Creating Tension and Genius in the Ad Agency Business

Seth Godin is the guest on this special un-numbered episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. Of course, Seth needs no introduction. He has inspired millions of entrepreneurs, marketers and freelancers to think bigger about the change they want to make in the world and to create products and services that aren’t mediocre, but rather aim to change the world—even if they fail. Rob and Kira asked Seth about: •  the two kinds of freelancers (and which one you want to be) •  the enemy inside that most freelancers have to work against •  the kind of work you need to do for yourself when you’re not working for clients •  the real meaning of art and why we need to do more of it •  the most important skills to develop as a freelancer •  the role of fear in our lives and how it impacts the work we do •  the importance of “smallest viable audience” •  being uncomfortable and creating tension •  why it’s always your turn •  the right time to ship (and why you’re already waiting too long) •  the difference between professionals and hacks •  genius and the imposter complex •  recognizing genius and getting it into the world •  what Seth has done “a lousy job” with •  what copywriters and others do that drive Seth crazy •  how to be a better student of the things we need to know •  why there isn’t just “one thing” that you need to do to make your business go This one is full of great advice and ideas for thinking about how you make a change in the world. We really loved Seth’s answer about learning and trying to get more important stuff on your plate. Want to hear it? Click the play button below, or download the episode to your favorite podcast app. You can also scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Jay Abraham Margo Aaron Permission Marketing St. Luke’s Akimbo Podcast This is Marketing (Seth’s new book) Kind of Blue AltMBA The Marketing Seminar Clayton Christensen Lester Wunderman Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript: Rob:   This podcast is sponsored by The Copywriter Underground. Kira:   It's our new membership designed for you to help you attract more clients and hit 10K a month consistently. Rob:   For more information or to sign up go to thecopywriterunderground.com. Kira:   What if you could hang out with seriously talented copywriters and experts? Ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes, and their habits, then steal and idea or two to inspire your own work? That's what Rob and I do every week at The Copywriter Club Podcast. Rob:   You're invited to join the club for a special unnumbered episode as we chat with author, entrepreneur, and influential business thinker, Seth Godin about freelancing and creating brilliant work, embracing genius, how to know when and what to ship, what permission marketing means today, and the impact of showing up online every single day for more than 20 years. Kira:   Seth, welcome. Rob:   Hey, Seth. Seth:  Thanks. Great to talk to you guys. Kira:   We're very excited and honored that you're a part of our show. Before we start recording, we just shared with you that you've been such a big influence in our careers and also in creating The Copywriter Club. So my palms are sweaty and I am thrilled that you're here. Seth:  All right. Well, I'll do my best. That's a pretty high expectation, but we'll see what happens. Rob:   You're going to deliver. We feel good about this, so. Kira:   So, to kick this off, you talk about becoming a category of one on your own podcast, and you mentioned doing quirky work. That really stood out to me. What does that mean and how can freelancers do that? Seth:  Well, there's two kinds of freelancers. There are freelancers who seek to have a job without a boss, that's most freelancers. And then there's freelancers who actually make a livin...