Don’t say you’re a writer

Here’s why ... [The Writer’ s Life]( August 23, 2022 "Accept and acknowledge your own brilliance. Stop waiting for others to tell you how great you are! Believe it for yourself and about yourself." – Iyanla Vanzant Hey, {NAME}, let's try something different, today … 😁 Usually, I tell you to boldly go out into the world and tell everyone that you're a writer. I want you to yell it from the rooftops! Or at least say it out LOUD — to yourself and to everyone you meet. So you can own it. Plus, when you tell everyone that you're a writer, you may even get a client (or three) from it. I hear it from new writers all the time … Their neighbor, their brother-in-law, their vet, a person in line at Starbucks … random encounters that led to paying assignments, simply because they shared what they do (which is write!). Now, that's what I usually say. But today, my favorite business coach, Ilise Benun, is here to tell you to STOP saying you're a writer. And gives you something else to say instead. If you ever feel doubts about your abilities … fears that you won't be taken seriously … Or people have no idea what you mean when you say, "I'm a writer" … Ilise's suggestion, below, solves all of that and more. However, if self-doubt is getting in the way of your progress with paid writing … Stop everything you're doing and [go read this right now](. We'll be here when you get back. 😊 To your success! [Rebecca Matter’ s signature] Rebecca P.S. At Noon ET today we're going to show you over a dozen low-hanging fruit projects companies need written right now … That will set you up to THRIVE as a writer this year — and beyond. [>> Go here for details and access instructions.]( Please Don't Call Yourself a Copywriter By Ilise Benun I'm not a big fan of labels. Labels are nouns; nouns are fixed things. Verbs are better. They're actions and they have infinite potential. That's why, when someone asks me what I do, I never give a label. If I did, it would sound something like, "I'm a marketing consultant," and you would immediately latch onto whatever idea of "marketing consultant" is already in your mind. Your idea of a "marketing consultant" is based on what you think you know about marketing consultants. And I guarantee that has virtually nothing to do with what I actually do and, more importantly, what I could do to help you. That's why I never say, "I'm a marketing consultant." Instead, whenever I'm in a networking environment and it's time to introduce myself or, for that matter, whenever someone asks me what I do, I never, ever give a label. Instead, I use verbs to describe what I actually do. And it's not always the same — I'm constantly improving it. Sometimes I say, "I show copywriters how to find better clients with bigger budgets." Other times I'll say, "I teach people just like you how to build a thriving business — on your own terms." Notice also how I include your goals in my answer, including what's in it for you and what you could achieve with my help. Because let's face it, that's what you really want to know: what's in it for you (sometimes referred to as "WIIFM"). That's when the magic happens. When I answer that simple, everyday question with a verb instead of a noun or label, more often than not, the result is an amazingly productive conversation, especially if you are one of "my people" — that is, you need the help I'm offering. All of this to say: you should also never use a label to describe what you do. That's right. Don't ever say, "I'm a writer" or "I'm a copywriter" or "I'm a content writer." Why? Because they won't understand — and they won't even know they don't understand. You see, most people have a Hollywood idea of what a "writer" is, and we both know that has nothing to do with the reality of writing. Worse yet, almost no one knows what a "copywriter" is. More often than not, they confuse "copywriting" with "copyright" (i.e. intellectual property law). So you can see how using either of those labels is going to take a potentially fruitful and lucrative conversation down the wrong path. The good news is that you're learning this early — before you get into the habit of thinking of yourself as (and calling yourself) a writer. That's right. I don't want you to think of yourself as a writer. I don't want you to build an identity of "writer" for yourself. It's much too limiting. You are — and will become — so much more than that. With your constantly expanding copywriting skills, you will be able to do so much more than write. Your value as a copywriter is so much greater than what most clients think a copywriter brings to the table. But they won't ever know that if you label yourself a "copywriter." That's why I want you to use verbs. Here's a possible thought process to take yourself through: You write copy, yes, but you do so much more! You help businesses get customers and make more money and save time … and on and on and on. Now, how would you keep that thread going? And remember that when someone asks, "What do you do?" they are asking for the verb, not the noun. So please don't ever give them the noun. Instead, tell them not only what you do, but what you can do for them. And then [put that on your LinkedIn profile](. They'll read it and think to themselves, "Wow, this is exactly who we need. I'll bet this person can really help us." So will you promise me you'll never say, "I'm a copywriter" again? [Editor's Note: Ilise is the master at helping writers go from feeling unsure of themselves and their abilities … to proudly becoming the person they were meant to be all along. If you're ready to break through to the other side of your own insecurities … and land the kinds of paid writing gigs that will make you AND your clients happy for many years to come — [here's the ONE thing you need to do right NOW make it happen](.] TODAY at Noon Eastern Time THRIVE As a Copywriter Now Encore Briefing + Live Q&A *HURRY — LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!* Companies need skilled writers in challenging times more than any other. But how do you, as a new writer, know how to help — especially if you don't have any real-world writing experience? You'll discover the answer this Tuesday as we reveal over a dozen simple but powerful revenue-boosting strategies you can take to ANY client in any industry, including - proven strategies for increasing sales and cart values … - one-page reactivation emails that can turn "lost" customers into excited buyers again … - methods for uncovering "hidden" value propositions that can catapult your client ahead of the competition … - "retention" strategies few businesses use, but all should — because keeping a customer happy and active is so much more cost-effective than attracting new ones, and … - the power and versatility of emails — and the multiple ways you can use them to create relationships, drive sales, and grow loyalty. No copywriter looking to grow their business or land their first clients should miss it WHEN: TODAY, Noon, Eastern Time (FINAL BROADCAST) COST: FREE WHO: Writers who want to serve clients better and stand above the crowd DURATION: About one hour, plus post-event Q&A [Register (for free) here!]( What's Hot at AWAI … 👀 TODAY: [Don't miss the must-see (and FREE!) "Thrive as a Copywriter" Encore Briefing and Live Q&A at 12 p.m. ET!]( 😄 How can you stay true to yourself as a writer? [Watch this!]( 😀 [Find your happiness as a writer with these tips.]( 🙌 [How LinkedIn got Lisa Bjornstad where she wanted to go as a writer.]( Six Productive Days! From the August issue of Barefoot Writer magazine … former pro wrestler John Diamondidis shares what he loves about his life as a writer: [From the August issue of Barefoot Writer magazine John Diamondidis shares what he loves about his life as a writer] Catch the rest of his story in this month's issue of Barefoot Writer! If you're a subscriber, you'll find it on your member page. If not, [check it out here](! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! LAST CHANCE: Get Paid to Write Let us show you the best ways to make money as a writer and help you land high-paying assignments. And give you $363 in free writing training that will help you make money faster. But hurry! This deal ends in a matter of hours … [Get Started By Clicking Here Now]( Breakthrough! Before you take _another_ step on your journey to well-paid writing … Do. This. Now. THIS is the Cure to the Fear, Self-Doubt and "Imposter Syndrome" That Can Keep Beginners STUCK … And it could save you months — even _years_ — of unnecessary struggle! 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