Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

I recommend this book because I know several of the authors personally and am continually motivated by their authenticity and courage. I believe this book will inspire many lives and change the way we each approach adversity.

Are you looking for a gentler path in life? A life of joy, passion and serenity? Look no further. In Overcomer’s, Inc., you will…

?€¢ Discover how to handle even the toughest situations with grace
?€¢ Find out how others deal with adversity to become more of who they are meant to be
?€¢ Evaluate what is really important in order that you will have more meaning in your life
?€¢ Understand that life’s experiences are often the very things that guide us to our divine path
?€¢ Learn how to create more happiness, fulfillment, passion and joy in all areas of your life

As you read each story you will feel a connection to the author. Each of the 38 authors shares what it took to overcome even the most difficult situations to become a beacon of light to others.

Overcomers, Inc., is not your typical inspirational book. It is one you will want to keep nearby to enjoy whenever you need a boost of inspiration.

If you’re like most people, you’ve experienced situations that were often so overwhelming there seemed no end in sight. Each author shares their own “no end in sight” experience that molded them into the people they are today.

With Overcomers, Inc. True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration, take a memorable journey that will leave you laughing, crying, reflecting and knowing you never have to be alone ever again regardless of how difficult a situation life offers you.

Invest in your copy today to receive your complimentary bonuses.

[tags] Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, copywriting, Overcomers Inc, Lynne Klippel, Charlon Bobo, inspiration, motivation, overcoming adversity, Colleen Russell, ? [/tags]

A Review of Peter Bowerman’s — The Well-Fed Writer

In 2003 my life changed dramatically. I made some BIG decisions and one of these decisions was starting Write On ~ Creative Writing Services, LLC.

I had always dreamed of being a writer and I’d written in some capacity in all facets of my career. I read The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman and my passion for writing was reignited. The book was one of the catalysts to making the best career moves I’ve ever made.

Eventually Peter Bowerman released The Well-Fed Writer Back for Seconds. I devoured that book, too.

Now he’s released a new edition of The Well-Fed Writer ~ Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less. This book is chockfull of updated content from both of his original titles. It includes new information and tried and true tactics to truly succeed as a freelance writer. If you’ve been dreaming of the writer’s lifestyle but you’re afraid of the “starving writer” myths, you must grab a copy of this book.

Peter skillfully outlines his proven techniques, methods and systems to freelance success.

The book includes:

• A realistic look at the life of a FLCW (FreeLance Commercial Writer)
• Reasons to live the writers dream
• Tips to be successful
• First steps when starting out
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Templates, letters and proven marketing materials to get clients
• Well Fed Resources and connections to fast-track success

There are also several appendixes including Well-Fed Success Stories. I’m proud to say from the time I read the first edition of The Well-Fed Writer till now; I’ve become one of the featured success stories. I only mention this because if I can do it, so can you and this book will give you a solid foundation to determine if you really want to live the writers life.

I’ll admit there are a few areas where Peter and I agree to disagree but nothing major and really it’s all about finding your own groove. You’ll do that with the guidance of The Well-Fed Writer.

Grab your copy here

[tags] copy writing, freelance writing, copywriting, copy, how to be a freelance writer, freelance success, Peter Bowerman, The Well-Fed Writer, Lisa Manyon, www.LisaManyon.com [/tags]

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Over the past four years I’ve noticed that the word “tribe” has become increasingly popular. As I’ve met new, wonderful and unusual friends there has been a common thread regardless of differences in opinion, background, nationality, political persuasion and quirky personality traits, we all want the same thing…

We long for connectivity. We’re seeking our tribe. This isn’t a new notion – it’s simply changing shape. Innovators no longer wish to be associated with ho hum groups without cause or change. This is a very good thing.

I wasn’t surprised that Godin rolled up his sleeves to examine the topic of tribes, community and the impact the Internet has had on connectivity. True to form, Tribes illuminates the growing popularity and need to be connected in a true and genuine way. It stretches beyond that and brings to light the need for heretical leaders to shake things up and challenge the status quo.

Godin maintains that many tribes are stuck. This includes big charities, tiny clubs, and struggling corporations…the groups that create little value and are boring.

I think we’ve all experienced this to some degree. I’d like to take a moment to encourage you to be the change. Seriously, Godin put it best when he wrote “Every one of those tribes, though, is a movement waiting to happen, a group of people just waiting to be energized and transformed.”

Think about that. If you recently sat through a boring meeting wondering if anything would ever change, it’s time for you to step up and be that change. What if everyone in these stuck tribes is waiting for someone else to be the energizer and shake things up a bit? Will you be the one to finally step up and do it?

The fact that many tribes are stagnant is disturbing. To push past this Godin writes that fear of failure is overrated. I wholeheartedly agree. Fear of failure, according to Godin, is just an excuse. The real fear is the fear of being blamed or criticized.

How many times have you bitten your tongue in one of these boring tribal meetings because you were afraid of criticism? Did you hear a little nagging voice that said “what if I’m wrong?”

Well, what if you’re not? Be the change. Take a chance. Because really, most people don’t matter, but the people who do – they’ll embrace the change and become your tribe. The others can remain stagnant and scared. It’s their choice.

The most powerful messages I walked away with after reading this book:

So embrace your heretic ways. Speak up. Take a stand. Be the change. Lead your tribe.

Don’t forget to visit Amazon.com and grab your copy today.

[tags]Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, copywriting, Seth Godin, Tribes [/tags]

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Here’s a book I think might interest you:

twitter Revolution ~ How Social Media and Mobile Marketing is Changing the Way we Do Business and Market Online by Deborah Micek @CoachDeb & Warren Whitlock @WarrenWhitlock

If you don’t have tweeps, aren’t familiar with the twitterverse or haven’t started tweeting, it’s time to get on board with the twitter Revolution.

Twitter is a micro-blogging site unparalleled to any other platform on the Internet today. In 140 characters or less tweeps connect with one another to share information, build relationships and yes, do business.

Admittedly, I know just enough to be dangerous when it comes to technology. So, I was thrilled to find @CoachDeb and @WarrenWhitlock had created, what I refer to as “the ultimate twitter handbook” aka twitter Revolution (which is a very real book with a virtual twist – meaning chapters are continued and ever-evolving on-line – very clever indeed).

In twitter Revolution, I learned all things twitter and highly recommend you grab a copy if you want to get up to speed fast. (Yes, this specifically means my friends and acquaintances who have scoffed at the thought that twitter is a viable means of connection for both personal and business reasons.)

The book is well laid out and includes four sections:

1. Twitter Guide to Understanding Twitter and Getting Started with the Communications Revolution
2. Success on Twitter
3. Influence and Persuasion to Position & Brand Yourself on Twitter and Other Social Networks
4. iChapters – the Twitter Playbook

You’ll find great tips to get started, really embrace social networking and solid examples of how twitter works.

The bottom line is, it’s really all about relationships. I’m excited to dive in and start implementing the techniques I learned in twitter Revolution.

Twitter has expanded my thinking, connected me with lucrative business contacts (leading to paid gigs & guest appearances on teleseminars), given me a fun outlet to connect with likeminded friends and tweet about health, Wii, wine, cooking and other things I’m passionate about. Plus, I’m able to give back by sharing knowledge and tips with other tweeps.

If you’ve been resisting and are not quite ready to jump on the social media band wagon (which by the way, isn’t a passing fad), you’ll want to grab twitter Revolution and get started today. When you do, be sure to add me to your tweeps on twitter @WriteOnCreative.

[tags]Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com, copywriting, social media, twitter, twitter Revolution, Deborah Micek, @CoachDeb, Warren Whitlock, @WarrenWhitlock [/tags]

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

I am exited to add this book to my reference library. Actually, I was honored to get a sneak peek at the book before it was even published. I must say that Susan Daffron does an exceptional job of mapping out what could be quagmire of self-publishing.

If you’ve been considering writing a book, now is the time to do it. We are living in the information age and if you have knowledge, share it.

Publishize honestly answers questions you might have regarding self -publishing and other publishing options as well. Daffron is upfront about the fact that the Publishize method isn’t for you if you want to have the next best seller in major book stores. At the same time, self-publishing has its place, and this book outlines ways to create passive income with your knowledge.

You’ll explore various publishing options and discover:

I’m so excited about the contents of this book that I’ve started writing mine. If you’re ready to join the ranks of published authors, I highly recommend this resource. In fact, it now rests on my shelf right next to Peter Bowerman’s The Well Fed Self-Publisher.
Grab your copy today.
[Tags]www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, copy, Lisa Manyon, Publishize, Susan Daffron, self publishing[/tags]

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Sometimes it’s perfectly OK to be a quitter.
Yes, this may seem contrary to everything you’ve heard before. At the same time, Seth Godin knows what he’s talking about. In his book, The Dip – A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (And When to Stick), Godin shares insight to help you determine if you’re on the right path and if maybe you should quit or stick it out.

We all know that every new project, career opportunity or even hobby usually starts out with tons of excitement and enthusiasm. Then, somewhere along the line we lose initiative, maybe we’re not as zealous as we once were or perhaps we’re simply stuck in a rut. One thing is for certain. If you continue to do the same thing you’ve always done to get the same results you’ve always gotten that may not be enough to survive let alone thrive in today’s business world.

Ask yourself “Am I doing the best possible job I can do?” Be honest. Chances are there are areas of your performance that really need to be juiced up. Godin poses the question “If you’re not going to put in the effort to be the best possible choice, why bother?”

Why, indeed?

It’s much easier to be mediocre than it is to confront reality and quit. According to Godin, quitting is much harder than you might think. Quitting requires you to realize you’ll never be #1 in the world. At least not at what you’re doing right now. So, it’s easier to put it off, not admit it – it’s easier to settle for mediocre.

Mediocrity is rampant in this day and age. The Dip illustrates lackluster attempts at success such as; ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in a job application, junk mail with misspelled names, salespeople who are eager to open an account but never follow up, doctors who don’t bother to call to see if the prescribed medicines are working. I’m sure you can come up with a handful of examples yourself.

Here’s another question from Godin, “Are you hoping to become a success because you’re the only one being considered?”

If so, it’s time to reassess your own motivation and realize you are not the only game in town. Not only that but the internet has taken business to a global level and you can bet there ARE other choices.

Here’s another thought to ponder. According to Godin, some of our learned behaviors originating from our school days are the source of discontent and even failure. Godin points out “Just about everything we learned in school about life is wrong, but the most wrong thing might very well be this: Being well rounded is the secret to success.”

He goes on to ask, “How often do you look for someone who is actually quite good at things you don’t need them to do?” “How often do you hope your accountant is a safe driver and a decent golfer?”

In a nutshell, it makes more sense to be really good at one thing, your specialty and that will set you apart from the crowd. Chances are you’re really passionate about one thing but can do many. Wouldn’t you be happier focusing on your passion?

There are, according to Godin, three curves that define almost any type of situation facing you as you try to accomplish your goals.

1) Curve 1 is The Dip: The Dip is where the challenges begin. The combination of bureaucracy and busywork you must deal with in order to become what you really want to be. It’s the hard steps you endure to be the best that you can be. Successful people don’t just ride out the Dip, they lean into it, push harder, change the rules and come out on top.

2) Curve 2 is The Cul-De-Sac: This is the French word for “dead end”. It’s the situation where you continue doing the same thing and nothing changes. It’s doesn’t necessarily get better or worse -it just is. That’s why there are positions referred to as “dead end jobs”. When you realize you’re in the Cul-De-Sac you must get out. Because a dead end keeps you from doing something of real value.

3) Curve 3 is The Cliff: Godin likens this to smoking. Smoking can bring pleasure but over time there is a nasty drop off at the end (emphysema). Smoking is designed to be almost impossible to quit, the longer you do it, the better it feels. The pain of quitting gets bigger and bigger. The Cliff is the situation where you cannot get out (quit) until you fall off or fall apart.

The bottom line is, if it’s worth doing there’s probably a Dip. The Dip creates scarcity and scarcity creates value. The Cul-De-Sac and The Cliff are the curves that lead to failure. Godin says if you find yourself in either of these two curves you need to quit. Not soon, but now.

Where are you? Have you found The Dip? Are you stuck in the Cul-De-Sac? Ready to fall off of the Cliff??  Is it time for you to quit or stick?

[Tags] Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com, The Dip, Seth Godin, quitting, [/Tags]

by Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

Mindset has almost become a buzz word. What’s interesting about this is the effect mindset has on our everyday lives is not a new concept.

I’m one of the many who tried to read Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich many years ago, at a time in my life when I wasn’t receptive to the information.

Then, when my mentor, Ali Brown, sent me a copy last year, I took note because I respect and trust her recommendations. I’ve now read it a couple of times and revisit specific sections regularly. Each time I flip through the pages, I gain new insights into my own mindset.

The book was originally written in 1960, long before I was born and the concepts remain invaluable and tangible today. If you haven’t read this book, or if you’ve tried to read it before and the information didn’t stick and even if you have read it, I urge you to take another look and really open you mind to the gifts inside this book.

I believe it’s important to know you have the ability to create the life of your dreams regardless of what you’re hearing in the media, regardless of what others think and regardless of what your true desires are.

This book supports these beliefs and more. If creating the life of your dreams, making a difference and living your purpose sound good to you, why not grab a copy of the book today and discover:

• That thoughts really are things and your beliefs will shape your world and accomplishments
• Your desires are the beginning of all achievements so think BIG and reap the rewards
• How to incorporate visualization and belief to get what you really desire
• Ways to incorporate autosuggestion to achieve your goals more quickly
• How to leverage your specialized knowledge to get exactly what you want professionally, personally and more.

These quick bullet points are just a smattering of the brilliance contained in Think & Grow Rich. Grab your copy today and I’d love to hear how it impacts your life.

[Tags] Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com, Think & Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill, mindset, [/Tags]

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.

[Tags] Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell, marketing, marketing strategies, connections [/Tags]

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!

[Tags] The Contrarian Effect, Michael Port, Elizabeth Marshall, Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreattive.com, copywriting, sales, [/Tags]