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
Starting a Business is Very Similar to Childbirth
Posted 16-03-2012 at 09:23 AM by Briar Copywriting
This one is for all the women out there who are mothers and business owners.
Do you remember when you had your first child?
Months of excited anticipation gave way to sheer terror when you realised the birth was only days away. Then you endured hours of intense pain as you tried desperately to help your new baby find their way into the world.
Then finally, after a monumental and exhausting journey, it was all over and you were handed your new baby, wrapped up tightly, eyes blinking, totally dependent on you.
For a moment you were lost in that moment, but then you gradually began to realise the midwife had handed you your baby, but forgot to give you the instruction manual.
In a way, that’s exactly the same as starting out in business for the first time.
Business gestation
Your business idea was conceived some time ago. Never forgotten about, it gradually began to grow and develop in your mind until you knew it was the right time to bring it forth into the world.
Your mind awash with things to do, you worked your way down that painful list of opening bank accounts, incorporation, insurance, PAYE, stationery and utilities. Not even to mention having to grovel to the bank manager for a loan to get you started.
Eventually, you emerged from your to-do list, exhausted but the proud owner of your brand new business.
There’s just one thing missing – customers.
You’ve been so wrapped up in setting everything up you didn’t have time to get a marketing strategy together. In fact, you’re not entirely sure what it should be.
No one handed you a manual to make your business a success (sound familiar?), so you’re on your own and it’s up to you to bring your business to the market.
Understanding your customers
Before you can decide on your marketing plan, you have to understand your customers because you have to know where to find them.
Local networking is always a great idea (especially if you are a B2B business), but that pool of potential customers will only last so long – even though you hope you will also get other referrals.
Cold calling and direct mail is always an option, but how many people do you know who actually buy from unsolicited approaches (I don’t)?
Getting your presence felt online is a great option as you can reach a much wider audience. But a strategy is vital if you want to ensure your customers can find you through the search engines and social media.
Being prepared
As with parenthood, in business you can only be prepared up to a point. Something is always going to happen that will throw you off kilter if you’re not careful.
The trick is to remain calm and focused on your end goal. It will be a rollercoaster ride, but it will also be rewarding.
Do you remember when you had your first child?
Months of excited anticipation gave way to sheer terror when you realised the birth was only days away. Then you endured hours of intense pain as you tried desperately to help your new baby find their way into the world.
Then finally, after a monumental and exhausting journey, it was all over and you were handed your new baby, wrapped up tightly, eyes blinking, totally dependent on you.
For a moment you were lost in that moment, but then you gradually began to realise the midwife had handed you your baby, but forgot to give you the instruction manual.
In a way, that’s exactly the same as starting out in business for the first time.
Business gestation
Your business idea was conceived some time ago. Never forgotten about, it gradually began to grow and develop in your mind until you knew it was the right time to bring it forth into the world.
Your mind awash with things to do, you worked your way down that painful list of opening bank accounts, incorporation, insurance, PAYE, stationery and utilities. Not even to mention having to grovel to the bank manager for a loan to get you started.
Eventually, you emerged from your to-do list, exhausted but the proud owner of your brand new business.
There’s just one thing missing – customers.
You’ve been so wrapped up in setting everything up you didn’t have time to get a marketing strategy together. In fact, you’re not entirely sure what it should be.
No one handed you a manual to make your business a success (sound familiar?), so you’re on your own and it’s up to you to bring your business to the market.
Understanding your customers
Before you can decide on your marketing plan, you have to understand your customers because you have to know where to find them.
Local networking is always a great idea (especially if you are a B2B business), but that pool of potential customers will only last so long – even though you hope you will also get other referrals.
Cold calling and direct mail is always an option, but how many people do you know who actually buy from unsolicited approaches (I don’t)?
Getting your presence felt online is a great option as you can reach a much wider audience. But a strategy is vital if you want to ensure your customers can find you through the search engines and social media.
Being prepared
As with parenthood, in business you can only be prepared up to a point. Something is always going to happen that will throw you off kilter if you’re not careful.
The trick is to remain calm and focused on your end goal. It will be a rollercoaster ride, but it will also be rewarding.
Total Comments 0
