Copywriting and lunch with Bob Bly

I love meeting both celebrities as well as not-so-famous people who are exceptional in their field.

I sat in a hot tub once with Jaclyn Smith of Charlie’s Angels fame. I took a picture with Alberto Salazar, winner of three consecutive New York City Marathons in the early 80s. I took a stroll on Oprah Winfrey’s front lawn in 1993 (unfortunately, she wasn’t home.)

Since I’m a copywriter, I also like to make connections with my copywriting heroes. Over the past five years at AWAI’s FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp, I’ve met Mark Ford, Clayton Makepeace, Nick Usborne, Ted Nicholas, Dan Kennedy, and many other legends.

I always wanted to meet Bob Bly, but never had the chance because he’s always surrounded by people like me who want to get two minutes of his time.

So I hatched an alternate plan … next time I’m in New York City (about once every year or two), I’d invite Bob to lunch.

What is your time worth?

That plan got squashed when I got Bob’s email two days ago. Not me personally, but all of us who are on his email list.

He announced that he doesn’t do lunch with people.

I understand completely. He’s very generous with his time and advice at conferences, and will gladly answer short questions by email and by phone.

His time is simply too valuable, though, to spend an hour or two at lunch with people. As he mentioned, he charges hundreds of dollars an hour for his time, and I’m sure his time is booked solid with billable hours.

Bob went on to explain in the email that he also doesn’t do meetings, rarely leaves his desk during the day, and hardly ever travels.

I bring this story up for three reasons.

One, it should get you thinking about what your time is worth and how you structure your day.

Two, I want to be at Bob’s level someday, and I know it’s going to take many years of hard work.

Three, until I get to that level, I’m a copywriter who does do lunch.

Copywriter Café is launched

I started the Copywriter Café because I realized that copywriters everywhere are looking for advice, encouragement, and feedback on a regular basis.

Here’s the problem. The copywriters we’d all like to approach for those things usually aren’t available. They’re way too busy with their own clients and projects, and if they are available, it’s often in coaching programs that are limited by space and cost.

I don’t claim to be an A-level copywriter, yet.

But I’ve carved out a pretty decent lifestyle and income as a full-time freelancer, and I’ve helped a number of copywriters stretch and grow with professional copy critiques, one-on-one training, and “stretch project” assistance.

See  https://steveroller.com/onthemenu/ for service details and very reasonable fees, and https://steveroller.com/cafe-buzz/ for testimonials.

I love meeting and talking with new people, especially aspiring copywriting rock stars.

I love traveling, in spite of airport hassles and TSA screeners, and already have 63 days of traveling scheduled in 2013.

And while I may not be able to offer the expertise and advice of the copywriting legends I mentioned earlier, I may be able to help you get to the next level up, whatever that is for you.

So, I’ll take you up on it if you offer to buy me lunch.

Just do it soon. In a few years when I’m approaching Bob Bly-level income, this offer will probably be off the table.

Until then, call me. Let’s do lunch, or at least have a virtual espresso in the Copywriter Café.