The end of 2007 is creeping near which always makes me reflective. Since I try pretty hard to bring more balance into my life and work, the end of year is time to give myself a report card to see how I really did. Well, it was a pretty good year, I have to say. 

I launched my Gold Mentorship program which is closed for now but will reopen for a few lucky applicants soon. There are now two new Red Hot Copywriting products out in the world – the award-winning Speed Copywriting Teleseminar Series which is like the Red Hot Bootcamp on steroids. (If you haven’t signed up yet, you can’t register until January 7, 2008 but you can read about it.) And the Insider Copywriting Formula which may very well be the most bang for the buck in copywriting out there today. We expanded and tightened up the Red Hot Team (welcome Cyndi Brown). 

Plus I was able to finally visit two favorite countries of my heritage – Ireland and

Scotland. My kids are cool. My husband rocks. We moved into a beautiful 4-bedroom house with a pool. I have amazing friends and colleagues. I’m taking regular Western horseback riding lessons on a champion reining horse. Next week the family goes skiing in

Northern California. Life is just a blessing. 

How about you? What’s important in your life? Ready to find out? Here’s a little exercise I’m taking with me as a conversation starter this holiday season. 

As Stephen Covey says, clarify what is most important in your life. Decide what is most worthwhile to you. Knowing what is most valuable to you gives you direction in life.  

Rank each in order from 1-10 (1 being least important and 10 being most important). 

l Careerl Healthl Homel Familyl Spiritualityl Financesl Leisurel Learningl Creativityl Communication 

This should give you a fair assessment of what your priorities are and where you want to be. Now what are you most grateful for? Make a list of 10 things and write them down. Finally don’t forget how far you’ve come. Make a list of 10 of your proudest accomplishments for this year. 

Remember, we all have the same 24 hours. Some of us feel as though we have no time at all. While others manage to get their work done and still have enough time left over to enjoy themselves. Me? I’m a work in progress. Sometimes I get it right. Sometimes I don’t. But I’m always trying, doing the best I can. Happy 2007 to you!

I have a confession to make. I don’t particularly like writing all the time. I have a love/hate relationship with it actually. And I make a good living at it. But it can be painful. There is no more uncomfortable feeling than staring at a blank sheet of paper and knowing you have to fill it with sparkling words about your business. 

I can’t always find my writer’s hat when the time comes. But for me that isn’t an option. And it probably isn’t for you either. No one wants to waste hours, even days, trying to get their marketing message down on paper and out to the world. We need a reliable, replicatable system we can turn to without thinking.  

You have to start any communication by understanding the essence of who you are. We do this everyday naturally without even thinking about it. We just talk and it spills out. There is no block there. But somehow when we have to WRITE that same message, we tend to freeze up. Does that sound familiar to you? 

That’s because we write many times slower than we speak or think. So those thoughts are spinning around in our brains (updating by the millisecond), preparing to travel down our arm to our hand and they get STUCK. Boom you have writer’s block…or writer’s FREEZE as I like to call it. What happens to ice when you warm it up? It melts. All you have to do is warm it up and it flows. 

I’m going to show how to melt that writer’s freeze and actually have fun. I want to  talk to you about S.E.X.Y. marketing. That’s S.E.X.Y. as in Seductive, Engaging, eXpression of You. Being YOU is the best way to connect with your target.  

We actually play this scenario out in real life all the time. Have you ever seen a guy or a gal that really turned you on? Someone like Brad or Britney (okay, maybe not Brit anymore). Or how about your significant other? You fill in the blank.  

When you’re attracted by someone, what is the first thing you want to do? 

Get their attention. And you get their attention through seduction or flirting. It’s the same in copy. But you can only get their attention authentically when you put your personality in the copy. So consider opening with a brief story they can relate to. 

In order to get their attention you have to prove you care. So do your due diligence. Study your target market/tarket intently. The thing about writing is a lot of energy has to take place BEFORE you write a single word. You have to know the answer to these 3 questions: 

1. Who are YOU?
2. Who are THEY?
3. What do they WANT?

 

Once you have their attention, of course, you want to keep it and build a relationship. So engage them in conversation. When people read your writing they are also having a conversation…a conversation in their mind. They are coming up with objections and questions while agreeing and disagreeing with parts of what you offer. So you want to be sure you to anticipate what their needs are.  

 

Story #1

When I was a teenager in New Orleans, I and some friends were making a nature video for a science class. We’d spent all afternoon on the video, and it was almost dark when we unknowingly wandered out of the park and onto Domino’s sugar plant property, up to the chain link fence surrounding the old Domino’s sugar plantation mansion. The mansion isn’t restored, nor is it open for tours. We were looking through the fence at this old, creepy,overgrown house when we saw someone walking along the veranda. The figure turned in to one of the house doors, then turned around in the doorway and looked back at us. Then it disappeared. We ran like the Hound of the Baskervilles was after us, and spent many hours at home rewinding the tape, slowing it down to try to see, and the figure kept disappearing. It just vanished.

We chickened out, cut the last part of the tape, and turned in the science project.

Loni L. Ice
Ice and Ink Freelance

Story #2

Well, here goes…

It was the fall of 1994; I had just endured five life-saving surgeries the past year in preparation for hemodialysis after suffering kidney failure. I had dropped 35 pounds thus far and my skin began to turn a lovely shade of ashen-gray dead. You know, the Uncle Fester look. I’ve seen corpses that looked better than I did at the time…

As I lay restlessly beside my wife in the master bedroom that crisp fall night, my thoughts turned to how I would survive another day of this “blood-cleansing” at the dialysis clinic. I obviously had a lot to live for; however, I knew that I would have to make that decision to live, if I was to do so. My thoughts were interrupted by the curtain in the bedroom, as it gently moved from the cool breeze seeping thru the small crack in the window. As I turned over to get some much needed sleep, it was then that I noticed…

My wife and I were not alone!

Standing, at the foot of our bed, was a “ghost”…

The old man was tall, so tall, that he almost touched the ceiling. He looked ancient with his long gray beard and white hair, dressed in a long robe that touched the floor. He seemed to be transparent, but yet, visible. His eyes, particularly, the whites, were clear and bright and his gaze penetrating, but calming. In both hands he held closely to his bosom, a very large closed book.

My wife awakened, and surprisingly, calmly asked the man “Can we help you?”

The old man uttered not a word, he didn’t even open his mouth, yet, he “spoke” to my wife, saying:

“It is not yet his time. You will receive your gift soon.”

The old, ancient man then floated out over the top of us as we lay in bed, over the headboard and out the window… without opening the window! My wife then turned to me and said: “James, you will receive your kidney transplant by the end of April this next year.” Then, calmly, my wife rolled over and went back to sleep…

We never saw the old man again. We have, however, had several other “visitors” since that time.

On April 30, 1995, my wife and I were lying in bed after another exhausting day of work and “blood cleansing”. The time was 11:30 P.M. CST when I nudged my wife with my elbow and sarcastically stated: “Hey honey, it’s almost May 1st, where’s my transplant?” To which she calmly replied: “It will be here, don’t worry.”

I rolled over and went fast to sleep. I rested for what seemed like hours, when suddenly, I was awakened by the ringing phone at my bedside. “Mr. Artre?” said the kind female-voice on the other end. “Yes, can I help you” I replied. “This is the transplant team at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, we need you downtown as fast as you can get here. We are flying your transplant kidney in from California as we speak.”

I hurriedly, haphazardly, with tears in my eyes got dressed and made my way to the door…

As I looked over my shoulder to ask my wife if she was ready, it was then that I noticed the clock at my bedside. It read…

11:59

What seemed like hours of sleep before, were actually only a few minutes. Every conceivable emotion, captured in that one brief moment…

I am forever grateful for the “gift from the ghost” I received. Because of it, I am here writing this true story to you today. Live every day as if it is your last, it just may be. Love constantly, forgive quickly, be slow to anger and maintain an attitude of gratitude. You are blessed, more than you may realize at the moment.

Blessings,

James G. Artre
CEO & President
AIM Enterprises

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Web: www.redhoteventsonline.com
Email: supportchicken@gmail.com
Tel/Fax: 877-293-8311, extension 4

Burbank, CA September 27, 2007 – Copywriting expert Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero of Red Hot Copy has been uncharacteristically out of the public eye since her mug shot was mysteriously leaked last week.

That is, until TODAY when she was discovered by an floor worker at Staples Office Supply Store (who asked to remain anonymous) when she asked for assistance with materials for her upcoming event, “The Insider Copywriting Formula: What Every Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner Must Know for Maximum Profit and Prestige,” set for Friday, October 19, 2007 in Burbank, California.

(Seats were still available at time of this release at www.redhoteventsonline.com.)

“She clearly didn’t want to be recognized,” said the worker. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Morgan-Ferrero has been temporarily transferred to the Copywriting Witness Protection Program, a program designed to protect copywriters from themselves AND other copywriters. (This program is not to be confused with the Copyright Witness Protection Program which is designed to protect the purveyors of intellectual property.)

Morgan-Ferrero had been hauled in for questioning when plans of “The Insider Copywriting Formula” were revealed by Spanky Hardy, president of the notorious copywriting ring, “Brotherhood of Copywriters Created to Keep Our Trade Secrets to Ourselves.” She was soon released on her own recognizance, then mysteriously disappeared.

You can review this unfolding story at www.redhotcopy.com/blog.htm.

Morgan-Ferrero was previously reported to say her event was to bring an even playing field to ALL ENTREPRENEURS – whether they are professional copywriters or simply professionals.
In a past interview, Morgan-Ferrero was quoted as saying, “Today more than EVER people must understand how to write to get attention.”

“It’s not just sales letters, but blogs, ezines, postcards, emails, flyers, websites. . . every place there are WORDS is an opportunity to get noticed. People are going to leave “The Insider Copywriting Formula” event feeling so empowered – and making more MONEY!”

When asked why she felt it was important for ENTREPRENEURS to write their own copy, Morgan-Ferrero made the following points:

• Reason #1: Copy is the only known “magic bullet” for making more money.
• Reason #2: You know your business better than anyone.
• Reason #3: Not knowing how to write copy sacrifices speed to market.
• Reason #4: To be more successful, your business must evolve over time.
• Reason #5: Copywriting is the MOST EXPENSIVE skill to outsource.

At “The Insider Copywriting Formula” event attendees will work on their personal foundational copy ON-SITE with Morgan-Ferrero’s support and guidance. They will leave with a step-by-step template that works for all types of copy so they can create magnetic copy over and over again.

During the past 8 years, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero of Red Hot Copy has helped clients generate over $12 million in sales worldwide using powerful words (and solid marketing) with websites, press releases, brochures, flyers, voice broadcast scripts, email campaigns, space ads, and postcard marketing. Her clients come from all over the globe to master copywriting QUICKLY with her proprietary, step-by-step system.

At present Morgan-Ferrero is quietly preparing for her event at undisclosed location.

For more information, contact:

Web: www.redhoteventsonline.com
Email: supportchicken@gmail.com
Tel/Fax: 877-293-8311 x4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Web: www.redhoteventsonline.com
Email: supportchicken@gmail.com
Tel/Fax: 877-293-8311, extension 4

Burbank, CA September 21, 2007 – A decidedly unflattering mug shot of copywriting whiz Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero of Red Hot Copy was leaked to the press today. Who leaked the confidential photo is still unknown.

Morgan-Ferrero was hauled in for questioning earlier this week when plans of “The Insider Copywriting Formula: What Every Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner Must Know for Maximum Profit and Prestige,” set for Friday, October 19, 2007 in Burbank were revealed by Spanky Hardy, president of the notorious copywriting ring, “Brotherhood of Copywriters Created to Keep Our Trade Secrets to Ourselves.” (Seats were still available at time of this release at www.redhoteventsonline.com.)

Morgan-Ferrero was reported to say her event was to bring an even playing field to ALL ENTREPRENEURS – whether they are professional copywriters or simply professionals.

Her event is based on the foundation that everyone should understand the fundamentals of copywriting because:

=> Copy never sleeps. It represents YOUR business to tons of potential new audiences, even when you’re not there.

=> Copy makes you stand out. It puts you in the driver’s seat as the expert in your field.

=> Copy is the center of EVERY marketing campaign. You don’t start making money until the copy is written. Period.
“Today more than EVER people must understand how to write to get attention,” said Morgan-Ferrero in this exclusive interview.

“It’s not just sales letters, but blogs, ezines, postcards, emails, flyers, websites. . . every place there are WORDS is an opportunity to get noticed. People are going to leave “The Insider Copywriting Formula” event feeling so empowered – and making more MONEY!”

When asked why she felt it was important for ENTREPRENEURS to write their own copy, Morgan-Ferrero made the following points:

=> Reason #1: Copy is the only known “magic bullet” for making more money.

=> Reason #2: You know your business better than anyone.

=> Reason #3: Not knowing how to write copy sacrifices speed to market.

=> Reason #4: To be more successful, your business must evolve over time.

=> Reason #5: Copywriting is the MOST EXPENSIVE skill to outsource.

At “The Insider Copywriting Formula” event attendees will work on their personal foundational copy ON-SITE with Morgan-Ferrero’s support and guidance. They will leave with a step-by-step template that works for all types of copy so they can create magnetic copy over and over again.

At present Morgan-Ferrero has been released on her own recognizance (or in layman’s terms, because of her upstanding reputation in the community).

For more information, contact:

Web: www.redhoteventsonline.com
Email: supportchicken@gmail.com
Tel/Fax: 877-293-8311 x4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Web: www.redhoteventsonline.com
Email: supportchicken@gmail.comTel/Fax: 877-293-8311, extension 4

Burbank, CA-September 20, 2007 – It was revealed Wednesday by Spanky Hardy, president of the notorious copywriting ring, “Brotherhood of Copywriters Created to Keep Our Trade Secrets to Ourselves” that copywriting whiz Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero (Red Hot Copy) plans to share INSIDER TRADE SECRETS with small business owners in a one-day crash course in writing money-making copy.

Her plan to unveil “The Insider Copywriting Formula: What Every Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner Must Know for Maximum Profit and Prestige” on Friday, October 19, 2007 in Burbank was stalled when an anonymous tip was delivered to the copy police about the powerful content scheduled to be shared at Morgan-Ferrero’s one day event. (At the time of printing this report seats were still available for just $497.)

“Copy Translates DIRECTLY INTO DOLLARS!”

According to Morgan-Ferrero, her ONE TIME ONLY event is based on the premise that everyone should understand the fundamentals of copywriting because copy is critical to EVERY marketing campaign. Here is a small sample of what’s in store at this content-packed event:

• How to map out your complete copywriting blueprint ON-SITE in a promotional piece you can use to gain attention through multiple media;
• How to get your marketing message down to a SOUND BYTE you can duplicate in all of your copy so you effortlessly explain what you do and how you can help;
• How to lower sales resistance and separate yourself in your marketplace;

Plus smart registrants walk away with proven templates, formulas, and power words to use long after the workshop to create MORE MONEY-MAKING COPY! In fact, attending this event is like getting permission to print your own MONEY!

During the past 8 years, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero of Red Hot Copy has helped clients generate over $12 million in sales worldwide using powerful words (and solid marketing) with websites, press releases, brochures, flyers, voice broadcast scripts, email campaigns, space ads, and postcard marketing. Her clients come from all over the globe to master copywriting QUICKLY with her proprietary, step-by-step system.

Morgan-Ferrero was taken in for questioning, but so far no charges have been filed. No official plans have been made to interfere with her “Insider Copywriting Formula” event at this time.

For more information on the event or to reserve your spot NOW, please visit www.redhoteventsonline.com, call 877-293-8311 x 4 for a pre-recorded message, or email supportchicken@gmail.com.

It’s so funny to me when I run into actors I used to watch as a kid myself. See if you recognize these guys…

Answers: Corey Feldman, Danny Bonaduce, Corey Haim

What a riot! Kelly is actually Liam Sullivan, a dorky-looking comedian who’s unpretentious, unexpectedly funny, and unbelievable sensitive to the plight of women. In fact, as he was filming the cool video, “Shoes” on Melrose, he was honked at by guys in their cars. He was pissed off that guys would dare treat women that way. (Ye barely know what we put up with, Liam but thanks for being open!)

Kelly is my number one friend on My Space. You can see the “Shoes” video there.

Even though we weren’t allowed to bring cameras in to the performance, everyone had a camera on their phone. Duh. At the end of the concert, dressed as Kelly, Liam agreed to stay and meet everyone who wanted to say hi or take a picture. He’s still sweet like that…we’ll see how long that lasts. Not because he shouldn’t be, but because he spent on average 3-5 minutes with everyone and the line snaked around the building. We all waited a LONG TIME, but success comes to those who wait. And he was sooooo friendly and sort of taken back by his own success.

Some marketing tips my husband and I had for Liam:

1) Bring your own photographer to do polaroids to keep the line moving. Of course, charge $3-5 per picture. You can also let people use their cameras too. I’m not saying be a “deck” but see the next point…

2) Allow people who purchase your cool “betch” and “deck” merchandise priority for pix.

3) Hire a handler that keeps the line moving.

4) Bring A LOT more merchandise. I’m sure I would have bought another t-shirt and CD if there were options. MARKETING FACT, LIAM: People buy more when they already have their money out.

And here is my picture with Pam Cooke, who plays Kelly’s mom in the video. She was so shocked I wanted her photo. I said, “Get used to it. You’re famous now.”

Biggest lesson from the night? I need a LOT MORE SHOES! If you want to contribute any amount to the Red Hot Shoe Fund, I will be most pleased and will list your name and website in my blog. Let’s get some SHOES!!!

Psst! Did you register for the Monday, August 27th call, *Introductory Class to Kick Start Your Copywriting Process* ($97 value) yet? It’s at 5pm Pacific. Don’t wait! Do it now!!!

I love this fun photo gallery about celebs. It’s so true! If they didn’t have trainers and stylists they could easily look a little more ordinary. (Thank GOD they have ‘em though.)

What’s a girl to do? I have two competing events happening next week. The National Speakers Association convention is in San Diego and I have a ton of friends going. Plus I’m excited to meet Randy Gage and Joe Vitale in person. (They are both on my hit list of people I’d like to do a JV with in the future…there is nothing like meeting someone in person to grease those wheels.)

But the Hawaii event features my idol, Joe Sugarman teaching copywriting. It almost seems like a no-brainer, huh? Well, there are a few personal details I have to throw in the mix before I make my decision. Like what, you ask?

Well, like how fun is it going to be to go to Hawaii without my husband (someone has to stay with the kids)? Plus we’re dropping a lot of money going to Scotland/Ireland at the beginning of August. And I’m behind on several projects that aren’t high pressure but I COULD use that time to work.

I’m being completely transparent with you on this (like a journal). I still don’t know what I’ll decide, but you can follow along…

We’ll both know soon!