Jen Flatt Osborn
Copywriter
Hi guys! My niche is Specialty pet stores/Vets. I adore animals, Tennessee college football, and banana puddin'.
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Hi, guys!
I just completed a 5-day class on lead generation for LinkedIn and thought I'd share a little bit. (Thanks for the nudge, Jay!)
Notable lessons were on creating your headline, body, "About," and how-to's on pitching posts, staying courteous, and best practices.
But the thing that sticks in my mind the most? A comment given by the instructor:
"Selling is HELPING PEOPLE. It's 80% Mindset and 20% Strategy."
Since I struggle with confidence and worthiness, this comment will stick to my brain like glue.
I highly recommend taking anything Shelley Hutchinson offers. She's hugely successful, highly engaging, and just wants to help people. (The 5-day class was free!)
Bonus for me: I won the most engaging person for one of the days and was interviewed for a video that will go up in one of her posts! She's also going to use one of my comments - about the 80/20 rule - to use somewhere as well. (I'm sure this goes in "Wins" Jay, but since I had more thoughts on it, I put it here.)
I'm still pretty tired from the day-long classes and the crazy amount of information included, but man was it worth it!
I just completed a 5-day class on lead generation for LinkedIn and thought I'd share a little bit. (Thanks for the nudge, Jay!)
Notable lessons were on creating your headline, body, "About," and how-to's on pitching posts, staying courteous, and best practices.
But the thing that sticks in my mind the most? A comment given by the instructor:
"Selling is HELPING PEOPLE. It's 80% Mindset and 20% Strategy."
Since I struggle with confidence and worthiness, this comment will stick to my brain like glue.
I highly recommend taking anything Shelley Hutchinson offers. She's hugely successful, highly engaging, and just wants to help people. (The 5-day class was free!)
Bonus for me: I won the most engaging person for one of the days and was interviewed for a video that will go up in one of her posts! She's also going to use one of my comments - about the 80/20 rule - to use somewhere as well. (I'm sure this goes in "Wins" Jay, but since I had more thoughts on it, I put it here.)
I'm still pretty tired from the day-long classes and the crazy amount of information included, but man was it worth it!
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Hello! A friend of mine is looking for a copywriter whose niche is biotech/farming. Anyone interested? Thanks!
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Hi guys!
A friend of mine is looking for a copywriter whose niche is in biotech/farming. Anyone out there? Thanks!
A friend of mine is looking for a copywriter whose niche is in biotech/farming. Anyone out there? Thanks!
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Jen Flatt Osborn
I know someone who just might be perfect! She's an animal scientist, writer, and photographer. I'll DM you with her details!
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Newsflash! I just listened to one of Jay's podcasts, "Creative Elements." His guest was Anne-Laure Le Cunff and she talked about mindfulness.
Jay's voice is excellent - soothing and straightforward - and Anne-Laure had some incredible insight into mindfulness but also growing an email list (amazing).
Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that any time you spend listening to this podcast is time well spent.
Here's the link: https://pod.link/1498801064/episode/OWNjYTc0NzgtMTBkNi0xMWViLThkMjktMjdlMzg4NjNjY2I5 (Sorry for the long link, but I don't know of another way to share the episode here.😁)
Jay's voice is excellent - soothing and straightforward - and Anne-Laure had some incredible insight into mindfulness but also growing an email list (amazing).
Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that any time you spend listening to this podcast is time well spent.
Here's the link: https://pod.link/1498801064/episode/OWNjYTc0NzgtMTBkNi0xMWViLThkMjktMjdlMzg4NjNjY2I5 (Sorry for the long link, but I don't know of another way to share the episode here.😁)
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I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas - Especially to those who are alone, lonely, or homebound/sick. I hope you recognize there are many people who care.
Here's to our future success in 2021!
Here's to our future success in 2021!
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In my third month of learning how to become a copywriter, the processes, formulas, definitions, and lingo are starting to form a pretty little picture in my mind.
I'm also getting more comfortable on LinkedIn and sent some requested work over to a greeting card guru (dream job) who's going to give me some feedback.
Small wins, but right about now I'm hanging on to anything I can.
Can't wait 'til I can post about my first client!
I'm also getting more comfortable on LinkedIn and sent some requested work over to a greeting card guru (dream job) who's going to give me some feedback.
Small wins, but right about now I'm hanging on to anything I can.
Can't wait 'til I can post about my first client!
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Hi guys!
Hope everyone's doing okay! I'm struggling with a couple of things: One,
Hope everyone's doing okay! I'm struggling with a couple of things: One,
I've read more than once that graphic designers are always looking for copywriters. I think it's a great barter, but I don't want to post it on LinkedIn if it's a crazy idea. Feedback?
And two,
Can I become a good copywriter just by being a good writer? I really want this, but I've never been good at sales, and I also don't have a clue how I'd learn the logistics of templates, invoicing, etc, while focusing on bringing money in.
The more I learn, I'm studying 24/7, the more questions I have. Should I even be doing this? I know it's ultimately my decision, I just wanted to get some other opinions. I'm overwhelmed.
And that's it! I seriously don't want to be the needy one who's always asking questions, but I'm really at a crossroad. Thanks so much!
Hey Jen - I don't believe there is a magical moment where you feel you are ready to be a copywriter. I only recently transitioned into copywriting, and although I enjoy it, I could not do it as my only creative outlet.
I would consider myself a solid writer and sometimes the idea of creating pushy sales copy bothers me. BUT for the right client, I enjoy the process.
I think copywriting is a great tool for the writing toolbox. Best way to find out is to join a 'copywriting jobs' Facebook group, then snag a small job to test the waters.
I'm sure Alex would be a valuable asset to this conversation with his background in copywriting and competency using Upwork.
Alex Bell
When I picked up my first client, I hated the process, but then I found another client (who is great) and it reset my expectations for copywriting.
Hope this helps a little bit.
Leah
I would consider myself a solid writer and sometimes the idea of creating pushy sales copy bothers me. BUT for the right client, I enjoy the process.
I think copywriting is a great tool for the writing toolbox. Best way to find out is to join a 'copywriting jobs' Facebook group, then snag a small job to test the waters.
I'm sure Alex would be a valuable asset to this conversation with his background in copywriting and competency using Upwork.
When I picked up my first client, I hated the process, but then I found another client (who is great) and it reset my expectations for copywriting.
Hope this helps a little bit.
Leah
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Hi
Jen Flatt Osborn
to respond to your first question about bartering. I would be very, very clear on the ask and the trade. The trade of services are never apples to apples. I have tried the barter angle and found that I would do my part but then what was due back to me wasn't fulfilled. I do blame myself for not being on top of it and allowing too much time to go by. But I found when asking for the favor to be returned, it was a very uncomfortable situation. I would suggest that you keep relationships always professional and allow the money to just go back and forth. It will avoid any hard feelings. Hope that helps.
If you do want to post something on Linked In in regards to looking for designers to partner with, simple say you are looking for designers to partner with, with an introduction. It will be the relationship that you want to build with them that will help them to remember you when they need to bring a writer in for a new project. Money really doesn't have a factor in that regard. I know I look for writers that may fit a style I need and that I enjoy working with.
It would be great to hear other's perspective.
If you do want to post something on Linked In in regards to looking for designers to partner with, simple say you are looking for designers to partner with, with an introduction. It will be the relationship that you want to build with them that will help them to remember you when they need to bring a writer in for a new project. Money really doesn't have a factor in that regard. I know I look for writers that may fit a style I need and that I enjoy working with.
It would be great to hear other's perspective.
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Don't ever worry about asking too many questions! That's what this space is for, and your questions will inevitably help others too.
You can certainly make a go of it as a writer. There are basically three routes to finding new clients:
You can certainly make a go of it as a writer. There are basically three routes to finding new clients:
- Client direct (you sell the clients directly on your work)
- Subcontracting (someone else sells a client, you help them fulfill part of the contract)
- Freelance marketplaces (Upwork, SolidGigs, Contena)
You don't need to pick one strategy, you can work towards all three to diversify yourself! Strategy #1 is the best long-term (in my opinion) but also takes the longest to get rolling.
Here are some writing sites to start with for #3. Hope these help!
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Hi guys!
(I posted the following to LinkedIn and it went over like SPAM on Thanksgiving. Bummer. I'd like to include it here, too, since it may be beneficial to someone. Thanks!)
Since I’m brand new to copywriting, I’ve been sweating what to offer of value to my colleagues. I think I’ve hit on something so here are 5 Behaviors to Make Habits. For newbies.
1. Be a researcher on steroids. The better sleuths we become, the more we can show up for the client.
2. Know who you’re dealing with - teachers/mentors/schools - so you won't be a victim of poor teaching or scams.
3. Study like crazy. Compiling research is one thing. Learning it is another.
4. Keep your confidence! It's easy to question your talent, but if writing is one of your burning desires, push through it.
And #5. Become your website’s greatest admirer. There’s always something to edit.
Now….the one tip I have for those of you who are "oldies" is, be kind to newbies.
Try to understand that if our questions or comments are repetitive or elementary, everyone’s not where you are.
Okay! Thank you so much to those of you who’ve welcomed me. The good far outweighs the bad.
Well then, I’m off to take a shot at number 5.
Thanks guys. This was fun!
P.S. I know it’s long, but hopefully it was a quick read. And of value!
(I posted the following to LinkedIn and it went over like SPAM on Thanksgiving. Bummer. I'd like to include it here, too, since it may be beneficial to someone. Thanks!)
Since I’m brand new to copywriting, I’ve been sweating what to offer of value to my colleagues. I think I’ve hit on something so here are 5 Behaviors to Make Habits. For newbies.
1. Be a researcher on steroids. The better sleuths we become, the more we can show up for the client.
2. Know who you’re dealing with - teachers/mentors/schools - so you won't be a victim of poor teaching or scams.
3. Study like crazy. Compiling research is one thing. Learning it is another.
4. Keep your confidence! It's easy to question your talent, but if writing is one of your burning desires, push through it.
And #5. Become your website’s greatest admirer. There’s always something to edit.
Now….the one tip I have for those of you who are "oldies" is, be kind to newbies.
Try to understand that if our questions or comments are repetitive or elementary, everyone’s not where you are.
Okay! Thank you so much to those of you who’ve welcomed me. The good far outweighs the bad.
Well then, I’m off to take a shot at number 5.
Thanks guys. This was fun!
P.S. I know it’s long, but hopefully it was a quick read. And of value!
I've been a long-time admirer of my website 😆 I'm always editing something!
Good stuff,
Jen Flatt Osborn
– and your advice to oldies applies outside of copywriting too. Hopefully, this is a place that exhibits that kindness and respect!
Good stuff,
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Jen Flatt Osborn
Any time you post anything on Linkedin, feel free to message me with a link to the post. I'm happy to give it a like, post a comment, share it with a friend. Every little bit helps.
I'm also learning the "game" of Linkedin articles and hashtags. Sometime what hashtags you use when you publish an article will help to give it exposure beyond your circle of connections.
I'm also learning the "game" of Linkedin articles and hashtags. Sometime what hashtags you use when you publish an article will help to give it exposure beyond your circle of connections.
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Hey Guys!
I just finished reading an article by Jay Clouse (our fearless leader) entitled "How to build an online community: And why I'm all in on Circle."
This is a universal piece. Everyone can relate to something he talks about. It's feel-good, motivating, and eye-opening. (And the ingredients list for building a strong community is awesome.)
It's a must read. And forgive me for not being able to link this, but it's https://jayclouse.com/how-to-build-an-online-community/
Kudos Jay!
I just finished reading an article by Jay Clouse (our fearless leader) entitled "How to build an online community: And why I'm all in on Circle."
This is a universal piece. Everyone can relate to something he talks about. It's feel-good, motivating, and eye-opening. (And the ingredients list for building a strong community is awesome.)
It's a must read. And forgive me for not being able to link this, but it's https://jayclouse.com/how-to-build-an-online-community/
Kudos Jay!
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Hi guys!
I've finally hit on the answer to offering something of value to the different lists/platforms I'm on. It's newbie info and since I'm front and center of the "just got in" club, I thought it'd be relevant.
But there's a bit of a problem....It's too long for LinkedIn (really disappointing), and the copywriter groups I'm a member of just don't have a lot of action so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to post.
I've posted it under "Blog" on my website - I guess to be able to be linked from social media - but there's a predicament: Throughout the article, just how new I am to the fold of copywriters is quite evident.
If (When!) potential clients come to the page, they'll obviously see my lack of experience. Even though I'll be extremely forthright with how long I've been in the business, it seems like this just shoves it down their throats.
Should I post it on my website blog or just stick to solutions I could offer to my niche there? Thanks for any feedback!
I've finally hit on the answer to offering something of value to the different lists/platforms I'm on. It's newbie info and since I'm front and center of the "just got in" club, I thought it'd be relevant.
But there's a bit of a problem....It's too long for LinkedIn (really disappointing), and the copywriter groups I'm a member of just don't have a lot of action so I'm not sure how helpful it would be to post.
I've posted it under "Blog" on my website - I guess to be able to be linked from social media - but there's a predicament: Throughout the article, just how new I am to the fold of copywriters is quite evident.
If (When!) potential clients come to the page, they'll obviously see my lack of experience. Even though I'll be extremely forthright with how long I've been in the business, it seems like this just shoves it down their throats.
Should I post it on my website blog or just stick to solutions I could offer to my niche there? Thanks for any feedback!
Maybe it would helpful to figure out the purpose of your website and thus your website blog. If you are sharing your journey, then an article about your experience is fine. But, if you website is a selling of your services and thus your business, then I think you are right and content about your inexperience might not be the best. Your business blog should be separate from a personal blog. But, you could re-write the content to be an article about things to look for when hiring a copywriter initially or something similar. Just an idea.
Jen Flatt Osborn
Help me to understand what you mean by "It's too long for LinkedIn" Too long for a single Linkedin article? How long is it? Is there a way you can break it down by subtopic and write an article on each subtopic?
RE: >> Throughout the article, just how new I am to the fold of copywriters is quite evident.
If I'm a potential client why would I know that? No matter how much of a newbie you are to the fold of copywriters, you still know more about what you are doing than the potential client. If you know what I need, pitch me how you fill that need. You should be able to spin what you are saying so you come off as someone who can help me.
RE: >> Throughout the article, just how new I am to the fold of copywriters is quite evident.
If I'm a potential client why would I know that? No matter how much of a newbie you are to the fold of copywriters, you still know more about what you are doing than the potential client. If you know what I need, pitch me how you fill that need. You should be able to spin what you are saying so you come off as someone who can help me.
Tom, no problem. LinkedIn has a word max and although the article's not that long, it's still about 1,000 words over in its current form. I had also thought of a rewrite which is probably the best thing for me to do to get it up on LinkedIn.
And you bring up a great topic. The article (were you able to access it by the way?) is written for copywriting newbies, but my website will obviously be largely for potential clients to check me out.
How DO we (or do we?) post an article meant to help a new copywriter to a blog on our website without a) Boring a potential CLIENT with irrelevant information they have no interest in. b) Also, some info in an article like this should stay within industry circles.
I'm just pretty confused about whether to put content aimed at copywriters and potential clients on the same website or not. How do people handle this?
And you bring up a great topic. The article (were you able to access it by the way?) is written for copywriting newbies, but my website will obviously be largely for potential clients to check me out.
How DO we (or do we?) post an article meant to help a new copywriter to a blog on our website without a) Boring a potential CLIENT with irrelevant information they have no interest in. b) Also, some info in an article like this should stay within industry circles.
I'm just pretty confused about whether to put content aimed at copywriters and potential clients on the same website or not. How do people handle this?
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