The last few weeks we’ve been talking about the themes of Bootcamp 2021.
First, we talked about leading with authenticity, and being yourself. You want to work with companies that align with who you are and what you believe. Do that, and you’ll have greater success and a better time.
Then last week we talked about focusing on what you can do for your client instead of what they can do for you. We referred to Russ Henneberry’s “doctor” analogy. You’re the doctor, and your customers are patients. They have pain, and it’s your job to heal what hurts.
But we can’t talk about Bootcamp without talking about the most powerful theme of all… connection.
Connection not just with other copywriters, but with your clients as well.
It can be difficult to form connections at a virtual event. The last Bootcamp I attended was in person. So, I was worried it wouldn’t be the same.
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t the same. But in some ways the virtual event made it easier to connect with others. Everyone had more opportunity to talk via the chat boxes. You could have a full conversation during a presentation. It was easy to express your opinions, share tools, give feedback, cheer on the speakers.
You weren’t limited to making friends in the hallways between presentations. You could interact the whole time.
One of the best things about attending Bootcamp is the connections you make. With other copywriters and with businesses looking to hire.
Connecting with Co-Copywriters
You might hesitate to form connections with other people in your industry. After all, they’re your competition, right?
Actually, no. They’re not competition at all.
There’s enough work to go around. There are endless companies in endless niches looking for writers. And even though copywriting is becoming more popular, the need continues to grow.
Bottom line, you don’t need to hold each other back when you can help each other up. Grow together.
There are many rewards to be had when making friends with other people in your field. Some of those include
- forming accountability groups;
- bouncing ideas off someone who understands what “copy” is;
- reviewing copy for each other;
- having someone to talk shop with, someone on the inside;
- being able to refer work to one another;
- helping each other network; and
- having more fun.
So many friendships were formed in the chats this year. Emails were exchanged, LinkedIn networks grew, and friendly banter was seen every day.
It was amazing!
For many, this was a great opportunity to form a copywriting tribe. A group of friends to support one another and grow together.
Marcella Allison talked about using co-mentoring as a tool for your tribe. You have something to offer, even if you’re new to copywriting. Your cumulative experiences can add value to your colleagues. Maybe you’re great at building websites or you’re a graphic designer.
You can teach what you know, and others in your group can teach what they know. In this way you can mentor each other. You get to learn what you need to learn while still providing value.
I highly recommend trying it out.
Connecting with Clients
Should business be strictly business? Well, you should always be professional. Meaning, do good work, be kind, meet deadlines… that kind of thing.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t be friends too. Share some laughs. Share some thoughts about life. Have lunch occasionally.
Nick Usborne says he “built businesses that were at least part friendships.” And that “It’s about a much deeper relationship, not just a client with a checkbook.”
He’s right. You have the power to make each work interaction meaningful and fulfilling. It can extend beyond trading work for money. Why wouldn’t you want that?
So much of your life is spent working. Why can’t work be more enjoyable?
Benefits of Befriending Your Clients
They are many.
- The work becomes more meaningful.
- You can exchange laughs and good times while working.
- You’ll enjoy work more.
- You’ll be appreciated.
- You’ll get additional work.
- Your clients will be loyal.
- They’ll have a higher level of trust in you.
- You work as partners instead of as a gun for hire.
“If you believe business is built on relationships, make building relationships your business.” That tip from Scott Stratton does a good job of summing up the importance of connections in your business.
Build relationships. That’s your business. Combine that with being authentic and prescribing solutions for your customers, and you’ll have a powerful business trifecta.
Tips for Getting Connected
Ilise Benun said to “Start relationships with ideal clients.” She shared how to use LinkedIn for this. Comment on posts, share posts, connect, message, thank them for connecting. Get the conversation going and keep it going. Use LinkedIn as a tool to get to know your potential clients. Build that relationship, and they’ll be more likely to hire you.
Another great tool was Michal Katz’s method. He keeps a list of contacts within his network. And he reaches out to one or two a day.
He likes to use email, but texting or calling works too. He also mentioned handwritten notes. The point of these conversations isn’t to sell. It’s to connect. Connect with people. Stay on their radar.
Then if they need help later, or know someone who needs help, your name will come to mind easily.
Also, refer work out to other copywriters when you can’t take the project. It’s a great way to make friends while also helping your clients. Also make connections with professionals offering related services. If your client asks about finding a web designer, it feels great to have someone to introduce them to. And if your web designer friend has a client ask about writing, they’ll be the ones providing the introduction.
Get Rich
Being rich means more than having a lot of money.
It’s about building a life you’re proud of, doing what you love, and connecting with people along the way.
You’re rich when you’re happy. Be rich in experience, in a full life, in community. Be rich in connection.
Keith Trimels talked about “writer’s ripples.” He said writing is “not a solo journey. No one writes alone.”
Your writing affects others. What you do affects your life, but also the lives of your family, and the people around you.
When you’re blessed, you can bless others.
Your happiness ripples out like the water when a rock is dropped into a pond.
Connections ripple, too. You may hate doing social media management. But you know someone who loves it.
When your client asks you if you can do it, you can say, “No, but I know the perfect person for this.”
That’s a writer’s ripple. A ripple you couldn’t have without connection.
You’ll see these ripples all around you as you move along your writer’s path.
Connection is the doorway to a rich life. It’s the doorway to success.
Don’t be afraid to connect. We’re all human, and we all need connection. Embrace it. Enjoy it.
After all, you’ve made it this far. You’re being authentic. You know what you want. You’re focused on the needs of your clients, prescribing them solutions. And now you’re connecting to build deeper, lasting relationships.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
So, I’ll stop there and wish you all the luck on your writer’s journey!!
Let’s get connected!
Comment below if you have other suggestions for connecting or thoughts on this topic.
I’d love to hear from you.
