The Confident Copywriter

Posts Tagged ‘copywriters business network’

No matter how much you love your freelance writing job, there are times when you will feel bored. Disinterested. Seriously considering a quick nap.

Mom was right. “If you’re bored, you must be boring”, she would say.

Working in virtual isolation at our computers day in and day out, it’s no wonder things get a bit boring. But giving in to boredom is how the trouble starts.

How to avoid diving for the covers, missing a deadline because boredom sent you shopping…or worse, turning in uninspired copy?

Fight Boredom!

Susan Cramm, writing on the Harvard Business Review blog, agrees with Mom. She says you might be the reason your job is boring. Susan encourages checking yourself on these points:

1. Are you on autopilot? Repetitive tasks, or tasks that go on for too long, can put your brain to sleep – what we often call ‘autopilot’. While the task may seem easier, you’re less interested and engaged and, therefore, bored.

My suggestion: When you go to your desk tomorrow, shake things up a little. Do routine tasks in a different order. Work on a project instead of opening your email right away. Drink herbal tea instead of coffee. Repeat the mantra, “Today is going to be different.”

2. How’s your energy level? It takes more energy to be bored. When your brain is busy, you don’t think about it. You feel energized by the task and fully locked in. Low energy levels make work more tedious, affecting focus and, ultimately, success.

My suggestion: Watch those carbs and get up from your desk regularly. Walk around, drink water, make a phone call. Stare out the window. Energize yourself!

3. Have you gotten lazy? Letting little things slide, rather than focusing on potential improvements, makes life boring. Stay interested by keeping your brain engaged. Seek ways to keep your mind occupied and stimulated. Take time to network and talk with your freelance writing peers.

My suggestion: Challenge yourself! Accept a project that is just a bit outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for something new. Help someone just because. Dive into a new book about writing. Join The Copywriters Business Network!

How do you conquer freelance writing boredom?

Among my global business contacts, I often hear the phrase, “Let’s get together for coffee over the phone”, meaning “Let’s chat by phone.” It’s a comforting and friendly way to request a phone call, isn’t it? The image of two friends, connected across time zones, sharing coffee together…it’s so global Starbucks!

This ‘coffee over the phone’ idea, first mentioned to me by my very good friend and colleague, the UK’s Gerard O’Donovan at Noble-Manhattan Coaching, gave me a brilliant idea.

Why, I asked myself, was there no real forum for copywriters to get together during the business day to find resources, ask a question, get help with a problem, boost camaraderie…and what would it take to create such a forum?

So I did what any logical person would do…I began to research copywriting forums. I found there are many, but only a few respected ones. But none of them seemed to fit the bill for what I wanted to accomplish.

Around this time, I stumbled on the LCO Network, targeting the Hispanic market. Through my membership there, I became friendly with Doug Dolan, one of the network’s founders.

AND THEN IT HIT ME! I didn’t want to build a forum…I wanted to build a network! Suddenly, everything fell into place, and The Copywriters Business Network was born.

I am so excited to tell you about this, and to begin 2010 with The Copywriters Business Network firmly on its way towards explosive growth.

Of course, I’d love to see you there as a member. But what I really want you to think about is this:

Where can you go to…

… Talk to other copywriters when you have a work issue? Not LinkedIn, or Twitter, or Facebook…all great venues, but not industry-specific.

…Find other copywriters at all experience levels who are looking to collaborate on projects or partner on ventures?

…Access the latest resources, interviews, and industry insider news to help you build your business and profit?

…Promote yourself as a copywriting industry expert?

…Get the inside scoop on available projects?

The Copywriters Business Network is the place! And the more members we have, the stronger this network will be. It’s that simple. So that’s why I want you to join. It’s the only way currently available for copywriters to support each other while building better, stronger, more profitable businesses.

So jump on over there and sign up. It takes less than a minute, and you can begin benefitting from all the fabulous news, information, contacts and job opportunities right away.

Let’s make 2010 the best year ever for copywriters everywhere!