Let's face it, we all start off as amateurs. Though that means we have little to loose, and should try everything, sharing our results along the way. Take chances, experiment, and follow your whims. As Austin Kleon describes in his book 'Show Your Work', the gap between mediocre and good work really lies between doing nothing and doing something.

Some helpful tips on how to get started sharing your work:

- do something, anything
- think about what you want to learn & make a commitment to learning it in front of others
- pay attention to what others are sharing, and what they're not sharing
- fill a void, as bad as your efforts may first be
- share what you love and the people who love the same things will find you

Another key element of sharing your work is sharing it in your own voice. Find your voice by passionately talking about things you love; your hardwired voice will shine through. In this day and age, everything is online, so work sharing on social media into your plan too. If you want people to know about what you do and the things you care about, you have to share.

Food for thought: if you died tomorrow, what would people say about your work? about you? Make your life memorable.

My mother is the epitome of a sales lady; capable of turning leads into buyers and "selling ice to the eskimos". It's a talent I have been trying to learn for years; and found in my collection of unread articles, was one that boast six reasons someone will believe. The art of selling, I've learned, has a lot to do with being convincing -- far less about products sold and more about having people join a conversation; telling them a story they want to be a part of. From my last post's tip of "yes, and", these six points build on a seducing technique.

1 -- Reciprocacy: People are more willing to give after they have received. If a company can be the first to give, make it personal & unexpected, then they too may get customers to give their time and (ultimately) money.

2 -- Scarcity: What we can't have, we want more. An airline previously booking 2 trips to NY reduced it's trips to one a day yet saw sales for travelling to The Big Apple skyrocket. By listing the benefits of a product/service, what's unique about it and what people stand to loose, makes all the more reason for them to buy now.

3 -- Authenticity: This is a big one. With technology intertwined at our every point of connection, we know when we're being sold to and when a brand actually cares about us. People also follow the knowledge of experts who are credible and can be referred. Sharing real results with followers and fans builds brand trust with each fulfilled promise.

4 -- Consistency: Selling hamburgers one day at 5 cents and the next at $3.95 isn't a good idea. Promotional offers are good for driving business and rewarding your existing customers but selling products shouldn't feel like the stock market. People like to know what they're going to get.

5 -- Liking: Generally, people prefer to say yes to those they like. We like people who are similar to us, give us compliments and cooperate with us. Being likeable is established way before getting down to business.

6 -- Consensus: "People do this, you should to". We often base our behaviour off the behaviour of others. If other people are liking something, we're curious to see if we'll like it to.

Just some food for thought on how to sell something. Thanks for reading!

As an art director, I am constantly challenged to think visually. However, I've noticed a need for copywriting, where projects with no budget for a good copywriter fell flat. So I've been working on my techniques to avoid poor results. A part of that practise is watching successful people work. Will Awdry is a fantastic (biased answer...but still true) copywriter who's thinking I admire. From my latest read, "Award-Winning Examples of Writing For Advertising from Will Awdry" here are his top three tips on how to write better copy:

1 -- Know who you're writing for. Bring your audience to life and be super specific.
2 -- Don't just describe what you're selling. Put purpose and mission into it. It's more interesting, vital and important to your audience that way.
3 -- You're not just telling, you're talking; and talking is a two way street. Allow some headspace for your audience to play and think.

One of my favourite techniques taken from long-ago improv lessons, is the "yes, and" technique. This has helped me ask more questions about why a story should be told, what would make it interesting, and why people would want to listen. So the next time you write, ask yourself this: "so I've got a great idea, and?"

Today I finished reading possibly my favourite book of all time, George Lois' "Damn Good Advice (for people with talent)". If you have yet to read it, read it! If you have yet to pick it up, do it! If you've never heard of it, what?!? George Lois has been rightfully deemed an advertising guru, THE original Don Draper. With hundreds of accolades to his name; he's responsible for creating the Creative Revolution, turning advertising on its head, and giving the world Aunt Jemima Syrup. His book talks about what to do if you've got talent and advice for using it.

These are the take-aways form the last ten pages:
"You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul"
- If you love something, do it whole heartedly or why even try
- If you aren't satisfied with where you are, change it
- And by God have courage! No one will believe you if you don't believe yourself

After reading this book, it's given me clarity and a "why not go for it?" attitude. Recommended to anyone in doubt or for those who need a bit of a kick in the rear to get started. George Lois delivers it straight. So whatever your passion may be, go do it and do it well.