The Word Wrangler

Running a freelance copywriting business is challenging enough. There are so many variables that have to fall in line just to make a go of it, and even small mistakes, can derail you from your path.

To better help you navigate your way, I’ve listed these things that you simply must not do if you want to be a success. Some of you may be doing one or more of these right now. If you are, stop it.

1. Don’t Procrastinate.

Start on a project as soon as you can after speaking to your client. Not only are the details fresh in your mind, but it’s psychologically easier to continue working once something’s been started as opposed to starting from scratch.

Procrastination also has a nasty way of biting you on the ass. Put a few things off until the weekend, and BAM! Something comes up and puts you behind the 8-ball.

2. Don’t Dabble.

If you were to keep walking around the pool and dipping your toes in to test the waters, it’s unlikely that you’d ever become a good swimmer.

The same is true for running a freelance copywriting business, or any other business for that matter. In order to become successful, and to become good at your craft, you have to make a commitment. Doing it part-time, on the side or whatever, is a good way to make some extra spending money, but it’s nigh impossible to grow a successful business that way.

Either jump in or get out of the way.

3. Don’t Write Checks Your Fingers Can’t Cash

One of the HUGEST mistakes you can make in your business career is to promise things you can’t deliver. Whether you take on too much work at unreasonable deadlines or you take on jobs you know nothing about, the result can be professional suicide.

True, you still might end up getting paid once the job is finished, but the client likely won’t be coming back to you ever again.

4. Don’t Work For Turds (I could’ve said low wages, but turds has more impact.)

Are you a turd-worker? Most of us had to be at some point in our freelance careers - usually when we were just starting out - but if you really want your business to take off, you’ve got to quit writing for shit as soon as possible.

Sure, turd-workers get paid like anyone else, but they don’t rise up because people simply don’t respect career turd-workers. Remember: Perception is a big part of the equation when you’re in business.

5. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Cue Steve Perry here.)

I’m talking out of my butt here because I’m still not sure how this principle works, but believing you’re going to be a success and becoming a success go hand in hand. Unlike lightning, which will strike you regardless of whether you believe in it or not, success or failure depends largely on your belief.

Like I said, I’m not sure scientifically how this works, but everyone says it does, so just believe that you’re going to succeed and you’re halfway there.

There are plenty more Don’ts that I could list, but these are the big 5 that came to mind when I sat down to write this. If you’ve got some others to throw out, please feel free to leave a comment.

Mike Sieber - The Word Wrangler