Success as a Service Professional

Here's a question I've been asking a lot lately: What specific things have contributed to my success over the last 17 months?

You see, I launched my freelance copywriting career on June 13, 2005. I picked up clients the very first week. I've never looked back (even though I made almost no money in November 2005 and had to dip into my line of credit by $5,000 just to stay afloat).

Pay attention.

Lord Alfred Tennyson said: "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."

This is true in every endeavor of life, especially online marketing. Knowledge enough to fill libraries, and yet everyone is still thirsty for wisdom.

Where can you find real wisdom?

I contend that one of the most overlooked sources of wisdom in the entire world... is... the book of Proverbs.

When I was young, my grandfather told me to read Proverbs every month. There are 31 chapters. Read one a day and you can read the entire book every month. Twelve times a year.

Although I never read Proverbs every month, I took my grandfather's advice to heart. And I've read that book of the Bible more frequently than any other.

Anyway, for the past year I've had one particular verse rolling around in my head. It's given me a focal point for my efforts. And it seems to have paid off well.

What was the verse? It was Proverbs 22:29. I quote it here for your benefit.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings. He will not stand before obscure men.

I have meditated on this verse for over a year now. I believe it is one of the greatest keys to success as a service professional—hence, the title of this post.

You see, if you are skilled in your work, your clients and customers will begin to advertise for you. This is called "word of mouth." Is it any surprise that the most of my new clients are referrals?

The good news is, the same thing can happen for you. Yes, you should advertise. Yes, you should market your services. But never forget that skill—more than anything else—will give you access to men and women of influence. Therefore, be skilled in your work.

Comments

[Jay White]

Dude, awesome post. My wife quotes that same verse to me whenever I'm feeling a bit discouraged. It's a keeper. ;)

God is good, my friend!

JW

[John A. Manley]

Good quote (good book).

I think it fits into the idea that if your not constantly moving forward (that's is writing and studying) than you'll fall backwards. No standing still.

Rather dull standing still, anyways.

John
http://www.RealityCopywriting.com/true_stories

[Jane Hendry]

Hi Ryan,

I would dimensionalise this by saying that it isn't just about skill, but it's about how you're perceived in the market place, and the VALUE that you give to clients. Bottom line is that they have to feel that you are the best solution to their issues and their friend's issues, which involves skill, but is not only about skill.

There are lots of very highly skilled consultants out there who do not become the big income earners.

Jane

[caleb osborne]

Ryan,

I was reading that verse just the other day and I had the same thought about my copywriting career.

It'd def encouraging!

Best,
Caleb

[Alan Allard]

The skills needed by copywriters to "stand before kings" would be varied:

(1) Copywriting skills
(2) Marketing skills to market yourself and your services
(3) The abilities to communicate effectively enough to influence and persuade a potential client to hire you.
(4) Communication skills to manage and lead the client throughout the project
(5) Effectively managing your emotions AND behaviors

And more...

These skill sets are worth mastering.

Alan Allard
http:/www.geniusdynamics.com