Copywriting & Marketing Mastermind Blog

Spring Is A Time For New Life

2008-03-30T15:15:00.003-05:00

Since I began my career as a copywriter in 2001 it has opened up all kinds of new opportunities into my life.

I've also learned a lot about myself.

For starters, I love to teach and help other people succeed. As I look back on my career history through about 20 years, I've always been the one people turn to... to "figure out" or "learn" how to do something.

Last summer I was faced with a monumental challenge... to create a syllabus and course for a company that I truly credit with my copywriting success. American Writers & Artists Institute. You see, their sister company, Accelerated Training Services (ATS) asked me to create the Architecture of Persuasion: Structure of a Sales Letter course for them, and teach it.

I agreed to this challenge and it has been a very rewarding experience in my life. I also got the opportunity to help Michael Masterson write a book. One of my intentions had been to work on a project with him. I set that intention about 5 years ago and forgot about it. And last year it became a reality. He is a brilliant person and it was very rewarding to be a part of this project with him.

I just finished teaching my first complete round of the class for the Architecture course (16 live online sessions with 16 online rapid learning labs and assigned homework) and I'm happy to say it was a tremendous success. I jam-packed that course with materials, tools, and resources. I learned a lot in the process.

So what does this have to do with our new life on the road as full-time RVers?

Everything!

With my air card, my cell phone and my beautiful office in my RV I can virtually work anywhere. I can write anywhere and teach from anywhere. And now I'd like to introduce the copywriting lifestyle to other people who are interested in becoming RV full-timers... who are either retired or not... or anyone who just wants to know how to earn a living while enjoying their dream lifestyle.

Bob, my dear husband and best friend, is looking into several things he can "retire to" at the end of this year (writing is not his thing). As soon as he is ready -- we're packing the rig up, selling the house and getting out of Dodge (Denton actually)!

But I'm getting off track. I'd really like to show other full-time wannabies how they to can earn money and enjoy the freedom of full-time RV living... and make enough money to do it.

In the next few months I'm going to be putting a plan together and I'll announce it to my loyal blog readers first. I may put together a survey to see what these wannabies would like to know about.

Now you don't have to just be an RV wannabie who wants to know how to make money as you travel, you can be a copywriting wannabie and want to improve your skills.

You might say I'm combining my two greatest passions -- RVing and copywriting. I love challenges and adventure so I hope you'll join me in this one.

Keep checking back to see what's new.

Now, I have to get to work. I can't even find my desk anymore and I definitely need to take care of this. I have many projects in the works so organization is the key to doing a great job and meeting deadlines.

If you want to leave a comment on this or any other post, I'll be checking often and answer any questions you have for me.

Thank you for being a loyal member of my blog audience.

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron

Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant

Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/

http://www.vicky-heron.com/

http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

http://a08110.uscgaux.info

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

Be Careful What You Ask For – You Just Might Get It!

2008-03-26T19:34:00.014-05:00

I know I promised to be in touch more often… I’d hoped at least every other day or even every day. But, until now I’ve been working some hellacious hours on some pretty big projects.

I’m glad to report all of it has been a labor of love and I have truly enjoyed it. Yes, even without a personal life since Thanksgiving I’ve enjoyed it.

I know I asked for it. I've always asked for more business than I can handle... but when it became a reality I didn't know what to do with it. I'll be more careful what I ask for in the future!

I just finished creating a course for Accelerated Training Services, a sister company to American Writers & Artists Institute. It is all about the Architecture of Persuasion and how that relates to the structure of a sales letter. And in the middle of all of this I helped Michael Masterson write a book based on this same subject.

It was an overwhelming experience and I truly learned a lot. I was like a bloodhound on the scent of its prey. I needed material to build this course and examples to put into this book. Until this year, I don’t think I truly understood the importance of a swipe file… I do now.

Now that the development is over with, I can relax a bit and enjoy teaching this course.

Now I’d like to switch gears…

As you may recall, in November we took our motorhome (a 31-foot Gulfstream) and caravanned with my parents and their 35-foot Bounder all the way to Yuma, Arizona.

Well, one day we decided to go “just looking” at RVs. My mom and I just love looking at the new floor plans.

We ended up at LeMesa RV and it was all over after that! We found the perfect motorhome for our soon-to-be full-time RV lifestyle. A 37.2 foot Damon Challenger with 3 slide out rooms. And in the back were two stuffed chairs that we removed. So right now I’m having a desk installed for my “mobile office.” I’m so excited!

Now I can truly work whenever and wherever I want. I had promised to show you picture of our

soon-to-be new home. And here they are…

If you see us driving through your area be sure and wave!

Oh yes, we also got us a little traveling companion. Since Bob and I met later in life, we were not able to have children together. We enjoy our shared grandchildren immensely, but they go home. So we got a little 5-month-old furry burrito (a Toy Chihuahua). Actually we named him Captain Jack. We're training on the leash and house training and both are coming along well.

I've been amazed at how fast this little fellow has wiggled his way into our hearts. He's a little champ and a great traveler!

Till next time,

Vicky Heron

Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant

Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/

http://www.vicky-heron.com/

http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

http://a08110.uscgaux.info

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

Never Say Never

2007-12-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

Wow--got back from our vacation trip to Yuma, Arizona and been working my tail off ever since. But, in all fairness I knew that would happen. I have several big projects going on right now and a few things I'm pursuing on my own to get ready for our full-time RVing lifestyle.

How many times in your life have you ever said, "I'll never be interested in ____." Or, "I never want to do _______ because it's way to complex for me to take on... too much of a learning curve."

Come on, join me in raising your hand. Over the years as I've enjoyed copywriting for all types of products and services, I always said I'd never write for the financial industry. Too complex. Financial just doesn't turn me on.

Then I read a sales letter that completely changed my way of thinking. It was written very simply but conveyed a powerful message. By the time I was done reading the letter, I understood exactly what they were talking about AND it changed the way I look at investing.

Before I continue, let me explain something about my husband. He's an accountant and a very conservative one at that. He does not believe in playing the stock market unless you can afford to lose money. He knows that investments that pay huge returns can also produce huge loses. And a gambler he is not!

But I'm going to have him read this letter (which is a subscription to an investment newsletter). I think this is something that may intrigue him. It may also be something he can have fun with when he retires in the near future. Believe it or not, he actually enjoys figuring out the budgets and stuff like that at work.

So I want to find something that will keep him stimulated, yet he can do it from the comfort of his easy chair in the RV as we're traveling to wherever our hearts desire. (I can't wait for that!) This may also be a way to supplement our retirement income.

I'll keep you posted on his reaction to this idea.

Now I've got deadlines to meet--I'll be back soon...

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/
http://a08110.uscgaux.info

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

© 2005-2007 Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

If you crave freedom--read this...

2007-11-24T13:22:00.000-06:00

On November 4th, I talked about our up and coming trip to Yuma, Arizona. We were taking our 31-foot Gulfstream motorhome and caravanning with my parents (with their 35-foot Bounder). We all were very excited and could not wait. (Remember when you were a kid and you could not get to sleep on Christmas Eve because of the excitement and anticipation of Santa Clause bringing you presents? This was how Bob and I felt as our heads hit the pillows on the eve of our trip!)

At last, on November 10th, we woke up bright and early and gathered our remaining "last minute" items from the house, fridge, and medicine cabinet, shut off the water, unplugged electronics, and we were off.

The trip out was very nice. Weather was warm and sunny. Between Abilene and Midland-Odessa, Texas (can't remember for sure near what town exactly) we saw a couple of "windmill farms." Not the old-timers used to pump water... the kind used to generate electricity. There must have been hundreds (that we could see). All evenly spaced and stretching along for miles. They were on the lower lands and in the hills as well.

As we traveled along the interstates, we saw many windmill parts being shipped via 18-wheelers. Those windmills are huge! One blade is a large load for one of those big rigs. I hope they keep building them at warp speed so we can stop relying on petro products!

Even though gas prices are painfully high and we're driving a vehicle that gets 7-10 mpg, it's quite easy to keep costs down when traveling across country. You see, in an RV like a motorhome, you're totally self-contained. A house on wheels. A true mobile home you could say.

It was hot going out to Arizona so we spent the first night in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Odessa and cranked up the generator and enjoyed nice cool air-conditioning while heating up dinner in the microwave oven.

You'll love this one... I bought an inverter for my laptop. Now I don't have to keep an eye on my battery level. I just plug the computer into this inverter and plug it into the cigarette lighter and voila! Portable electricity for my portable office. I love this copywriting biz. Plus, I just installed a Bluetooth card into my new little portable printer. Now I can print without tethering the printer to my laptop. Talk about freedom!

On the second night, we stayed in a rest area at Lordsburg, New Mexico. Both Wal-Mart lots and rest areas are free. Just don't set up camp-you're only welcome overnight. And since Wal-Mart gas stations are usually the lowest priced around, it's a real win-win for saving a few bucks. This is where being fully self-contained comes in handy. No worry about hooking up to electric, water, or sewer. It's all on-board.

Day 3--arrived at sunny Yuma, Arizona. Mom and Dad have been winter "snowbirds" and coming to this same park (from Illinois) for 22 years. So when we all arrived it was a regular reunion. Of course, my parents stay until late March. With my husband not yet retired (but only a year or two away) we only had 2 weeks to spend there.

As you can imagine, with so many snowbirds flocking from the North to the South for the winter, there are a lot of RV dealerships in Yuma. In fact, in 1997, my parents went to Wal-Mart to buy new pillows. They noticed an RV show taking place in the parking lot so they decided to take a peek at the latest models... you know--just for giggles & grins :-) I still remember that day. They called me and told me they bought a new motorhome. I said, "You what???" Yes, they went to buy new pillows and ended up trading their older model for a new motorhome.

I couldn't imagine that... until...

Would you believe my husband has banned me from going and looking at RVs now? Why?

I'll tell you...

On Friday & Saturday, we all wanted to pass the time by looking at new RVs. Bob and I wanted to get ideas on what we wanted in our next rig. After all, we are seriously considering living in it full-time and as lovely as our 31 foot Gulfstream was, it was not a full-timer's ideal set up. Remember, as a copywriter, I can work from anywhere--as I said in a previous post.

As we were oooing and ahhhing over each rig we climbed into, it happened. I fell in love with my soul mate--Damon Challenger. Actually, Damon is the manufacturer and Challenger is the model of our new 37-foot Class A motorhome. Yes, we traded up!

It is huge with 3 slide-out rooms. It even has French doors on the bedroom. And best of all, it has a perfect place in the back of the bedroom for my mobile office. All Bob has to do is build in a desk and a few drawers and I'm all set. I even have big windows on 2 sides so you could say it's my corner office :-)

I'd like to show you how to claim this lifestyle for yourself. If you'd like to do what I'm doing, it's fun, lucrative, and extremely portable. I'm working on a plan to help you get started. As soon as I get it all put together, I'll reveal it to you!

In the meantime, I'd like to hear what your thoughts are on the RV lifestyle. Could you imagine living in a luxurious RV... traveling anywhere you want... anytime you want... for as long as you want? If so, do you know what you'd like to do to earn some extra $$$? Perhaps you only need some extra cash to supplement your retirement income.

Or maybe you have younger children at home and you home-school them. Believe it or not, people are seeing the country and living this lifestyle... even with children. If you have not seen the movie RV with Robin Williams yet, go rent it. We watch it often in our rig :-)

I'd love to hear from you. Please email me at vicky@copywritingspecialists.com with your thoughts and ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.

Oh yes, while I was in Yuma I met many people who travel around, working in different locations at different times of the year. For example, one lady works at the RV dealership during the winter months (and lives in her RV) and works in Alaska during the summer. No reason why you can't enjoy this lifestyle and freedom too... if you like new adventures and experiences.

Stay tuned for more...

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant & AVID RVer
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/
http://a08110.uscgaux.info/

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

PS-I wrote this post sitting at my kitchen table in the Damon. I started writing it in El Paso, Texas, and finished it by the time we hit Odessa, Texas. I've been working on other stuff too while Bob plugs into books on tape as he drives. He loves driving this beast when he can listen to books at the same time.

How would you like to do things like this? Let me know!

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

© 2005-2007 Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

What was that Willie Nelson song about traveling?

2007-11-04T21:08:00.000-06:00

Oh yes... On The Road Again!

This is our new theme song. Scroll down to my September 10th entry and you'll see a picture of our new motorhome. A 31-foot Class A with 2 slide-outs (rooms).

I'm so excited I can hardly get my work done. But I must! I'm writing this on the 17" HP notebook computer I bought in April (when we bought our motorhome) to use in my "mobile office." I just got my HP Portable 460 printer all hooked up to it with the wonderful Bluetooth technology so now I can print wirelessly from anywhere in the rig.

I have my trusty Verizon air card for Internet access and my cell phone to keep my finger on the pulse of my customers. I bought a wireless keyboard and mouse to use while we go on down the road. How fun does this sound?! I can kick back and work on the couch (or on the bed) while my husband drives to our destination.

My parents will be here in their 36' rig in a few days. Being from the frosty north, they are what's known as "snow birds." Like their migratory counterparts (Canadian Geese), these snowbirds travel south in their RVs to escape the harsh winter onslaughts.

Mom and Dad have been doing this for at least 25 years. Mom takes her keyboard and plays with fellow amateur musicians in "jam" sessions. They all take turns singing their favorite ditties while the rest of the group hums, drums, strums, and just about anything else they can turn into a musical instrument. I've even seen washboards and spoons being played as finely tuned instruments... well, maybe not finely tuned, but they were used instruments!

Their mission is to just have fun!

Next year we hope to have my husband, Bob, retire. That's why I'm all geared up with my portable office. So far, since April, we've spent time in our RV down in Teague, Texas, up at Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Roberts, Waco, Texas, Mountain Home, Arkansas, and now we'll be "On The Road Again" going to Yuma, Arizona.

The freelance writer's life is the reason I can do this. Thanks to the AWAI Six-Figure Copywriting Program program I'm able to live and enjoy my dream lifestyle. I've visualized this for several years now and it works.

I'm packing books to read and arranging client work to do while we're on the road. Once we reach Yuma, I'll take it easy and enjoy my family. Then we'll head home and I'll hit the "office" again as Bob puts the pedal to the metal.

I'll try to keep y'all updated on our trip. I started packing all of our food, clothes, electronic adapters, and all that good stuff today.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We wish you a very joyous holiday season. Be safe!

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/
http://a08110.uscgaux.info/

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

© 2005-2007 Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

My Lunch With Joe Vitale

2007-10-16T12:14:00.000-05:00

I just returned from my 5th AWAI Bootcamp and it was a great experience. They just keep making it better and better!

I don’t have an official count, but there must have been 200 to 300 people there (at least) all at varying stages of their careers. People like Beth Erickson, Monica Day, Krista Jones, and me have been around since the late 90’s and early 2000.

I remember my first bootcamp. I was nervous for several reasons. First, my flight was on the 3rd day the planes were allowed back in the air after September 11, 2001. So I had some trepidation about that. Also, 60 people were scheduled to be there and only 40 were able to make it. Many overseas people could not get their flights and some, understandably, just did not want to get on a plane yet.

Second, I had just bought the course and started working it in July of 2001. I was so overjoyed with what I was learning in the course that when I found out about the Bootcamp I signed up immediately.

Before I left for Delray Beach, I had almost finished the restaurant assignment… but decided to turn it in after I returned home--just “in case” I learned something to make it stronger.

Wow… Was I in for a treat! I came home and totally rewrote that assignment. And I received a near perfect score on it. While I was there, I learned about their coaching services from some of the members who had been in the program for much longer than I had.

I was in awe as they “got it” when questions were asked. I felt overwhelmed a bit but knew if I was going to be successful at this I needed to do what they were doing.

So I joined their coaching and success-building program.

Fast forward to the Bootcamps for the last couple of years and the people at AWAI really know what we as copywriters need and they deliver. I absolutely love listening to Herschell Gordon Lewis… as we say in Texas, he’s a HOOT the way he delivers his extremely valuable information!

And my beloved friend, Joe Vitale, was there for his second year. This year he was the keynote speaker. As usual, he over-delivered when it came to useful and powerful information. He truly loves people and it comes through with every word he speaks.

Before he left the next day, we had lunch together (we always find a way to connect for a spell when we are there). He was excited to hear about my intentions that were manifesting themselves in my life… like our recent purchase of our motorhome. Thanks to his book The Attractor Factor I’ve been able to make many intentions become a reality! As he said in his speech this week, make your intentions and don’t get attached to them. They will manifest themselves when the time is right in your life. Let go. One of my manifestations came to be after five years. But it did become a reality!

Now Bob and I have to find time in our schedules and in Joe’s schedule to go to “The Summit,” our campground we’re members of through our Coast to Coast membership. It’s only about 15 minutes from Joe’s estate. He made me promise to make it soon so we’ll go after the new year some time. I’ll give you the full report when we return.

Joe is such a sweetie and his lovely Nerissa is a gem as well. We’ll see his Catarium and maybe relax in his hot tub under the Texas stars. I’ll let you know and get some pictures.

It’s good to be back in my office. Things can really stack up when you’re gone for several days! One of the highlights of my trip was the number of people who came up to me and let me know they love my blog. To all of you… thank you. It means a lot to me. If you find my entries helpful or inspiring, please leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/
http://a08110.uscgaux.info

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77 © Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Duh... I Could Have Had A V-8!

2007-09-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

I'm up to my eyeballs developing a course for a company. It's a much bigger project than I had anticipated.

But, I'm really glad I'm doing it. As you can imagine, when doing something like this you must do a lot of research. Well, yesterday I was reading some very well written articles on headlines. One was on Jay Abraham's site, http://www.abraham.com, titled "100 Greatest Headlines Ever Written."

Actually, it's very similar to the 100 headlines in Victor Schwab's book, "How To Write A Good Advertisement." I love that book! If it's still in print, you can get it here... How To Write A Good Advertisement

I HIGHLY recommend it!

I was also reading an article written by Daniel Levis, "How To Brainstorm Your Next Winning Headline."

One thing kept hitting me in the face as I read these great pieces... "Start where the reader is." I've read that in Michael Masterson's works too and for years now I've just wondered exactly what that meant. I hate to admit this to you...

I realize now that it all takes time and exposure to really GET this stuff. And hypey just doesn't cut it.

Do you want a bunch of one-time-wonder clients/customers, or do you want to form long term relationships with them? Which ones will give you the best lifestyle?

I'm sure you'll agree, keeping customers coming back again and again is the key to making a good living for yourself and your loved ones. And to do this you must really show people you care about them.

Hype does not do this. I call this "flash in the pan" writing. And I can tell the difference when I open my mail. If it's hype, it doesn't take me long to get bored and toss it. It feels like a carnival hawker with his long-handled cane--trying to "hook" me and reel me in to his booth so he can suck my pockets dry. No thank you!

On the other hand, when I open a piece of mail and I feel this is something that will really benefit me, and that the message is directly addressing a problem I'm having, I can't pick up my credit card fast enough. Know what I mean?

So, while I was doing this research yesterday I literally bonked myself on the side of the head and said, "Wow, I could have had a V-8!"

Why?

Because I finally get it... Starting where your reader is. It's powerful and it works. Let me give you a couple of examples from my research...

1. How To Give Your Children Extra Iron--These 3 Delicious Ways (The public already accepts that children's blood should contain plenty of iron. So this headline goes on from there--promising "extra" iron and "3 delicious ways" to get it. Delicious is a key word here because it immediately puts the parent at ease... the old parent vs. child battle over bad tasting medicine.

2. The Crimes We Commit Against Our Stomachs (Because most people already believe they often give their digestive process some pretty rough treatment, this rapport between the theme of the ad and the common belief of its readers, makes the "we" and "our" pratically equal in effectiveness to "you" and "your."

These two examples were taken from Jay Abraham's site mentioned above. It really helped me understand what it means to "Start where your reader is."

Let me know if this helps you too. If you have a comment to this article, I'd love to hear from you!

To Your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/
http://a08110.uscgaux.info

“Navigating Your Path To Success!”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a great copywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working, what’s not, and why... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

What To Write… That Is The Question…

2007-09-10T17:14:00.000-05:00

Are you wanting to start your own newsletter (or ezine)? Or perhaps you have a client who wants to hire you to take care of this task for them.

Either way, it’s not the huge task you may think it is. The trick is to write at top speed.

Here are a few tips to save you time:

1. Determine the fastest way to get the information you need. Collect as much as possible by phone, fax, or through the mail (including email). And don’t forget about surfing the net. It’s a goldmine of information.
2. Don’t over-research. Collect only what you need. Don’t go off on a tangent, especially if you’re on the Internet. I have such a bad habit of drilling down… down… and down… to new links that I can totally lose track of what I’m searching for.

Get focused. Make course corrections ASAP when you find you are getting off track.
3. Don’t make your content too complicated. Pick out the main idea and keep the written ideas simple. People don’t want to read a dissertation. They simply want good, useful information.
4. Do “free writing” to get rough ideas down on paper (or computer screen) as quickly as possible. Don’t over think this process.
5. Once you have this very rough draft, you can then begin to whip it into shape. Again, keep it short and simple. Figure out what you want to accomplish and then make sure you’re doing it as efficiently as possible.

I hope these tips help you come up with a game plan for your newsletter or ezine.

Comments on my posts are always welcome. But, be aware, if your comment is a thinly disguised attempt to promote your own business or website or blog or MLM opportunity, it will be immediately deleted.

Have a great evening. I’m off to work out.

To your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.juiceplus.com/+vh82397
http://a08110.uscgaux.info/

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a greatcopywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working andwhy... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

"Navigating your path to success!"

Copyright(c) 2007, Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

OMG! Has it really been that long???

2007-09-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Blog Members,

I just looked at my last post and I just can't believe it's been this long.

I apologize to everyone who has enjoyed my blog postings in the past. And I will strive to do much better in the future.

I hate to use the excuse, I've been busy, but it is true.

I've been traveling this year by plane and by RV. Yes, my wonderful husband, Bob, and I bought a new 31 foot Class A with 2 slide out rooms. It's positively dreamy.

And do you know what the best part is? I can truly work from ANYWHERE! I've been wanting this turning point in my career for a long time. Finally, it's here. I purchased a state-of-the-art laptop, a portable printer, an aircard and a cell phone. I'm all set. We've been traveling a bit and it's so fulfilling to be able to just boot up the laptop, connect online, and go to work as my husband drives down the road.

My husband and I also joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and we've become very active in that. In fact, the USCG paid my way to attend a special school so I could develop a website for our Division. You can see it at http://a08110.uscgaux.info/

We are also forming a new flotilla on Lake Ray Roberts (where we have our boat located) on October 21, 2007. If you are one of my blog members and live in the Sanger or Denton, Texas area and want to possibly join this new flotilla, please contact me via email.

Our biggest concern is boating safety for everyone. Second on the list is keeping our waterways and drinking supplies safe, that's why we're a division of Homeland Security. Visit the new website I just created at http://a08110.uscgaux.info/ and learn more about this essential organization. It's a non-profit organization so members are volunteers. But the fellowship and the knowledge that you are doing something to help people keep safe are both great reasons to become a member.

If you want to know more about joining a flotilla in your area, visit http://nws.cgaux.org/index.html

I'll have some interesting things to tell you about shortly. I'm up to my arm pits in gators at the moment, but I promise not to be so tardy (how about delinquent) about keeping in touch with you in the future.

Thanks for your patience!

To your Ultimate Success,

Vicky Heron
Direct Response Copywriter & Marketing Consultant
Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.juiceplus.com/+vh82397
http://a08110.uscgaux.info/

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a greatcopywriter fast, you need to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go to see what's working andwhy... http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

"Navigating your path to success!"

Copyright(c) 2007, Ultimate Success Strategies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

How I just recharged my Marketing Battery

2006-11-04T17:29:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I arrived at the AWAI Bootcamp Wednesday afternoon. Boarded
the plane on Wednesday morning and sat on the tarmack for an hour
waiting to take off. Apparently they had an accident on the Fort
Lauderdale runway and bad weather so there we sat waiting for
clearance to take off.

The weather was very unusual today and yesterday. We're having 42+
mph winds and 9 ft seas. I would really hate to see a hurricane!

Gary Hennerberg, a brilliant copywriter from DFW, and a handful of
other DFW copywriters (including me) were on that plane. We didn't
know it until we all got here.

Several of us in the DFW Metroplex are hoping to form a Mastermind
group that will meet regularly to help each other in our careers. I
was amazed how many were here from this area.

I'm having lunch with Gary Hennerberg when we return to DFW. He's a
super nice person and very approachable. He was the MC of many of
the AWAI events. My dear friend Joe Vitale was one of the guest
speakers and he did a super presentation. He took me to dinner
Thursday night. It was so good to catch up on our lives. We have not
seen each other for way too long. He made me promise we'd come
see him (and his lifemate Nerissa) after the 1st of the year.

Joe is going to be on Larry King live on November 16th, be sure to
watch it!

Hershcell Gordon Lewis gave 2 presentations and let me tell you,
he's a seasoned veteran of this industry and extremely intelligent
and witty. I loved his presentations! Extremely useful information.

Clayton Makepeace gave a very useful presentation as did Bob Bly. I
worked the hospitility desk four times and lead 2 peer review
groups. I had a blast!

I came to get a battery recharge and boy did I get it. AWAI has done
some pretty amazing things with their Bootcamps. This was my fourth
time to attend, first time since 2003 and they are really fine
tuning this into a dynamic event.

It was fun to meet people I have coached and to hear their stories
of how they are building their businesses.

I met a member of my online mastermind group located at group there... Eileen Coale. Gets to be a very small world... eh?

Anyway, I'm recharged and ready to get home and get to work.

I'll be returning home tomorrow. Just got back from the closing
cocktail party. Going to dinner tonight with fellow DFW copywriter
Ron Montgomery. Met some terrific people here and I'm very glad I
came. But the highlight was spending time with my dear friend Joe Vitale.
He's a super
person.

Looks like the bootcamp will be in October next year. I highly
recommend AWAI members go. It's a great way to recharge your
batteries.

Have a great weekend...
Vicky Heron

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

"Navigating Your Path To Success”

TIP: If you're serious about becoming a greatcopywriter fast, you need
to know about this little known website. It's the place top copywriters go
to see what's working and why...
http://www.monthlycopywritinggenius.com/vh77

How Bad Testimonials Can Quickly Kill Your Sales

2006-05-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

"Name: The XXXXXXXXX program is amazing. I am still in the set up phase, but can tell your readers that they will be surprised at the simplicity of the program. It allows us amateurs to understand the rudiments of the internet. I am looking forward to completing my set up and making money."

— Name Withheld

"Great information for the beginner. Helpful insights and hints. Helps to get you around trouble spots which hang up first-timers and the experienced alike!"
— Name Withheld

After devouring these testimonials… trying to believe this person I wanted to shout, “Yeah but, did anyone make any money with this stuff?”

Remember, the writer made a huge claim at the front of his letter. He said he made just under $200K in 24 hours.

A big, bold claim like that needs to be backed up with proof. And FAST!

Reread the above testimonials. Do you see where any of these people made a dime with this program? These are taken directly from the sales letter. I only X’d out the names of people, their state, and the product name.

Testimonials need to be as specific as possible. As I said before, I wanted to believe what this person said. I’m looking for a niche for my husband after he retires. At first I thought this sounded like something he might be interested in. But as I read the letter, I became more skeptical.

The biggest reason…

Lame testimonials.

You have to give people meat.

If you expect to close sales you have to prove to your reader that you have THE goods. The Magic Bullet that will solve their problems. And in this case the product was an Internet money making method.

If you’re going to sell this kind of product, you better have some indisputable proof! There have been lots of scams and people are sick and tired of being duped.

So when you ask for testimonials, lend your assistance in creating them. Be honest, but give your testimonials the energy they need to do the job. Your testimonials are your sales force when people read your direct mail piece or website. Or what ever you are using to drive leads or sales.

Make sure your testimonials are working as hard as they can. Your sales will reflect it!

Till next time…

To your Ultimate success,

Vicky Heron

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Wordsmithing your way to reaching your goals!

2006-05-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a few practical yet powerful tips to creating winning direct response promos:

1. Figure out who your ideal customer is. One person. Give him a name and a face. What are his problems?

2. What does this person want to solve? What will happen if he lets it go? Will it get worse? What does this mean to him?

3. Present the perfect solution to his problems. Pay attention at all times to WIIFM (What’s In It For Me – this is the only thing your customer cares about).

4. Write conversationally, like you talk. If you’re writing to an engineer you’ll use a different tone than the one you would use for an auto mechanic. KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER like you know yourself – inside out. Then use the tone that’s right for your audience.

5. Grab attention with a powerful headline! It doesn’t have to be long, but it does have to be meaningful.

6. Make a compelling offer. Don’t treat this like an afterthought – it’s as important as the headline. Caution – don’t clutter your offer with too many choices or variations of what he’ll get. You can have 2 or 3 choices, no more. For example, order a 1 year subscription and save 50% off the newsstand price. Order 2 years and get 75% off, or order 3 years and get 75% off plus (and include a premium or two).

7. Make your call to action crystal-clear. Don’t make him guess what you want him to do. Spell it out simply and completely. If you want him to call, say it… “Call 1-800-555-1212 to order today.”

8. Choose your words carefully. Paint pictures with your words. Help him see how you are going to make his life better, save him money, end his problems with your widget. Don’t go off on tangents. Stay focused. DON’T WASTE YOUR WORDS. Be concise!

9. One final but all important thing to do… PROOFREAD! Proofread… and proofread again. Read your sales document out loud several times, word for word. Then got from the bottom to the top a sentence at a time. The best way to do this is to print it out and whenever you hesitate or something seems not to flow well, mark it and when you reach the end, clean up these areas and give them power.

When you’re done with step 9, let your piece set for a few days. Put it away. Then come back and reread it with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed at what you see. Things that need to be tweaked, clarified or deleted.

Here’s to winning messages!

Vicky Heron

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Don't just exist - LIVE!

2006-03-08T21:27:00.000-06:00

Insightful quote to open your eyes and mind...

"You must have courage to bet on your ideals, to take calculated risk, and act.. Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective and bring happiness."

- Maxwell Maltz

I love getting inspirational quotes every day. This one came from the Nightingale-Conant Motivational Quote of the Day. I've subscribed to this for almost 2 years now and it always brings a ray of sunshine into my day.

But this one really spoke to me so I decided to share it with you. Being an entrepreneur takes courage, no doubt about it. And in the marketing/copywriting biz it can boil down to taking risks, betting on your ideals, and acting.

I'm often asked by new copywriters about how to get clients and how do you grow your business and make a living at this. One of the very first things I say is you have to believe in yourself.

We all have our occasional moments of self-doubts... questioning our abilities. Especially when a new challenge (opportunity) comes your way. That's when I get up, go to the mirror and look myself squarely in the eyes and say YOU CAN DO THIS!

I've had more than my share of challenges, upheavals and sometimes in my life I felt like I was walking through pure hell. But I never gave up. Never doubted that I would come out of whatever the calamity was just fine. In fact, every dark moment has made me the resilient and tenacious person I am today.

Because of all the trials I went through and risks I took to get through them, I emerged with a life I love today. I'm married to my soulmate who I met on the Internet in 1997 (before many people were even installing home computers, let alone meeting people on the net) and with his support I have been able to pursue my passion in marketing and copywriting right from the comfort of my home office.

It's a relief after spending nearly 15 years in the corporate world "working for the man." I never did do well in that environment. You might say I'm a corporate drop out :) Oh well.

Together, my husband and I took risks and acted. And by doing these things we are experiencing more happiness than either one of us has known before.

How about you? What is holding you back from the happiness you deserve in life?

It's not always about what's at the end of the rainbow. Sometimes you need to pay attention and enjoy the trip crossing that rainbow. There is a saying out there that goes something like this... Life is a journey, not a destination. Live each day to the fullest. And know, the Universe will fill your cup even fuller tomorrow.

Sometimes I just like to share what works for me and hope I touch your life in a positive way.

Till next time,

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Tuesday evening at 7:30 Central Time)
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

"Some People Pursue Success... Others Create It!"

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Are You A Human Lobster?

2006-03-03T14:16:00.000-06:00

I had to chuckle when I read a copy of Dr. Orrison Swett Marden’s poem titled “Don’t Be A Human Lobster.”

If you don’t know who Orrison Swett Marden was, let me give you a brief introduction. He walked this earth from 1850-1924 and is considered to be the founder of the modern success movement in America. He founded Success Magazine.

When I read his poem, I had to smile. As an entrepreneur, I’ve certainly had my moments where I felt like a lobster. But I didn’t succumb to them. My dear husband Bob is a major factor in keeping my motivation going. He’s upbeat, positive, and he really believes in me. I’m grateful and humbled.

I’ve had more than my share of challenges in my 51 years. I’m not going to go into all of them but it would probably take all ten fingers (and possibly a few toes) to count all the times I could have given up and become a lobster.

But I always believed there was much more in store for me in this life. And as I clung to this belief, the bad would pass and the future would look even brighter. Each time! Without fail.

So here’s the poem…

The Human Lobster

A lobster,
when left high and dry among the rocks
has no instinct and energy enough
to work his way back to the sea,
but waits for the sea to come to him.
If it does not come,
he remains where he is and dies…,
ALTHOUGH the slightest effort
would enable him to reach the waves,
which are perhaps within a yard of him.

THE WORLD IS FULL OF HUMAN LOBSTERS:
PEOPLE STRANDED ON THE ROCKS
OF INDECISION AND PROCRASTINATION,
WHO,
INSTEAD OF PUTTING FORTH
THEIR OWN ENERGIES,
ARE WAITING FOR SOME
GRAND BILLOW OF GOOD FORTUNE
TO SET THEM AFLOAT…!!

This simple poem spoke volumes to me. I’ve been stranded on that beach many times. But slight effort did shift things for the better in my life. Every time I applied the energy.

Persevere.

Don’t depend on someone else to do what you need to do yourself to reach your goals.

If you feel stuck, I’d love to be your coach and help you get on the road to meeting your desired goals. Simply email me at getresults@vicky-heron.com and ask about my 30-minute free consultation. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get started. Your future awaits you just around the corner.

Another wonderful resource is The Power Pause (http://hop.clickbank.net/?vickyhero/johnhh ). Here’s what Dr. Joe Vitale has to say about it:

"Three steps? It only takes three steps to solve problems, create wealth and feel happy? I didn't believe it either, until I tried it. Not only do the three steps work, but you can do them anywhere, anytime, for any situation--and in about three minutes! On top of that, this method never fails. I'm blown away. This is worth billions of dollars."---Dr. Joe Vitale -- International bestselling author of The Attractor Factor, The Greatest Money Making Secret in History! and creator of the audio set, Outrageous Marketing (Nightingale-Conant)

Secure your copy here: http://hop.clickbank.net/?vickyhero/johnhh

Life is good and your future can be whatever you want it be. Put your energy into working towards your goals and you’ll get there… as long as you don’t wait for your goals to come to you!

Don’t be a Human Lobster!

Till next time...

To your success,

Vicky Heron

The Power Pause - http://hop.clickbank.net/?vickyhero/johnhh
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

How to Set Your Copywriting Rates

2006-02-27T15:38:00.000-06:00

One of the biggest things copywriters struggle with, especially rookie copywriters, is how much to charge for different types of jobs. And a raw rookie is usually clueless because of his lack of experience.

Suppose you could whip out a crystal ball everytime you needed to bid on a project. And this crystal ball could nail down how much you should charge for the type of project as well as give you an idea what would be appropriate for your experience level.

How fast would you run to get your hands on this valuable information?

Well, I have great news... Chris Marlow created an e-book containing this "must have" information and she's getting ready to increase the price because the demand has been so high!

Announcing Your Last Chance to Save $54 on Chris Marlow's Fee Survey

The Introductory price of $125 ends at noon sharp (Pacific time) on Thursday, March 9, for Chris Marlow's 2005 Freelance Copywriter Fee & Compensation Survey.

Then the price goes up to $179. The new price was set by the readers and past purchasers of Chris" Freelancer's Business Bulletin, who were asked to place a "true" value on the report contents.

The Survey Report also comes with the a free bonus report, the Industry classic, "How to Set Your Copywriting Rates." If you haven't yet purchased the Report, save $54 today and go to:
http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=341796

I bought it last year and had to reprint it because it got so dog-eared from use!

I hope you see this in time to cash in on the savings.

To your success,

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

If Copy Is King... Then Consider Everything Else The Royal Subjects

2006-02-27T08:21:00.000-06:00

Audio is good. Video is good. But the copy will set the stage and tell the story better than anything else on the website.

Whether you have a one page sales letter, or a multi-page website… Copy Is King. This includes powerful, targeted testimonials.

This doesn't mean just spreading a lot of words on to the site and calling it copy. It means putting together a carefully researched, well thought out strategy to hook your reader's interest. More importantly – his emotions.

With that said, not everyone will be in your target audience. So not everyone will stick around and read your message. But that’s okay. You only want the ones in your target market since they’re the serious buyers of your widget.

For example, if John Carlton or Dan Kennedy lands on a site promoting "How To Write Sales Copy That Sells" they probably won't stay long. If they do it's just out of curiosity to see what new re-hash may be featured this week.

Now take someone who is wanting to work from home, or who has been introduced to copywriting but doesn't quite fully understand what it is... he will hang on every word if it is compelling enough and activates his greed glands just right.

You can't do that with a few bullets, an audio, or a video. It takes the whole enchilada.

And just the right kind of copy.

I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Till next time,

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

eBooks are the hottest thing going on the Web right now!

2006-02-24T13:18:00.000-06:00

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Top Seven Mistakes eBook Authors Make
-By Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel
© Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
eBooks are the hottest thing going on the Web right now!

Authors with the entrepreneurial instinct are making anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per month - that's right, per month - by selling ebooks online.

Why are some authors doing so much better than others?

We've discovered seven key mistakes that most ebook authors make (and in doing so, hold themselves back from major success):

1. They don't write to a specific, target audience.

The biggest mistake most ebook authors make is they don't clearly define, identify and visualize who they are selling their ebook to. On the Web, to be successful, you must write to a specific group of people who have specific interests.

Make sure that you know exactly who is going to buy your ebook, and where you can find them online.

2. They don't automate as many of their business activities as possible.

Selling ebooks, though it is highly profitable, is not a business where you make hundreds of dollars per sale. Automate everything you can - credit card processing, ebook delivery, as much technical support as possible. If you can't automate a function, delegate it to someone else.

3. They don't have a compelling title for their ebook.

Use words that convey the benefit of what's in the ebook, as well as words your audience is familiar with. A bad title for an ebook: "Online Marketing for Newbies."

A good title for the same ebook: "97 Ways to Promote Your Website - No Experience Required."

4. They try to cover too much ground.

Many ebook authors convey a lot of information but don't cover anything in-depth. As a result, they never fully explain anything in enough detail to provide any useful value to their readers.
This is a very bad mistake to make, especially when it comes to how-to ebooks, which happen to be the best type to write.

5. They are not proactive in their marketing.

It would be nice if marketing for your ebook simply happened on its own - but it doesn't. You have to do it yourself. After you've promoted your ebook to the people on your own mailing list (if you have one), then you have to contact other Website owners and persuade them to be your affiliates. You should do this continually.

6. They don't differentiate their ebook from its competitors.

When you choose your topic, even if there are a hundred other ebooks out there on same general subject, choose an angle for yours that will make it easy for yours to be distinguished from the others.

For example, right now job-hunting ebooks are very popular. There are dozens that are big sellers. "Secrets of Breaking Into Pharmaceutical Sales" has a very specific title that sets it apart from the competition, and is aimed at a clearly identified target audience. Incidentally, it's selling very well itself.

7. They write ebooks that nobody will pay for.

Many ebook authors write about information that either people can get for free, or that people are not actually interested in enough to pay for the information. Before you invest weeks or months into the writing of your ebook, invest a little time investigating whether other ebooks in the same subject area are selling on the Web.

So, there you have it - the seven big mistakes to avoid.

Remember, the opportunities are plentiful - and huge - right now for anyone who wants to become a best-selling ebook author. Simply use common sense, follow our advice, and let your literary career flourish!
===============
Jim Edwards and David Garfinkel are co-authors of "eBook Secrets Exposed: How to Make Massive Amounts of Money in Record Time With Your Own eBook (whether you wrote it or not!)," the authoritative guide to publishing and marketing ebooks on the Web.

Guerrilla Marketing author Jay Conrad Levinson says, "If there ever was a 'must-read' for this century, it's this book." For more information
Click=> http://hop.clickbank.net/?vickyhero/ebksecrets

Is This Kismet Or What?

2006-02-20T20:10:00.000-06:00

Today I was talking on the phone with a colleague of mine.

We started talking about our marketing philosophies, copywriting techniques and all kinds of shop talk. We both came to the conclusion that "hype" is losing it's appeal and charm.

I had to chuckle today after we were done talking. I was reading a Dan Kennedy book. He talked about the pink Energizer bunny and how since his creation the battery maker's market share has consistently been dropping. And that when people were asked what battery the pink bunny represented, close to 50% would say a competitor brand.

Is anyone getting weary of the green gecko Geiko lizard talking about free pie & chips to other lizards? My associate and I both feel that marketing and advertising is losing touch with reality and real people. And people today are hooked on reality... look at the reality shows. I think American Idol is in its 5th season?

So when I saw what Roy Williams wrote today, I had to chuckle. BTW, I also forwarded it on to my friend and associate.

Take a moment and read it for yourself... (I'd love to hear your comments on this subject)

Blogs And Reality TV

The Changing Face of America

Do you remember when America watched awards shows?

If you were somehow unplugged and didn't receive the newsflash, the combined strength of Paul McCartney, Madonna, U2, Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Faith Hill and Jay-Z wasn't enough to swing the hammer and ring the bell during this year's Grammy Awards. A frail 17 million watched these legends read their cue cards while a muscular 28.3 million cheered hopeful, nameless kids singing their hearts out on American Idol.

It was just one more indication of how we're moving away from the vertical hero-worship of Idealism to establish the horizontal links that mark an emerging Civic generation.

Grandpa Jagger during halftime at the Superbowl, surrounded by people doing their best to act like cheering fans... I'm sorry, but that was just sad.

I'm not trying to be catty, I'm trying to make a point: Plastic posing bores us. We have no desire to hear another Miss America contestant talk about her dream of world peace. Just once, wouldn't you like to hear the interviewer say, "And how is walking around in high heels and a swimsuit going to help bring about world peace?"

Unfiltered authenticity is the new cool. And volunteerism is on the rise.

We don't listen to big talkers anymore. Our collective silence toward them is our way of saying, "Talk is cheap. Now get off your idealistic ass and do something."

Tom Hanks is the new John Wayne. Remember Hanks' portrayal of the dutiful but reluctant English-teacher-turned-soldier in Saving Private Ryan? He was just a regular guy, doing the best he could, trying to make the best of a bad situation. Kind of like you and me.

Struggling, flawed, tormented Jason Bourne is the new James Bond.

Lost in Translation is the new Love Story.

I'm not trying to depress you. I'm just trying to open your eyes to the realities of the new marketplace.

Hype is dead.

In 2004 - the first year following the shift away from Idealism - the Grammys scored a respectable 26.3 million viewers. The next year they fell to just 18.8 million. So this year's 17 million should have come as no surprise.

Anyone taking bets on next year's audience?

If you're a business owner needing advice about marketing in the new millennia, here's all you really need to know:

Say it straight. Say it real. You'll do fine.

Roy H. Williams

Thank you Roy, couldn't have said it better myself!

Till next time,

Vicky Heron
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Why am I shivering???

2006-02-18T16:08:00.000-06:00

Because it’s COLD! I have my handy little space heater going full tilt under my desk. I hate to be cold.

Bob and I have a sophisticated little weather station at our house. We are both weather buffs. So yesterday our high temperature was a record breaking 89 degrees (F) according to our nifty station. That’s a bit unusual for North Texas in February, but this has been an extremely warm and DRY year.

Hang on for this change in less than 24 hours… Today it’s right now, at this moment (at 2:20pm Central time) 39 degrees! That’s 50 degrees colder than yesterday. I had to start up the AC for a couple of hours yesterday. Tonight I’ll be huddled under the electric blanket with the furnace cranked up as they’re predicting the areas north and west of Dallas will be in for freezing rain and sleet.

That’s us. Denton is north and west.

Even though I’m belly-achin’ about the cold, I must admit something to you. Since snow, ice, and sleet are so rare down here, I get excited. I’m not alone either.

I expect it’s all we’ll see on the news for the next 2 days. We’re possibly in for this Arctic onslaught through Sunday afternoon. Around these parts freezing precip is NEWS!

They’re predicting that some of us could get at least ¼ inch of ice. To you seasoned Northerners that may not seem like a big deal, but down here it will shut everything down. Literally.

You see, first of all we don’t have road salt down here. We use sand on bridges and overpasses. That only does so much, and it ain’t much.

Second, being such a big city, we have more than our share of mix-masters (bridges & overpasses). Why, sometimes we can travel for miles on roads that have nothing under them except air. And they freeze fast and hard. Very dangerous travel!

So needless to say, you know what I’ll be doing this weekend. I’ll save golf and sailing for another weekend. This weekend I’ll be catching up on cleaning my office, reading, filing and all that really fun stuff.

But hey, as I look out my office window and see people going to work and coming home all bundled up, shivering… I gotta feel good as my little heater is spreading warmth all over my office. At least I don’t have to get out in this stuff and go to work.

I don’t dare say that too loud. Bob really hates cold. He grew up in Chicago but you’d never know it. If it gets below 75 degrees it’s way too cold for him. I guess I’d better share the electric blanket with him !

Till next time,

Vicky Heron
Master Copywriter & Professional Success Coach

P.S. Get unstuck and build momentum while building your business (or taking it to the next level). Work side by side with your own professional mentor/coach.

Of maybe you need help in your personal life. To get back on track. Someone “impartial” who will really
listen to you. Helping you to explore and to discover real solutions that will work for you.

A coach can be your beacon in the storm. Your life-preserver on the stormy seas of life.

If you want to go forward in your life, freeing yourself from whatever is holding you back, call Vicky at 1+940-580-2009 or 1+940-891-1470, or email getresults@vicky-heron.com I have 2 slots open for March. I hope you’ll let me help you meet your goals whether they are in copywriting, marketing, or just getting to where you want to be in life.

You’re making the most powerful step forward you can make by doing this one important thing… taking action. Git ‘r done!

What A Car Commercial Can Reveal To You About Touching The Heart Of Your Prospect… In Less Than 60 Seconds!

2006-02-16T15:06:00.000-06:00

Since I became a copywriter several years ago, my husband and I differ greatly on our TV habits. While he prefers to watch actual programs and mute the commercials, my primary interest is in the commercials.

You should be watching commercials if you’re not already.

I’ll explain…

Yes, there are many commercials that aren’t worth watching because they are just plain stupid. But if you look beneath the surface for the emotions behind the scenes it gets interesting.

Just like you read web copy and direct mail packages to pick up on the emotions being tapped into… you can do the same thing with commercials.

You’ll never hit the mute button again after you read this…

Let me give you a case study (it’s a popular Mitsubishi commercial)…

A couple enters the dealership – they’re looking at cars and SUVs. You can tell by the expressions on their faces that the man wants a new SUV. He instantly hones in on one specific model.

Now you can see the pensive look on his wife’s face. You can sense she’s unsure if they should be doing this. So her husband looks around behind her back at the sales person standing about 15 feet away and you can see the plea for help in his face.

The sales person points confidently to the sign that says “Best Backed Cars In The World.”

As the husband recites these words to his wife she’s worrying her lip with her finger and remarks, “Oh… I don’t know…?” The problem with this approach is it’s appealing to her logic. And logic is not the strongest buying motivator.

Desperately the husband looks back at the sales person again. This time he smiles softly and cradles his arms like he’s rocking a baby. Then he winks at the husband and gives him a nod.

Now you see the husband take a big gulp. Listen to what he says to his wife, “You know this is a perfect fit for that family we’ve been talking about.”

That did it! Her face lights up and she throws her arms around his neck and says, “Oh honey!”

He pushed her HOTTEST emotional button. She’s emotionally sold. As she’s opening all of the doors and visualizing car seats filled with children she looks into his eyes and says impishly, “It seats 5.”

The logical fact that they’re the Best Backed Cars In The World means something to her now. The logic that her husband first used to persuade her to buy the SUV suddenly holds a whole new meaning for her. The fact that her children will be safe in this vehicle helps her to rationalize their decision to buy.

To create copy that sells, you’ve got to get to this deep emotional level. You must figure out the prospect’s emotional hot buttons and PUSH them.

You need to create a picture your prospect can relate to. Help her visualize the deepest emotional benefits she’ll receive. In this case, she no longer sees an SUV… that became invisible.

She envisions car seats filled with her children – securely surrounded in safety.

So next time you’re starting a new piece, the first thing you absolutely must do is flesh out in detail who your prospect is. And in doing this, you’ll figure out their core complex of emotions. You’ll identify what they want… what they believe… and what they desire.

Do this and you’ll create a winning piece every time!

Vicky Heron
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

I can’t wait to share this with you…

2006-02-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon Friend,

I just joined something so easy it’s going to revolutionize the way you build your list and attract new clients.

You don’t have to know anything about HTML, or even be a stellar copywriter. You don’t even have to be a copywriter at all in fact.

When I was in San Francisco last month I had the privilege of meeting Alex Mandossian. This guy is a brilliant marketer. He, Armand Morin and Rick Raddatz have come up with a super simple, super streamlined way to “squeeze” people names out of them when they visit your website, or your affiliate sites.

Remember, the gold it in your list(s). Thanks to this revolution, I’m building multiple lists.

One for each niche I’m targeting. You just can’t go wrong building lists. This is the best way to build your business at the quickest speed possible.

Here’s a quote from where I’m sending you to… It’s so true.

“Here's a little-known fact about doing business online:

If a website visitor won't give you his name and email address, he will not buy from you!
Said another way, getting a visitor's name and email address is the very first step to getting the sale.

In fact, in my own testing, I've found that capturing someone's name and email actually increases sales. This means I get even more money from the same number of site visitors—no increase in traffic at all!”

To get more on this powerful scoop, go to

http://MarketingMakeoverGenerator.com/Info/?x=291023/ (if all buttons don’t appear simply click your refresh button). Computer gremlins at work sometimes I guess. Who knows…

As soon as I discovered the power of this unique tool my first thought was to let you in on it ASAP. So here you go http://MarketingMakeoverGenerator.com/Info/?x=291023/

I can’t wait to hear your results from using this.

To your ultimate success,

Vicky Heron
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Tuesday Night at 7:30 Central Time)http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

7 Things Every New Copywriter Needs to Succeed

2006-02-07T19:47:00.000-06:00

(Today I thought I’d give you some recommended books and software to enhance your copywriting and marketing career)

“Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins
This book is touted as the Bible of Advertising. David Ogilvy – advertising guru in his own right – once said this about the book “Nobody should be allowed to have anything to do with advertising until he has read this book at least seven times. It changed the course of my life.” You can get free online. To find it just type in the title in one of the leading search engines.

You can buy the printed version at:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0877541485/writingforsuc-20

“Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy. He became the most sought-after wizard in the advertising business (Time) through campaigns that featured the man with the eye patch for Hathaway shirts, Commander Whitehead for Schweppes, and the famous electric clock for Roll-Royce. You need to see what he reveals in this valuable book.

Click below to order the gold-standard of advertising information:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039472903X/writingforsuc-20

“Hypnotic Writing Wizard” by Dr. Joe Vitale is truly a work of art. I use it all the time. It’s a unique wizard that walks you through the steps to create web copy, news releases, sales letters and any other type of copywriting you need to write. It also contains the e-books “Hypnotic Writing” and “Advanced Hypnotic Writing.” As the smart little wizard walks you through the steps to create your copywriting masterpiece, it also gives you suggestions along the way. These suggestions also contain the chapter numbers where you can find more information… since these two books are totally included in this software. Everything you need is at your fingertips. It couldn’t get much easier unless it wrote the piece for you!

Click now for this “Must Have” advertising wizardry software:
http://www.hwwsoft.com/hwwa/94RGNXF

“The Robert Collier Letter Book” by Robert Collier is an advertising classic. It’s inspired many well-know copywriters of today. Robert starts right out on page one in Chapter One giving you valuable insights. I love the story he tells about how a street urchin with a crude line pulls in fish after fish, while a sophisticated fisherman with the latest in equipment can’t raise a bite! That’s just the beginning.

Click below to get your hands of this scarce, out-of-print copy:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/013781500X/writingforsuc-20

“Tested Advertising Methods” by John Caples. Caples was a legendary advertising expert. He created such classics as “They Laughed When I Sat Down at the Piano.” He also wrote copy and directed advertising research for many clients… from General Electric to the Reader’s Digest and The Wall Street Journal.

Click below to get the completely updated fifth edition:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0130957011/writingforsuc-20

Another must have is The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly. This is a step-by-step guide to writing copy that sells. This book was written as a HOW TO for writing effective copy – that gets attention, gets its message across, and convinces the customer to buy the product. My copy is getting dog-eared!

Click below to locate a copy of this out-of-print gem:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0396085474/writingforsuc-20

“Elements of Style” by Strunk & White. As Joe Vitale suggested in his interview, every writer should have a copy of this jewel by his side beforethey start writing. Enough said!

John Carlton highly recommends this one too!

Click now to get your copy now:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/020530902X/writingforsuc-20

To your growing success,

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Wednesday morning at 10:30 Central Time)http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Enough With The Superbowl Commericals!

2006-02-06T16:54:00.000-06:00

Is it just me or were this years Superbowl commercials the pits or what?

As a direct response marketer, every time I saw one of those pointless commercials I choked.

Why?

Because I knew that the companies behind them were being soaked for 2.5 mil per 30 seconds of air time. And in my opinion they will probably never ever see a substantial return on that money. That’s a lot of moolah to plunk down just for being “cute” and “funny.”

As I was listening to the local news this morning the anchor people were discussing their favorite ads as well as what they considered to be the dregs in the Superbowl commercial arena.

I guess the Superbowl ads have become a mecca for who can come up with the most pointless commercials and get paid very handsomely for them.

It’s a travesty for the whole advertising industry. What ever happened to trying to sell something?

I remember a quote from an extremely famous advertiser named David Ogilvy (of Ogilvy & Mathers). He was (and still is) a highly revered pioneer of the direct response advertising industry. Here is his take on effective advertising…

David Ogilvy once said, "I do not regard advertising as entertainment or an art form." He went on to say, "I don't want you to tell me that you find it creative. I want you to find it so interesting that you'll BUY THE PRODUCT!"

Isn’t that the job of advertising?

Now I’ll admit, a few of the commercials were funny. I chuckled a bit. Other were downright pointless. Dumb.

But listen folks, if you’re forking over 2.5 million dollars for an advertisement (actually more than that when you factor in having the ad created and produced) wouldn’t you want that money to work for you and work HARD? By that I mean wouldn’t you want it to drive people to buy what you’re selling in droves?

That’s what advertising is supposed to do. It should not be an expense. Rather a revenue generator.

As I said I choked every time I saw the next commercial. My husband would say, “Vicky, these ads are not supposed to ‘sell’ anything. They’re for entertainment value.” How sad…

When he said that I just sat there… scratched my head… and couldn’t believe it.

What ever happened to salesmanship in advertising? If I want to get a laugh I’ll watch Seinfeld reruns. They make more sense than what I saw during the Superbowl.

I’d like to see the pendulum swing full circle next year. (Do you think there’s a chance?) I’d like to see advertisements that are brilliant. Ones that make me want to go right out and buy what they’re selling. Or to try their service.

Perhaps the commercial that disheartened me the most was the FedEx one. They literally built their company on the USP “If it absolutely, positively has to get there overnight trust it to FedEx.” Last night, that USP was stomped on along with the poor caveman.

I’d love to hear your feelings on these so-called commercial advertisements.

Till next time…

To your ultimate success,

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Wednesday morning at 10:30 Central Time)http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

How Bad Testimonials Can Quickly Kill Your Sales

2006-02-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

I’ll start by saying the testimonials I’m going to show you are not really bad, but they are not good either.

I just read almost 11 pages of a 16-page sales letter because it kept my interest up until that point.

But then it fell apart.

It was about an Internet money-making opportunity. Of course, it was a so-called “easy” money-making opportunity (aren’t they all). And of course you could put it on auto-pilot and make money in your sleep (nothing new here).

This is not new by any stretch of the imagination. But still, the writing had enough energy that it kept me going… for a while.

However, the writer made a huge claim at the front of his letter. He said he made just under $200K in 24 hours. Okay, I’m reading… I’m in to 11 pages and still don’t have a clue how he did it and worse yet – from his testimonials it doesn’t look like anyone else is doing it either.

Let me show you the testimonials. For me they killed the letter. At first I was excited about what the letter was talking about. After all, we’re looking for a niche for my husband to work in when he retires.

I thoroughly read every testimonial for any shred of proof that I could cling to and believe the writer’s claims. Unfortunately, I was bitterly disappointed. Let me show you what I mean…

"It is very heartening to know that there are people out there that sell a legitimate product and not try and rip you off. XXXXXXX has done a great job of getting the message across in the quickest and easiest way."
— Name Withheld , WY

"I have seen the DVD twice. And value advertised is all there. I was most impressed with the sincerity of Mr. XXXXXXX. It seems he goes to extra length to put quality in his products. Thank you."
— Name Withheld, OK

"It's not very often that I order a product that I'm very pleased with. You are very honest and your DVD is very informative to say the least. You can get my vote any time. Thank you for teaching me what you know and being so generous with your information. Thanks, XXX"
-- Name Withheld, TX

"Thanks for the XXXXX XXXXX material. Frankly, I thought it was going to be the same old rehashed stuff...boy was I pleasantly surprise! The real true knowledge one needs to get profitable immediately was all there. Thanks again."
— Name Withheld, FL

"It has opened my eyes and broadened my business plan to develop multiple streams of income. I'm by no means a computer expert, in my Golden Years, but find your information invaluable."
— Name Withheld, CO

"I have purchased online marketing courses which required in depth study and I still did not comprehend it. The XXXXXXXX DVD with (name withheld) cuts to the chase. The DVD was invaluable."
— Name Withheld, FL

"Well laid out and well instructed. A product that would be helpful to both the novice and advanced computer user."
— Name Withheld, MO

"Name: The XXXXXXXXX program is amazing. I am still in the set up phase, but can tell your readers that they will be surprised at the simplicity of the program. It allows us amateurs to understand the rudiments of the internet. I am looking forward to completing my set up and making money."
— Name Withheld, CA

"Great information for the beginner. Helpful insights and hints. Helps to get you around trouble spots which hang up first-timers and the experienced alike!"
— Name Withheld, FL

After devouring these testimonials… trying to believe this person I wanted to shout, “Yeah but, did anyone make any money with this stuff?”

Remember, the writer made a huge claim at the front of his letter. He said he made just under $200K in 24 hours.

A big, bold claim like that needs to be backed up with proof. FAST!

Reread the above testimonials. Do you see where any of these people made a dime with this program? These are taken directly from the sales letter. I only X’d out the names of the people and the product.

Testimonials need to be as specific as possible. As I said before, I wanted to believe what this guy said because I’m looking for a niche for my husband after he retires. At first I thought this sounded like something he might be interested in. But as I read the letter, I became more skeptical.

The biggest reason…

Lame testimonials.

You have to give people meat.

If you expect to close sales you have to prove to your reader that you have THE goods. The Magic Bullet that will solve their problems. And in this case the product was an Internet money making method.

If you’re going to sell this kind of product, you better have some indisputable proof! There have been lots of scams and people are sick and tired of being duped.

So when you ask for testimonials, lend your assistance in creating them. Be honest, but give your testimonials the energy they need to do the job. Your testimonials are your sales force when people read your direct mail piece or website. Or what ever you are using to drive leads or sales.

Make sure your testimonials are working as hard as they can. Your sales will reflect it!

Till next time…

To your Ultimate success,

Vicky Heronhttp://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Wednesday morning at 10:30 Central Time)http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

To Live It Up and HAVE FUN! While you can…

2006-01-29T21:16:00.000-06:00

I was just talking to my daughter tonight and she was feeling rather hum-drum about her life.

Let me back up a minute, it wasn’t her as much as her husband. He was feeling like a slug in life.

He was feeling undistinguished in a middle-of-the-road type of way. He felt run of the mill. Ordinary. Even sub-standard.

Any good thesaurus can give you at least a dozen more descriptions of your prosaic, unexciting, ordinary, passable existence.

Think about it – You trudge from bed… to work… to TV… back to bed. Never feeling the awe-inspiring exuberance life has to offer. Never daring to drink deeply from the trough of the sublime.

And for what? When it's all over, what will your cautious temperance have gotten you? Does anybody ever say, on their deathbed, "I wish I’d been more commonplace?"

Hardly!

Many people, when faced with their own mortality, wish they’d let their hair down and done more. Much more!

Country singer Tim McGraw currently has a song out called “Live Like Your Were Dying.” I really sat down and listened to the words of that song one day and they really spoke to me.

It reminded me of my Grandpa who died when I was 5-years-old. I loved that man. He always brought me candy corn, Hershey’s chocolate bars, and pretty dresses. Then one day it all stopped. He died. He was only 60-years-old.

On his deathbed he told my Dad this: “Son, don’t wait too long to live.” My mother told me this story several times as I grew up.

I’ve lived a lot, making a lot of mistakes along the way. I’m the first one in my family to move far away to another state. I was the first one to go hot air ballooning in Alaska. The only one to go to Alaska for that matter. And I met my husband, my soul mate on the Internet in 1997, before it was even heard of.

I love hard, play hard and work hard.

I learned a long time ago not to depend on anyone else for my happiness or enjoyment. You must find that within yourself. Once you do, then you’ll see a whole wonderful world open up before your eyes.

It’s always been there. You just didn’t see it before. So…

Grab the brass ring. Rise above the herd. Commit to excellence. Settle for nothing less.

And most important – LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING!
You won’t miss nothin’ that way. Have fun and enjoy life :)

Till next time…

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Wednesday morning at 10:30 Central Time)

http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Brilliant Swipe Of The Nigerian Sales Letter

2006-01-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

I’m sure you’ve all seen it… received it more than once in your email box. I certainly have. I usually just sigh and hit delete.

After all, it’s a scam letter. It’s about a highly respectable family (somewhere abroad) who has experienced a major (and often embarrassing) problem and they desperately need your help in transferring an unfathonable sum of money. And they want to enlist your help and use your bank account to do this. (Yeah right!)

And of course, you get to keep a portion of this huge sum and do what you like with it. (Sure, while you’re rotting in prison!)

Now that my mental fog has cleared I can see that truly anything is swipeable!

I mean, I’m about to show you how a legit website took a real scam letter and turned it into a respectable sales letter (actually they spoofed it). And I’m sure everyone on the planet has received this original scam letter at least once. I think I’ve received at least at dozen times over the years. The names and countries may change, but it’s the same basic letter – asking you to do the same thing…

Give them access to your bank account.

I’m impressed. Bob (my husband) recently turned me on to this hoot of a Woot. At first I scoffed… saying what the heck is Woot.

Woot is not a sight about owls. It is a site however that employs some extremely jovial and talented copywriters. In short, Woot is a Hoot! (Sorry for the cornball humor). These writers are street-wise in their conversationally engaging ease. I’m half tempted to ask John Carlton if he writes for Woot, it sure does sound like his style!

Talk about conversational flow. Some times I almost fall out my chair with peels of laughter. These guys are so cool butter would not melt on their tongues.

I’m collecting these letters and reading a few each morning to loosen up my creative conversational juices.

I love it! See if you do too at http://www.woot.com/. As they say in Texas, they’re a hoot and a holler! Knee-slappin' humor alright.

Till next time…

Yours in success,

Vicky Heron
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net/ (THIS OFFER IS OVER AT 7:00 PM TONIGHT! Per John Carlton’s instructions I’m taking the site down then. Snooze... you looze!)
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/ (Join this dynamic new moderated Mastermind group today. Chats every Wednesday morning at 10:30 Central Time)

http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

Are You Suffering From One The Most Crippling Disorders Of Our Modern World?

2006-01-26T10:58:00.000-06:00

It has not been officially named a “disorder” or a “syndrome” yet. But it’s only a matter of time.

Do you how know to deal with this 21st century’s malady that’s afflicting thousands of people every day?

Here’s where I’d like to come off sounding like a real wizard and give you an astounding answer that would totally KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF… but it doesn’t exist. The solution is too simple.

But as simple as the solution is…

It’s often elusive to many. I know because this disorder keeps biting me on the butt.

This crippling, disabling disorder is dreaded and beleaguering.

It’s INFORMATION OVERLOAD.

And the only real way to deal with it is to simply take One Breath At A Time. Deep breath in, hold a few seconds, and let it all go.

I’ve read books, articles, websites, listened to Cds, DVDs and MP3s on endless topics about making money, self-improvement, marketing, being master of your own domain, keeping your cool, and time management. All of these contain great information from some of the biggest experts in their fields.

However, it only compounds the problem.

What do I do with all of this wonderful, useful, life-changing information?

I’ve come to one conclusion. Well, more than one actually…

I can file it all away for future reference.

I can absorb as much as possible and remember where to go find it when I need it.

I can use it as inspiration for creating marketing plans, marketing materials and for creating products.

Or I could just toss it all. Forget this option!

You come to a point where you have to – as Nike says – JUST DO IT!

USE the information you’ve gleaned. Like stop being a perpetual student! Act on this stuff. One step at a time.

You just can’t constantly amass all of this information, do nothing with it and expect to get to where you want to go in life.

Listen. Learn. Act.

This is the best thing you can do to keep information overload from crippling you with yet another disorder called OVERWHELM. But that’s a subject for another article.

So my best advice is to take everything one step at a time. Carve out a chunk of time each day, or each week for each thing you identify as important. Including having fun.

I know that when I’m a “little old lady” out there trekking around with my mighty Rollator I won’t be saying, “Gee, I wished I’d worked harder and had less fun.”

Not me :)

Till next time…

Yours in Success,

Vicky Heron
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com/

“Some People Pursue Success… Others Create It!”

© Copyright Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

How To Use This 3-Pronged Method To Hook Your Reader And Guarantee The Success Of Your Next Writing Project

2006-01-24T17:05:00.000-06:00

As a freelance writer, professional copywriter, and coach, the biggest challenge I see when starting a new project is determining who the reader is… and how to bond with him.

Oh sure, you can easily figure out if your reader is a man or a woman… 25-years-old or 50+… and if he’s financially independent or living paycheck to paycheck.

The real key to writing material that will reach out and grab your target audience, and compel them to read your message, is learning how to do these things very well…

… give your reader a name and a face

… determine if he’s your neighbor… your best friend… a family member… or whatever

You must be able to reach out and touch his shoulder – picture him in your mind as a living, breathing person. Sit down and have a hamburger with him.

The secret to writing compelling material – that will keep your reader riveted to your book or article – is to be the reader. Get to know him intimately. This 3-pronged method will help you tune-in to his inner emotional core:

Discover and then share his beliefs… what are his attitudes about his life, his job, his family, and the world around him…
Feel his feelings… does he feel helpless, victimized, and desperate to make changes in his life… or is he confident, optimistic, and ready to do whatever it takes to move his life to the next level…
Live his desires as if they are your own – does he desire… increased respect from his family and peers… to be able to work smarter, not harder so he can enjoy greater freedom to do what he wants…

As you can see, he has strong beliefs, deep-seated feelings, and specific desires. As a copywriter, when you start a new project you can zero-in on these things in several ways...

First – study similar articles and books for clues about your reader. Read between the lines to establish very useful and sometimes personal clues.

Second – If you’re studying a book, read the testimonials and the book. Touch it… read it… use it… do whatever you can to get to know it and the benefits it offers.

Third – don’t forget to study relevant books and articles. These can yield valuable insights into your reader’s emotional triggers. Study them and feel the emotions evoked in you as you read their material.

As you identify each emotion, write it down.

Now, before you write a single word for your project, write a personal letter to the person you’ve created as your reader (for example – Mr. Jones). After writing this practice letter, read it aloud.

Feel the emotional hot buttons your letter triggers… these are powerful tools you can use in your copy.

Now you’re ready to start writing headlines and sub headlines (or chapter ideas). Start with 50 or so.

After you come up with your first 50 headlines, concentrate and try to come up with at least 25-50 more. You can make them variations of ones you’ve already created. It’s surprising how just moving a few words, or adding one more elements to a headline can cause a flood of ideas to start flowing. Try this for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

Next, state your big promise. Why should your reader read this?

What’s the big idea of your article or book? What is the golden thread you’ll weave throughout?

You’ll find your practice letter helpful in answering these important questions.

You’re off to a good start. If you get stuck, simply relive the beliefs, feelings, and desires you identified earlier. You’ll be amazed at how much easier this 3-pronged method becomes as you consistently use it to develop your writing voice.

Here’s to your writing success!

Vicky Heron

http://www.vicky-heron.com
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com
-------------------------------
Vicky Heron is the President of Ultimate Success Strategies Inc. She’s, a master copywriter, freelance writer, professional success coach, public speaker, and author. She co-created the dynamic 3-CD audio set with Copywriter/Publisher Beth Erickson detailing How To Jumpstart Your Copywriting Career. Learn more about this step-by-step program at http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/Products.html, and to sign up for her FREE how-to articles and FREE Writing For Success E-zine.and receive a free gift. Feel free to use this article for your website or in your e-zine, just be sure you use it as is… do not change it in anyway. Also be sure you include this entire byline.
Copyright © 2004 - All Rights Reserved

Writing my own web content...

2006-01-23T16:54:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends,

This blog entry will be short today. I'm knee deep in alligators.

After last weekend at Harlan & Tina's Six Figure Seminar Without Clients my head is swimming. I'm hurriedly rewriting my website letter (which is way overdue).

Both Harlan Kilstein and John Carlton have critiqued it so I know what I need to do to hone it to lethal perfection.

Sometimes my poor little brain just goes on overload.

I love writing my client's projects. I can do that all day long. But when it comes to writing about me, I really suffer from writer's block.

They say only a fool is his own lawyer, doctor, and in this case... you could fill in the blank with COPYWRITER!

I'm happy to report that at exactly 2:37 this afternoon (central time) I broke through the writer's block and got smack dab into the middle of the "zone."

I love it when that happens.

More good news. It rained over 1/2 inch in the DFW area yesterday. Of course it doesn't put a dent in the drought we're having, but at least we won't have those dangerous grass fires leaping towards our homes for a few days anyway.

Keep doing ya'lls rain dances. We sure do need it!

Till next time,

Vicky Heron
Ultimate Success Strategies Inc.

http://www.copywritingspecialists.com
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net
http://www.howtogethealthynow.com
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/

(c) Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Does This Car Commercial Rev Up Your Buying Engine?

2006-01-22T13:37:00.000-06:00

Does This Car Commercial Rev Up Your Buying Engine?

In the marketing business, as a copywriter, I make it a point to do three things every day:

Read books and articles created by proven marketing experts (old and new)

Watch commercials on TV

Enjoy infomercials (yes, if they are good I enjoy them and my husband has to restrain me from grabbing my wallet)

But I’ve got to tell you, many of today’s car (and truck) commercials are – in my opinion – downright imbecile in nature. I’m about to get on a rant so hang on…

In plain English, most of today’s automobile commercials STINK!

First of all, so many of them don’t even involve human beings. Here’s a prime example:

-- Pickup truck #1 climbs this mountain (with no driver in sight) and gets to the top and feels confident. Like he’s top dog or something. (Do trucks really have feelings? Better yet, do people really believe trucks have feelings?)

-- Enter truck #2 which climbs this same mountain (again no driver in site) and decides he’s tougher than Truck #1.

So they square off and go head to head. Snorting pawing at the ground like mad bulls. (Come on, do they really expect us to believe trucks are going to get into a pissing match with each other?)

Then comes the best part (worst actually). Truck #2 roars louder than Truck #1.

Truck #1 is intimidated and humiliated. Result -- it springs a leak in its radiator (and the image is that it’s wetting itself).

Come on… does this really make you want to buy either pick up truck?

When you watch this ad, who is the target market? What message have they conveyed that will put you into the mood to go out and buy a truck? Why would you want to buy one of these trucks over the other?

To me it’s silly. I get disgusted every time I see these ads. Think of all the $$$$$ they’ve spent on this so-called “creative” advertising.

It boggles my mind. What about you? What emotional hot buttons (buying triggers) do you think this commercial pushes? I’d like to know what your thoughts are!

I’d love to hear your comments!

Tomorrow I'll publish a car commercial that really impressed me. It's not your typical car commercial. Tune in tomorrow and let me know what you think of it.

To your success,

Vicky Heron
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/
http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net/

© Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

John Carlton will soon be shutting this down...

2006-01-19T20:40:00.000-06:00

I just got in from San Francisco and the Six Figure Seminar and all I can say is Wow!

Dr. Harlan Kilstein and Tina Lorenz held nothing back. They were red hot.

Harlan introduced his new book at the end of the seminar and guess who wrote the foreword?

John Carlton.

That's right.
Here's an excerpt of what John wrote: "Harlan Kilstein has been a prolific member of my Insider's Club and he has thoroughly digested the lessons in my Kick Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel."

John went on to say "He is without doubt my top student, and now one of the very few writers I recommend to clients."

As an Insider's Club member myself, I can truly say everything in his course is geared to get you to the top as a copywriter. As quickly as possible.

Here's what I mean…

When you get your mind locked into John's Kick Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel amazing things will begin to happen. Very quickly…

* Don't have a product to sell yet? See Section XIII to zoom from rookie status to marketing expert in a short weekend.

* The competition eating you alive? See Section XIV and corner your market within weeks

* Light a fire under your prospect's butt and get her to order right now. Section X

* Need a "hook" that will force people to read your ads? See Section IV

* Simple way to double profits overnight – Section XII

* The amazing "Gun To The Head" secret to quickly creating the most effective advertising in the universe. Section II

* The "lazy businessman's 3-step shortcut" to your first killer ad. Section III

There's a ton more… all inside. All waiting for you. Don't delay. Get in The Club.

BTW, I saw John at the Six Figure Seminar and he said to let my friends know he's received an overwhelming response. I'm afraid he's getting ready to slam the doors shut.
Go to http://www.successstrategiesunlimited.net/ now. Before it's too late. Several of my friends are in this Club and all of them are getting to where they want to be at lightening speed.
You can be next.

See you on the inside,

Vicky Heron
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com
http://www.howtogthealthynow.com
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/

(c) Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

Why 2006 Did Not Arrive With The Usual BIGBANG In North Texas…

2006-01-09T16:40:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year Ya’ll - From Texas. We’re on fire down here – literally!

There’s a long-standing tradition in the Lone Star state. We ring in the New Year with a hearty Texas-sized bang! We celebrate with fire works. It’s not unusual to hear them going off well into the wee hours of the AM… most likely being set off by some well lit revelers.

2005 went down as the 5th driest year in history and right now 2006 isn’t lookin much better. Darn, we need rain!

Today I had to stop at the post office on the way home from getting my haircut. Can you believe I only needed a lousy 2-cent stamp? Holy cow, stand in line 10 minutes for that. (If it was up to me I’d just put a new stamp 39-cent one over the old 37-cent one and be done with it. But remember, my husband (Bob) is an accountant. A bean counter ya know. So I had to trek over to the post office and stand in line for a stupid 2-cent stamp.

Anyway, as I cruised into the parking lot I saw the fire trucks wrapping up their hoses and packing them back on the trucks. Then I saw it, someone had unthinkingly tossed their cigarette butt next to the flagpole as they entered the post office.

And it caught fire to a 10’ square patch of what used to be grass surrounding the flag pole. It is that dry here folks. Then, on the way home from the post office I drove by Bug’s (my beloved, precocious granddaughter) favorite park. It’s not ¾ of a mile from our house.

And guess what? The whole front entrance was burned black. Where’s Smokey Bear when you need him?
You’d think everyone could be a little more careful.

What really makes me nervous is my back yard borders a dried up, dry brush laden pasture. Lots of good tinder there. Plus, we have three gas well-heads out back within 1/2 mile of our house.

Say some prayers for us down here. Better yet, how about a rain dance or two!

I hope you're new year is going great so far... and continues to gain a full head of steam and momentum.

Even though the ground is dry and withered, don't let this happen to your business. Stay tuned to this blog and go visit http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/CurrentIssueWFS.html for the latest issue of Writing For Success. Featuring cutting edge copywriting and marketing information. It's free and can be delivered right to your inbox every month when you subscribe. I've got some exciting things in store for you this year.

Stay tuned...

To your wild success,

Vicky Heron

(c) Copyright 2005-2006. All rights reserved.

"Some people pursue success... Others create it!"

Check out http://www.howtogethealthynow.com for the whole-food natural way to optimum health. Organic & natural... that's the right way to do it!

The Thoughts Behind The Scenes... Capturing Emotion

2005-12-22T19:49:00.000-06:00

You can boil down “selling” into one word—psychology.

And psychology deals with emotions.

A few years ago Mel Gibson starred in the blockbuster movie What Women Want. As a woman I found myself intermittently laughing hysterically and nodding my head in agreement when I saw the shenanigans Mel’s character went through in trying to think like a woman.

Before this he thought he was “Mr. Joe Cool Salesman.” In his mind he was so-o-o-o good — he could easily sell ice to Eskimos. In Alaska. In January.

But when he tried to do it using logic, he discovered he was Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

That’s because Buying decisions are preeminently emotional. And because emotions rule, wants are much stronger buying motivators than needs.

Take buying a car for example. Let’s say you need a set of wheels to get you from point A to point B and back every day. All you need is a basic car. However, what you really want (and are drooling over) is a BMW G35 V-6 with 260 bucking hp and a muscle-flexing 260 lb-ft of torque.

One you need. The other you really really want!

A successful salesperson listens intently for the emotional clues and zeroes in. As he hones in on your emotions, he skillfully pushes your hot buttons. Once he pushes the right buttons, you’ll be helpless to leave the showroom floor without the car you WANT.

Your only alternative is to buy. Now!

Yeah. Emotions are really that important. Figure 'em out.

Wishing you the success you deserve in the coming new year!

Merry Christmas,

Vicky Heron
http://www.vicky-heron.com

(c) Copyright 2005 - All rights reserved.

"Some people pursue success... Others create it!"

http://www.howtogethealthynow.com

Read This And Give Thanks For Our Freedom… Tis The Season

2005-12-09T16:33:00.000-06:00

The Sands Of Christmas
By Michael Marks

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a wear sigh,
And looked across the table where the bills were piled high.

The laundry wasn’t finished and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point, the Cowboys lost by six.

And so with only minutes till my son got home from school
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.

The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
And so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.

I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.

And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,
Eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.

A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.

They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
Their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.

Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.

There wasn’t much at all to put the lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MREs.

They didn’t have a garland or a stocking I could see,
They didn’t need an ornament—they lacked a Christmas tree.

They didn’t have a present even though it was tradition,
The only boxes I could see were labeled “ammunition.”

I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.

I swept him up into my arms and help him oh so near
And kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.

“There’s nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight
Our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right.

To worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all,
Instead of wondering if we will be the next to fall.”

He looked at me as children do and said, “it’s always right,
To thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.”
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
To thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote:

“God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so, and that you’re not alone.

The gift you give you share with all, a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty and that we can’t repay.”

Michael Marks: “I freely submit this poem for reprint without reservation—this is an open and grateful tribute to the men and women who serve every day to keep our nation safe."

As I read this, tears rolled down my cheeks. Suddenly, my problems over the last 60 days seemed so trivial.

Check out this link http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/index.aspx and show our brave troops your gratitude. They need to know we appreciate them!

Warmest wishes,

Vicky
http://www.vicky-heron.com/
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/marketing_mastermind/

Deal With The Monkey Wrenches In Your Life And Success Will Surely Come

2005-12-09T14:05:00.000-06:00

I’ve heard it over and over again… the secret to success is JUST SHOWING UP.

I know this sounds simple, almost too simple, but it is very true.

Since this is my blog, I just want to share some of my thoughts with you – and what’s been going on in my life lately.

Stuff… BIG STUFF! And a lot of it is NOT business related. In fact, the only business related thing that has gone on in my life in the last 60 days has been going to the Big Seminar in Los Angeles.

Since the first of October I’ve been helping my husband care for his 91-year-old mother through a couple of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and back to her apartment. She’s about to be released from her third hospital stay and go home to her assisted living apartment this weekend-we hope.

It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. I’m torn between family loyalty and chomping at the bit to work on my own projects.

Sometimes life can really throw you a monkey wrench. I’ve had one after another since October first. But I’ve decided to not let it get me down.

As a friend of mine pointed out, everyone has their own “monkey wrenches” in building their success. It’s all part of life. No one is perfect and no one has a perfect life. As a work-at-home freelance copywriter/marketer, I want to share how I successfully handle my money wrenches when they crash down on me.

In a word, acceptance.

Once I accepted this fact (since I tend to be a perfectionist this was not easy for me), I felt much better. My productivity is picking up.

Let’s face it, life happens. People get sick. People lose their jobs. People lose a client or a bid on a job. Relatives crowd in on your life. You get behind where you want to be.

It can be a good thing or a bad thing. It’s all up to you. It’s all what you make of it.

So I decided to accept what life brings – everyday. Be thankful for the good things and change what I don’t like.

I admire many of the big copywriters and marketers who have been successful way longer than me. And I finally realize they’ve had their challenges too.

The best thing you can do each day to ensure your success is to get up, take care of yourself, and get to work. Don’t stress over what you cannot change.

Each day is a new opportunity to do what you want… to get closer to your goal. And to enjoy life along the way.

To me, that’s what life is all about.

Wishing you personal peace and great success,

Vicky Heron
http://www.vicky-heron.com/

Special Announcement: Jumpstart your copywriting/marketing success… join my new Marketing_Mastermind Group. I’m in the process of getting it all going-complete with helpful files, weekly chats and many more surprises. This group is for serious copywriters and marketers who want to meet and share ideas, techniques, and strategies with other success-minded people who share their passion. I intend to make this a cutting-edge group. Join now!

© Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Taming The Project Communication Beast

2005-11-28T15:49:00.000-06:00

If you’re like me, introducing the word “Contract” can make some potential clients squirm. Why? I wish I knew.Just suffice to say -- it does.

But no more… I’ve found a solution.

Here’s a little known technique I use to disguise a contract andmake it look like a simple “memo.” Actually, my dear husbandand business partner Bob suggested this little-know tool.

When I recently had a client who was squeamish about the “C”word, Bob suggested I use a Memo Of Understanding (MOU)for short. So I did. Worked like a charm… go figure?!?

Here’s how you do it:

1. Take notes or record your conversation with your new client.(If you record it, make sure you ask their permission first.)
2. When you get ready to bill them for the project, draft up a MOU.
3. Select a simple memo format and summarize the highlightsof your discussion.
4. Give specific examples of what you are going to do and what your client is responsible for.
5. Outline the financial details you both agreed on and restateyour guarantee.
6. You’re done.

Now it’s your turn… Go try it and see if this doesn’t make thewhole process of signing up a new client or new project easier.

Fine Print: I'm no lawyer and this is not intended as legal advice. Results for using this method of communication are not guaranteed in any way. Use at your own discretion.

http://www.vicky-heron.com
(c) Copyright 2005 - All rights reserved.
"Some people pursue success... Others create it!"

There Are Half A Million Reasons To Read This Blog

2005-11-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

Actually, more than a half a million.

So far this year, Dr. Harlan Kilstein has raked in over $500,000 as a copywriter and marketer.

And the year isn't over yet.

The truth of the matter is, it's been incredibly easy for him to snag the big bucks.

And now he’s wanting to show you how to do it too...

I’ve been working with Dr. Kilstein since August and he is brilliant.

Here's the best part, he’s going to show you howhe achieved this mind blowing, bank account swellingincome without a single client.

Check out...
http://www.sixfigurecopy.com/?harlan01
Listen up… I just got off the phone with my dear friend and super-six-figure copywriter Dr. Harlan Kilstein. He really is ready to reveal his secrets. Now’s your chance to attract six-figure paychecks effortlessly!

He’s being extremely selective and assures us he won’t make this info available for very long. So since you’re on my list I want to make sure you get in on this first. So here’s the deal…

Forget about the headaches of ornery clients… ulcer-inducing stretches of no clients… or deadbeat clients who don’t want to pony up the moolah and fork over what you’re worth. Discover Dr. Kilstein’s secrets to raking in huge amounts of money without breaking a sweat.

Now you can be privy to tightly guarded “close to the vest” insider secrets raw rookies (and even seasoned pros) don’t know about. Cash-sucking secrets you can use to magically attract invisible “clients” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that you never have to talk to or worry about – even if you’re a computer nerd or you need a search and rescue team to help you read your email.

Sign up for these secrets right now… right here by clicking http://www.sixfigurecopy.com/?harlan01

Dr. Kilstein spills his guts about…

· Shockingly easy ways to generate multiple rivers of income that flow as reliably as the sun rises and sets each day.
· How to quit shooting yourself in the foot with the mistaken idea that you’re not ready for prime time money making. It all begins here and NOW!
· Uncovering deep pockets bulging with money, dipping into them for your fair share… easily… ethically… and effortlessly.

Change your life forever by claiming the six-figure copywriting income you lust for… and deserve.

Sign up for these earth-shattering secrets right now (before Dr. Kilstein reclaims his faculties and stops doling out these secrets) and grab your reward for this sweet deal… World-Class Copywriter John Carlton’s most coveted and highly sought after mind map of copywriting secrets.

The info is yours without any obligation. Simply cash in on these top-secret tips, tricks, and techniques to totally revolutionize your copywriting and marketing earnings.

To claim your risk-free cash-cow secrets click here now http://www.sixfigurecopy.com/?harlan01

To your success,

Vicky Heron

P.S. In my opinion, you’d have to be brain dead if you don’t grab this opportunity now to harness the power to ramp-up your copywriting income with these high-voltage secrets.

http://www.vicky-heron.com

Mega M&Ms?

2005-10-29T16:08:00.000-05:00

Ad speak’s alive and well in the candy community.

Bigger… Better… MEGA!~!~!~!

Now I love chocolate as much as the next person but when I hear “mega” I expect big. Really big.

After all, watching the Mega M&M commercials got me to thinking these candies are probably sandwich sized. The video on this webpage supports this notion:

http://www2.mms.com/us/mega/

But holy cow. Check out reality:

If that's mega, I'd love to see how they'd define "colossal" or “humongous.”

As a copywriter, how would you have framed this product?

To your success!

Beth
http://FilbertPublishing.com
http://BethAnnErickson.com

Share the Wealth...

2005-10-03T09:42:00.000-05:00

OK. I know this is a tad off topic. However, I found this blog post immensely interesting.

Wonder what various book industry folk make?

http://www.readersread.com/cgi-bin/bookblog.pl?bblog=920051

The next time a company claims they can't afford you, reference this page....

Enjoy!

Beth

Fiction Writing Vs Copywriting

2005-09-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

I'm just finishing re-reading Stephen King's autobiography/how-to book, "On Writing."

Fantastic. Utterly fantastic.

I doubt many writers can evoke as much emotion as a highly-skilled fiction writer... particularly someone like King.

Any copywriter who can steal tricks from fiction writers will only create better copy.

That's why I highly recommend that you read fiction writing books (and fiction as well) whenever you have a spare minute.

So... what are you reading? What books do you recommend?

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Enjoy your day!

Beth

Can You Believe Your Prospects?

2005-09-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

I get a lot of feedback from my Writing Etc. subscribers (http://FilbertPublishing.com ). A lot of it is pretty positive. Some of it not so much.

Our biggest negative comment is this: Don’t use the word “free.” I think it’s cheesy and nobody responds to that word anymore.

This comment so overwhelmingly dominated any other complaint we decided to test to see if it held true. Here’s what we did:

Bob Bly recently gave us special permission to include the extra material we cut from his book (Bob Bly’s Guide to Freelance Writing Success – http://filbertpublishing.com/bob.htm ) in a CD. We developed the CD and had a bunch burned.

In issue #1, we ran an ad for his book (near the top) in Writing Etc. We carefully counted each order that came in as a result of that particular ad.

The next issue, we ran the same ad BUT we included the CD as a freebie to go along with the book. Interestingly enough, because of space restraints, the ad ran way towards the end of the issue. (I know. Bad test. It should have run in the same spot but it just didn’t work that way.)

Nevertheless, the ad promoting the free CD generated twice as many sales as the ad promoting the book alone.

My preliminary conclusion? Your prospects may not like the word “free” but they sure like receiving something free.

I know we need to test more... this isn't exactly scientific... but it sure was interesting.

Your thoughts?

Enjoy your day!

Beth

How To Fly To LA In November – Our Treat

2005-09-10T17:37:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow... Beth and I are off to Los Angeles for THE BIG SEMINAR.

Please Join Us At The BigSeminar In An Exclusive 3-Day
Profit Feast That You Will Never Forget!

Want to know more now? Visit here…
http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407 (if it doesn’tpull up all the way, just hit refresh on your browser or copy and paste it into your browser for surefire results)

We hate to see you miss out on this career changing event. So listen up…

If you use this link http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407 to sign up, we’ll rebate your continental U.S. coach airfare ticket whenwe’ll see you at the seminar (you must do this before September 16th-after this date you buy your own plane ticket). But you must use this link and we recommend using it today. You see Armand is limiting his BigSeminar to the first 400 savvy marketers who act quickly. As of today, there are only 213 seats left… and he just announced it.

That may seem like a lot of seats, but consider this… people willbe attending from all over the world. This is an international event. And the dynamic reputation of this powerful event has been gaining momentum for the last 5 years.

As you’ll see from the testimonials when you visit http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407 people who come once are so impressed with their experience, they come back 2, 3, and even more times.

That’s why seating will fill up so fast. And with the continental U.S. coach airline ticket reimbursement we’re offering (until Sept. 16th), there’s really no reason to wait. You may be disappointed. Don’t’ risk it.

http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407

"Hello, this is Paulie Sable from theChicagoland area, and I want to tell you thatthe "Big Seminar" makes perfect sense as aname; because it's about creating big checksthrough small changes in small niches that makea big difference in the world. I want to saythat I've been able to apply these things, andtake a website that went from negative, tozero, to finally "hero", making over $1,000 aday, selling other people's products, with nodelivery, no difficulties and no trouble, andvery little time. Thank you, Armand, and thewhole team! And I hope to see you at the BigSeminar!"

http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407

Wait until you see the line up of high powered marketing Muck-et-e-mucks who are putting this thing on. Heck, they’reeven providing 3 networking luncheons for us at no extra charge. Armand Morin is the mastermind of this 6th annualevent. That should tell you why it’s a highly successfulannual event for going on 6 years straight.

We’re each getting a truckload of business cards printed up right now. Grapevine has it that this event is the event of the year if you want to pick up clients. It’s like going to a bar and picking up dates.

Join us. We’d love to meet you and spend 3 whole days at the BigSeminar with you in LA.

Beth and I are positively tingling with excitement about going to this event.

We urge you to give the BigSeminar a "serious" look and maybe you too can have the success that Paulie has experienced.

http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407

“Success comes before you reach your goal, for it is as simple as taking a step in the right direction.”

Now’s your chance to Take That Step in the Right Direction.

Join Beth Erickson and I in LA on November 4-6 for THE BIGSEMINAR.

We’ll see you there,

Vicky Heron
Master Marketer, Copywriter & Professional Success Coach

P.S. Oh, we almost forgot... Armand Morin is giving away $20,000 in cash and prizes at the seminar. This is amazing.Get your share.

http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407
Sign up now… get your continental U.S. coach airfare reimbursed by us (remember this offer positively expires
Sept. 16th) and be eligible to get $20,000 in cash & prizes to boot.
How cool is that?

P.P.S. Just remember, you must use this link
http://bigseminar.com/cmd.php?af=303407 to qualify for your continental U.S. coach airfare reimbursement. Just give us a copy of your ticket receipt we can keep and we’ll cheerfully give you your rebate.

Are you letting the important things in life slip through your fingers?

2005-09-10T07:25:00.000-05:00

There Is A LAST Time For Everything

Tell your wife (or husband) you love her (or him) more often. (I don't say it nearly often enough.)

And, especially tell her (or him) today, because they might be gone tomorrow.
There is a last time for everything.

Stop and have a friendly conversation with your Mom, Dad, a friend, the guy at the newsstand on the corner. (My mother had a severe stroke last year and cannot have such conversations with us, we can't have them with her.) Take just a few minutes for this more often than you do. And, especially today. They might be gone tomorrow. There is a last time for everything.

I called to talk to a friend the other day, another entrepreneur as busy, as obsessed as I; she wasn't in; when she called back, she said, almost apologetically and wryly, "I was out having a life." She had gone out to lunch with someone 100% unrelated to her business. Whatever it is that you really, really enjoy doing, really, really, really enjoy it the next time you do it. There is a last time for everything.

When you go to your job or place of business today, be thankful you've got one, and give it the very best you've got. Tomorrow, thousands will lose their jobs - and then, maybe, wish they'd done things there differently. Tomorrow, a thousand entrepreneurs will close business' doors - and then, maybe wonder what might have happened if they'd advertised more creatively, sold more aggressively. There is a last time for everything.

Whatever you're going to do today, give it your best, and take from it the best you can. There is a last time for everything.

Just Do It
Nike

This is an excerpt from a hard to find book by Master No B.S. Marketer Dan Kennedy. It's called the Ultimate Success Secret. Even though it's a short book and a quick read, don't underestimate the power it can give you. Don't underestimate the power it can have in changing your life... for the better. It will open your eyes for sure... to the things you are capable of doing. I'm giving you a link to this book, and I don't make a dime from it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
In my opinion, it's that pivotal to your success and growth. Just do it, now, today.

Go to http://www.kimble-kennedy.com/bookstore.html

Have a great weekend and enjoy everything you do to the max. Remember, there is a LAST time for everything.

One last thought, if you have never watched the movie Second Hand Lions, go rent it and watch it NOW. TODAY! If you've watched it before, watch it again before and after reading this book.

As a Texan, I want to go out like these guys did... WITH MY BOOTS ON!

Isn't that why we're here on this big blue universal ball?

To your ultimate success,

Vicky

© 2005 Ultimatesuccessforyou.com – All Rights Reserved

If you're asked to explain what you do in 30-seconds or less, will you know what to say?

2005-08-29T13:35:00.000-05:00

To build your business on a firm foundation… You must have a strong cornerstone!

Simply put, your cornerstone is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) or value proposition.

What is your USP?

If you went to a networking event and had to explain to 300 people (one at a time) what you do and you only had 30-seconds to do it in - would you know what to say. Would people know what you could do for them?

If not, you’d better roll up your sleeves and figure it out. This may seem simple, but it's not.

I played around with about 100 combinations of words before even getting close to a final one. Then I revised it at least 25 more times. Then I called my best friend/Sister (who is also in the marketing/copywriting biz) and asked her what she thought.

Simply put, I kept working at my value proposition until I could see it clearly in my mind. I pictured saying it to people. Then I pictured their response… “I Need You Now!”

I pictured myself helping my clients reap incredibly huge profits from what I created.

Making my clients money, not costing them money.

So I kept swirling all of these things around in my mind. Writing. Rewriting. And rewriting some more to get it just right. Then I could use it as the cornerstone of my own self-promotional package.

Recently I've been glued to a powerful book called Your marketing Sucks. It's brilliant and explains marketing in a way I've never experienced before. It's like someone turned on the light!

It really got me thinking outside my stuffy little box. This process enables you to…

Be imaginative by putting your thoughts into mental pictures.

Accept risk – dare to do things outside your comfort zone, like attend marketing events, give speeches/presentations, and network at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Assume challenges – like creating marketing materials for products and services you may not know much about… but can learn. For example, I recently created a package that targets welders and metal workers. That’s about as far away from my comfort zone as I can get, but I loved the assignment (once I got started).

Find a new way to win over more of your market share. Make the best promise and stand by what you say.

Your cornerstone is just the first building block of your marketing business. But if it’s weak, your business will topple for sure.

So whether you’re helping a client determine their cornerstone, or determining your own, invest serious time and thought into it.

Think of everything you can to describe what you do. Then translate it into what you do for your clients/prospects.

Then boil it down into a benefit oriented elevator speech (you only have 30-seconds or less to get someone’s attention – that’s why it’s called an elevator speech).

This elevator speech can be your USP or cornerstone to build your marketing campaign on.

I'm still refining my 30-second commercial… I'll share it with you when I have it finished.

What’s your 30-second commercial. What's your cornerstone?

We’re all in this marketing business together. I’m sure we can all benefit by sharing our 30-second commercials.

I can’t wait to hear yours!

To your ultimate success,

Vicky

© 2005 Ultimatesuccessforyou.com – All Rights Reserved

A Marketing Method You May (Or May Not) Want To Know About….

2005-08-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

You’ve probably watched the infomercial… I know I have. At least parts of it.

A handsome man speaking directly into the camera, sincere look on his face, touting “Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You To Know About.”

Now, I’m not going to discuss the contents of the book, although his contents are certainly thought provoking. What I find interesting about Kevin Trudeau’s latest project is his market scheme.

Here’s what I mean:

Like I mentioned, I’ve watched parts of his infomercial a number of times. Twice, the man almost had me convinced to pick up that phone and call. After all, for a mere 39.95, I’d receive his 270 page book, a FREE weight loss CD, AND a bunch of complementary newsletters. Sounded like an OK deal to me. And who wouldn’t jump at the chance to heal a host of pesky diseases with an easy, no-side-effect, inexpensive natural cure?

Yet I never bought. Until yesterday.

Wandering through Sam’s Club on Saturday I couldn’t help but notice throngs of people running (not walking, mind you, these people were running) towards a stack of books. I wandered over to see what caused the brouhaha.

There it was. Stacks and stacks of the newest updated edition of “Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You To Know About” for a mere $19.12.

I nabbed a copy and studied it. Turning it over in my hands a lady touched my shoulder. “You gonna buy that?”

“Not sure,” I replied.

“If you’re not gonna get it, can I have it?” she answered.

I looked up. The pile of books had vanished.

“I think I’ll keep it.”

I paged through the thick tome as we wandered through the store. I read more on the hour ride back home.

Here’s where the marketing gets interesting…

Trudeau begins his book by painting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as his nemesis. And BOY does he do an effective job. With this instant enemy fighting to keep all Americans sick, Trudeau then paints himself as the only resource for “true health information.”

Instant guru.

Throughout the book, he sends his readers to naturalcures.com where they can “find more unbiased information.” In fact, toward the end of his book, he spends an astounding 100 pages on a chapter called “No-Hunger Bread; A True FDA Horror Story.” By the time I’d finished reading this story, I was so curious to find out what was in that “no hunger bread” I couldn’t stand it. Trudeau offered the recipe on his website.

After we made it home, I literally ran into the house to log onto naturalcures.com.

To my astonishment, you cannot receive any information on his site without first paying a ten dollar monthly fee or a $500 “lifetime membership” fee.

Hmmmm….

So, here’s what we’re at:

You can call the toll-free phone number during his infomercial to purchase Trudeau’s book, CD, and newsletter articles for $39.95.

You can purchase his book (newsletter articles are inside the book) for 19.12 at Sam’s Club. You can later purchase his “free” weight loss CD directly from him for 20 extra bucks for a total of $39.12.

After you’ve shelled out your dough, if you want complete information on how to “naturally” cure almost any disease you have to purchase a subscription on his website for either ten bucks a month or $500 for a lifetime membership.

How’s that for marketing?

Well, it seems not everyone is enthralled with this scheme. Check this out:

http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/PressReleases/2005/august505.htm

(You can find a ton of other articles like this on the ‘net without looking too hard.)

Just to be fair, Trudeau has his supporters as well:

http://www.newstarget.com/011224.html

Ah, but let’s forget the pundits. What about his customers, the people who read his books? Here’s a taste of their reactions:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0975599518/qid=1125268018/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5673333-6142220?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Interesting read, eh?

So, as aspiring marketers, what are your thoughts on Trudeau’s marketing methods? What would you do differently? What aspects would you adopt?

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Enjoy your day!

Beth

© FilbertPublishing.com

How To Leave Your Competition Behind... Eating Your Dust - Say What You Mean

2005-08-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

As I was getting my monthly supply of vitamins at a local shopping center today I noticed something that struck me as odd… at first.

I was parked in front of a Nail salon. You know the ones, every shopping center has one. They’ve also been on the news quite a bit lately. It seems there is quite a concern with fungus infections under the nails in people who frequent these places. I’ve heard some real horror stories about these nasty nail infections.

On the news recently they recommended you find out if the nail salon you visit sterilizes their instruments after each use. If they don’t, find one that does.

So what did I see on the window of this salon. The usual, posted hours and a few other things like the company name. But right in the middle of the center window in bold letters it said,

WE DO STERILIZATION

That’s good, but as I thought about it for a moment it looked and sounded odd to me. Something was wrong… something was missing in this important message. Can you guess what it is?

I’ll tell you the first thing that crossed my mind… what does this really mean? Do they perform sterilization operations (like for birth control) in addition to giving you a manicure? Like a one-stop shop. I hope not. But from the signage on the window it was hard to tell.

Another question that nagged at me was – so they sterilize their instruments. Do they do this at the end of the day or after each use?

This business was not very specific… and that can be a real killer against attracting new clients.

Let’s see what they could have done differently… how could this important message be more compelling?

Before I let you in on the solution I came up with, I want to share something with you. I sat there, got out my little notebook in my purse and played with that statement to make it a powerful statement. What I ended up with was one helluva USP (unique selling proposition).

After I created this revision, it dawned on me. How many more customers would walk through their doors if they put this statement in the window?

FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE STERILIZE OUR INSTRUMENTS AFTER EVERY USE!

Now think about it… which nail salon would you go to? One that just said “We do sterilization” or one that said “For your safety, we sterilize our instruments after every use.”

Let’s see what I did here. I made their important message (on the window) super specific. I gave it the power to get positive attention. Anyone who sees “For your safety, we sterilize our instruments after every use” will feel overwhelming trust that this business cares about my health. I’ll also feel like they appreciate my business and they want me to come back… and to refer my friends.

This is a powerful USP for this type of business. By adding 7 carefully chosen words I differentiated this salon from all the other salons in the area.

In summary, when you’re creating sales messages for yourself or for your clients, you really do need to say what you mean with the most descriptive and persuasive words you can think of.

In this example, I made sterilize the “action verb.” In “We Do Sterilization” the verb do is passive. How do you do something? Can you picture “do?” There’s no action.

Remember this - for optimal results marketing needs to express action. To create pictures for your audience you need to use action words so they can see and feel the action. Action words invite your audience to participate. When you do this, you’ll be a lot more successful at getting them to buy.

I give the salon owner a B-. Even though her USP was weak, it was at least there. But by adding those 7 simple words I boosted it to an A.

What do you think? What score would you give it before my transformation?

If you have an idea for a stronger message for the window, I’d love to see it. Just click on “Comments” below and let me know your ideas.

Have a great rest of the weekend :-)

Vicky Heron

Visit our CopywriterMastermind Yahoo group at
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/CopywriterMastermind/
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/

(c) Copyright 2005 Ultimate Success Strategies. All Rights Reserved.

Gary Bencivengas 5W's & 1H Marketing Formula

2005-08-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Gary Bencivenga’s 5W’s & 1H Marketing Formula

Gary Bencivenga is probably the best marketing mind out there. As a subscriber to his Bencivenga Bullets, I’m always blown away by his insights and techniques. You can subscribe to his Bullets Ezine at http://www.bencivengabullets.com/

I highly recommend you do it ASAP.

Here is something I found very useful. I know journalists are taught to use the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How formula for developing stories.

Did you know the same applies to marketing copy?

So before you sit down to write your next marketing project, do what Gary recommends in Bullet #14 (you can see it in the archives when you sign up at the link above).

Who are you advertising to?

What does your product/service do for them?

Why is it superior to alternative products?

How can you prove your case?

Where should you advertise to reach prime prospects?

When is the best time to reach them?

When I read these simple steps I felt like that commercial… you know the one. The V-8 commercial where a person slaps the side of his head with his hand and says… gee, I could have had a V-8.

What Gary Bencivenga laid out here is so simple… yet so powerful.

Try it out. Have fun (

Vicky Heron
http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/

Sign up for my Ezine (free) at http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/EzineSignup.html and receive a free gift.

(c) Copyright 2005 Ultimate Success Strategies. All Rights Reserved.

How A Work At Home Hermit Can Ignite Productivity And Earn Mega-Profits

2005-08-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Several years ago the prediction was made that we would become a society of hermits… work-at-home recluses who wouldn’t have to leave their house for anything if they didn’t want to.

Folks, do you realize it’s practically today's reality!

I wish I could find that prediction in my mountains of saved, prized, important papers, but at the moment I can't. Sorry.

This trend is creating some very interactive atmospheres. Specifically, Yahoo groups, forums, and of course, the Blog (sounds like an old horror movie where you expect a monster from the deep to come up out of a Bog and terrorize people). I digress.

As people are enjoying the benefits of home-based businesses, the freedom, the money, the savings, and all that good stuff, another problem has reared its ugly head.

Loneliness. Isolation.

So to combat that feeling of being all by your little lonesome, a new trend sprouted.

Before I continue, remember the vision Bill Gates had when he started Microsoft in his garage? He wanted to have a computer on every desk and in every home.

Guess what, it's happening. When my parents got a computer several years ago, I thought I would fall over and not get back up. Talk about die-hard technology resistors!

But when their first computer crashed, they immediately set about finding their next one. It became a quest. Within 3 days my Dad had a new e-machine sitting on his desk. And he only uses it to play Free-Cell! But it's important to him. It’s his tranquilizer.

Mom, on the other hand, is blossoming into quite an Internet buff. She emails people all over the country. She downloads music and has a helluva time surfing the net each day.

You see, my parents live in extremely rural America. So they don't have a huge social circle. And for my Dad, that's fine with him. But my mother loves to keep in touch with her kids, grandkids, and friends. (Maybe I should find a forum or two for her???)

As a marketing professional, I find my computer is my lifeline. Yes, I work at home. My partner, best friend, and honorary sister (another marketing professional who lives in Minnesota - I'm in Texas) and I email, telephone, and web conference each other daily (usually many times a day).

We co-moderate a Copywriting Mastermind Yahoo group which is growing steadily. Heck, in only 10 months our online community has grown by 137%. I'll give you a link to join in a moment…

I'm also a member of several other types of forums, Blogs, and Yahoo groups. The camaraderie is not only refreshing, it's vital to keep a healthy outlook. Working at home is an extremely solitary existence. These outside avenues which we access through our computers is essential to stave off the loneliness.

I find it also keeps me in the loop on what's happening in the world and in my profession. I can find new ideas at my fingertips. My eyes are opened to new opportunities in thinking and action. Every time someone in one of these groups asks a question, I learn from the answers they receive.

It also gives me new innovative ways of doing things. Stuff I may not have thought of myself, at least not in this decade.

In summary, I've embraced every type of online communication except the Blog. To me, it was just another item on my to-do list that I needed to learn.

No more. After recently joining a Blog for a program I'm in, I now see the value of Blogs. So I guess I'll join in, finally.

I really don't need another thing to learn, but Blogs look like they're here to stay so I better get my butt in gear and get mine going. I think I’ll ask my partner Beth to join me and we’ll operate it together.

One thing I’ve learned with working at home is I really value the strong bonds I’ve formed with some of my “online friends.” When I get blocked and can’t come up with ideas, I visit my online communities and get reenergized.

I see Beth is online now… I think I’ll put my headset on and get a web conference going with her. She’s going to love this idea!

Please join Beth Erickson and me at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/CopywriterMastermind/

We closely moderated our group. As a result, it’s extremely friendly and helpful for copywriters and marketers in all levels of their careers.

One final note: Subscribe to Ezines like this one, Writing For Success at http://www.copywritingspecialists.com/EzineSignup.html and Writing Etc., at http://www.filbertpublishing.com. There are bazillions of Ezines out there… you’re sure to find something that will interest you.

I have a core group of ezines I subscribe to. Each of these are so helpful to me. I value the input each one gives me and I study the styles they’re written in. They are valuable tools to keep your skills sharp. They also help you keep your fingers on the pulse of the Internet and the world of marketing. What’s hot now and what’s not. As marketers we must always stay on top of the trends. Understanding what makes people tick is the cornerstone to our success and the success of our clients.

Happy reading, Blogging, and chatting.

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Master marketer Vicky Heron, owner of Ultimate Success Strategies, is a copywriter, freelance writer, professional success coach, public speaker, and author. She’s created numerous projects for Internet Marketing Guru Joe Vitale (Hypnotic Marketing, Inc.), Terri Levine (Comprehensive Coaching U), Advanced Financial Services, VIP Concierge Services, SuperNutrition USA, New Technology Products, American Writers & Artists Institute, Curtis Marketing Group, Christian Illusionist B.J. Harris, and many others. Visit Vicky Heron at http://www.copywritingspecialists.com

© Copyright 2005 Ultimate Success Strategies. All Rights Reserved.