Overcoming Your Fears of Self-Promotion
The last part of my Writer’s Life series on the lessons on freelance success you can learn from the TV show, “The Amazing Race” is fittingly all about the finale.
In the show, teams have battled stress, physical and mental challenges and each other, but only one emerges victorious and receives the $1 million prize.
So as we conclude here, let me ask you …
How do YOU compete as a freelancer?
In yesterday’s post, I wrote that obstacles are a normal part of the writer’s life. It’s perfectly normal to feel the discouragement and self-doubt when things aren’t going your way. What counts is how well you handle it.
An even more important factor is cultivating that winning attitude. It’s the confidence in believing you can write quality copy for any client you choose.
The way you develop that all-important belief is following everything I’ve talked about this week.
First, find a community of like-minded writers. You’ll want to find a peer support group (or teammates). These people can give you necessary feedback on your copy projects, lend encouragement when you’re discouraged, and hold you accountable to your goals.
Cooperation from veteran copywriters, who’ve been where you are, can also help point you toward the road for success. Forming strategic alliances with other professionals will also speed your progress.
Next, overcoming fears about self-marketing is probably one of the biggest obstacles we freelancers will face. The key here is taking simple baby steps, one building upon the other, so you can move forward and get the work you want.
Finally, you can handle personal “Speed Bumps” by re-assessing your goals and breaking them into manageable steps.
So what’s one thing today that can help you cross your freelancer finish line? Try one of the strategies I’ve mentioned this week. Just choose one now, and don’t wait until later today, tomorrow or next week … do it now!
I’ve enjoyed sharing my “Amazing Race” lessons of achieving freelance success with you this week. Please share your feedback here – I’d love to hear from you!
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Janice, do you recall a Saturday morning copywriters group, back in 2003-04? Was it You? We met at a Castle Pines cafe; I was in Colo Spgs and I drove up weekly. I wish I had a group like that now, as I strive to RE-launch my biz! David Chapman.
David W – October 11, 2013 at 2:28 pm
Janice, great parallels between freelancing and the Amazing Race (one of my fave shows too). I appreciate your perspectives as I begin the big transition into becoming a copywriter. Thanks again for sharing. Cheers, Eric
Guest (Eric Anderson) – October 11, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Hi David - I do remember you! There's a lot to catch up with. Email me at janiceschultze@gmail.com and let's talk!
Janice S – October 11, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Thanks, Eric - I'm glad you liked my series this week. It would be even better if my husband and I could actually be ON the show, rather than me writing about it!
Janice S – October 11, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Janice,
Enjoyed your insight and encouragement this week as I get ready to head off to my first AWAI Bootcamp. See you there?
caz
Guest (Carol Zakula) – October 13, 2013 at 4:24 pm