AWAI Member Sets Ambitious Goal for
His B2B Career
Circle of Success member Steven Carleton has a deadline for quitting his corporate job and going full-time as a freelancer: 2014.
And that goal is in sight as he pursues a career in his chosen niche of Business-to-Business (B2B), specifically industries like software, hardware, e-commerce, and pharma/biotech.
“B2B fits with my career experience, and I'm better suited to be persuasive using a B2B style, which is more logical rather than a more emotional, direct-mail style,” says the Midwesterner turned Californian who's worked at high-tech companies like Apple and eBay.
Steven got a jump-start when he attended last year's B2B Copywriting Intensive, a whole AWAI event dedicated to this niche. He appreciated the hands-on exercises and subsequent group critiques, as well as the time to speak with the instructors. And not only did he gain skills and confidence — he landed clients too.
“Gordon Graham, one of the speakers, brought me in to help with one of his clients. Gordon handed me off to this client, who has since referred me to another client,” explains Steven.
“The first company builds testing equipment for pharmaceutical manufacturers that make nasal-inhaled or orally-inhaled products. I completed a series of three extensive white papers for this company on their test equipment and the concept of Quality by Design. The second company is a pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing firm. I'm writing a series of four white papers for them.”
Steven was excited — but a bit nervous — when he landed these major projects … at least at first.
“Someone was actually paying me to write! I never dreamed it would happen so quickly,” says Steven. “But as the client approved the outline, then the first draft, and ultimately the final version, I had a sense of confidence that I could do it over and over again. It was very empowering.”
Great job so far, Steven. And we wish you luck as you reach for your 2014 goal!
You can find out more about Steven's B2B career on his website: www.theb2bcopyguy.com.
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