I used to spontaneously craft lists just for fun, and today seems like the perfect day to revive the practice.
And rather than beat around the bush, let’s just call this list the “Eight Gratifying Moments in the Life of Any Freelance Copywriter or Consultant:”
- Reading a short, pithy, “The copy’s perfect” email from a client
- Shipping solid draft copy, and checking it off the list
- Getting a check
- Getting a check before it’s due
- Getting a big check
- Finding a signed work order – for a prestige project initiated by your lumpy mailer – nestled in your inbox
- Discovering the blog/email program you recommended is working exactly as you said it would
- Explaining modern Internet marketing to a class of entrepreneurs, and realizing they get it
I’ve experienced all the above in the last 1.5 weeks, and while I’m not threatening to burst into song (Tonight on the Underground: Copywriter Karaoke!), I’m reminded that even after 23+ years in this business, good stuff happens with gratifying regularity.
Keep writing & consulting, Tom Chandler.
Comments 5
I live for friendly client feedback. If clients knew how motivating a kind word is, they would do it more often! But you’re right, all these little things make freelance writing more interesting and rewarding.
Although my favourite is the chance to talk to really interesting people. I mainly work for tech companies like HP and Microsoft and it’s great to talk to their experts. I really enjoy it.
Yep – and it’s nice to see someone enjoying our craft, instead of pushing the idea of creating our own products.
Over the last few of weeks I’ve taken on clients for Forex (two of em) two different types of software and an SEO service. I love getting immersed but it’s a bit like babies – even better when you can hand them back!
I have a couple of products that bring in some moolah but you get somewhat sick of your own stuff after awhile. I do anyway :)
Of course there’s the downside too. Just this minute got off an IM chat where an old client asked me what I thought of his new ‘design’?
He hasn’t fully launched or tested my copy yet but figured to mangle my headline and flow with all sortsa graphics, new headlines above…
Tempting to say “What the heck are you asking ME for?”
Weird. Peeps pay a heap of money, then decide to fiddle and “improve” upon the experise they hired. Why?
Then there’s those that pay a hefty deposit, you send em a questionnaire.. then you never hear from them again! I mean dude, WTF? Come back! lol
Alan C.
I like the ‘get it’ point particularly. I’ve seen that happen too and it’s a great feeling. The cool thing is that you can then see them develop online, start embracing their own tools and use them in their own way.
@Matthew: Feedback is nice, but you’ll notice the word “check” in three of the eight gratifying moments.
@Alan: You’re just in time to witness the rollout of our “Eight Habits of Gratified Copywriters” ebook, which promises to make you wildly successful, thinner, and better looking.
@Brendan: Teaching is new for me, but rewarding. Think you know a subject inside and out? Teach it to a group of novices, and discover how little you actually know…
I love your list, especially the emphasis on getting a check, check before due date, and big check. The only one you missed is getting big check before due date.
After that, there’s little I’d quibble with. Positive client feedback, crossing projects off my list, etc. All good.
Like you, Tom, I enjoy teaching (and coaching, too.) In the former I get to combine the info with a little of my old stand-up days comedic stylings. I even get a laugh or two. That can easily make an entire evening for me.
The only point I didn’t see was this – Getting a referral based on the wildly enthusiastic ravings of a current/former client – especially when they say = “Don’t need no references. Don’t need no proposal. Here’s a big fat retainer deposit and let’s get started …”
Ahhhh, love those.
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