Some people read trashy novels for relaxtion. Me? I’m a Hollywood biography junkie. I love reading about the people who worked in front of and behind the cameras. Most of these memoirs are crap, but I have read some good ones. A particular good read were the memoirs of James Cagney, one of Hollywood’s most important and beloved actors.

Cagney could do it all. A song and dance man from New York’s Lower East Side, he was smart, brash, and realized early on that if he was to get ahead in the movie business, he had to be a quick learner.

To illustrate his point, Cagney shared a story from his earliest days in Hollywood. Aftering kicking around the lots for awhile, he lands a small part in a silent Western. Problem was he had to ride a horse in all of his scenes.

"Can you ride a
horse?", he was asked. "Sure", replied Cagney.

Cagney, a city boy, had never ridden a horse in his life.
The director was skeptical. "You sure you know how to ride a horse?"
Cagney replied in the affirmative. "Okay, then, report to the set in a
few days." Cagney, cool as can be, says he’ll be there.

From there he went directly to a stable and began learning how to ride
a horse. He spent day after painful day learning just enough not to get fired. When the time came for him to report to work, he was ready. It
wasn’t great riding but it was good enough riding. At least it kept him in the movie business for yet another day.

So what does a James Cagney story have to do with building your freelance copywriting business? EVERYTHING if
you’re serious about building your copywriting business. Because the
trick to building your business is expanding your skill set with a "Yes, I can do that!" attitude.

White papers and related marketing materials represent a logical
line extension of the skills you already have — You can do this!

And I can’t think of a better way to learn more about it, without a huge investment of time or cash, than with a teleclass. Especially when it’s being hosted by Michael Stelzner, author of Writing White Papers, along with
his special guest Peter Bowerman, author of the Well-Fed Writer Series.

Thriving As a Freelance Copywriter: Becoming Well-Fed With White Papers and Other
Writing Projects will show you how to grow a successful freelance writing
business and answer the most critical questions on your mind, including:

• How do I land new projects?

• Is there a simple formula for pricing my services?
• What can I do to sell "myself"?
• How can I qualify prospects?
• Are there simple steps I can take to ensure a steady stream of opportunity?
• What are the secrets to writing content that leads to sales (such as titles and calls to action)?
• What are some tips I can use to improve my writing?
• What if I have never written a white paper or other project the client is requesting?
• Should I charge extra for rush jobs?
• Is it wise to pursue opportunities where very specific topical knowledge is suggested?
• How can I ensure repeat business?

Thriving As a Freelance Copywriter:
Becoming Well-Fed With White Papers and Other
Writing Projects
Date & Time: Thursday, January 11th, 2007 at 2pm.
Time commitment: Just an hour.
Cost? $29.

Plus you’ll get some useful takeaways, as well. Space is limited so you’ll want to sign up soon. Remember, these are the guys who literally wrote the books on the freelance copywriting business. Teleclass attendance gives you the chance to speak directly with two respected pros and get the low-down on what it takes to succeed.

Whether you’re a working copywriter or still aspiring to the craft, this is the kind of training that will quickly turn into real income.(And if it doesn’t, the guys will refund your $$. Guaranteed.)
Find out more here.

Maven’s Maxim
Expand and diversify your skill set based on what you already know — and you’ll grow your business the right way with loads fewer mistakes and miscues. Start with Thriving As a Freelance Copywriter
and start saying "Yes, I can do that!"