Trapped... :: Stuck in a job you don't like, working for a boss you hate, punching a time clock to make someone else rich?
Stuck in a job you don't like, working for a boss you hate, punching a time clock to make someone else rich?
I'm not a hard-driving entrepreneur -- and not terribly ambitious.
I have no burning desire to set the world on fire ... build a business empire ... or become rich and powerful.
Really, all I ever wanted was to make decent money doing work I loved – and the only work I ever loved was writing -- instead of a job I hated.
Well, maybe that, and also to be my own boss, not have to take orders from a supervisor, not wear a suit and tie to work, and no more commute.
In the early 1980s, I was the advertising manager of a company that manufactured industrial equipment ... and I found corporate life rather dull and unrewarding.
But I was afraid to quit my job, give up my steady paycheck and benefits, or leave the secure environment of my cubicle.
Then one day, MM – my boss -- called me into his office.
MM told me the company was moving the corporate headquarters from New York to Kansas.
I could either keep my job and relocate – or turn down the move and be out on the street.
I might have gone to Kansas, except my fiancée at the time said "no way" to leaving Manhattan.
And so, I told MM "I'm not going" -- and was suddenly unemployed.
Never loving the corporate structure all that much, I looked around to see whether I could possibly support myself without a 9-to-5 job – in other words, by freelancing.
To make a long story short, I was forced to figure out how to support myself – without a steady paycheck, a secretary, an office, a copier, and all the other things that had been provided for me in the corporate world – and that, as a fledgling freelancer, I could not afford on my own.
It was 26 years ago when I first went out on my own.
And I've never held a regular "job" since.
Instead, I've worked – for over a quarter of a century – as a freelance copywriter.
Did quitting my job and going freelance work out for me?
I think so: last year, I earned 23 times more as a freelancer than I did in my last full year as a staff advertising manager.
Even better, I did it in the comfort and privacy of my own office ... for folks I chose and enjoy working with ... doing work I love to do: writing.
Now I want to show you how to quit your job, start a freelance business, and successfully make the transition from corporate employment to self employment. If you will let me.
Learn from my "expensive experience"
Not having a mentor, training program, or even a how-to book to show me the ropes (those things were in short supply in 1982), I had to figure out how to successfully make the leap from corporate employment to self employment all by my lonesome.
And naturally, I made every boneheaded mistake one could possibly make – delaying my progress by years and costing me thousands of dollars in wasted marketing and lost opportunities.
But YOU don't have to go through this slow – and costly – trial and error process alone. You can avoid all my goofs and do everything right from the get-go.
That's because I show you everything you need to know about going out on your own in my 150-page e-book, How to Become Successfully Self Employed.
You learn from my "expensive experience" the pitfalls to avoid ... and the strategies that can accelerate your exit from corporate America ... get your freelance career off to a flying start ... and accelerate your journey to financial independence.
A proven 5-step process for making a smooth transition from corporate employment to self employment. Page 4.
A checklist of every task you must do from the time you decide to quit your job until your new freelance business is up and running. Page 91.
How Ben Franklin can help you choose the right career path for you – corporate employment or self employment. Page 57.
How to stop being miserable at work – and create a business you actually enjoy. Page 6.
Should you wait until you get your raise or bonus before resigning to start your own business? The answer may surprise you. Page 95.
10 traits of successful entrepreneurs – how many do you share? Page 58.
The 7 warning signs of job burn-out ... and what you can do to alleviate each. Page 7.
How to evaluate and weigh the advice of well-meaning friends and colleagues. Page 60.
6 steps to preparing to leave your job on good terms and launch a successful career in self employment. Page 61.
Weighing the pros and cons of taking the leap into self employment vs. staying in your present job. Page 15.
How much money should you have in the bank before you quit your day job? Answer on page 62.
7 reasons why millions of Americans desperately want to work for themselves and not answer to a boss. Page 11.
You give notice and the boss asks you to stay. How to turn a potentially sticky situation into your first customer for your new small business. Page 96.
Writing the 5-step small business strategic plan. Plus: 4 tips for presenting your business plan to potential partners and investors. Page 63.
Do's and don'ts of leaving your job on good terms with your employer. Page 98.
A proven technique for coming up with viable ideas for small businesses you can start at home with little or no money. Page 17.
Getting adequate health, disability, and life insurance coverage as a self employed professional. Page 100.
Choosing your niche: specialist vs. generalist: which is right for you? Page 68.
How to make sure your job is in synch with your values. Page 18.
7 ways to legally transfer money out of your employer's treasure chest to your bank account when you resign your current position. Page 102.
Accurately estimating your new business start-up costs and monthly operating costs. Page 71.
The 6 biggest problems that "spook" the newly self employed during their first couple of months in business – and how to get over each fast. Page 104.
6 steps to taking charge of your life and changing course for a better future. Page 20.
Tips for self-employed professionals on coping with solitude and isolation when working at home. Page 107.
8 time management methods that can double your personal productivity and freelance income this year. Page 111.
Going it alone vs. taking on a business partner: pros and cons. Page 75.
12 techniques for separating work time from family time when your office is in your home. Page 113.
Why you are afraid of failure but experienced entrepreneurs are not. What do they know that you don't? Page 23.
6 strategies to help you quickly get your first project from your first client. Page 116.
How to double or triple your annual income by becoming self-employed in as little as a year. Page 24.
How to create winning fliers ... sales brochures ... direct mail ... promotional events ... premiums ... newsletters ... and trade show displays to promote your business. Page 118.
5 most common reasons why people can't work up the courage to quit jobs they are sick and tired of – and how to overcome each. Page 28.
The 5 greatest fears faced by new entrepreneurs and how to survive them. Page 31.
Become a recognized, in-demand expert in your field or industry through public speaking. Page 122.
4 tips for getting along with your business partners. Page 78.
Will your idea for a new business fly? 25-point checklist quickly determines feasibility of any business concept. Page 35.
Need to get some quick credentials as an expert in your niche? Teach a college course and become a professor. Page 124.
Should you work at home or rent outside space: tips for setting up your new office. Page 79.
Gain visibility and build your reputation as an expert by writing articles and books on your topic. Page 125.
How to choose a freelance career that meets your income goals. Page 37.
8 steps to getting leads, prospects, and customers through networking events. Page 127.
5 ideas for organizing a comfortable home office for maximum profitability. Page 81.
9 ways to get your customers to pay their overdue bills in full. Page 130.
Coming up with new business ideas: 9 hot trends with needs to fill. Page 41.
How to make sure you aren't behind in your income tax payments to the IRS. Page 135.
6 things to look for when evaluating outside office space. Page 81.
3 tips to ensure you don't lose customers or orders when you raise your prices. Page 139.
Pros and cons of buying an existing business vs. starting your own new business from the ground up. Page 43.
9 key performance indicators to help you measure your business success and progress. Page 143.
Save money shopping for office furniture, file cabinets, even computer systems. Page 82.
10 tips on buying a small business without losing your shirt. Page 45.
Should you have a separate bank account for your business? Plus: choosing the right check format and design. Page 85.
How to make $100,000 a year or more as a freelancer or independent consultant. Page 46.
Finding the perfect company name for your fledgling business venture. Page 86.
8-point checklist shows whether you have the talent and temperament to succeed as a freelancer. Page 48.
Save time and money outsourcing these routine office tasks – doubles your personal productivity. Page 87.
6 alternative careers that don't require you to freelance or start your own business. Which one is right for you? Page 49.
Choosing an accountant to handle the books and tax preparation for your new company. Page 88.
Should you take out a small business loan? Answer on page 53.
Every entrepreneur needs a business attorney. Here's where to find one that can help you stay within the law. Page 89.
I estimate the stupid mistakes I made out of ignorance and inexperience cost me over $100,000 in wasted marketing efforts and missed business opportunities on my journey from corporate employment to self employment.
If I could save or make you an extra $100,000 in your entrepreneurial career, would you be willing to pay me just one percent of that -- $1,000? How about $500?
Well, relax: I'm not going to charge you $1,000 ... or $500 ... or even $100 to show you how to succeed as a self-employed professional in your own field.
That's because I've put everything you need to know in my 150-page e-book How to Become Successfully Self Employed, which has a cover price of only $59.
But act now, and it's yours for just $29 ... that's a savings of $30 off the list price ... less than I charge for just 5 minutes of my time.
And that's what it costs you ONLY if my advice on how to succeed as a freelancer or self-employed professional works for you.
If, after reviewing How to Become Successfully Self-Employed, you are dissatisfied for any reason ... or for no reason at all ... just let me know within 90 days.
You'll get a full and prompt refund – no questions asked. And you can keep the e-book free with my compliments.
P.S. Order How to Become Successfully Self Employed today and you get a FREE Bonus Gift – our 84-page e-book, The Psychology of Self-Employment: How to Survive and Thrive as a Freelancer or Independent Professional (list price: $29).
7 key success strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs – page 48.
What successful self-employed professionals can teach you about taking the leap from corporate employment to self-employment – page 52.
5 self-employment principles that can help you start and run a successful small business of your own – page 32.
How to control your own destiny by becoming your own boss – page 26.
8 questions to ask before you quite your day job to start a business ... and one good answer to each – page 6.
How to work for the most demanding boss in the world – and love every minute of it ... page 35.
Bob Bly is a full-time freelance copywriter specializing in business-to-business and direct marketing. He earns more than $600,000 a year from his writing, speaking, and consulting, and became a self-made multi-millionaire while still in his 30s.
A copywriter for more than a quarter of a century, Bob has written promotions for over 100 clients including Phillips, Agora, KCI, 21st Century, Weiss Research, EBI Medical Systems, Sony, IBM, AT&T, Grumman, Crain Communications, McGraw-Hill, Intuit, Passlogix, Isogon Software, and AlliedSignal.
He has published more than 100 articles in such publications as Successful Meetings, Direct, Business Marketing, Writer's Digest, and Amtrak Express.
Bob's writing awards include a Gold Echo from the Direct Marketing Association, an IMMY from the Information Industry Association, two Southstar Awards, an American Corporate Identity Award of Excellence, the Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association, and AWAI 2007 Copywriter of the Year. He has also taught marketing at New York University.
Mr. Bly has appeared as a guest on dozens of TV and radio shows including The Advertising Show, Bernard Meltzer, CNBC, and CBS Hard Copy. He has been featured in major media ranging from the LA Times and Nation's Business to the New York Post and the National Enquirer.
"Bob Bly is in the upper echelon of direct mail and e-mail copywriters and he's an all-around direct marketing guru. In addition to hundreds of successful campaigns for technology clients, Bly has authored or co-authored more then 50 books."
"Thanks for all. You are just a pleasure to work with -- my top choice copywriter. I always learn so much when we do stuff as a team."
"Brilliant job Bob! You are a master at persuasion!"
"Bob, you did a professional job on the McMaster Online rewrite. The changes you made fit nicely into the sales piece, and your bonus idea was brilliant. The results were outstanding, and we hit our marketing target."
"Bob's copy is powerful, and it makes me want to buy the book. Putting all the words in Marty's mouth is perfect, and allows all kinds of outrageous statements to roll forth without a blush. I think Bob's done a terrific job."
"Bob, let me take a moment to thank you for the top quality work and inspirations you've shared with us this year. You've been a key part of our team and I'm looking forward to 2007!"
"This is an impressive job. These e-mails are very persuasive and I like the natural flow - it's effortless to read them from top to bottom."
"As a result of my association with Bob Bly I've put well over $27,000 in my pocket this year. I expect this to be 30% of what we'll make together next year. Thanks Bob!"
"We're very happy with the copy. Thanks for all of your work on this!"
"Thanks for the fast response with the first draft of our direct mail package. I like what I see! The headlines, copy, and format you came up with erase any doubt I may have had about spending the money for a professional to do the job."
"We've been very impressed by what you've done ... top flight work."
"Bob's one of the most experienced - and successful - copywriters I know. I work with him every chance I get - both for The Total Package and when he's available, with my agency, Response Ink!"
"I was your client at Philadelphia National Bank (later CoreStates) many years ago. I was always happy to pass on your copy to my internal clients because it was invariably right on target."
"Bob, you're the man! Looks great. I really like the letter and the writing. Thanks!"
--Jeff Haefner, Ideal Computer Systems, Inc.
"Bob has done a terrific job with the elements he's produced (and his perspective on our DM activities has been very helpful as we project out the response rates for our Landlord Initiative.) He's easy to work with and delivers top quality materials."
"The brochure copy looks excellent. You seem to have really 'hit the nail on the head.'"
"The first time we tested your promo, it outpulled our control by 50%. Since then, the package you developed for us has done a tremendous job in growing the company these last 4 year. Thanks!"
"Wow, you did an amazing job writing our new white paper!"
"I wanted to let you know what a wonderful job you did for me on the first draft of my drip marketing letter. I'm very pleased, excited, and impressed. You really do possess an amazing skill! Thank you for such a wonderful job!"
"Thanks for the lightning speed turnaround! Your feedback was very thorough and clear. I could tell that you read every word. Great job."
"Bob, on behalf of Lee and I, your ad copy is fantastic."
"Well, I guess it's official. You're very good! It's very clear to me that your critique will be worth a lot more to me than you've charged for it. I appreciateit very much and greatly admire your work."
"Just following up. Thanks again for a great day last week. Everyone is buzzing, trying out your ideas and suggestions. A good thing all the way 'round."