Close the blinds and take the phone off the hook – what I am about to tell you will revolutionise your business.
Time is one of the most precious commodities of the modern day.
As a copywriter, I am constantly asked what exactly it is that I do. I could go on and on about writing web copy, press releases, newsletters, sales letters, reviews, brochures…..dozed off yet? Exactly, it’s not the most glamorous job in the world.
Instead I tell people that by far the most important aspect of my profession is that I save you time.
Whether running your own business or working for someone else, time is important. There are never enough minutes in the day to get everything done. Shall I tell you why? You are trying to do too much.
The key to success is to surround yourself with people smarter than you in their field of expertise. Let go of some of the work so you can generate and explore new ideas. A copywriter will help you with that. Not only will they write cracking copy, they can also use their creativity to help devise new and innovative ideas.
Copywriting is a highly specialised area demanding specific skills, knowledge and a certain type of personality and therefore a position you would want to fill from outside your company. A professional freelance copywriter will bring fresh ideas and create vibrant copy that will get your company noticed. Don’t get bogged down searching for one with experience within your industry sector – ignorance is the most valuable commodity a copywriter can bring. Their writing will not be dull or a regurgitation of your industry norm.
Copywriting isn’t and should not be thought of as another expense. It is an investment. Put your resources into this aspect of your business and you’ll reap the rewards.
Sally Ormond
Briar Copywriting
Time is one of the most precious commodities of the modern day.
As a copywriter, I am constantly asked what exactly it is that I do. I could go on and on about writing web copy, press releases, newsletters, sales letters, reviews, brochures…..dozed off yet? Exactly, it’s not the most glamorous job in the world.
Instead I tell people that by far the most important aspect of my profession is that I save you time.
Whether running your own business or working for someone else, time is important. There are never enough minutes in the day to get everything done. Shall I tell you why? You are trying to do too much.
The key to success is to surround yourself with people smarter than you in their field of expertise. Let go of some of the work so you can generate and explore new ideas. A copywriter will help you with that. Not only will they write cracking copy, they can also use their creativity to help devise new and innovative ideas.
Copywriting is a highly specialised area demanding specific skills, knowledge and a certain type of personality and therefore a position you would want to fill from outside your company. A professional freelance copywriter will bring fresh ideas and create vibrant copy that will get your company noticed. Don’t get bogged down searching for one with experience within your industry sector – ignorance is the most valuable commodity a copywriter can bring. Their writing will not be dull or a regurgitation of your industry norm.
Copywriting isn’t and should not be thought of as another expense. It is an investment. Put your resources into this aspect of your business and you’ll reap the rewards.
Sally Ormond
Briar Copywriting
Getting Ready for Client Meetings - How to be Pitch-perfect
Posted 23-02-2012 at 07:40 AM by Briar Copywriting
In business, sooner or later you will be faced with presenting a pitch.
For some people, that isn’t a problem. But for many, they would rather poke their eyes out with a red hot poker than face a potential new client.
As soon as the date is arranged they go into panic mode – hundreds of ‘what ifs’ pour into their head followed by sleepless nights and the inability to eat without feeling nauseous.
So what can be done to help you prepare for the pitch?
Preparation is the key
If you were hoping for a magic formula or a pill to take your anxiety away, then I’m going to disappoint you.
The only way to be confident is to prepare.
1. The phone call
During the phone call with the potential client, try and find out as much detail as possible about what they’re looking for. As a copywriter, I would ask what the project was, who was their target audience, what will the review process be, what format would it take etc.
But don’t just ask questions about the project, also ask:
• Who will be at the meeting?
• Where will it be held?
• Is there any car parking at the site?
• Are they meeting with any other copywriters (it’s always good to know if you’re up against any competition)?
Basically, at the end of that call you want to know as much information as possible about the project and the client.
2. A day or two before the meeting
Next is the research.
Take a look at their website. What sort of marketing are they doing? What is the style of their communication?
See what information you can find out about the people you’ll be meeting – not in a creepy stalker kind of way, but take a look at their previous experience.
Work out what you want to ask them – a great way to start your meeting is by asking an open question to get them talking. This will not only unearth a wealth of information for you, it will also give you chance to catch your breath and ease yourself into the meeting.
3. Before you set off
Check to make sure you either know where you’re going, or that your SatNav is charged up and working.
Have the name and phone number of the person you’re meeting in your phone so, should you get held up, you can ring and let them know.
Leave yourself plenty of time so you arrive calm and collected and make sure you have pens, paper etc.
Most importantly, before you leave, tell yourself you are the right person for this project. You are the writer they need.
4. The meeting
Once you’ve arrived (suited and booted), be calm, polite and confident.
Offer a firm handshake (but not one that will leave them with a crushed feeling), make small talk and then get to down to your first open question and let them tell you everything you need to know to show them you’re the right person for them.
5. Close
Often, you’ll meet with someone who is unable to make a decision there and then because it has to go to the board.
But if that’s not the case, close the sale there and then. If you leave them pondering you could be walking away from the money.
Once they say yes and agree to your payment terms, tell them exactly how you will proceed and what they can except to happen – and make sure you stick to it.
6. Yippee!
Congratulations – you got the contract and kept your nerves at bay.
Reflect on how you presented yourself and your business and remember the success for future meetings.
Finally, grab yourself a large glass of champagne – you deserve it.
Client meetings and pitches don’t have to be scary. A few nerves are good for you, but not to the point your stomach is in knots.
Preparation is the key – granted, you can’t win them all, but being ready for anything will help your confidence grow.
For some people, that isn’t a problem. But for many, they would rather poke their eyes out with a red hot poker than face a potential new client.
As soon as the date is arranged they go into panic mode – hundreds of ‘what ifs’ pour into their head followed by sleepless nights and the inability to eat without feeling nauseous.
So what can be done to help you prepare for the pitch?
Preparation is the key
If you were hoping for a magic formula or a pill to take your anxiety away, then I’m going to disappoint you.
The only way to be confident is to prepare.
1. The phone call
During the phone call with the potential client, try and find out as much detail as possible about what they’re looking for. As a copywriter, I would ask what the project was, who was their target audience, what will the review process be, what format would it take etc.
But don’t just ask questions about the project, also ask:
• Who will be at the meeting?
• Where will it be held?
• Is there any car parking at the site?
• Are they meeting with any other copywriters (it’s always good to know if you’re up against any competition)?
Basically, at the end of that call you want to know as much information as possible about the project and the client.
2. A day or two before the meeting
Next is the research.
Take a look at their website. What sort of marketing are they doing? What is the style of their communication?
See what information you can find out about the people you’ll be meeting – not in a creepy stalker kind of way, but take a look at their previous experience.
Work out what you want to ask them – a great way to start your meeting is by asking an open question to get them talking. This will not only unearth a wealth of information for you, it will also give you chance to catch your breath and ease yourself into the meeting.
3. Before you set off
Check to make sure you either know where you’re going, or that your SatNav is charged up and working.
Have the name and phone number of the person you’re meeting in your phone so, should you get held up, you can ring and let them know.
Leave yourself plenty of time so you arrive calm and collected and make sure you have pens, paper etc.
Most importantly, before you leave, tell yourself you are the right person for this project. You are the writer they need.
4. The meeting
Once you’ve arrived (suited and booted), be calm, polite and confident.
Offer a firm handshake (but not one that will leave them with a crushed feeling), make small talk and then get to down to your first open question and let them tell you everything you need to know to show them you’re the right person for them.
5. Close
Often, you’ll meet with someone who is unable to make a decision there and then because it has to go to the board.
But if that’s not the case, close the sale there and then. If you leave them pondering you could be walking away from the money.
Once they say yes and agree to your payment terms, tell them exactly how you will proceed and what they can except to happen – and make sure you stick to it.
6. Yippee!
Congratulations – you got the contract and kept your nerves at bay.
Reflect on how you presented yourself and your business and remember the success for future meetings.
Finally, grab yourself a large glass of champagne – you deserve it.
Client meetings and pitches don’t have to be scary. A few nerves are good for you, but not to the point your stomach is in knots.
Preparation is the key – granted, you can’t win them all, but being ready for anything will help your confidence grow.
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