Hey! You know what? I’m getting really tired of the Debbie Downers (wah, wah!!) who keep whining about the economy. One of my friends actually announced on her Facebook page that she cries every time she hears another news report on the topic. Wow. That is what I call being paralyzed by fear.

It’s not that I’m oblivious… but when times are “tough” like this, is when opportunities truly abound. First, because things cost less. Second, because the population is vulnerable and a “willing ear” for your persuasion.

Some cool and heartening facts I just learned about:

* Several successful businesses such as Microsoft and Disney began during recessions.

* There are over 16 million home based businesses in the U.S. - that means people out there who might have a need for YOUR products or services!

I feel like a broken record. But you’re still putting food on your table, right? You still go to the mall and buy things, right? The Chicken Little mentality does no good to anyone. Rather, we should be pulling oursleves up by the bootstraps. Think about how you can find creative ways to earn money. Put the word out that you’re consulting now. Launch an online business - it’s cheap and easy!

This Valentine’s Day weekend, why not show your (future) business some love, with some low-cost lessons on how to market your services and products more successfully.

Wordfeeder Copywriting and Marketing is offering Limited Time Only Pricing on the following must-haves for your business or future business on the web:

1. Article Power: How to Attract Paying Clients Online by Writing Web Articles

2. The Dangerous Truth About How to Write Copy That Sells

3. Biz-Feeder: The Private Group for Do-It-Yourself Marketers (Get on my list now!)

4. The Copywriter’s Bedside Bible(Learn How to Earn a Living Writing Copy from the Comfort of Home. Coming Soon!)

Check out This Page for your Special Valentine’s Offers from Wordfeeder Copywriting!

And have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Popularity: 65% [?]

Dogs and bees, and freelancers, can smell fear. As someone who writes copy and produces marketing materials on a freelance basis, I can tell within five minutes of talking to a potential customer whether their fear of being overcharged will set the tone for our work together. I can also assure you that there are ways to retain quality and get good turnaround time on projects without being run through the wringer.

Some facts and suggestions on how to get the most bang for your outsourced buck:

Know that the freelancer is just as interested in being quick and efficient as you are.

People who are new to outsourcing might view me (the copywriting consultant) as someone who would try to milk them out of their last dime while dragging the project on forever. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Established freelancers typically juggle multiple projects at once. It makes much better business sense for us to complete two projects for two happy clients in two days, then deliver one project for one client in two days and have that client feel uneasy about the amount of time we spent on their work.

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Popularity: 88% [?]

Admit it: if you’re a freelancer or online business consultant, sometimes you let prospective clients fall through the cracks. Let’s say, for example, that a friend of a friend contacts you with a vague request for your services. You mean to reply and ask them to be clearer on their needs. But time slips away and before you know it their email is at the bottom of the heap along with that Cialis spam that you meant to delete two months ago.

Even if you always manage to snap up the hot prospects… forgetting, procrastinating or blatantly ignoring the less than stellar ones is bad policy. It lets others know that you’re not walking the talk you spout regularly on your blog… and it’s just an un-smart way to do business.

Let’s review some possible reasons why you’re not answering every query that comes your way:

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Popularity: 94% [?]