Today’s blogger is Christine Parizo, copywriter, and one of the many talented people I work with.  We recently had a conversation about how important wording is when it comes to marketing your business.  I somehow wanted to make my clients and other entrepreneurs understand this and was wondering what the best way to get this message out to the world would be.  That’s when I realized that I had a blog, and a copywriter at my disposal.

Many small businesses will first engage the services of a graphic designer to create marketing materials.  There’s nothing wrong with that; in fact, I strongly advocate finding a good graphic designer to help your vision come to life.  But while the design is what initially attracts your prospect’s attention, it’s the copy that holds their attention and drives them to buy your product or service.  All too often, though, it’s easy to overlook the copy and try to write it yourself.  But you do need a professional copywriter, even if you think you’re best able to describe your business.

Here’s why:
•    You’re too close to the business.  There’s something to be said about knowing the business, but as the person running it, you don’t necessarily see the benefits of your services or products as easily. A professional copywriter can jump into the shoes of the customer, as well as conduct research and create a brand persona for you.

•    You’re not skilled at marketing copy.  A good copywriter is and can write in a way that will engage potential customers and encourage them to act.  It’s not an easy thing to do, and it involves research, playing with words, and really digging into the business and its customers.

•    You’re not sure of your writing skills.  You’re great at what you do: personal training, healthcare consulting, IT consulting, interior design, etc.  But you’re not a skilled writer, and you can’t find the right words – you’re sitting there with a blank Word document, and the blinking cursor starts mocking you.  A copywriter can extract what you’re trying to say and present it in a coherent way to prospective clients.

•    Grammar may not be your strong point.   A good copywriter is a trained writer who knows the mechanics of writing.  She is committed to the written word and produces well-written, grammatically correct copy that increases your credibility.  When you’re looking to hire a copywriter, it’s always a good idea to ask if she uses any particular style guides or reference manuals (AP, Chicago, Strunk & White, even Yahoo!).

The investment in good copy pays for itself in a few clients.  Instead of trying to write copy yourself, hire a professional copywriter to do it.  You’ll have more time to focus on your business, get your materials ready faster, and increase your credibility and sales with well-written copy.  Read what my satisfied clients have to say about the copywriting I’ve provided here, or contact me for a complimentary consultation to learn what I can do for your business.

(And to save you time on point four, I have all four style guides and reference manuals at my fingertips, along with two different dictionaries and a thesaurus!)

Christine Parizo is a professional independent copywriter specializing in print and online copy.  Her modern marketing knowledge and vintage grammar sensibilities blend seamlessly to sell her clients’ products and services.  Visit her website at www.christineparizo.com.

Creativity is all about coming up with new ideas. It’s about seeing, experiencing, and savoring the world around you. It is a way of life.

The Born Creative workshop series will be starting on March 4, 2010.  This 4 week course aims to help people reconnect with their life through creativity and curiousity.  Even for those of you that say you’re not creative.  Especially for those of you that say you’re not creative.

Take a stroll on over to the Born Creative Facebook Fan Page.  Once you’re there, become a fan!  You won’t just get boring old updates about the course (because the course is fun and exciting!), but also fascinating information on how people are using creativity in ways that you never imagined.

Below you’ll find a list of the workshop descriptions, and all the necessary details.  If you know someone in the Western MA area that would be interested in being happier and more effective in their career (isn’t that everyone you know?) then forward on the details!

Schedule

Thursday, March 4 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Overcoming Obstacles to Creativity
In this class we redefine creativity, conquer old stories and beliefs, bust through creative roadblocks, learn to trust our ideas, and grow through play.

Thursday, March 11 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Developing Awareness
Learn valuable techniques to help you become
more mindful in your everyday life, and how paying
attention and being an active learner can increase your joy and creativity.

Thursday, March 18 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Gaining New Perspective
Begin to see different possibilities and points of view. Understand how looking at things from a new angle
can aid in generating new ideas and in building and maintaining relationships.

Thursday, March 25 – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Creative Problemsolving
Creativity isn’t just for artists. Pick up new
brainstorming strategies to assist with challenges at
home, and in the workplace.

Pricing

Classes are available in a 4 week package for $100,
and can also be purchased individually for $25*.
All prices include materials.
Please call to reserve your space.
Limited seats are available.

*we recommend the package plan (like people, the classes work better together!)

To sign up for this workshop series, simply send me an email at BornCreativeWorkshops@gmail.com.

Payment will be accepted through Paypal, cash, or check.

The women of Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley are offering a series of free seminars for women who are considering self-employment. Six members of the WBOA will share stories about making the transition from weekly paychecks to self employment, the balancing act of family and career, and how to handle your business as a whole, which is more than just being good at your craft.

“The opportunities for women interested in starting a business are endless right now. The women who are willing to be creative, get motivated, and find their courage are the ones we want to guide through the transition by telling our stories and offering advice,” says Angela Lussier, member and public relations chair of the WBOA.
The free seminars will be held at the South Hadley Public Library on Bardwell Street from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. The schedule is as follows:

Week 1 (9/30/09): Making the Transition & Building Your Confidence

When you launch a new business, it’s important to go in with your eyes open and your head held high. Maintaining a clear path and chin up despite the inevitable setbacks is another challenge. Learn about what is important to focus on and what can be a distraction as you start your new life.

The seminar features Ann Latham, consultant, speaker, author, and president of Uncommon Clarity, a business consulting firm in Western Mass; and Angela Lussier, owner of 365 Degrees Consulting, a career consulting firm in Feeding Hills.

Week 2 (10/7/09): Finding the Balance & Dealing with Roadblocks

Being a woman in business means balancing your family life with your career, while dealing with the challenges of being successful and keeping it all together. Hear from the women who have been there, and how they’re making it happen every day.
The seminar features Suzanne Larocque, owner of Sleaque Images, a photography studio in East Longmeadow; and Linda McDonald, certified life coach and owner of Reach Resources in Easthampton.

Week 3 (10/14/09): Building Your Business & Creating a Vision for the Future

How do you market it to your clients when 68% of all business is lost to poor follow up? How do you not waste your marketing efforts chasing dead end leads? Who should you make key relationships with? You’ll also learn about the importance of branding and maintaining a professional image to win the client.

The seminar features Becky Castro, CPCC, PCC, a certified business coach and owner of I Love Monday Mornings; and Allison Biggs, an independent graphic designer serving small business owners in Western Mass.

Check out my seminar on week three!  I hope to see you there!