coach or no coach?
Today at the gym I did 140 kettlebell swings, non-stop, with a 50-pound kettlebell. A new personal record (PR).
I have no idea if this is good or not because I don’t know what other people do, and I don’t really care.
See, I like working out by myself. I like being by myself, which is one reason I’m a writer.
Now, when I work out, I’m competing solely against myself. I know if I’m improving because I keep a detailed journal of my numbers. I’ve been doing it ever since I ran an unofficial 4:51 mile on Northview Road one rainy November afternoon in 1983.
In your copywriting business, you should also keep track of your numbers if you’re going to improve. A few weeks ago I wrote about the five numbers you should know in your copywriting business: https://steveroller.com/copywriting-by-the-numbers/
Even though I keep track of my numbers in the gym, and I’m motivated to get better, it’s hard to push myself more than a personal trainer would push me. I’ve been maintaining for about 15 years now.
Copywriting is no different. Operating completely on my own, I can maintain just fine, but it’s hard to improve. I know, because I did it for about three years straight.
You shouldn’t seek out copywriting training if:
- You already record the important numbers in your copywriting business.
- You’re motivated to do better based on tracking those numbers.
- You’ve figured out a way to consistently grow your business without expert advice.
- You’re content with modest gains in income. Generating massive income all of a sudden would be like developing Mr. Olympia biceps overnight. It wouldn’t feel right, would it?
- You aren’t competitive, and don’t even want to know what other copywriters are earning.
- You’re able to self-analyze and critique your own work. You’d rather not get feedback from others, especially since you’re already doing well.
I’m not being facetious. A lot of copywriters succeed wildly on their own. Kind of like doing the copywriting version of P90X at home.
In fact, I’m going to be coming out with a program in early 2014 that will essentially be a “personal copywriting trainer in a box.” Yes, you heard it here first in case anyone else decides to swipe the idea.
Until then, if you’re a lone wolf copywriter (like I was for the first two and a half years as a full-time freelancer), I have three ideas for you:
- Keep meticulous track of your business numbers, like the number of conversations you have with prospects, how many projects you’ve completed, amount invoiced, and average size of your projects.
- Find a way to reward yourself for improving those numbers.
- Get peers to give you feedback. Ideally you’ll find someone at a higher level than you to critique your work, but they’re often too busy to help.
Just like a top athlete doesn’t necessarily need a real live trainer or coach, a top copywriter can get by without one, too.
When it comes to copywriting or personal fitness, what’s your style? Coach/trainer or no coach?
Leave a comment, I’d really like to know.
