Normally, I’m wary of using a clickbait-y style headline like “This One Tactic Will Double Your Income.” But in this case, it’s true: Making this change will easily double your income, if not increase it even more.
And I warned you that it’s subtle, so I’m going to need you to stick with me for just a bit to explain exactly how implementing it will make such a monumental difference.
So, what is this subtle shift?
It’s treating your business like a business.
Stop Treating Copywriting like “Bonus” Work or a Hobby
Here’s the thing: Most of us come to copywriting from another full-time job or other full-time responsibility. Maybe the goal is to transition to copywriting full-time or maybe the goal is to keep it as a part-time opportunity. Either way, most people treat “side hustles” like this like bonus work. Really, like something a step or two above a hobby.
And that is seriously getting in the way of your success.
What happens when you don’t treat your business as a business?
- You let yourself off the hook when you don’t feel like studying or practicing.
- You settle for “good enough” in your practice work.
- You let your self-doubt or insecurity get in the way of taking the steps you know you need to take, like doing the practice work, reaching out to designers, or pitching clients.
- You don’t dedicate consistent time to taking action and making progress.
- You don’t have clear goals for where you want to be and you don’t have a plan for how to get there.
Now, let me ask you a question. Do you think the CEO of any company would put up with ANY of that for even a moment?
Sara Blakely, Daymond John, Oprah, or insert-your-favorite-business-leader here would NEVER let any of that slide.
And you can’t either.
Becoming the CEO of Your Copywriting Career
When you’re running a business (and—surprise!—you are) you have to treat it just as seriously as any other CEO would treat their businesses.
You, as a person, might feel some temporary self-doubt. But, as the CEO, you wouldn’t dream of letting that get in the way of taking the necessary action.
As an average person, it’s easy to think, “Ooo, I’m nervous about sending out these pitch emails.” But a CEO would recognize that that action is essential to the survival and growth of the business, so they would just DO IT.
They might, personally, feel a little nervous, but they don’t let feelings get in the way of what must be done.
Are you getting the distinction here? When you’re running a business, there’s no equivocating and no indulging in fear or negativity. There’s just figuring out what needs to be done and doing it.
Now, I’m not saying that it’s easy to be the CEO of a business. Getting to that mindset takes a lot of personal growth and a lot of willingness to face your fears and perceived limitations and move past them.
But, until you embrace that your business is, in fact, a business and, as such, you are the CEO of your business, you’ll never see the success you want to see.
(And, by the way, this goes for those of you who want full-time, on-staff jobs as copywriters, too. You are the CEOs of your own careers and you have to act accordingly!)
When you come up against something that makes you uncomfortable or that you don’t feel like doing, ask yourself “What would a CEO do?” And then (here’s the challenge) do THAT.
Average people give in to their fears, insecurities, and laziness, and let all that keep them from doing what they want to do. You have to be stronger than that internal desire we ALL have to be average and stay in our comfort zones.
You have to step up and be the CEO.
Pro Tip: Asking your copywriting clients this one question will double your income. What is it? Read all about it here >>
Watch More
On episode 141 of the Build Your Copywriting Business podcast, Nicki and Kate dig further into what it means to treat your business like a business. Watch for more tips on how you can make this mindset shift that will help you increase income. And, if you’re just starting, they will help you get your business off the ground.
Your Turn
Are you willing to commit to treating your business as a business and being the CEO of that business? Let me know in the comments below!
Last Updated on March 11, 2024
Even though I already knew all that, I absolutely am not implementing it in my life.
You’ve fired me up to do so from now on though,
Thanks…
Hi Jonathan,
I hear that; there’s a big difference between knowing something and doing it. (And definitely something I’m as guilty of as the next person.) I’m glad I’ve fired you up, though—this will make a *huge* difference in your business and your life!
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I am glad I saw this Nikki! I have been so overwhelmed by my business. I recently got into being a Medical Copywriter as a part time. And, I don’t have the money to join beneficial masterclasses like yours. So it’s really been tough but I’ll take your advice and keep moving forward. Thank you very much?
Hi Margaret,
I’m glad you liked the post! And remember: even baby steps will eventually get you wherever you want to go…as long as you keep taking them. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Great post, Nicki and I agree! We need to have a CEO mindset either with freelance or full time jobs. It’s crazy how people get so scared with cold pitching or spending a little extra cash on a website or good email service provider like convertkit. Thanks!
Hi Dalton,
Absolutely – it’s so easy to accidentally slip into a “personal” mindset in the middle of business tasks. A little perspective can go a long way. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Great post, Nicki! It all comes down to accountability and if we’re willing to be comfortable being uncomfortable. I admit this is a personal struggle for me, but I’m slowly owning up to treating my side business as an actual business.
Would love to know how you set up your daily routine.
Best,
João
Hi João,
I think that’s a personal struggle for everyone! There’s a very persuasive part of our brain that wants to keep us in our comfort zones, even when it’s against our overall greater good. The only way to fight it is to continue to take action in spite of it. 🙂
My daily routine is a bit different know that I both write copy and run this business (as opposed to the days when I was just writing copy) but I try to schedule my most creative and/or challenging work in the morning when I’m the freshest. For me, productivity is mostly a matter of managing my tasks to match up with my various levels of energy throughout the day.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Some of us have no choice but to treat this like a business our work was taken from us by social distancing.
Hi Mikel,
I’m sorry to hear about your other job, but I hope this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise in the long run—even when the world goes back to normal, you’ll have these new skills to build on. Good for you for working hard and developing a new path.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Hi Nicki
I think you are amazing! A brief read of your website has filled me with hope as your message resonates so much. I am at a point in time where I am actually obsessed (eek!) with eking out a different path in life. Love your work and I hope to connect with you at some stage… ?
Best everything
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
You’re so sweet! And I’m glad what I’m saying is resonating with you. So many people just accept where they end up and never try to pursue anything that would make them happier and feel more fulfilled, so good for you committing to go a different way. It’ll be challenging at some points (usually more in terms of overcoming doubt and/or inertia than anything external), but it’s absolutely worth it. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Michelle, I have felt that push (I almost WISH it were obsession) to eek out a different path also. My energy and focus is still all over the place. I am in NIcki’s Comprehensive Copywriting Academy, and I must tell you it is worth EVERY penny. (And I am NOT an affiliate so I am telling you this info out of the goodness of my heart. I do not even have a website yet!) People who move through the courses in the Academy and DO THEIR ACTION SHEETS get WORK as copywriters. And they do not settle for low pay. Nicki coaches us through those tendencies so that we do not SETTLE.
Hi Nicki,
That is a good post. It hit me right between the eyes. I needed to hear that. In my case, self-doubt and insecurity cause a boatload of trouble. You hit the nail right on the head.
Thank you!
Lii
Hi Lii,
I’m glad it resonated with you! And self-doubt and insecurity are going to come up for *everyone* at some point when moving outside of their comfort zones. The key is to keep taking action, anyway. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Oh, me too, Lii! I get stuck at least twice a week and freeze! But we can push through.
Oh, Nicki, I have trouble with the image of a CEO.
My two entrepreneurial friends tell me I have too many “blocks” about money. I think it is DEEPER than a mindset problem and may require psychotherapy or some other longer term training or education.
Since you mention “mindset” in this blog, I must admit that I am curious about the word “mindset” that pops up EVERYWHERE. How does it differ from low self-esteem and self-doubt? Are “doubt” and “lack of confidence” a “mindset” that we must TRANSFORM before we can move into the CEO mindset? The thought of running a company and deciding for others creeps me out. (There is one aspect of my “money block”.) Just having FUN with the CREATIVITY of evaluating copy, collecting copy samples, re-writing them, producing my own copy is GREAT! My block is seeking the work and billing my clients for it even though I DO KNOW I am WORTH it. The Facebook Group and your coaching help SO MUCH though. I just hate how SLOW my progress is.
So, I am going to fall back into my comfort zone of proofreading. There is a word missing from a sentence in the 19th paragraph of your blog. (about 2/3 of the way through the document). Here is the sentence: “They might, personally, feel a little nervous, but they don’t feelings get in the way of what must be done.”
Thanks for all you!
Hi Susan,
Mindset really just means the way you think about things: the way you think about yourself, what you’re capable of, and how you’re affected (or not affected) by other people and the world around you. As you say, a “money block” would certainly be an element of your mindset—and one worth exploring and working on! 🙂
And thanks for the heads up about the typo! Fixed. 🙂
Nicki
“You have to be stronger than that very strong internal desire we ALL have to be average and stay in our comfort zones.”
As a *fairly* recent stay-at-home mother I find myself in this space a lot. “I could….[insert any really cool thing I want to try with or without my kiddos] but it’s just EASIER to…. {insert mundane task]. I’m trying to find that next passion worth my vulnerability and perceived limited energy. I appreciate this advice. Whatever my next journey is.. I’m going to remember this mindset.
Hi Danielle,
It’s a tough thing to remember, no matter what any of us is working on. But the simple truth is that all of the things that are worth it in life are outside of our comfort zones. Good luck! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Yes, thank you! This is the kick in the pants I needed today.
Hi Josie,
You’re welcome! Be sure to check back in and let me know how things go. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
This was an excellent article, just like all of the other articles I’ve read on your site so far which have been SUPER helpful for me. Thank you for generously sharing so much useful information.
I’m getting closer to launching my copywriting business and one thing that I’m trying to figure out when it comes to the best way to present myself to potential clients is whether to label myself as a “freelance copywriter” or a “professional copywriter.”
Yes, both words apply to me, but when it comes to titling myself for the ‘meta title tag’ which will appear on Google when I’m searched for as well as on LinkedIn, which descriptor sounds better?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mimi,
I wouldn’t worry too much about Google – frankly, the chances of you being able to rank for either of those terms is slim to none. But, that doesn’t really matter! You’re not going to be relying on people searching for copywriters on Google – you’ll build your network on social platforms and pitch clients to land work. It’s definitely a consideration on LinkedIn, but in that case, even just “copywriter” will do. “Professional” is already implied. 🙂 If you want to add “freelance” in just to make that extra clear you can, but it’s really the term “copywriter” in your title that’s going to make the difference.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
I’m firing myself and hiring the new, dedicated, devoted me.
I so needed to read this, thank you.
Good for you! Wishing you all the best!
Thank you very much, Nicki. I am the ‘enthusiastic but very slow to start’ type. Please allow me to echo Josie, who says, “this is the kick in the pants that I needed”.
The bullet points are so true; we just needed this reminder.
Last but definitely not least, thank you for rendering your texts reader friendly and eye catching. I’m learning. I’m also grateful that you have non-YouTube versions of your podcasts.
Thanks for the message, Esther! We are so glad you are enjoying our posts and podcast!
Give thanks, Nicki, for the perfect timing of this flame of encouragement!
This is exactly what I knew I was going to hear! A challenge of mine I knew I had to overcome, acting average, (and settling for less!) because of a lack of confidence in my abilities. This resonated with a question my heart has been asking as I’ve been going through the course…”Can I really do this…for real?” The answer, a big confident YES!
I am sincerely now, most confident in dedicating myself to myself to create copy success for my copywriting business.
What you teach copywriters is simply liquid gold.
Give thanks for all you do in your work and care for copywriters Nicky, I truly apprecialove it, and could not have asked for a better guide.
Sincerely
Rebecca Kotey, Copywriter
We couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the encouraging message, Rebecca!