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12.May.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 17
A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights

Colleague


Hello and Welcome to EditCopyProof's weekly outpouring of valuable information to propel your business and inspire your soul.

Every edition contains an eclectic compilation. Whatever happens during the week ends up in this UNnewsletter.

You are in the yawn-free zone when this publication arrives in your mailbox each Monday because I promise to deliver the best of the best. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

Business and pleasure. Pleasure and business. The lines cross so frequently for entrepreneurs, it's often impossible to separate the two. They blend so beautifully, why even try?

That's the basis of this publication. You get a full dose of business-related topics as well as content having nothing at all to do with business. I have no doubt you'll find something to enhance your life. Enjoy!

In This Edition
by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo   Charlon Small




Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to increased, measurable results, this week's features include:

  1. ENTREPRENEURS ASK... | Hard sales copy tactics don't sell
  2. DELEGATING TO A PRO | Hot tips to hire a logo designer who cares about your marketing image
  3. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Inspired by music



Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing and Editing Solutions -- Transforming Words Into Profits. Proficient in many diverse writing roles, her expertise spans more than 25 years. This solid foundation offers you a single and final destination in your quest for extraordinary press-ready services including copyediting, copywriting and proofreading. Visit us TODAY at EditCopyProof to submit your Request For Proposal.

Entrepreneurs Ask...
Charlon Bobo   Can You Give Me Guidelines for Writing Non-Salesy Copy?

copywriting
You bet!

99% of my clients are conscious female entrepreneurs. Most of the masters in the copywriting industry are males who use hard-core sales and marketing techniques. Their incomes and results speak volumes about how well their approaches work for the masses.

However, there is a rapidly growing segment of the population who is focused on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice. They are called LOHAS (an acronym for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability)... conscious, enlightened and spiritual. And many of them are entrepreneurs.

The language to which these people respond is vastly different than the language used in corporate business circles to entice the masses to buy. LOHAS are not blind consumers. They carefully weigh their options and make decisions in alignment with their principles.

That means the language we use to serve them is unique and must be inspired. Fear tactics don't work on them.

What's important to them? Building relationships with the people with whom they do business. They want to connect.

So, to answer the question about how you can write effective, but not sales driven copy, here are some pointers to keep in mind as you write any of your marketing content:
  1. Don't try to sell. That vibe reflects throughout your copy and prospects aren't stupid. They see or feel right through you.
  2. Speak the language of feelings and experiences vs. traditional fear-based sales techniques.
  3. Speak to your target market in a friendly, accessible tone.
  4. Use simple language.
  5. Use more short copy principles.
  6. Use lots of white space.
  7. Based on client testimonials, tell them what they can expect to experience with your product or service.
  8. Be realistic and honest.
  9. Tell your personal story and reveal aspects that help them relate to you.
  10. Give them an action item without being pushy; click this link, sign up for our newsletter, purchase this product, etc.

If I can give you one main pointer, it is: Don't try to sell. No one wants to be sold. Especially LOHAS simply won't respond. Just be yourself. Be honest. A genuine approach of authenticity will communicate with your audience and very likely convert to sales.

Delegating to a Pro
Charlon Bobo   How Do I Hire a Competent Logo Designer?

Designer









You finally made the decision to delegate your next project, which is a logo design. Now, how do you find a talented designer?

  • Ask for referrals from colleagues
  • Use links on trusted trade organization Web sites
  • Contact the local Chamber of Commerce
  • Conduct online searches for designers in your geographical area (this helps when you want to work with someone local)

What next?

1. Review online portfolios of all designers
2. Review Web site "About Us" pages to determine if the personality and work style seem to be a fit
3. Review "Testimonials" or "Rave Reviews" pages
4. Send an email detailing the specs of your project
5. Request a written proposal
6. Choose one candidate and schedule a telephone appointment

What questions should you ask via email or during a telephone meeting?

1. How does the process work?
2. How long does it take to receive deliverables?
3. What are terms of the Agreement?
4. Do I work directly with the designer?
5. May I contact previous clients?
6. How many revisions are included in the cost?
7. How do we begin?

This gives you a general idea of the process of finding a designer who's the best fit for you. If something doesn't resonate, ask for clarification or move on. There are many talented Web and graphic designers. The key is finding one who is conscientious and works with integrity with you so you get exactly what you want and are proud of your marketing materials.

From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   My latest inspiration

C-face
My favorite new song is Stop this Train by John Mayer. It's on his CD Continuum.

The lyrics are:

Stop this train
I want to get off
And go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly, won't someone stop this train.


Who hasn't felt like that? The pace of life seems so constantly frantic that we cannot seem to catch our breath. Still, it's vital to every facet of our lives to "get off the train" in little ways every day. I know, it's not always possible, but it's a worthwhile goal to set anyway.

Don't wait until the train -- a.k.a. your life -- crashes. It takes so much time and effort to recover when that happens and all it takes now is a focused effort to slow down, smell the flowers, take walks, look deep into the eyes of those you love, speak softly, give and receive more hugs, read good books by candlelight, listen, surround yourself with nature, be present.

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,




 

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