Ben Settle

Lately, people have been asking about freelancing.

Not just freelance copywriting.

But ALL kinds of freelancers (designers, coaches, etc.)

Do I have any advice for them?

Any tips?

Why, yes I do.

But it’s probably NOT exactly what they want to hear.

You see, freelancing CAN be a lucrative gig. It CAN free you from corporate servitude. And it CAN give you the kind of freedom (and even security) you’ll never get even at a “good job.”

But, it’s not without its problems.

Frankly, it’s a LOT like being a wandering samurai.

Back in the day (from what I’ve been told, at least) many Samurai were highly skilled fighters who wandered the countryside looking for work, eeking out a living, and hoping to stumble upon someone in need. Yes, they made enough to pay the bills and yes they had lots of “freedom.” But they often did crap jobs for years while being expected to live a code of honor their clients rarely adhered to themselves.

Plus, there were duels, too.

To get a job sometimes a Samurai had to duel another Samurai. And those fights could be to the death — with cutting, hacking and dismemberments galore.

Again, sort of like freelancing in some ways.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some laughs along the way.

But it can be frustrating and rough at times.

However, it can also be tops, too, as it can help dig you out of deep financial holes, pay off nagging debts (big and small), and get you FAR ahead financially.

So it’s definitely got it’s advantages.

But just don’t STAY a freelancer forever.

That’s my take on it, anyway.

Whatever the case, if you’re interested in getting clients (no matter what service you sell), check out the upcoming October Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue.

It’s all about getting freelance clients (for ANY kind of service).

Including “sneaky” ways that can get you jobs fast.

To subscribe, go to:

Ben Settle

P.S. Even if you have no desire to do client-type work, this issue contains a TON of overall sales secrets that can be applied to ANY kind of selling.

Plus, let’s face it:

In this economy the ability to get clients can’t hurt, can it?

A while back I wrote about “Sun” Magazine.

Sun is a sort of spinoff of the (now online only) rag “The Weekly World News”, and is by FAR my favorite read each week. Not just because of all the bizarre stuff I can use as fodder for emails and other online content, but because it’s rife with great headlines.

Yes, I know National Enquirer is supposedly the headline king.

But it’s a joke compared to Sun (IMHO).

Just another celebrity gossip rag.

Whoop-dee-doo.

But Sun?

Oh yeah, baby!

It entertains (and even educates) like nothing else.

And the headlines?

They’re TOPS.

In fact, below are a bunch of headlines from last week’s issue worth stocking in ye olde swipe file shoppe:

What Michelle Hides From Obama

Science Proves God Cures!

Dead Baby Awakes In Coffin

Revenge Of The Superfly
…killer bugs head for America

Deli Meats Are Bladder Cancer Risk

Beer Builds Your Bones

World’s Shortest Man Aims High To Win World Title

ET’s Tweeting Messages To Earth

What Your Favorite Ice Cream Reveals About You

Birthday Candles Burn Down 102-Year-Old’s Family Home

Wife Divorces Hubby For Donating To Sperm Bank

Top scientist has proved…
You Could Go Back To The Future!

Home Remedies That Really Work

Anyway, lots of golden “fodder” in them thar hills.

I hope they inspire your noggin’.

Ben Settle

P.S. I don’t know if it’s something in the water or what — but been getting LOTS of questions about how to get freelance clients (not just copywriting, but also for other services).

Well, guess what?

Maybe there IS something in the water.

Because the October Crypto Marketing Newsletter is ALL about getting clients (regardless of what service you offer).

Now, I can’t make you any promises, of course.

But I will say this:

I’d be very surprised if anyone who reads that issue didn’t walk away with several ideas they can implement right away and get PAYING clients (again, no matter what the service).

A bold claim?

I suppose it is.

But I stand by every word.

To subscribe, go to:

While you’re waiting for your first issue, you can take advantage of 12 digitally delivered (i.e. instantly delivered) bonuses with a “for real” retail value of over $1,500.00

(That’s what it’d cost to access these bonuses, otherwise).

Looks like people are freaking over Google again.

In fact, was just reading about someone who seems genuinely angry, confused and discombobulated about Google banning accounts over “bridge” pages not being Google compliant.

The big question is why is Google doing this?

Why?

WHY?

Well, I’m no Google expert (not even an ex-spurt) and I’m the LAST person you should listen to when it comes to PPC strategy, slaps and spanks.

So I consulted a “for real” expert on this instead:

My friend Jim Yaghi.

Jim is a computer scientist who got the PPC “bug” when he was studying to get his PhD in computer science. He has also spent a lot of time as the “in house” AdWords consultant for the world’s largest home business marketing training site. And believe it or not, while he WAS “banned” once, he’s one of the few ever to get back on Google afterwards without missing a beat (ask the goo-roos how many of them have done that).

What’s the secret of his PPC awesomeness?

He understands artificial intelligence.

Or “AI” as he calls it.

AI is how software and computer programs (like Google AdWords, for example) think, behave and respond to input and human interaction.

Anyway, so I asked Jim about the recent Google fart.

I asked him…

“Jim, I’m no PPC goo-roo, but it seems to me if people would simply build an email list and then email it offers, this new Google spank would be a non-issue. Or am I missing something?”

His answer?

“yeah that’s exactly what i do.”

So simple, isn’t it?

So, so, so simple.

Someone once said goo-roos make so much of the green stuff because they complicate the simple.

And unfortunately, methinks that’s true.

But you know what else I think?

There’s lots MORE money in simplifying the complicated, instead.

Just a thought.

Take your business back from Google (using email) here:

Ben Settle

Last week, I got a rather interesting email from someone.

This was BEFORE the Street-Smart Email sale (where I sent a bunch of sales pitches out for it over the weekend).

And here’s what it said:

“When i joined your list, I thought i was supposed to get daily email tips. I haven’t seen a single tip (unless you count reading your ads for your Street Smart course.) Am i missing something?”

Hmm.

I had to wonder if he had a point.

So what I did was look up the 10 previous emails starting the day before he sent the above email to me, and behold — here’s what’s there:

• The Marketing Leprachaun’s Pot O’ Gold
  (The tip: The power of strong customer service)

• How To Fix The Economy
  (The tip: Inspiration and ideas for entrepreneurs)

• Goo-roo Tricks That Backfire
  (The tip: Don’t use sales “tricks”, they’ll backfire on you)

• Marketing Nerd Rage
  (The tip: The power in creating your own fan base)

• Robbing The Goo-roo Train
  (The tip: Avoiding analysis paralysis)

• The Case Against Using Testimonials
  (The tip: Don’t always assume testimonials help, test them)

• Email Myths That Kill Sales
  (The tip: 8 popular email teachings that are often false)

• Sipping On A Big Frosty Glass Of Shutty
  (The tip: Talking too much kills sales)

• Beware The Devil’s Info Products
  (The tip: How to identify bad info products)

• “Type A” Marketers Hulking Out On The Competition
  (The tip: Personality traits that can help you in business)

Anyway, smells like an awful lot of tips.

In fact, methinks the REAL question isn’t “where’s the tips?”

It’s “how are these NOT tips”?

Ben Settle

P.S. I love irony.

And shortly after the “where’s the beef” email above, Crypto Marketing Newsletter subscriber David Ramsdale sent me this feedback:

(Referring to last week’s tip about getting higher fees)

Mucho kudos to you for handing out the nitty gritty 1-2-3 practical steps to make it happen… like baking a cake. I really wonder if your readers realize what a nifty Mega-Insight you just handed them on the proverbial silver platter — for free!”

cheers, david ramsdale

p.s. great physical newsletter, keep it coming! d

To magically transform into a Crypto Marketer, go ye to:

Following is a question about getting paid more.

The guy asking the question is a freelance copywriter, but it applies to anyone selling ANY service (or product).

Here’s the question:

“I’m a fellow copywriter. I see you charge $8,500 minimum to start with. How do you manage to get clients to pay you those fees? I’m left scratching my head trying to figure out how to find clients who’ll pay me what I’m worth. Everyone wants to commoditize copywriting nowadays. Your thoughts?”

Veddy good question.

I mean, who doesn’t want higher fees?

But first, an admission:

I don’t charge $8,500, I charge more than that (in a sense) because I only do partnership deals currently. But, to answer your question, it’s my opinion that the most important thing you can do (starting today) is start an ezine and mail it daily.

Yep, that’s it.

And no, I will never stop recommending this, either.

Why?

Because since doing daily emails I have never had a problem getting clients. They have always come to me, price has not been an issue and they’ve usually been “ready to go” (i.e. send me a check) almost right out the gate.

Frankly, I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do it.

Consider ye this:

If you want to be seen as a LEADER (and not just an “expert”) in your niche, and you don’t have something to say every day, and your competition DOES, then who looks most competent?

Who has the most credibility?

And who demonstrates the most VALUE?

There’s a big difference between mere experts and leaders.

Yes, experts are listened to.

But leaders are FOLLOWED.

(And thus, get paid more.)

This is why I believe email is “it” — the one skill that separates the men from the boys, and attracts higher fees.

And speaking of which…

If you want to learn how to do daily emails without driving yourself crazy, and also build an eager following of would-be clients, then check out The Street-Smart Email System while it’s $200 off (until midnight on Sunday, September 5th).

Here’s the magic link:

Ben Settle

P.S. Here’s what freelancer John Angel (a featured copywriter at a past Perry Marshall email “boot camp” who helped attendees write their auto-responders) said about the course:

Hey Ben, your “Street Smart Email System” is, by far, the best program I have read on how to write emails that get opened and read. The chapter on subject lines alone is worth a small fortune to anyone serious about email marketing.

Two thumbs up from me.

– John Anghelache

But the $200 discount sale is almost over.

So if you want Street-Smart Email, get it while the gettins’ good:

No fireworks or tips today.

Just a quickie announcement:

Street-Smart Email “2.0” is now available and you can have it for $200 off until this Sunday (September 5th) at high noon (pacific time).

Here’s where to get your email lovin’:

Ben Settle

P.S. If you are wondering…

Then here are a few (unsolicited) testimonials that have come in since it was first released in early July:

All I can say is “WOW.” As soon as it hit my doorstep I had to drive to Charlotte, NC to get my hair done and listened to the 6 core CD’s in the system and was blown away. I got so many ideas that I was sitting in my car sending recording voice memos into my iPhone so I wouldn’t lose all the great ideas I was getting from the CDs. This is definitely one of the best courses I’ve ever bought on marketing. Thanks a lot Ben, keep up the great work!

-Marquetta Breslin
BraidsByBreslin.com

Best. Dang. Email. Course. Ever. Really, really good stuff. I stopped the RV and wrote tomorrow’s email. And now I’m about to write Monday’s.

– Ray Edwards
Copywriter whose clients have included
Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Armand Morin,
Jeff Walker, Frank Kern, and Mark Victor Hansen
RayEdwards.com

Hi Ben,

This email course is incredibly valuable.

I can’t think of another info product I’ve purchased in the last 3 years which comes close. I’ve listened to the cd’s twice and read the transcript once. Each time I get something new… My sales have never been higher, and I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from members as well.

Thanks Ben – this is fun, and profitable!

– Travis Giggy

Hey Ben, your “Street Smart Email System” is, by far, the best program I have read on how to write emails that get opened and read. The chapter on subject lines alone is worth a small fortune to anyone serious about email marketing. Two thumbs up from me.

– John Anghelache
Copywriter whose clients have included
Gary Halbert, Michel Fortin, Yanik Silver,
Joe Vitale, David Garfinkel and Peter Stone
JohnAngelCopywriting.com

Hey Ben,

I’m a fulltime copywriter who manages several lists for clients. I write on average 6 emails a day for some pretty huge, and well established info-marketers. I’m less than a quarter way through your course and I gotta say it’s blown me a way. Your first chapter on subject lines alone was worth multiple times the investment.

– Francis Ablola
ablola.com

I’m already testing a couple things Ben recommends and they’re already (just within the past 3 days) starting to bring in a lot more sales. I think it might even DOUBLE the sales I’ve been getting from e-mail marketing.

-Doberman Dan Gallapoo
DobermanDan.com

You have really over delivered on this. I am getting a HUGE value from the program and can easily say it fits into the top 3 programs I’ve ever purchased. It is amazing. My writing has improved 200 fold and I can’t wait to see what happens with my conversions. Even more exciting is your system keeps me in front of the customer with ease and not feeling like I am pushing products all day long.

-Jason Froehlich
RenegadeFitnessResults.com

I’ve sent over 450 daily e-mails over 14 months using Ben’s email methods. And as a result I’ve increased my gross sales and made far more meaningful connections with my customers — including joint ventures and other strategic partnerships — than I would have never been able to make before.

– Michael Senoff
HardToFindSeminars.com

Again, if you want Street Smart Email for $200 off, then go here before noon on Sunday, September 5th:

I was ASTONISHED last night.

Just astonished.

Frankly, I had to slap myself to make sure it was for real.

Why?

Because I saw something (with my own two eyes) that I wasn’t sure actually existed. Yes, I’ve HEARD of it. People often tell “legends” about it. But like a unicorn or leprachaun, I just have never seen this thing before.

What am I talking about?

Unwavering customer service.

Yes, it DOES exist.

Here’s what happened:

I’m gearing up to do a direct mail campaign (yep, good ol’ paper and ink stuffed in an envelope with a stamp stuck on it). And I want to drop it in the mail the day after Labor Day next week.

So I set everything up with the printer.

Then, I noticed I may have to make some last minute changes.

As in, the very day it’s to be mailed, I may have to add some names to my mailing list, have some extra copies of the mailing printed, stuffed and ready to go.

Now, let’s face it:

For some places this is a problem.

Heck, I KNOW a couple printers I’ve used would’ve balked, but not the dude who does my printing (www.SelbyMarketing.com)

You know what he said?

He said (and I quote):

“We will always take care of you somehow”

How many times do you hear THAT anymore?

I don’t think I ever have.

It’s as RARE as hens teeth.

And that which is rare is most VALUED, gets the most attention and almost always gets the most sales.

Something to think about.

Especially in these dire financial times.

Ben Settle

P.S. OK, so I’m re-releasing Street-Smart Email tomorrow. Early bird customers get a sweet $200 off the price (it IS an expensive course, and not for anyone but the most serious marketers who take action).

To be notified when it’s ready, go ye to:

Last week Ryan Healy wrote a funny blog post.

It was about the power of the word “secrets” and how it was used in the opening montages of both the show “He Man” and the show “She Ra” (complete with YouTube clips — gotta love those old Gen X cartoons!)

Anyway, I watched He-Man every day as a kid.

And I especially got a kick out of “Orko.”

Orko was a dimensionally-displaced magician dude who was always floating around casting spells that seemed to backfire (and usually in a way nobody expects and that’d get him in trouble…)

Well, you know what?

We got some of that online, too.

No, I’m not talking about dorky little magicians floating around.

I speaketh of people using sales “tricks” that backfire.

Example?

A while back I remember reading a copywriter’s site who claimed he was trained in NLP or hypnosis (something like that). So I started reading his ad and he kept repeating the same words over and over and over in the ad.

It was like he actually thought he could “hypnotize” you.

And it was REALLY weird.

Now, he probably thought he was being “clever.”

Maybe even “cool.”

But it was just extreme lameness.

And I’d be shocked if any serious client looking for a solid copywriter would be able to keep a straight face while reading it (much less hire the poor shmuck who wrote it). It was just too silly and blatantly manipulative to take seriously.

And that’s kinda the “moral” of the story.

Forget the tricks.

Like Orko’s spells, sales tricks rarely ever work.

And, in fact, just backfire.

Ben Settle

P.S. The next Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue goes to the printer in a couple days. It’s all about closing sales in your ads (including an extremely persuasive way almost nobody ever talks about).

No goo-roo tricks or nonsense.

Just solid ways to close the deal and get the sale.

Very simple.

And very profitable, too.

To get it just float on over to…

Yesterday I heard a kinda weird term:

“Nerd rage”

What is nerd rage?

Well, here’s an example:

Right now you have a LOT of comic book movies appearing and in development. Many are extremely good (i.e. the recent Batman movies, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man movies, etc)… and some have completely farted on the source material from which they were derived (like GI Joe, Catwoman, Elektra, etc) and turned them into the worst movies you can possibly imagine.

In these bad cases, you get “nerd rage.”

Angry fanboys fuming at this castration of their childhood heroes.

Another example is the “Nortongate” fiasco.

This is a spiff between actor Ed Norton and Marvel studios.

Ed Norton played Bruce Banner in the 2008 movie The Incredible Hulk (a fanboy favorite). And people were hoping he’d return for the upcoming “Avengers” movie, which will feature all the main characters in all of Marvel’s current movie roster, and put them together on screen.

This has NEVER been done before.

And, it may never happen again.

Well, guess what?

Marvel fired Norton in early July.

Marvel’s explanation was extremely low class, too.

(As well as blatantly insulting to the fandom).

And thus, we had some SERIOUS nerd rage happening!

Literally thousands of people contacted Marvel Comics begging, pleading and even threatening them to bring Ed Norton back. (Not surprisingly, Marvel ignored the fans.)

Anyway, there’s a big marketing lesson here:

The POWER of a fan base.

A loyal band of your own fanboys (and nerd girls) who can’t wait to buy from you, and will stand up for you, fight for you and even go down swinging for you.

Ed Norton’s got a fan base like that.

And so do a lot of other celebrities.

Do you?

If not, make it a priority to build one.

It’s one of the most profitable things you can do.

Ben Settle

P.S. One of the best (and easiest) ways to build a fan base is with email (if done right). If you’re interested in learning how, I’m re-releasing Street-Smart Email in a couple weeks probably, and when I do I’m giving a $200 discount on its re-lauch.

To get on the notification list, go to: