Become a Writer
June 21, 2008
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!
Intro to Writing - 4 weeks: $695
Includes weekly 40 minute phone sessions, Writing Worksheets and up to 10 e/mail communiqués per week
Advanced Writing - 8 weeks: $1195
Includes weekly 40 minute phone sessions, Writing Worksheets and unlimited e/mail communiqués*
*Available Mon-Thurs, 8:30am - 4:00 pm, allowing for up to 24 hr turnaround
Powerful PR!
June 21, 2008
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.
Press Release Writing: $395
One page release, includes interview with primary company representative, independent research, culling through company–provided collaterals, writing and up to two rounds of edits.
Launchpad PR: $795
Includes interview with company representative, independent research, review of company–provided collaterals & web content, writing, and editing, along with submitting and pitching to up to four different media outlets.
Getting Your Business Started with UMPH!
June 11, 2008
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
June 11, 2008
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
Business Solutions
June 8, 2008
Get on the road to success today with these smart 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. We cover branding, cold calling, web & print marketing options, networking & lots more! …
Marketing Makeovers
Take the guesswork out of how you are going to reach new prospects and drive in new sales. These intensive marketing advice sessions provide you with motivation, resources and terrific tips that you can put into play immediately, to boost your returns from advertising campaigns & marketing initiatives…
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. We offer press release writing and more to get you and your company’s name in the news…
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! We offer 4-week intro courses and 8-week advanced writing courses…
E-Books
June 4, 2008
The first Write-Communications e-book, Penny-Pinching Marketing Tips: Big Results for Small Business Success, will be available soon!
Blog
June 3, 2008
Online Payments
June 3, 2008
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!
Become a Writer
June 3, 2008
Whether you want to become a news reporter, a feature writer or a marketing communications or Press Release writer, Write-Communications Writer’s Corner has the program for you!
Our intensive prep courses are easy and fun — and you can take any of them without leaving the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a computer with an online connections, a phone and a desire to learn about the art of writing!
We’ll cover a lot, including the difference between marketing writing and writing for magazines and newspapers, how to develop or find your unique “voice”, how to craft a query, and what not to do as well!
There are no group classes here, so your sessions are all about you; with personal attention to all writing your questions, working around your pace of learning. Between our weekly phone consults, you’ll have homework to do, and we keep in touch via email as well.
Choose from our Intro to Writing or Advanced Writing classes, which are offered in 4 or 8 week sessions.
So if you’ve always wanted to turn your “way with words” into a money-making side job, or get on the path to a totally new profession as a feature or marketing communications writer, book your spot with Write-Communications today!
Hire a Writer
June 3, 2008
Freelance Editorial & Feature Writing Resource
If you are seeking a fresh voice, you’ve found it! Pattie Simone has compiled over 400 bylines, producing entertaining and educational articles for:
- News, At Home, and Living sections of weekly and daily papers
- Full-length feature stories for magazines: restaurant and chef profiles, real estate trends, to-dos and personal profiles
- Editorial and advertorial content for special, in-house or custom publications: covering business, decorating, holidays, food & drinks, party planning, etc.
- Meaty columns for online venues and easy tips for sidebars: covering business experts, sales and marketing and operational topics
- Newsletter book reviews and how-tos for state and regional business groups
Pattie’s regular writing gigs
- Sales & Marketing Columnist, WomenEntrepreneur.com
- Regular Contributor, New Jersey Bride Magazine
- Regular Contributor, WomenandBiz.com
More about Pattie’s writing …
I started writing as a journalist at a small New Jersey community weekly newspaper 6 years ago. Within a year I had a regular stringer gig at the local Gannet daily paper.
Next I tackled freelancing for local and regional magazines, followed by in-house publication writing and web writing. My published credentials include print and online work for Entrepreneur Media — including Entrepreneur magazine, WomenEntrepreneur.com and Entrepreneur.com — New Jersey Bride magazine, WomenandBiz.com, The Hudson Valley Business Journal, 201 Best of Bergen Magazine, New Jersey Monthly magazine, Westchester magazine, The Times Herald-Record, The Journal News, and The Town Journal.
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing local dignitaries, artists and business leaders, and nationally known authors, activists, business gurus, design and home decorating experts, and actors, including Billie Jean King, Tom Cavanaugh, Carol Higgins Clark, Nicole Miller, Chris Madden, B Smith, Christopher Lowell, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Jerry Greenberg.
My ultimate goal is to have a syndicated column for entrepreneurial women. Till then, I’m interested in new assignments on business and career advancement, entrepreneurial women, working moms, bridal, home/life, or parenting topics. My goal is help readers discover new and fruitful personal and business success tips, get inspiration and motivation, and offer insights and resources.
Featured Clips
Success Tips from Seth Godin — America’s ‘Greatest Marketer’
Westchester business guru shares candid advice
Seth Godin, the best selling author, entrepreneur and agent of change who has been rated as one of the top 21 speakers for the 21st century, has some pointed advice for Hudson Valley Business Journal small business owners.
“The most important thing to understand is that no one is going to save you, that the only chance — the best chance (to survive and thrive in these turbulent economic times) is to create that product or service that so many people want or need that they can\’t help but to do business with you,\” said Godin this week via a phone interview… Download the PDF
Virtual Help for Real Entrepreneurs
If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve got piles of paper cluttering your office and to-do lists that seem to be multiplying like rabbits. The good news is that many of the tasks that keep you from being as productive (and profitable) as you could be can be outsourced. You may not think you can afford to hire help, especially in these economically turbulent times. But the fact is you can\’t afford not to… Read more at WashingtonPost.com
A Marketing Tool That’s Obvious, Overlooked and Cheap
Use superior service as a thrifty and effective in-house marketing mechanism.
Marketing and cats appear to have one thing in common: There’s more than one way to skin them both. Marketing isn’t just creating a brand and pursuing advertising campaigns; it’s about delivering value. So while many entrepreneurs are scrambling to attract new business, some have discovered one of the easiest (and least expensive) tools to keep their sales engines humming: holding on to current patrons through superb customer service… Read more at MSNBC
Winning with Wine
A new crop of entrepreneurs has discovered a business with grape appeal.
When you think of the different businesses being opened by entrepreneurs each year, chances are “vintner” would not be at the top on your list. Yet a surprising number of newbies have entered the highly competitive winemaking world, and making a go of it… Read more at Entrepreneur.com
Finding a Fantastic Virtual Assistant
Pattie Simone learns first-hand that hiring an assistant she’s never met can be tricky but fruitful.
Like most entrepreneurs I’ve met, on a typical day I spend way too much time doing a range of tasks that I shouldn’t. While it’s important stuff–following up on networking leads, contacting people I’ve met at my workshops or cold calling speaking resources–these critical to-do’s were getting out of control, and my office piles were starting to spill out onto my dining room table.
So the timing could not have been better when I got this assignment.
With a budget of $100, I set out to find and hire at least two different virtual assistants (VAs), to help me gain control of the burgeoning piles… Read more at Entrepreneur.com
New Age Marketing: A Primer
Not quite sure how to make the most of internet opportunities? This two-part series will teach you what you need to know.
If you’re one of the many business owners who feels clueless when it comes to taking advantage of all the possibilities available on the internet, don’t despair. Here’s the first portion of a two-part web marketing primer that outlines what you need to know. This month’s column will cover the team of people you’ll need, as well as basics about websites, e-mail and e-newsletters… Read more at WomenEntrepreneur.com
How Far Will You Go (for a Sale)?
Hear what women around the country think about turning on the sex appeal to make a sale.
“Pattie will do anything for a sale,” said a sales rep I used to work with. I winced every time he said that and turned three shades of purple. Even though I never had any direct meetings with clients at that time, I must admit I sometimes used my husky, Marlene Dietrich voice, which usually worked to my advantage in phone negotiations with male clients.
I’ve witnessed a range of dress and behaviors from female colleagues and peers, from traditional and conservative to wildly flirtatious. But women business owners from across the country draw the line at different points in the sand when it comes to using their feminine wiles to win in business. So is it the Sex and the City or the Paris Hilton approach that wins? … Read more at WomenEntrepreneur.com
Waterfront Weddings
Whether you are considering a simple, intimate affair or a large elaborate celebration, weddings by the water are a popular choice. There’s something about watching the sunlight dance on the water or set against a backdrop of sailboats and a beautiful sky—it’s the perfect setting for romance. Besides numerous scenic seaside locations, New Jersey boasts a variety of other spectacular waterside venues: from breathtaking city skyline locales to pastoral river and lake settings… Read more at New Jersey Bride
Bridal’s Newest Designers
There’s never been a more fashionable time to get married. It used to be that Vera Wang was the only designer name in town, but within the past ten years, fashion’s elite, along with its foot soldiers, have flocked to the bridal market, each bringing their own sensibility and style—and with it, more choices and options for brides. And this year is no exception. From a Town and Country aesthetic to Disney fantasy, there’s something for everyone… Read more at New Jersey Bride
Fun Dessert Alternatives: Unusual Wedding Cakes
Many brides opt for the traditional multi-tiered wedding cakes, with figurines of the bridal couple on top. But if you’re hankering to have some fun and let your personal style shine through, go for it, because you can find creative, imaginative bakers who can design, bake, and build the funkiest and wildest wedding cake ever, to suit your particular interests, theme, or hobbies. For a sweet and sassy ending to your reception, consider these ideas… Read more at New Jersey Bride
How to Avoid Being Penny-Wise and Pound Foolish
When you are starting or growing a business, every cent counts! And while I’m a huge fan of shopping around and getting the most bang for your buck, there are pitfalls to being overly frugal. To avoid being penny wise and pound foolish think of the big picture and you’ll actually be able to save money and headaches in the long run. Here’s what you have to do… Read more at WomenandBiz.com
Cracking the Cinderella Code
Admit it. Way before you started your company – you began to fantasize about it. You yearned to break free of your hum-drum job and show the world just how amazing you are. You daydreamed during meetings, pondered possibilities on your commute. The mere thought of your anticipated new life made your heart beat faster. This fairy tale probably included more flexibility (to do what you want, when you want) lots of cash rolling in, great clients, and fabulous business trips.
OK - so let’s get real. Owning a business is a 24/7 thing. Running a business involves so much more than baking the best cookies, slapping your name on a business card, or getting out to some networking events… Read more at WomenandBiz.com
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