The Copywriter Club Podcast

Copywriter Pete Michaels of Rock and Roll Copy fame is back for a second guest appearance—exactly 100 episodes after his first visit to our studio. A lot has changed in Pete’s business since we last talked, so we asked him about: •  what’s happened since we last talked •  why he moved from London to Berlin •  Pete’s questioning process for making the decision to move •  how moving away from your comfort zone leads to progress •  the role expectations play in what we do (and do well) •  how working with a mentor shines a light on his processes •  how Pete pulls his personality into his work and what that looks like •  the importance of professionalism—why it matters •  why (and how) he’s having more fun these days •  the “real” role a copywriter should play in their clients’ businesses •  his “selling unique” process and what it involves •  the spiritual journey that Pete has been on for the past 2 years • Pete’s take on the future of copywriting Worth a listen? Then click the play button below, or download the episode to your podcast player. Or if you prefer to read, scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Jason Leister Company of One Eric Bakey Pete’s website A book Pete didn't mention but wanted to Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript: Transcript coming soon...

Copywriter Keli Chevalier was the final speaker at TCCIRL19 and she brought down the house with her chant about booty call brands (get the videos to see what we’re talking about). Now she’s our guest for the 128th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. We had hoped to get this out last week before the event, so you could have a taste of what she was going to speak about, but it works as a follow up too. Here’s what we covered: •  how she unknowingly started writing copy while selling weapons for the Army •  what she did as an Army Major (she was a pretty big deal) •  how she developed her writing process—the BOMB method—while under fire in Iraq •  the “Sitcom Principles” that apply to sales pages and kick starter campaigns •  why she likes to work with frameworks and the impact on her business •  her thoughts on leadership and how it applies to copywriting •  what she did to attract her first clients and get traction •  what else she knows beyond copywriting •  how to rock a conference (even before you get there) •  what she’s done to uplevel her business over the past few years •  the people she has on her team—there are a few you might not expect •  the process she stole from the Army to get everyone on the same page •  the thing she’s done that has had the biggest impact on her business • how harsh feedback changed her approach to everything she does We also talked about the imposter complex and her big goal for the coming year (it’s a good one). Click the play button below, or scroll down for a full transcript. Or if you prefer, download this episode to your favorite podcast app.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Text: "LaunchMe" to 39492 TCCIRL 2020 Videos (link coming soon) Keli’s website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript: On it's way....

Direct response copywriter Pauline Longdon shares her thoughts about showing up in a bigger way in the 127th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. What does she mean by that? It’s not enough any more to just show up. You need to be strategic about how, where, when and with whom you show up. And that’s just one of the many things we discussed with Pauline, Here’s a short list of some of the other topics we covered... •  how she went from army nurse to up-and-coming copywriter •  the impact that depression had on her—and how she dealt with it •  how her experience as a nurse helped her develop the copywriter’s secret weapon •  why she writes “emotional” direct response copy •  why we should forget copy tricks and what to do instead to write more emotionally •  what she did to accelerate her copywriting business •  the worst thing a prospect can say to you (and why it doesn’t matter) •  how she makes time for her own business •  what she’s learned from her time in the world’s most exclusive copy training program •  the must read book that copywriter should read •  not just showing up but showing up strategically •  how she optimizes—not manages—her time to get so much done •  her unique—longer—take on the pomodoro technique •  why Pauline invests in more than one copywriting group at the same time •  what she’s focused on in the coming year Ready to listen? Click the play button below, or scroll down for a full transcript. And if you prefer to listen while doing other things, you can download this episode to your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss another episode.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Gary Bencivenga Think and Grow Rich Mal Emery Parris Lampropolous How to Win Friends and Influence People Victor Schwab Scientific Advertising Tested Advertising Methods 4thEdition Breakthrough Advertising Titans of Direct Response AWAI Carline Anglade Cole Pauline’s Website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript:

Copywriter Zafira Rajan is our guest for this un-numbered episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. Zafira’s business has really taken off over the past year as she’s focused in on a niche and gotten herself in front of the right clients. We talked about that as well as how she has used events to connect with people in person. Here’s what we covered: •  her journey from Nairobi to Vancouver and journalist to copywriter •  the skills she learned as a journalist that make her a better copywriter •  the surprising interview question that often leads to a new idea •  why she doesn’t have a standard list of questions for interviews •  the little things she did to start her business the right way •  the systems she uses to make projects go more smoothly •  the changes she made to her business in the last year—and the impact it’s had •  how niching has *surprise*helped her business grow •  the packages she has created and what they include •  how she uses events to connect with clients •  her tips for doing well on instagram (and who to follow) •  how to think about brand messaging as a copywriter •  a few of the mistakes she’s made over the past year or two •  a few details about her women of color project •  why she’s excited for The Copywriter Club In Real Life Like we say, this is a good one. To hear it, click the play button below, or simply scroll down for a full transcript. If you prefer to listen while you work out or run errands, download it to your favorite podcast app.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: The Copywriter Accelerator The Copywriter Think Tank Laura Belgray Zafira's website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript: Kira: What if you could hang out with seriously talented copywriters and other experts, ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes and their habits, then steal an 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 as we chat with copywriter Zafira Rajan about how her background as a designer has made her a better copywriter, what’s she done to gain traction in her business, building relationships, and her secret for networking, and what she’s doing to support other women of color. Kira:  Welcome, Zafira. Rob:  Hey, Zafira. Zafira:  Hi. Kira:  It’s great to have you here. We met you a year and a half ago in the Accelerator Program, and then you moved into the Think Tank Mastermind Group. And then you and I have worked on several projects now, so I feel like we know you really well, and the more we chat with you about your business and how you’ve grown over the last year or so. Rob and I are both like, “We need to bring you onto the show and share what you’re doing, what you’re learning, because it’s working, so we should share with the other copywriters as well.” So excited that you’re here, and let’s kick this off with your story. How did you end up as a copywriter? Zafira:  Yeah, well it’s not a long journey. I realized pretty early on that I wanted to have a business of my own. I’m originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and I moved here to Vancouver about nine years ago, when I started university. My path probably started just even by doing an English Literature degree, writing every day, and I really thought at the time I would be going down the path towards journalism. And I was writing for the student paper, I started a platform for college women to share their voices that’s still alive today, and then I started managing a lot of social media accounts during that time and when I graduated I was doing marketing for the university. But I was also penning columns for publications here about global news and word just started getting out that I could write and I could manage social media and I could do a bunch of d...

Okay, this one is more than a little different. We talked with bio-energetics therapist and self mastery coach, Ron Baker for the 126th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. Let’s just say this upfront, this interview is way outside our experience as copywriters. But as human beings, maybe there’s something here that we can all learn from. Here’s what we covered with Ron: •  how he become a “bio-energetics therapist” and self mastery coach •  how to be present in the moment and get in touch with your “inner self” •  the place that breath plays in inspiration, intuition and passion •  an exercise or two to get in touch with your inner self •  how breath work and sound has changed Ron’s client’s life •  Ron’s experiences visiting sacred sites around the world •  what is possible for deeper personal potential and consciousness •  the one thing everyone should do when it comes to woo •  how woo applies to online marketing Want to hear it all? Click the play button below or download this episode to your favorite podcast app. Or, if you prefer, you can scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Ron’s website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground 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 other experts, ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes and their habits, then steal an 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 episode 126 as we chat with self-mastery coach, Ron Baker about self-mastery and what we can do to get better at it. The levels of consciousness, creating a better life, and what it all has to do with copywriting. Kira:   Welcome, Ron. Ron:   Thank you for having me here. I have been enjoying your podcast a lot. I was actually just laughing my ass off at the interview that Ry did with the two of you. Kira:   Oh, you listened to that one. Ron:   I love ... Well, I listened to many, but I love the humanity and- Kira:   Oh boy. Ron:   Putting yourselves in the hot seat. I thought it was very courageous. I'm really- Rob:   Let's not do that again, shall we? Kira:   No I think we should do that more often. That was fun. So thanks for jumping in here with us. We were just saying before we started recording that this conversation is a little bit different than our normal copywriting focus conversations but I feel like this would be really helpful for us to branch out and stretch and for other copywriters to stretch, as well. So let's kick it off with your story, Ron. How did you end up as a bio-energetics therapist and self-mastery coach? Ron:   Well, the simple version of that is how did I end up as a nurturer and a guide for people to get to know themselves more fully? Because as I share just a brief version of my story, it will end up with how I went through 20 years of school as well as home and nobody taught me anything about myself, about my inner self, about how to truly trust myself and be fulfilled as a self. So, all of that started out way back when in North Carolina, and I grew up in a home that had some very typical challenges and some difficult challenges, and basically we were five separate people on five separate islands who didn't know how to communicate and nurture. Though everybody was inherently a really good person, nobody had the skills to create connection, intimacy and communication. We ended up with alcoholism and divorce and all kinds of things to navigate.

Conversion copywriter, Lisa Pierson, joins us for the 125th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. We’ve known Lisa for a couple of years and have witnessed as she’s built a growing freelance business in a short time—creating demand for her copywriting and her presence on stage to talk about increasing conversions. This was a great conversation that covered: •  how Lisa went from journalism and PR to copywriter •  why she joined a mastermind when she wasn’t sure what a mastermind was •  how she landed her first clients •  how she managed to start a business in the middle of massive life changes •  why putting your self matters (and how it helps) •  when things started to “click” and how Lisa’s business has changed •  how joining Match.com and online dating led to her first speaking gig •  the impact that speaking has had on her business •  what else Lisa’s done to build her authority as a copywriter •  what it takes to be more competitive as a copywriter today •  what she’s done to make her retainer agreements work •  what it means to be a “conversion” copywriter—it’s all about process •  how she started “copy training” for companies This is a good one. You know the drill. To hear it, click the play button below or download the episode to your podcast app. And, as always, you can scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Copyhackers Inbound theconversioncopywriter.com Lisa’s Twitter Lisa on YouTube Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript:   Full transcript coming soon...

Launch manager, Shannon McCaffery, is our guest for the 124th episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. We’ve known Shannon for a little over a year and after talking with her about TCCIRL and several other launches she’s helped manage, we thought she’d be a great guest for the show. Here’s a sample of what we talked about: •  how she went from a corporate job to independent business owner •  the biggest lessons she learned from working with Dan Kennedy •  why she doesn’t ever take phone calls on the weekend •  how she earned the nickname, “the product launch chick” •  the three different ways Shannon helps her clients — an idea you can steal •  how she conducts her initial consulting call so she closes more business •  the 5 questions she asks of every potential clients •  what she does during her $8K strategic planning days •  the 3 Ms—message, market, media—and why you need to get all three right •  knowing which events are the right ones to attend •  why you should always take the VIP option (if there is one) at an event •  what’s working in launches today (and what isn’t) and how copywriters fall short when working on them •  how spirituality has impacted her life and business • what the future of online marketing looks like To hear it all, just click the play button below. Or download the episode to your favorite podcast app. And, if reading is your thing, you can scroll down for a full transcript. After we were done with the recording, we asked Shannon a couple of questions about what copywriters need to do to really stand out in their marketplace... we've shared her answer to that a one or two other copy-related questions in the Podcast Extras in The Copywriter Underground.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: No BS Insider Circle Ryan Deiss Perry Belcher Yanik Silver Jeff Walker No B.S. Time Management Don’t Make Me Think Brenden Burchard Frank Kern Rob Berkley Secret Prayer by Joe Vatale Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne Dyer The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday SoulfulVisionMarketer Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground 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 other experts, ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes, and their habits, then steal an 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 episode 124 as we chat with product launch manager and direct marketer, Shannon McCaffery, about becoming an online marketer, running launches with experts like Jeff Walker and Lisa Sasevich, the role spirituality plays in her life and business, and what's not working in online marketing today. Kira:   Hey, Shannon. Welcome. Rob:   Great to have you here. Shannon:     Hey guys, awesome to be here. Thrilled. This is going to be fun. Kira:   Alright. So, we met you in a Titans master class. We're all members in there with Brian Kurtz, and you and I are actually in an accountability group, so we get to connect on a regular basis, but I don't think I know your entire story, so let's start with how you ended up as an online marketer. Shannon:     Yeah, sure. I actually was in corporate America for a good bit. After that stint, I got to say, I think it was in there 15, 16 years, I don't know, it all rolls together, I lost my job, or they laid me off in a layoff. And basically my mentor came to me, his name is Rob Berkeley, an amazing coach, and he said, ‘Hey, don't go back to corporate America.

For the 123rd episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast, Kira and Rob change things up a little bit and go “guest-less”. After a short discussion about what’s going on in our own copywriting businesses, we talk about we’re working on and what we’re most excited about—with special attention paid to our in-person event coming up next month. Here’s what we covered in our discussion: •  the pain of juggling two businesses •  getting back into things after taking a step back from client work •  what we might be testing on LinkedIn this year •  taking a Quantum Leap •  the genesis of The Copywriter Club In Real Life •  when it doesn’t make sense to make a Quantum Leap •  the people we’re seeing make Quantum Leaps right now •  why we’re “all in” on The Copywriter Club •  a few tips for making your own Quantum Leap • why you have to join us at TCCIRL this year To listen to this entire episode, click the play button below. You can also add it to your favorite podcast app. And if you’re a reader, you can scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: The Copywriter Think Tank Michal Eisikowitz Kirsty Fanton Linda Perry Derek Hambrick Raven Douglas Robert Lucas Justin Blackman Sorcha MacKenzie TCCIRL19 Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground 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. We do not have an intro for this episode. I guess we're just going to wing it. Kira:   Is that your intro? Rob:   I think that's our intro. Yeah, why not? Hey, everybody. Hey, Kira. It is Episode 123 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, and it's just you and me today. Kira:   Yeah, it's just us, just more quality time together. I love it. Rob:   That's right. Kira:   I just want more time with Rob, all the time. Rob:   Which is hard to do, because we live far away, and we both have separate families. Yeah, we squeeze in what we can. But I have a question for you, Kira. It's been a long time since it was just you and I on a podcast episode, last summer. What has been going on? What's changed in your business over the last few months? Kira:   That's such a big question. A lot. I think in that last episode I was talking about how painful it was at the time, and I think the pain is still kind of there. It's just changed. I've made a lot of improvements to my business, but I'm still juggling two businesses, so I think if you're juggling two businesses and a family, it's just going to be a bit painful. But I am transitioning towards The Copywriter Club and focusing more time and energy on The Copywriter Club. I'm just not fully there yet. My time is still very much split. I probably had the busiest fall ever with my copywriting business, which was probably silly, just taking on a lot, building out a team, doing all the things I kind of told myself I wasn't going to do, and then I just did it all and took on a lot. Now I'm trying to trim that and just focus on building this business and this community that we're both so excited about, but making that transition is very messy for me. That's it. Rob:   One of the things I love about you and your businesses is that you're just a doer. I mean, a lot of times you'll say you're not going to do stuff, and then you just go ahead and do it, but you have this vision of what you want to accomplish and the people that you want to work with, and you go out and you make it happen. I think that's really admirable, even though sometimes it squeezes you for time, and it's hard to accomplish everything sometimes. Kira:   Yeah. Well, that's a very positive way of looking at it, thank you. But no,

Copywriter and book strategist, Bryna Haynes is our guest for the 122nd episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. Bryna helps “change makers” make their change with books that start movements. And she would know. She’s the author of The Art of Inspiration, a best-selling book about writing inspirational books. Here’s a look at we talk about in this interview: •  how she went from hair stylist to freelance copywriter •  how she found out that being a good writer isn’t enough to keep a business afloat •  her writing process and how she finished her book •  how to connect to influencers who can help boost your business •  how to know what ideas to pursue (and how guiding values help) •  what you need before you make a pivot •  all the different kinds of copy she worked on and how finding clarity helped her find a new niche •  what pivoting has looked like in her business and where she’s headed •  how we make quantum leaps in our businesses (and what that really means) •  using your “reticular activating system” to change your behavior •  the importance of “big” dreams and how to achieve them Ready to get this episode in your earbuds? Click the play button below or download it to your favorite podcast app. And, as always, you can scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Linda Joy Lisa Tener Bryna’s website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground Intro: Content (for now) Outro: Gravity   Full Transcript: Rob:   This podcast is sponsored by The Copywriter Club 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 other experts, ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes, and their habits, then steal an 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 episode 122 as we chat with author and book strategist Bryna Haynes about writing books that start movements, making a big pivot in your career, what quantum physics has to do with goal achievement, and putting yourself out there. Kira:   Bryna, welcome. Rob:   Hey Bryna. Bryna:   So happy to be here. Hi Kira. Hi Rob. Kira:   Bryna and I are working together currently, and as we've sat down and talked through Bryna's past and what she's working on and events she's planning this spring, I was just like, ‘We have to get you on the show.’ Because everything that you're teaching and talking about and thinking would really help the copywriter community. I'm really excited to dive deeper into what you teach today. Let's start with your story. How did you end up where you're sitting today, and what are you focused on today? Bryna:   Well I'll give you the short version. When I was about 26 I was working as a hairdresser, master stylist, color expert in Providence. I loved that career because it taught me how to talk to people. Prior to that I was really, really shy, and not a very good communicator. I really learned a lot about relationships in that job. But I was also very bored. I felt like it was time to return to my dream of writing as a career. With no prior experience, I don't have an English degree, I didn't have any idea what I was doing, I quit my lucrative salon job and dove into the world of freelance writing. I quickly found that just being a good writer is not enough to keep a writing business afloat. I had to really do a lot of learning in a very short period of time. It was really the best move I could have made, because it was totally sink or swim. I didn't have any way to go back. I didn't have any way to make excuses for not doing the work and learning what I needed to...

Copywriter and entrepreneur Nikki Groom joins Rob and Kira for the 121st episode of The Copywriter Club Podcast. Nikki is a high achiever who isn’t afraid of trying new things (like moving to America to start a business) so we asked her about her life as a copywriter and the new things she’s doing in her business. Here’s a look at what we covered in this fantastic interview: •  how she became an advisor, coach and marketing specialist •  why she moved to America to further her career •  what she does to prove her haters wrong •  what it took to get traction when she first started out on her own •  how she “forced” herself to quit by booking so much work she had to •  when she knew she had to double her rates (and how she did it) •  what she did to book herself out for three months at a time •  the mistake she made with her one-day package •  how Nikki has expanded her business beyond copywriting •  when you know you need to say “no” to an opportunity •  what she did to make a bigger impact (and get paid more) •  how we as copywriters can make a bigger impact with our brands •  why numbers are the wrong thing to focus on as you start to grow •  what she’s done to grow her own influence •  the difference between being a freelancer and a business owner •  what she does to develop great relationships • what the future of copywriting looks like to her Bonus... we asked Nikki a couple of questions about her podcast and what works when potential guests pitch her. These questions aren't included in this podcast, but you can find Nikki's answers in The Copywriter Underground. To hear all of this and more, click the play button below, or download it to your favorite podcast app (we like Overcast). You can also scroll down for a full transcript.   The people and stuff we mentioned on the show: Marie Poulin Nikki's website Kira’s website Rob’s website The Copywriter Club Facebook Group The Copywriter Underground 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. Rob:   What if you could hang out with seriously talented copywriters and other experts, ask them about their successes and failures, their work processes and their habits, then steal an idea or two to inspire your own work? That's what Kira and I do every week at The Copywriter Club Podcast. Kira:   You're invited to join the club for Episode 121, as we chat with brand strategist, copywriter, and storytelling expert, Nikki Groom, about creating personal brands that create a big impact; how storytelling humanizes our business; what it means to lead with empathy; and how copywriters can increase their income and impact without sacrificing their relationships and lifestyle. Kira:   So, welcome Nikki, it's great to have you here. Nikki: Thank you! I am so excited and happy to be here. Rob:   We're glad to have you. Kira:   We met in your mastermind that we'll talk about. So let's kick this off with just this story about how you ended up as a brand messaging storytelling strategist, creative coach, leadership consultant, all the things. How did you get there? Nikki: Yes. Well first, I think it's worth mentioning that there have been many, many iterations when it comes to the many job titles that I could attach to my work. And that's chiefly because, over the course of several years now, I've just learned so much. And actually it's kind of been this ongoing battle like, am I this? Am I that? And I'm kind of ... even though I do have all of those labels on my website, I am kind of allergic to labels, cause I'm like, ‘Well, it doesn't quite fit in this box. It's like this thing, and a bit of this thing.’