How do you learn best?

[The Writer’ s Life]( January 19, 2018 Hi {NAME}, When AWAI started 20 years ago, we had one program … a printed, 500+ page manual teaching the ins and outs of writing effective copy. Later, when we created our Masters Program, we included an audio version of each module. I couldn't believe how many comments we got from members about how valuable the audio sessions were in teaching the core concepts. Then we introduced the teleconference where you could hear the experts teaching in real time. Then the webinar, where you could see examples on the screen, ask questions, and get answers right then and there. Now, we also have virtual learning … where you can watch from the comfort of your own home as someone talks directly into the camera as though they're in the room with you. And of course, we have truly live, in-person events where you get to interact with the instructors, and learn in an environment with zero distractions. (Something we call the [Bootcamp]( bubble!) Clearly, the art and science of teaching copywriting is not one-size-fits-all … and learning it isn't either. We're all so different … we have different learning styles that work best for us. Some people learn by reading, some by watching someone else, and some by listening to an expert explain the new concepts. That's why we offer so many different formats, and continue to evolve our teaching styles … However you like to learn, we've got you covered! Today, AWAI Success Candice Lazar takes a look at the various learning styles, so you can ensure you're getting the training YOU need to succeed. Have a good weekend, Rebecca Matter President, AWAI P.S. One of the things I love about teaching the Accelerated Program Companion Series live sessions is getting to interact with you … Even though we've been doing it for nearly a decade, the questions and requests change every year. It's fun to get to adapt the material and the way we're teaching to meet your needs. We have so much fun bringing The Accelerated Program to life and helping people learn faster — and on a deeper level — than they ever could on their own. [Check out the details here.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Best Way for Copywriters to Master a New Skill By Candice Lazar [Desk with computer displaying the word learning on the screen] Sometimes your writer's life can lead to unexpected places … Mine led me to bartending school. I recently launched a [Money-Making Website]( about [cocktails](. The site is live, and it's already getting some traffic. I just need to start setting up the avenues to make money from it. I chose cocktails because I enjoy them. I love reading a specialty drink menu as much as I love watching them being made. But in spite of these things, I don't really know that much about cocktails. Not the ideal situation — I need to know more about them than my audience. So to change that, I started out by doing a bit of reading and watching some YouTube videos. But of course that's not enough to make me an expert on cocktails. What if I did something wrong? How would I know? If I was going to master the art of making cocktails, then it made sense that I be trained by a professional who knows what they're doing and is enthusiastic about their work. So, hello bartending school. For me, this was the ideal way to learn how to become a cocktail expert. How Do You Like to Learn? While everyone learns differently, there are four primary ways we absorb new information: Audio (hearing), visual (seeing), physical (movement), and verbal (reading and spoken word). None of these methods is better than another. The key is knowing what works for you — and finding opportunities to engage those senses to help you learn. But don't lean too heavily on just one style … Research shows that the most effective way to learn means combining different styles and factors. In other words, you'll be more likely to absorb and remember something if you see it, hear it, and read it, as opposed to just reading it. And when you're learning in the styles that best fit you, you're more likely to stick with the training all the way through. Set Yourself Up for Success To truly master a new skill, take it a step further than using just one sense or style of learning. Proactively seek out ways to maximize your chances of success. There are lots of ways you can tailor your learning, no matter your preferences. For example, suppose you're a procrastinator. (Don't worry — you're not alone!) Unfortunately, this tendency doesn't lend itself well to learning. To ensure your success, you'll need to find ways to push past it. For instance, choose a learning environment where there are scheduled sessions. Find someone to be accountable to, to help you stay on track. And give yourself a leg up by making the experience as much fun as possible. Also think of ways that will help you look forward to the sessions. Who can you choose to share your progress with? Some people (like me) enjoy having an instructor walk them through the information. The instructor's passion for the subject can really help bring it to life, and their expertise can help you understand more deeply than you ever would on your own. There's also the benefit of having an experienced voice explain complex ideas. It can help make them much clearer for you, so you'll catch on to the information faster! That's why a number of AWAI's programs offer a "live" option where a group meets each week on a webinar. You'll go through the material with a Master Copywriter, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, and you'll know what you're supposed to be doing each week to keep up. (I'll tell you shortly about the one that helped me launch my own writing career.) Talk about accountability! Or, maybe what you need is a coach. An instructor will teach you specific writing skills, while a coach will provide more big-picture guidance. You'll learn how different things fit together to form a whole — whether it's for a particular topic like getting clients … or setting up the foundation of your business. If you're ready to launch, Joshua Boswell's Simple Path coaching program can help you get set up and start landing clients — skills that'll serve you well over and over again. Are you looking for something with expert guidance for more advanced copywriting skills? Our Copywriters' Initiative might be the perfect fit for you. Do you thrive as part of a group of like-minded people? A mastermind group will give you people to study with, bounce ideas back and forth with, and help solve each other's problems. And a mastermind will also give you the benefit of a coach to guide you toward your goals when you need it. (For a peek inside the mastermind concept, check out the free four-part [How to Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet Workshop](.) You can find thousands of other writers to team up with through AWAI's Facebook groups and forums. Decide together how often you'll meet, what method you'll use (phone call, Google hangout, Skype?), and the overall flow and format of your meetings. Of course, working with other people isn't for everyone. Some solo learners prefer reading and working through the related materials on their own. Or sometimes your schedule is complicated, and self-study is your best choice. If that's you, look for a self-directed study program that gives you the control you want. But to be successful on your own, keep these tips in mind … Give yourself a deadline and a schedule. Set up a dedicated study area that's comfortable, but not relaxing. Actively take notes, and think about how you would explain the concepts you're learning to someone else. Do the assignments to get practical hands-on experience. Several AWAI programs offer timelines and 90-Day Action Plans so you can keep yourself on track. Where the Rubber Hits the Road Suppose you've decided to learn a new copywriting skill. You take an AWAI program. And you sit down to write. Even if you know you understand the material … even if you participated in a live webinar … and even if you work with other people along the way … You might not be sure if your writing is good enough. This is common too — it's right up there with procrastination. But there's an easy solution. And you'll learn even more from it than if you'd simply taken a course alone. The key is to have someone else review your writing. Take advantage of the opportunities in AWAI programs to get professional feedback on your writing. Or, you could attend a peer review in your Circle of Success class, or set up a peer review group with other writers. Submit your writing for a monthly hot seat, where experts will help you improve. Or turn in an assignment for one of AWAI's programs where you receive constructive professional feedback. The Bottom Line To choose a learning program you'll enjoy and stick with, think about the answers to these questions … Then look for a learning opportunity that best fits your style: - Do you prefer having an instructor walk you through new material and bring it to life? - Do you prefer setting your own pace by flying solo? - Do you need the encouragement and guidance of a coach to help you move toward your goals? - Do you work best in a group like a mastermind where you can exchange ideas and information? - Do you need feedback to build your confidence in your new skills? - Do you learn best in the focused and energetic setting of a live event? Wherever you are with your writer's life … and wherever you want to go … AWAI can help you get there the best way for you. You Don't Have to Go It Alone … I told you earlier that one of AWAI's live programs helped me launch my own writing career. It was the Accelerated Program Live Companion Series. And it's helped not just me, but scores of other AWAI members. Rebecca Matter and Katie Yeakle — along with other expert writers eager to share their knowledge with you — walk you through all of the key concepts of The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. They bring all the information to life with real-world examples and their enthusiasm for copywriting. You get all your questions answered … complete extra skill-building exercises … and do it alongside a group of your writing peers in fun, scheduled sessions. All within 10 weeks. [Go here to learn more about this life-changing program.]( What kind of learning experience works best for you? Let us know in the comments [here]( so we can guide you to the best choice for you. --------------------------------------------------------------- Countdown to Web Copy Intensive — 31 Days to Go AWAI Member Reveals How Attending the Web Copywriting Intensive Has Brought Him Clients, Increased His Income, and More Steve Maurer Steve Maurer — you've most likely read his AWAI articles, seen his posts as manager of AWAI's LinkedIn group, or read his Reality Blog on B2B Writing Success — is gearing up to attend his fourth Web Copywriting Intensive in February. We talked to Steve after his last Web Intensive, and below, he reveals in his own words what he gets out of the Intensive and why every event increases his level of success. "2017 was my third Web Copywriting Intensive. But it won't be my last. Here's why. In the past few months, I've started some new jobs and been contacted by several others. Last year, a company in North Carolina had me rewrite their web content. And during this year's Intensive, we sealed a deal for their monthly blog. I've written some trade publication editorials for a truck manufacturer in Indiana. They even asked if I would include my byline on the articles. Uh, sure! I've had a good year, making about $10,000 more than last year. (Not bad since I'm still working full-time at my day job.) It seems every time I attend the Web Copywriting Intensive, my business increases … a lot. This year in Austin was amazing. We were taught seven of the top gigs in online writing. Not just book learning, either. We had writing assignments to complete, and some of those we submitted were Spec Assignment for actual gigs. What I'm taking away from this event is that copy on the Web is expanding. It's not going away … it's increasing at a breakneck speed. When I hit the runway back in Arkansas, it'll be at a dead run, with increased success just one client, one email, one phone call away. And AWAI's Web Copywriting Intensive will be with me … every step of the way!" Come join Steve at this year's Web Intensive and kick-start your successful web-writing career. [Check out the details today and join us at this life-changing event.]( Fastest, Easiest Way to Become an In-Demand Copywriter … Guaranteed! Join Katie, Rebecca and special guest experts for an in-depth, comprehensive LIVE webinar training series where they'll teach you ALL the skills, secrets and techniques you need to become a successful copywriter – all in a matter of just 10 weeks. Warning: They only do this LIVE training once a year – don't miss out on this rare and highly effective learning opportunity. [Learn more and enroll here.]( Get Paid Writing Projects in the Next 30 Days Follow our simple 30-day roadmap when you join Wealthy Web Writer and you can land paying projects this month. Test drive membership for a whole month for just $1. 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