A few months ago I got a message from an aspiring copywriter asking if I had any advice for him.

I asked him where he’s at currently with his career.

He replied that he was broke, living in his parents’ basement, and wanting to get out of the gutter.

He told me he’d also just finished up a copywriting mentorship and was looking to get more clients.

Finally he said that he enjoys writing sales letters and emails.

I didn’t reply for a few days because I was busy, but then one afternoon I found myself sitting in the waiting room of my allergist’s office, with time on my hands.

So I pulled out my phone and just typed out the first things that came to mind.

Here’s what I said:

“Find work in the Cult of Copy Job Board.

Charge a small amount but give justification (I’m building my portfolio).

Obsess over being the best and the rest follows.

Study a lot of swipes in the niches you are interested in.

When you get hired to write in one of those niches, actually swipe winners in that space while putting your own spin on it (aka ethically copy).

Go to live events and masterminds as much as you can to meet prospective clients and understand your market (you want to know what’s going on with the people you want to hire you).

If you’re super broke, then offer to do stuff for people who run masterminds for free in exchange for attending.

Find people you want to be your mentors and offer to provide value and solve their point paints.

Be giving.

Don’t be difficult with people, make everyone who you come in contact with life's easier.

Once you have wins, don’t feel bad announcing them.

Do an honest assessment of yourself regularly and make sure your mindset is correct and that you aren’t falling victim to self-limiting or self-defeating beliefs about your self-worth, money, relationships, etc.

If you find you this happening, read books, hire coaches, or see a good psychiatrist – do whatever it takes to change things.

Be ruthlessly efficient with your time when you’re writing.

Don’t get sucked into FB Groups and memes and forums that are filled with people who are talkers but not doers.

P.S. This post originally came from an email I sent to my private list. If you want to see more stuff like this from me, you can apply to join my list using this link.