businesses.melissabreau.com

All In the Details

Melissa — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:00:59 +0000

I was walking to the corner convenience store a few days ago when a nearby gentleman’s phone rang. I overheard him pick it up and, once he had ascertained who was calling he said, “thank you so much for calling me back.”

That got me thinking. So often in life and in business the little things–the thank yous, holding the door for someone, smiling at a stranger–get overlooked. Yet when used correctly, they completely change the impression you make.

Another example: My boyfriend recently joined the Navy, and one of the biggest things he’s had to adapt to is the attention paid to detail–his shoes must be shined, his belt is supposed to sit just so, there is an appropriate and inappropriate length for a mustache–but adapt he has. His goal is to be the best; and, as always in life, there are many things outside of his control. But these little things he can control over. So it makes sense to do them right.

Whether it’s saying thank you to someone on the phone, shining your shoes or having your website proofread, little details can make a big difference on the impression you make on others. You may not be able to control if a customer’s husband just asked for a divorce or her son broke his arm or her car got a flat, but you can make sure you greet her with a smile and your full attention when she is considering paying for your services. So why not?

Don’t Build Value, Create Values

Melissa — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:43:02 +0000

I found the above quote over on the Creative Mornings blog a few days back and, although I’m sure Pfortmuller meant it in relation to startups, what struck me was it’s relevance to copywriting.

Copywriters frequently talk about the difference between features and benefits—features and the aspects that a product or service has; benefits are the results of those features and, to put it bluntly, the reasons that the audience gives a damn.

The lesson Pfortmuller shares about is the same one every writer must learn before they can write successful sales copy; if you want to sell something, it’s not about building value with various features. After all, is not the fact that a dog bed is made with recycled plastic bottles that interests a consumer; it’s that with their purchase they are giving back. They feel as though they are making a difference in the world.

Copywriting is taking a product or a company and explaining it in terms of things people can reflect upon and connect with. It’s that simple. And that complicated.

Work At Home Woman’s Giveaway – Win Free Stuff!

Melissa — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:53:02 +0000

For the third year in a row the Work at Home Woman blog is doing a Blog Anniversary giveaway. With over $3,600+ of prizes up for grabs and a promise of 38 winners, it’s a great chance to get your hands on some goods—or services.

And guess what?

I’m one of the giveaway providers. Up for grabs is winners’ choice of EITHER a proofread of your website (up to 8 pages of static copy) OR a free page of website copy. To enter, click here and fill out the form on the Work at Home Woman’s blog! Winners will be announced Monday, March 19th.