Here on our blog you’ll find a collection of articles we’ve written about working for yourself, copywriting and marketing.
Is my mobile office a pipe dream?
When I started my writing business, part of the dream was being able to work from anywhere. While that is now quite feasible, I still spend most of my work hours plugged into an office. It begs the question: does the reality of the ‘laptop lifestyle’ live up to the dream?
Settle in. This could take a decade … or two.
As I sat across the table from a marketing manager to discuss a new project, I realised I’d been here 10 years earlier! It was the fourth company, the fourth website, the fourth brief, but the same four people at the table. Am I stuck in Groundhog day?
Let’s talk politics, religion, vaccinations and equality… or not.
When it comes to building a personal profile and finding clients, social media is valuable for many soloists. But should passionate opinions be curbed by professional restraint? Or does authenticity demand unfiltered honesty?
Dear Business, we need to talk about ‘us’
We’ve shared some incredible times, you and I. What a rollercoaster! But – and I know you’ve noticed too – things have changed. We need to talk.
But enough about me…what do you think of me?
As a business owner, it’s natural to want to tell the world who you are, what you do and why you’re the best. So when it comes to writing marketing or advertising copy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only talking about “me, me, me”.
Could you be tempted to re-run the rat race?
It’s easy to get the impression that everyone in corporate land is quietly plotting their escape from the rat race to run their own business. But, it’s not a one-way street.
Are you banishing the bland?
I recently saw an interview where the questioner asked, “What do you fear most?” The unexpected and thought-provoking response was “Living a bland life.”
7 reasons why people buy a product or service
What drives someone to buy something? The simple answer is that they either want it or need it. But there’s more to it than that. Every purchasing decision has an underlying motivation that we, as business owners, marketers or copywriters, need to identify.
Challenge: Design YOUR ideal working week!
Each year or so I embark on a lifestyle or productivity challenge. This time I’ll attempt to combine several life hacks into one golden week. I invite you to join me.
Have you painted your Ferrari?
I recently moved to one of those touchy feely fruity phones. Hardly a significant event, until I discovered many thought I’d been sucked in and paid a premium just to carry around a logo. Had I fallen for the marketer and ignored the engineer?
13 golden rules to writing effective web copy – Part 1
Writing website copy is a unique skill. It’s totally different to writing copy for brochures, newsletters and reports. Why? Because your web copy needs to attract, engage and persuade someone in a matter of seconds.
How to procrastinate: nine tips from a pro
Why is there such focus on how to be productive when many of us spend our time faffing around? There should be more tips on how to procrastinate. Here they are.
It’s time we celebrated the freedoms of soloism
Running your own show comes with plenty of challenges. But here we pause to celebrate the exhilarating freedom, flexibility and control that come from being your own boss.
23 simple tips on writing for the web
Writing for the web is not the same as writing for a brochure or magazine. There are many essential differences that you need to consider. Here are 23 simple tips I’ve picked up over the years.
‘How can I make mine look bigger?’
It seems that insecurities about size and shape abound among business owners. And the little question of size is one that pops up regularly. But does it matter?
I know what you did last event: Six terrible tips
by Peter Crocker You may think no one sees you lurking in the corner at networking events. But I know exactly what you‘re up to
Is it time for you to rethink LinkedIn?
I’m being stalked by LinkedIn. Just today it sent me personalised news, endorsed my skills and connected me with a new business partner. Perhaps it’s time for me to stop ignoring it so rudely.
Beware the ‘man with the gun’ in your business
What if there was someone in your business with the power to bring down the whole shooting match? Chances are there is, and it’s critical to know exactly who has their itchy finger on the trigger.