Imposter syndrome is something all copywriters struggle with. Even seasoned writers experience it when they aim to level up.
If you’re a new writer, you may wonder: Is my work good enough? Am I charging too much? Can I succeed at this?
Your subconscious conjures up these questions to protect you from failing. That’s its job — to protect you from danger. Fortunately, trying something new isn’t always dangerous… but it can be scary.
If you find yourself dealing with imposter syndrome, ask yourself where you might be in a year from now if you don’t act. Can you accept being exactly where you are now?
When you’ve decided to move forward, you may find you struggle to see what value you have to offer as a new writer. You’re not alone in that.
But, think of it this way…
There’s only one you. No other writer on earth has your unique voice and style of writing or your experiences to share. And that is the value you can offer.
Armed with what you have to give, the next step is to open yourself up to receiving. That may be a new concept for you, but receiving is the key to success in your copywriting business. It’s also the fifth law from The Go-Giver book we’ve been discussing.
The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Let’s look at how you can have a healthy balance of giving and receiving in your digital-copywriting business by applying this principle.
Recognize Your Worth
When you finish a writing project, take a moment to recognize what you’ve accomplished. Think about the work and hours you put into it, and the ideas you created as you wove words together to tell your story.
I’m sometimes guilty of taking on too many projects at one time. When that happens, I forget to take the time to reflect on the efforts I put into the projects I complete. This is something I’m still working on.
Rebecca Matter and Katie Yeakle continuously remind writers that we should celebrate the wins, even small ones.
A finished project is a win worthy of reflection and celebration, even if your celebration is as simple as going for an ice cream or just pausing to dwell on the pride you feel in work well done. Take the time to do it, because it’s the first step to opening yourself up to success.
Remember, completing a project doesn’t mean you’re done learning. Continually growing your skills through experience is important as you build your copywriting business.
Accept Feedback
How do you react when you receive feedback?
It can be a struggle to hear sometimes. You know how hard you worked on a project, staying up late at night, editing and rewriting until it was just right. And then someone comes along and tells you what’s wrong with it.
Wait. That’s not the right attitude to take when you’re given feedback.
Make an effort to listen to what the other person is saying. They’re trying to help you succeed. Hear them out. Constructive criticism is crucial to your continual growth as a copywriter.
I still feel disappointed in myself when I see the red marks and “lightly edited” sections of a piece I worked hard on. But I adjust my attitude, because I realize it’s part of the learning process. Over time, my writing will improve.
You, too, can learn from it and use it to fuel your next masterpiece to grow your digital-copywriting business and pave the way for your success.
Ask for What You’re Worth
Getting the first client is the hardest. That’s why, when we’re first starting out, we sometimes take what we can get. And that’s okay, because it’s a place to start.
The hardest part is getting started. Once you do that, it gets easier. And remember, prices can be changed.
It can be tough to write a proposal showing the value of the copy you’re discussing, especially when it’s a higher dollar project. Seeing the amount of money you plan to ask for can be enough to fill you with self-doubt.
But ask yourself, if you don’t see the value in your work, will your prospective client?
It’s important to be clear with your client up front about your fees, so there are no money issues later. One way to make the process easier is to offer them options. Then they can decide what they can afford and are willing to pay.
You can approach options a couple of ways. You can suggest phases to the project, which allows your client to see everything you might do, but also allows them to start small. Or you can offer different packages, with a few more services added to each package — structured like a good, better, and best deal.
Both approaches allow them to make the choice they’re comfortable with. Once the project is completed, they may decide to work with you again… or to have you tackle the next phase. Either way, negotiating will be easier, since they’ll already know your value.
Getting paid what you’re worth opens the door to continued client work, as long as you remain receptive.
Shift Your Mindset
The Law of Receptivity is a simple concept to understand. However, you need to do your part by shifting your mindset from doubt to belief in your skills and value. A good first step is to start saying yes when you receive offers of help from within your network.
Through the five laws we’ve discussed from The Go-Giver, you’ve learned that:
- You should give more in value.
- Serving more people determines your compensation.
- Your influence is measured by placing the interests of other people first.
- The most valuable gift you can offer is authenticity.
- You need to stay open to receiving.
When you practice each of these laws, you’ll surround yourself with a network of friends. Friends who will be looking out for your best interests, just as you’re looking out for theirs.
The Law of Receptivity isn’t just about personal growth. It’s also about lifting each other up, sharing your successes, and overcoming challenges, as you build your successful businesses together.
Receptivity is the key to unlocking a universe of possibilities and living a life filled with abundance, joy, and success.
Remember to stay open to receiving.
