Getting Your Business Started with UMPH!

Let’s say you are like most entrepreneurs. You have an idea. You think it’s brilliant. Your friends think it’s gonna make you a billionaire, and you are ready to do what you need to, to make this dream a reality. Before you quit your job and run headlong into this new adventure, stop. Get the following in order so you can give yourself a fighting chance.

• Put together a real business plan, wearing the CEO, COO and CFO hats. The plan should outline all the basics surrounding the cost of your operations, for at least one year. This includes, but is not limited to, purchasing office equipment (desk, filing cabinets, bookcases, phones, fax, printer, scanner, PC, cell phone and a laptop + the relevant operational and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software); rent, insurance, internet and phone services, marketing (we’ll cover this in more detail shortly), sales initiatives, gas, tolls, miscellaneous niche consultants, air and other travel expenses, entertaining, cost of producing your goods or delivering your service, admin help, IT person, lawyer, bookkeeper, accountant, and business filing fees, trade and other membership fees, printing and mailing charges.

• Assess the yearly & monthly costs of these. Add 25% - 50%.

• Create a separate marketing plan. Businesses that don’t take into account the cost and the time involved with getting the cash register ringing (read marketing, advertising and the process of selling) are planning to fail. A realistic marketing plan includes the cost of the following: figuring out your geographic footprint (local, regional, national, or global); best target markets - how and where you will engage them; developing a strong brand and the tools, a website and a suite of collateral materials that “speak” to your target market(s) – i.e. a business card, letterhead, brochure, website, oversized postcard(s), print ad, web ad, etc.; attending networking functions, sponsoring a local high school team, taking ads in industry or Chamber journals, sponsorships, internet marketing, direct mail campaigns, PR, attending trade shows and business expos, etc. The team you need to help you accomplish all these tasks should include: admin/sales help, marketing consultant, business consultant, graphic designer, webmaster, printer, and a marketing communications copywriter (SPECIAL NOTE about Copywriting: Getting an “A” in creative writing in college does not qualify you for this job! Being a staff reporter is not the right credential either. See “Making Sales with Authentic Copywriting” for more details).

• It’s a lot of hard work. Forget visions of lying on a beach somewhere in Hawaii. Newbie business owners who succeed live and breathe their business 24/7, and working incredibly long days for years! Fact is no matter how many people you know, creating trust (and generating sales) takes an organized, respectful process & time, lots of it.

• You don’t know everything. Smart entrepreneurs take the time to get educated as to all the hats (and their specific job functions) they have to manage, as well as the functions they need to outsource in the course of getting their business up and running quickly. I’ve interviewed scores of millionaires who admit that they would have made it to that “millionaire mark” sooner had they focused on what they did know how to do, versus leaving it up to chance, or worse, trying to juggle everything themselves long term. The ones that make it BIG all say the same thing — they hired or worked with an assortment of professionals who were specialists in a range of important areas — operations, systems, organization, marketing . . . and a marketing communications copywriter. Bottom line: most business owners who try to do everything over the long haul to “save money” usually end up treading water instead of sailing ahead.

(Special Note about Copywriting: Getting an “A” in creative writing in college does not qualify you for this job! Being a staff reporter is not the right credential either. Marketing copywriting is serious work, and a blend of art & science. See “Making Sales with Great Copywriting” for more details).

Testimonials

Isn’t it great when someone loves what you do? We think so, too, and would like to share some of the effusive feedback we get from complete strangers, as well as folks who decide to hire us.

Happy Feedback…

“I had an amazing experience working with Pattie as my Marketing Mentor! I recently launched Scheer Destinations, an exclusive women’s travel service, which appeals to the multi-faceted tapestry that women are. Pattie’s insights, resources and new ideas have helped me create terrific print and web promotional materials, hone in on thrifty online advertising opps, and focus on best viral and face-to-face networking groups.”
–Kathie Scheer, founder of Scheer Destinations, a women’s transformational travel resource

Hear Mary Lou Spang, Founder of jewelry company Spangles, talking to Pattie at the NJAWBO conference.

Click the play button to hear Mary Lou’s feedback

On Pattie Simone as a writer…

“Thank you for your newsletter! You have been a wealth of information. It is so exciting to see a woman (not that I’m sexist) so influential and inspiring. How did you do it? Well, thanks once again for following up in such a timely manner. I have forwarded your newsletter to some associates and friends.”
–Melinda Rivera, Alkit

“Your article was a pleasure to read (not to mention informative)! I really enjoy your writing.”
–Susan Whalen, Wordsmith, Proof-It-CopyEditing

On Pattie Simone as a mentor…

“I took your advice and got myself a (free $500) ticket to the Women’s e-news gala at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park… I am just speechless. I made great contacts. These people are the perfect audience, and they like my work. Thank you for your generosity — the advice is priceless!”
–Dr. Rolande R. Hodel, Founder & President, AIDSfreeAFRICA

On Pattie Simone as a speaker…

“On behalf of everyone at the Women’s Images Conference, I’d like to thank you for your time and expertise. The response from our attendees was overwhelmingly positive. We have gone through the evaluations and have found nothing but raves about your work. I was told by more than one person that in addition to being informative, your panel was a lot of fun. How nice to hear!”
–Suzie Galler, Founder and President, Esteemed Woman Foundation

“Thanks again for generously ‘facilitating’ a meeting for the Passaic NJAWBO chapter! I’ve gotten great feedback from attendees about the information gained, the handouts, your presentation style, etc. I hope that the meeting was as productive for you!”
–Abby Duncan, President, Duncan Resources

“I attended your presentation yesterday morning. It was excellent. I have heard some of what you discussed before from people like Jeff Gitomer and Harvey Mackay, but your presentation reiterated and shed new light as well. It was excellent, and others had nothing but accolades as well. Thanks!”
–Victor R. Babington, Senior Loan Officer, All American Mortgage

“Thank you so much for such a thorough presentation at WEDC’s ‘Small Business Branding & Image Workshop.’ It was so helpful and, even though starting a business CAN be intimidating, I think it is important to push through any fears and move forward. Women need to take more risks in life and I truly see that you must spend money to make money.”
–Lynda J. Moore, CEO, Cinetaur Productions, LLC

“I wanted to thank you so much for this morning’s workshop. I found all of the information to be clear, useful, and well presented. You were phenomenal! It’s interesting to hear everything you said because, as you pointed out, it’s not earth shattering and it is common sense; it is just knowing how to use all of that knowledge in the right form to make a strong plan of attack when cold calling. I am very new to sales and it’s been tough….I really appreciate everything you said and will definitely try out these methods, particularly listening to my own messages. Thank you again and I hope to see you soon.”
–Debra Mentor, Sales & Marketing Assistant

Online Payments

Thanks for choosing Write-Communications as your outsourced marketing partner!

We have set up this page for our clients, in the event they’d like to pay us via their preferred Credit Card or PayPal.

For American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover cardholders, fill out the information requested on the left side of the new window that will open up, once you click the PayPal button below.

If you prefer to use your personal PayPal account, just log in on the right side of the same page (again this option will be on the new window that will open once you click on the PayPal button below)

Again — we truly appreciate your business and want to thank you for choosing Write-Communications for your mentoring, planning or copywriting projects!

Writer’s Corner

“Give this to Pattie, she’ll fix it up - she’s good with words….” For years I imagined turning my love of descriptive wordsmithing into a profession — as a published writer.

One day I decided to stop dreaming and start doing something about making my lifelong interest into a real byline. I began with voicing my intention in my annual Christmas notes, penning these simple, but empowering words: “This year I am going to become a working writer.”

I wrote an email to the editor of a small weekly paper, sent her a few samples of my marketing copywriting and a published editorial (which was in response to another editorial from a frustrated father, who was bemoaning the general craziness of the movie industry’s rating systems and teen behavior). The initial query led to a phone conversation and a meeting. To my amazement, I was hired as a freelancer, and my journey to become a real journalist began!

Perhaps you are looking for a vibrant new feature writer, one with a nose for unique people profiles, who is adept at adding a touch of humor or a smidge of attitude. Click here to arrive at Hire a Writer, which has more information about my credentials and published writing samples.

Maybe you have a hankering to see if you have what it takes, to turn your words into a paycheck. If so, you’ll want to check out our Become a Writer private learning classes.

Either way, I thank you for tootling over to these pages, and wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors!

Pattie Simone

Writer l Speaker l Mentor

Business CopyWriting

Kickin’ Web & Print CopyWriting & Press Release Writing Services

Want imaginative marketing communications or editorial copywriting that sings? Rely on Write-Communications. We craft polished prose that engages, educates, entertains, motivates or sells.

It’s no secret, great communications requires a careful blend of art and science. Successful print or web advertising or educational vehicles connect all the dots — sporting a real insight into your company, your target market(s), and your overall strategy and objectives.

For a professional, unbiased assessment of your current materials, smart copy polishing services, innovative editorial coverage for an annual report or Press Kit, or SEO-friendly text that will help improve your website’s ranking organically, you can rely on one resource — Write-Communications!

Contact Write-Communications today for expert wordsmithing for your communications projects, including:

• Advertorials
• Blogging
• Brochures
• Corporate Bios
• Direct Mail
• Editorials
• Feature writing
• Ghost Writing (e-books, books, articles)
• Mission Statements
• Narratives
• Press Kit materials
• Press Releases
• Print Ads
• Product Packaging Copy (CD’s, food products, etc.)
• Radio Commercials
• Speeches
• White Papers

Marketing Makeovers

Marketing Business Solutions for Busy Entrepreneurs!

Choose from two popular services, Marketing Guru to Go (one intensive 90 minute phone session) or our Marketing Guru On Call Retainer (available in 3 or 6 month packages).

Our Marketing Guru to Go phone consultation covers lots of ground, including your overall business and objectives, your target markets & geographic footprint, and your specific questions on your website and print collaterals.

Clients benefit from a bunch of specific, cost-efficient fresh ideas & proven marketing success tips, including:

• Best networking options
• Smart pricing & positioning
• Effective print & internet marketing advertising options
• How to improve your direct mail, and more!

Our promise: After our sessions you’ll be inspired, motivated and directed, with numerous guerrilla marketing ideas that you can put to work immediately in your business. Don’t delay – contact us now and book your Guru to Go session!

Marketing Guru On Call l Outsourced Marketing Department

If you want to get your business to the next level, consider booking our Guru on Call Retainer option. With Write-Communications as your marketing partner, you’ll see real results. We help you take on a range of marketing challenges and establish smart systems to boot! Rely on our expert input on issues hitting your plate on a weekly basis, as well as:

• Cold calling — why, how and when
• How-tos on social networks & client prospecting
• Nimble tips on face-to-face networking
• Direct mail — what it should say, where to send it
• Online advertising venues — the good, bad and best
• Winning copywriting — wordsmithing that works
• Sourcing the right vendors
• Polishing your elevator pitch
• How to establish (and work) smart strategic alliances

With a Marketing Guru On Call Retainer you have access to our timely, expert input 5 days a week. Retainers are available on a limited basis, in 3 or 6 month packages, so book yours today.

The perks of hiring Write-Communications as your outsourced Marketing Department: We know first-hand what its like to grow sales on a lean budget, so you won’t find a “big-spender” mentality here!

Our input has generated millions of new sales for countless startups and growth-track companies in many different industries. Whatever stage your business is in, we can help you too!

Services

Write-Communications is the ultimate marketing resource, where imaginative and cost-effective marketing solutions are a reality! At Write-Communications, we are focused on delivering winning marketing tools specific to your business, objectives and target markets. We have oodles of expertise working with serious entrepreneurs — developing smart strategy, strong branding, unique messaging (copywriting for print and web), and kickin’ guerrilla marketing campaigns — with one primary outcome: to get your sales engine humming. We’ve assisted startups and growth-track firms all over the country, so give us a shout — and get your business moving on the right track today!

Learn more about our high-performance sales and marketing services:

• Marketing Guru to Go l Marketing Makeovers
• Web and Print Copywriting l Press Releases
• Communications Audits & Planning
• Marketing Mentoring
• Speaking l Training

Write Store

Welcome to the Write Store! Here you can easily pay for a range of creative & winning sales, marketing and mentoring options, as well as Press Release writing services. You’ll also be able to tap into a range of pithy e-books, podcasts and TeleSeminars — all formulated to help you succeed in business.

Whether you own a company, work in marketing or sales, or want to nurture a dream about becoming a journalist or marketing communications writer — you’ll find what you are looking for at the Write-Communications Store.

Business Solutions

Marketing Success Mentoring

Our meaty Marketing Mentoring sessions will leave you inspired and ready to make better choices, to get the most bang from every marketing & sales initiative you take on…

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Marketing Makeovers

These intensive marketing advice sessions provide you with motivation, resources and terrific tips that you can put into play immediately, to boost your campaign returns…

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Powerful PR!

Forget gold, editorial coverage reaps platinum returns! Get your business and your expertise in front of editors and producers who are seeking vibrant and knowledgeable new sources…

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Become a Writer

Learn what it takes to turn wordsmithing or storytelling into a paycheck! Private writing coaching sessions are available on a limited basis each month, so book your spot now…

Order Now

About Us

Write-Communications was created by Pattie Simone, a nationally acclaimed Business Success Speaker, Writer and Consultant. as a unique marketing communications resource. Spurning traditional agency models, Simone’s firm delivers on-point, penny-wise promotional guidance and sourcing advice, forecasting and project management services, through creative copywriting, strategy development, mentoring and marketing planning.

Attitude and Activity (or Pattie’s Primer on How to Stand up and be Noticed)

Armed with a diverse background that included in-the-trenches stints in customer service, textile production planning, insert tabloid advertising, retail entrepreneurship, national business development, marketing and sales, and nonprofit fundraising, Simone set out to share her sales-churning systems (which generated millions of dollars in new revenues) with other fledgling firms and growth-track companies. On the way, she amassed a nice amount of expertise in organic internet marketing.

Several years ago Write-Communications branched out to include speaking and training through WomenCentric™ .org, a sassy women’s speaking resource that Simone founded.

Today Simone and a cadre of other women experts craft and deliver snappy and informative entrepreneurial workshops, webinars, and teleseminars; corporate leadership and career development seminars and college keynotes to diverse audiences around the United States, Great Britain, the Bahamas, and Denmark.

Simone is also a Published Journalist, with more than 400 bylines in a variety of online and print venues. She has interviewed activists, authors, lifestyle celebrities and business leaders, including Sr. Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking), Nicole Miller, Billie Jean King, Indra Nooyi (Pepsico), Chris Madden, B Smith, Christopher Lowell, Tom Cavanagh, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Jerry Greenberg (Ben & Jerry).

Pattie Simone has been a regular guest Expert (covering career advancement and entrepreneurial success tips) on ABC TV’s nationally syndicated America This Morning program, and has also appeared on FOX 5 TV, on the Good Day New York show. She writes a sales & marketing column for WomenEntrepreneur.com and is an Ask Entrepreneur Expert for Entrepreneur.com.

“I absolutely LOVE my work!! What could be better than being able to assess someone’s industry and target markets, and provide a range of web marketing tips and other promotional guidance that attracts lucrative new business. I’m really a dot connector, actually. My work with CEOs and marketing executives results in smarter, more cost-sensitive decisions, which in turn, produce higher profit margins and more ka-ching!

If you’ve got a great product or service, and need help getting your business to the next level, give me a shout. I’d be honored to join your team, and help your business thrive.”

Pattie Simone

President, Write-Communications

Founder, WomenCentric™

Book News:

“SNAP OUT OF IT! How to Drop-Kick Your Hum-Drum Career for Entrepreneurial Bliss!” the ultimate lifestyle guide for entrepreneurial women (to publish in 2009).

Pattie Simone’s first E-book, Penny-Pinching Marketing Secrets, will be available on this site in July, 2008.