epidemic of abundance and at the same time the opposite is true depending on YOUR world view. I encourage you to read this book and ask yourself:

“What is my worldview?”

“What am I doing to create positive change?”

Click here to grab your copy of the The Tipping Point.

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By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com


I had the pleasure of meeting 10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof and watching them perform live in Montana. First, they’re a great bunch of guys and second THEY ROCK. Seriously, this is one talented group and if you have the chance you must see them LIVE. You can check out their website here and be sure to visit the “music” section of the site. Not only will you have the opportunity to sample their music you can purchase their CD from CD Baby. I’m not even going to tell you which song is my favorite because I’m having a hard time picking one. Take a listen for yourself and catch them live if you can. www.tenfttall.com

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By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com


Even expert copywriters find inspiration in the work of others. In fact, most use swipe files and formulas. It’s perfectly ethical to review and model your copy after other proven and successful campaigns. However, it’s absolutely imperative to put your own creative spin on the ideas you borrow. It’s never okay to copy work word for word. That’s plagiarism and it won’t get you very far. In fact, it can land you in really hot, legal water. So, swipe smartly.

When creating your swipe file you’ll find swipe material in your mailbox, inbox, magazines, trade publications and more. Think about the copy that draws you in and keeps you reading. Hold on to those marketing materials and keep them tucked away in your swipe file. Then when you’re stuck, pull your swipes to stimulate your next great idea.

I urge you to collect marketing materials in your industry and study them carefully. You’ll also find brilliant ideas from other industries that you can modify to fit your own marketing.

When reviewing your swipe files, notice the formulas different copywriters use. Note the varying styles and learn from them. Paying close attention to the writing styles of other pros will greatly improve your own writing.

Here are some things to look for:
• Does the content successfully connect prospects with the next logical step?
• Does the content solve a problem or offer a solution?
• Does the writer tap into hot buttons to compel action?
• Can you create a new voice based on materials you’ve studied or perhaps improve your own voice?
• Is there a unique angle used in another industry that can be modified to create something new and innovative for your industry?

In addition to swipe files it’s a good idea to have tried and true copywriting resources on hand.

Three of my favorites are:
Words that Sell by Richard Bayan
Phrases That Sell by Edward Werz and Sally Germain
Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale

Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to get ideas from the writings of other but never PLAGIARIZE. Use swipes for inspiration and find your own voice to speak for your product or service.

Take Action Challenge: Look through your junk mail and take time to actually read the information. Collect trade magazines and other publications of interest. Take time to study the content then consider ways you can modify the approaches of others to position your business more favorably.

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by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Lately there’s been quite a bit of discussion surrounding sales. In particular, feeling guilty about selling.

This is an interesting phenomenon that seems to be going around right now. Several of my entrepreneurial gal pals and even me, have been called out on the carpet so to speak.

Okay maybe we haven’t actually been called out on the carpet but we’ve each been asked why we’re not selling more.

Don’t get me wrong we all respectively do well in our chosen professions and we’ve embraced online marketing. It’s just that we don’t push our products and services on people. Really it’s simply not the style any of us embrace. But we’ve been talking as entrepreneurial gals do and we realized collectively that we feel bad about “selling” to our valued subscribers even though you’re here because you get value and the products and services each of us offer enhance that value.

In fact, the recent inquiry from a Manyon’s Musing subscriber asking for more info about my products and services is what made me (an expert marketer) realize I wasn’t even giving you the information you need to make an informed decision on whether you want to take the next step and work with me on an individual basis.

Well, no one is perfect and I’m going to try to do better. If you want to know more about my one on one services there is a natural progression. It’s what many people call the sales funnel.

Here’s how it supposed to work:

1) You opt in to Manyon’s Musings and enjoy what I have to offer for free or you opt out.

2) I offer you access to business building audio and ebook programs so you can further sample my wares for a nominal fee.

3) From there I’m supposed to move you towards another sale and secure a copywriting or consulting gig (only if it’s in your best interest of course).

Do you see the funnel now? It really does make sense and at the same time—

Honestly I have such fun writing Manyon’s Musings each month and connecting with you I’ve overlooked my own sales funnel (even though I provide consulting to others about this very same thing).

Some people are going to think I’m crazy for even telling you this but I know you’re smart and you’re here for a reason. Mostly, I guess because you’re getting to know me, figuring out if you like me and most importantly discovering if you can trust me. I think you’re getting to know me and if you’ve been following me for any length of time you know I’m trustworthy. I can’t really help it if you like me or not - that’s a personal choice…kind of a chemistry thing.

One thing I know I can help, though, is your bottom line. So in the spirit of not feeling guilty about what I do and yes, part of it is sales (just not the snake oily kind) I’m going to let you know the best way to find out how I can help you further. Simply visit my website and in the future I’ll include little, soft sell, snippets of offerings in my Manyon’s Musings ezine just in case you’re ready to take the next step. No pressure, though. Just let me know how I can help you.

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