Today is the first day of "Dry July", where you abstain from alcohol for a month and raise money for cancer. Now those who know me know I like my red wine so I am up for the challenge of going to head to head with my own head! Hope that makes sense and if it doesn't then read on.
I thought to make it easier and because I am an optimist I am going to make lists of all the wonderful things I enjoy, hopefully everyday so here goes.
All the things I enjoyed today ...
1. Walk along the beach with hubby
2. Nice hot coffee and banana cake at the local cafe
3. Dropping off doughnuts to my boy's class for their shared lunch
4. The beautiful sound of tuis in the trees
5. Darlene's speech (daughter's best friend reading out her speech about body image in the car on the way home - brilliant!)
6. My husband painting our son's science board just the right shade of yellow (don't go there - you know that science fair project your kid gets that somehow ends up part yours)
7. My darling daughter getting merit in her geography project about Nelson Mandela
8. Being asked to write about swimming with the dolphins - loving all the research about this. I can feel myself becoming a bit of a wild dolphin activist.
Tomorrow I can't wait to have another list of great things I got to enjoy!
Why not visit me at www.quality-content-writing.com for all your website writing services? Working in this fun and creative industry I get to write about all sorts of amazing services and products to promote websites. This week I am lucky enough to write about dolphins and natural skincare and load some content onto a site about concrete. Next week I am booked for financial services and mechanics (now you get the head to head with my own head right!)
Monday, July 1, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Integrity
What is it about this word that makes it so powerful? I think it is because it is all about how we act and behave, as opposed to others. Words give power to images and images gives power to words. When I picture integrity I see something that brings us true happiness, whether that is doing a job we love or behaving in a way that makes us feel really good. Spending time with those we love or buying someone a coffee when they look like they have been through a hard time recently brings me true joy.
I know how touching something as simple as a coffee can be, plenty of people have shown me kindness when I needed it and at the time I don't think I even knew how much so. Would I have recognised in others this need if I once did not need it myself? Recently I have become even more aware of how much people need kind words, the busker who plays beautiful music and needs a coin or two for recognition and for payment and the dad who is going it alone and doing a great job.
I am pleased I have met these people recently because it makes my writing truer to who I am and what I really care about. I have always had somewhat of a socialist spirit and no matter how hard I try it seems to be calling me louder and louder these days and I'm glad. It is through my writing I can make things better, even if that is only a small difference. To ease the pain and to make people laugh and not feel so alone is who I am, in business and at home.
At times I have struggled with the unfairness of life, now I know it is a lesson we need to make us appreciate life more. It doesn't mean we like it, god I am the worlds worst, but I am certainly beginning to accept things a bit more. The only reason this is happening though is because I have a family that loves me warts and all, I have incredible business women around me at Venus Network who inspire me and help me along the way and I have some incredible friends.
As Chief Copywriter, at www.quality-content-writing.com, it is really important to me to work with integrity. When I clearly communicate to my clients and act with transparency and integrity, everyone benefits and learns some "insider essentials"!
I know how touching something as simple as a coffee can be, plenty of people have shown me kindness when I needed it and at the time I don't think I even knew how much so. Would I have recognised in others this need if I once did not need it myself? Recently I have become even more aware of how much people need kind words, the busker who plays beautiful music and needs a coin or two for recognition and for payment and the dad who is going it alone and doing a great job.
I am pleased I have met these people recently because it makes my writing truer to who I am and what I really care about. I have always had somewhat of a socialist spirit and no matter how hard I try it seems to be calling me louder and louder these days and I'm glad. It is through my writing I can make things better, even if that is only a small difference. To ease the pain and to make people laugh and not feel so alone is who I am, in business and at home.
At times I have struggled with the unfairness of life, now I know it is a lesson we need to make us appreciate life more. It doesn't mean we like it, god I am the worlds worst, but I am certainly beginning to accept things a bit more. The only reason this is happening though is because I have a family that loves me warts and all, I have incredible business women around me at Venus Network who inspire me and help me along the way and I have some incredible friends.
As Chief Copywriter, at www.quality-content-writing.com, it is really important to me to work with integrity. When I clearly communicate to my clients and act with transparency and integrity, everyone benefits and learns some "insider essentials"!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Gift of Freedom
Today I gave myself the gift of freedom. It was the most amazing and empowering feeling to be walking along the beach, enjoying the sun, the waves and watching a local surfer do his stretches before he braved a chilly set.
With my camera phone in one hand I started taking photos of all the different footprints in the sand - dogs, people and more dogs - the one precious little footprint I still wanted to collect was a birds but today there were none. Then my creative juices started kicking in as I was inspired by these simple little imprints, including my own.
"Today I stand in my own footprint and thank myself for giving me the freedom to be here. Not rushing off to be here, there and everywhere, or making any times today where I have to be anywhere but here. Thank you - thank me for reminding me how important to me the gift of freedom is"
When I was overseas for a few years, old friends at home would ask - why have you stayed away so long? The only thing I could think of was freedom. Once you get over being lonely or being scared or being unsure, this incredible moment happens when you have the freedom to do whatever it is you want to do. So as I go through my days working on different copywriting projects giving myself the opportunity to break free is paramount to my creativity.
I have discovered a new hobby after reading Susannah Conway's book and blogs - she is an incredibly uplifting blogger and her timing to come along has been just the thing I needed. I have just about finished her book This I Know and it is precious, but she has so many wonderful books and courses I am going to be inspired by her for a very long time. Her writing has reminded me to how important it is to be true to yourself.
With my camera phone in one hand I started taking photos of all the different footprints in the sand - dogs, people and more dogs - the one precious little footprint I still wanted to collect was a birds but today there were none. Then my creative juices started kicking in as I was inspired by these simple little imprints, including my own.
"Today I stand in my own footprint and thank myself for giving me the freedom to be here. Not rushing off to be here, there and everywhere, or making any times today where I have to be anywhere but here. Thank you - thank me for reminding me how important to me the gift of freedom is"
When I was overseas for a few years, old friends at home would ask - why have you stayed away so long? The only thing I could think of was freedom. Once you get over being lonely or being scared or being unsure, this incredible moment happens when you have the freedom to do whatever it is you want to do. So as I go through my days working on different copywriting projects giving myself the opportunity to break free is paramount to my creativity.
I have discovered a new hobby after reading Susannah Conway's book and blogs - she is an incredibly uplifting blogger and her timing to come along has been just the thing I needed. I have just about finished her book This I Know and it is precious, but she has so many wonderful books and courses I am going to be inspired by her for a very long time. Her writing has reminded me to how important it is to be true to yourself.
Friday, November 23, 2012
What is a Copywriter?
Copywriting is the art of writing marketing and advertising copy that engages, informs and inspires readers to take a certain action.
A copywriter is usually someone who has a wide interest in everything and anything, from the random to political. As a copywriter and as a SEO copywriter I love research and I love strategy because it gives me such interesting information, so I can really get to understand my market.
I love the beach but I also love big cities. I love to observe people and look at interesting buildings, imagining what goes on behind closed doors in the past and in the present. I love art galleries and l love tattoos because they show a creative genius that as an observer I can experience.
I spent six months trying to learn Russian, why - because it is different and it ended up being incredible fun and I would love to visit that amazing land one day. This intense curiosity enables me to create copywriting services because I get so excited learning new topics and meeting new people.
One of the best parts of being a copywriter is meeting incredible people I get to write for. Their businesses are unique not because of what they do but because of who they are. I try and ensure as a copywriter I inject their personalities into the copy because this is ethical and credible, two of the most important values as a copywriter.
A copywriter who has strategic communication skills relies on a number of strengths - knowledge, creativity, research, analytical technique and listening.
As the owner/Chief Copywriter at www.quality-content-writing.com I am curious about what makes you and your business tick. I want to hear what drives you, what inspires you and all those wonderful things that make you unique. Then I will provide copywriting that has your own personal DNA stamp.
A copywriter is usually someone who has a wide interest in everything and anything, from the random to political. As a copywriter and as a SEO copywriter I love research and I love strategy because it gives me such interesting information, so I can really get to understand my market.
I love the beach but I also love big cities. I love to observe people and look at interesting buildings, imagining what goes on behind closed doors in the past and in the present. I love art galleries and l love tattoos because they show a creative genius that as an observer I can experience.
I spent six months trying to learn Russian, why - because it is different and it ended up being incredible fun and I would love to visit that amazing land one day. This intense curiosity enables me to create copywriting services because I get so excited learning new topics and meeting new people.
One of the best parts of being a copywriter is meeting incredible people I get to write for. Their businesses are unique not because of what they do but because of who they are. I try and ensure as a copywriter I inject their personalities into the copy because this is ethical and credible, two of the most important values as a copywriter.
A copywriter who has strategic communication skills relies on a number of strengths - knowledge, creativity, research, analytical technique and listening.
As the owner/Chief Copywriter at www.quality-content-writing.com I am curious about what makes you and your business tick. I want to hear what drives you, what inspires you and all those wonderful things that make you unique. Then I will provide copywriting that has your own personal DNA stamp.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Some Pig!!
Charlottes's Web must have been my all time favourite book as a little girl growing up, another fine example of girl meets pig, girl falls in love with pig and saves pig. No, this blog is not about my love life - thank goodness but a little tale (sorry no more pig jokes I promise) about how you can create a wonderful web (site) with the beauty of writing web page content the right way.
The web is all about creating a piece of work you can be proud of. Your website is a reflection of who you are and how you like to do business. If you like me loved Charlotte's Web then chances are you like to "save the world". When you are writing web page content why not have a section that tells your customers how you "save the world"?
I have seen hundreds of CV's and job applications over my time in HR and I tell you those who tell me they have volunteered for this and that join the pile with those who have other skills. Remember understand your market when you write web content, who are you talking to?, who do you want to interact with?
You see social media is a great way to interact with others and share news but your web content can do the same. If you have something truly wonderful to say about yourself or your business then for Wilbur's and Charlotte's sake just say it and make it stand out!!
TERRIFIC!
Visit me now on www.quality-content-writing.com and you will find out heaps of ways to write and how to make your special and delicate website stand out. We will weave our magic together and come up with the most stunning and boastful web page content that you will be proud of!
The web is all about creating a piece of work you can be proud of. Your website is a reflection of who you are and how you like to do business. If you like me loved Charlotte's Web then chances are you like to "save the world". When you are writing web page content why not have a section that tells your customers how you "save the world"?
I have seen hundreds of CV's and job applications over my time in HR and I tell you those who tell me they have volunteered for this and that join the pile with those who have other skills. Remember understand your market when you write web content, who are you talking to?, who do you want to interact with?
You see social media is a great way to interact with others and share news but your web content can do the same. If you have something truly wonderful to say about yourself or your business then for Wilbur's and Charlotte's sake just say it and make it stand out!!
TERRIFIC!
Visit me now on www.quality-content-writing.com and you will find out heaps of ways to write and how to make your special and delicate website stand out. We will weave our magic together and come up with the most stunning and boastful web page content that you will be proud of!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Web Writing - The Law of Attraction
A good suggestion if you are writing fresh content for your website or for regular blogs is to remember you need to take your readers on the journey with you. If you sell uniforms for example of course you need to talk about the special features of each item but you also need to tell the reader about how smart they will look in their new kit, how impressive your team will look stepping out onto the field etc. This is all part of the art of selling.
Great copywriters like Joseph Sugarman call it The Psycholgical Triggers. One of the best copywriting books of all time is his book titled The Adweek Copywriting Handbook. I highly recommed it to writers, business owners, website owners who are thinking of continuously putting together powerful copy as an advertising strategy.
Personally as a marketing tool being able to "see into the minds" of your market is a powerful way of relating to them and being able to provide them with the best service or outstanding product. Of course writing web page content has to include those keywords or keyword phrases but it should also relate to your readers "problem" and then provide a solution.
Imagine your website copy is like your best sales person in your store. Your website copy is the expert and is there to provide friendly, warm assistance to your valued customers who come through your door. Your website copy needs to direct them to the right service or product to make your customers visit as pleasant and as easy as possible.
There is nothing worse than bad customer service and if you don't have helpful web page content then this is exactly what you are doing - giving bad customer service!
Great copywriters like Joseph Sugarman call it The Psycholgical Triggers. One of the best copywriting books of all time is his book titled The Adweek Copywriting Handbook. I highly recommed it to writers, business owners, website owners who are thinking of continuously putting together powerful copy as an advertising strategy.
Personally as a marketing tool being able to "see into the minds" of your market is a powerful way of relating to them and being able to provide them with the best service or outstanding product. Of course writing web page content has to include those keywords or keyword phrases but it should also relate to your readers "problem" and then provide a solution.
Imagine your website copy is like your best sales person in your store. Your website copy is the expert and is there to provide friendly, warm assistance to your valued customers who come through your door. Your website copy needs to direct them to the right service or product to make your customers visit as pleasant and as easy as possible.
There is nothing worse than bad customer service and if you don't have helpful web page content then this is exactly what you are doing - giving bad customer service!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How To Wash Windows
It sounds easy right, how to wash windows? But alot of people are looking for the quick and easy way to make their windows sparkle and look great. What many people fail to think about is not only how to wash windows from the outside so their house or building looks great but how to wash windows on the inside.
One of the best ways to make sure your property is looking its best is you have to wash your windows inside and out. Just washing your windows on the outside will miserably fail you in your attempt to satisfy a good house wash.
How to wash windows can be easy if you have the right formula and enough time to spend on doing it right. Be realistic if you haven't got the right formula or the right gear why not grab a local window cleaner who not only enjoys washing windows but knows how to wash windows?
If you are selling your property you have to make sure it looks fabulous and clean windows and a tidy outdoor area is so important as far as first impressions is concerned. Never miss an opportunity to make a great impact for every potential seller that is approaching your property.
Think about;
One of the best ways to make sure your property is looking its best is you have to wash your windows inside and out. Just washing your windows on the outside will miserably fail you in your attempt to satisfy a good house wash.
How to wash windows can be easy if you have the right formula and enough time to spend on doing it right. Be realistic if you haven't got the right formula or the right gear why not grab a local window cleaner who not only enjoys washing windows but knows how to wash windows?
If you are selling your property you have to make sure it looks fabulous and clean windows and a tidy outdoor area is so important as far as first impressions is concerned. Never miss an opportunity to make a great impact for every potential seller that is approaching your property.
Think about;
- Clean windows - inside and out
- Great looking yard and gardens
- Even paint that letter box that may be looking a bit tired (remember first impressions count)
For an easy solution to how to wash your windows seriously think about the best formula to use, how much time you have and who could help you with a seemingly simple chore that could make all the difference between a sale and a non-sale!
Russell Hawkins Window Cleaning can offer a quick, best-price in town option to washing windows so your property pops! With a background in sales Russell Hawkins Window Cleaning understands your market and just how important clean windows and tidy exteriors are to a property.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
So What Do You Do Again? – The Life of A Website Consultant
When you meet new people often the topic of conversation comes up around what we do for a “day job”. One of my day jobs is a website consultant and website writer which most people (and I did the same before I started) look at you and wonder what the hell that is?
Well in a nut shell a website consultant advises website owners what their website needs to get a better hit rate. Some website consultants are technical experts and others like me are quality content experts but both focus on making sure those people who have invested time in getting a website start to see results.
I feel bad for people who have spent a lot of money on a website and yet still are frustrated that they don’t seem to be getting any hits. Most of these people don’t understand (and once again nor did I) that there are parts to a website business just the same as any other offline business.
The website developer and designer will build you the website and sometimes do the marketing part or at least out source it but most of the people I have come across thought that website developers always handled the business website marketing. And this is where the frustration comes in.
What those frustrated website owners need to be aware of and I wish I could tell them this right at the beginning, is that they will also need a website consultant who can help them market their site. Search engine optimization consultants will help website owners understand the power of quality content and offer quality content writing as part of a website marketing package.
One of the best parts of being a website consultant or being in charge of writing web content is how you can empower others. When website owners can see what quality content does for their site they can easily start writing quality content themselves.
When website owners find a great website consultant or SEO services who will not only get clicks coming onto a site but will create results in sales then they then begin to understand why it is so important to work on Internet Marketing.
At www.quality-content-writing.com Cherie Hawkins offers expertise to work on the content part of your site both as a website writer and a website consultant. Business website marketing is an important step towards getting sales from your website and will create an excitement when you start to see those clicks coming through. You know that feeling you get when you see an enquiry appear in your in box? – that is what a website consultant and website writer will do for you!
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Importance of Family Photography – Oh I remember that!
Just the other day as I was working on my new favourite website, www.helenchapmanphotography.co.nz and Helen and I got to talking about why a great family portrait photographer is just so important. I started to think about a great family photo of myself and my two brothers, one older and one younger.
It is an awesome family shot – black and white I might add, that really speaks volumes and to this day I remember that photo being taken. We were made to feel so special by my parents chosen family photographer and it is such a special keepsake that I now have the original and will share copies of with my two brothers.
There is my younger brother so gorgeous as a chubby , cute little four year old holding two of his little fingers and wearing a cool tee shirt with My Grandma Loves Me which she still does at the age of 95! My younger brother has now reached the grand old age of 40 and lives in Shanghai with his own beautiful family and I am so proud of him. Here in this family photo I was just as proud because he really is just so cute and his sweetness has been cleverly snapped by our family photographer.
My older brother looks all serious as he was the one in the family who has and always has done hated having his photo taken but I think the photographer did a fab job of making him feel as relaxed as possible. This is something I know Helen does extremely well as she has her own treasured family and has worked really hard to become a really skillful family portrait photographer. My older brother now lives in Sydney and surprisingly I think we miss each other! I love him dearly and I hope he really does know this as he is incredibly special.
In the middle because that is what I am “a middle child” is me. I have the famous shaggy hair do of the 70’s and the dress I am wearing was bright pink, these days you would call it fluero. Long knee length white socks with sandles finished off the ensemble and even though that sounds foul I love this family photo.
When you have a family photo on the wall or in your album only you will understand the complexities your own family had but with mine I can just see love. As a kid growing up a family photo isn’t much really, you just take it for granted. As an adult a family photo is one of the most precious things in the world. You know that game you play when you ask yourself what would you save in a fire after your family? Well mine would be the DVD’s of my kids and my precious family photos taken by a truly magical family portrait photographer. Whoever you are – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. X
At www.helenchapmanphotography.co.nz you will find an incredibly talented and special family portrait photographer in Helen. What do I see when I see her family photos? Mainly love actually. Love that crosses generations and joins families together forever. Family photography is so special and so is Helen Chapman Photography.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Why Do People Search for Freelance Employment?
The list may be long but there are many reasons people search for freelance employment and for me as a freelance writer I think it had something to do with the word free! Of course, not providing freelance writing for free – that would be nuts – but enjoying the free-dom to choose how and when I work.
Freelance employment allows people to earn extra income that jobs used to provide. With the global economic crisis whether you work full time, part time or freelance you have to think of ways to earn extra income and enjoy your life along the way, and that is the greatest gift of freelance employment.
If you are searching for freelance employment don’t think it isn’t hard work because it can be but it can also be hugely satisfying. One of the most important things to remember is time management but most people who work from home have great time management skills and if they don’t they soon will!
One way to find freelance employment is to search online, easy isn’t it! Just always remember as a freelancer to supply quality, expert material and you will have a winning formula. Communicate regularly with your customers and give them updates on where you are at with the project so they are reassured you are on track.
Make sure you both understand right from the beginning what is expected. Send them samples to begin with so they have the opportunity to tweak anything at the start rather than at the end. Freelance employment relies on a good rapport between freelancer and customer so make sure you have all those excellent relationship management skills up your sleeve to use .
Freelance employment could be your ticket to finally be your own boss and once you learn how it’s done you can escape the 9 – 5 but still earn valuable income today!
check out www.quality-content-writing.com today to find out how freelancers work and to learn how to become a freelance writer. Freelance writing will help you escape 9 - 5 and will give you the freedom to create freelance employment. Start today!
Freelance Writer Wish List!
Being a freelance writer, mainly writing for websites and Internet Marketing, I am going back to the drawing board and finally doing two things I love the most - helping others become successful whilst I enjoy the success too, and writing incredible website content.
What I figure is I love coaching and I love writing for websites so why not mix the two together and create my very own brand and products that will help others, especially stay at home parents, who want to discover all the secrets of a happy freelancer. What better way to help others and myself become more financially secure and discover what all this freelance stuff is all about.
Over three years ago I started my journey where two mothers gave me the ideas and the inspiration to become a freelance writer. Before that I knew very little of the freelance world, instead working full time trying to raise two kids with my husband but I knew there was something else I could do.
I loved working but wanted more time for the family because I didn't want to look back and think I had missed out somewhere. So my story will be told in my new to be released CD so other mums and dads like me can have more choice and have the opportunity to raise more income. Watch this space and if you want anything included just drop me an email and I will do my best!
Cherie Hawkins (me!) is a happy freelance writer who specialises in website writing. Happy to share her secrets on how she became a freelance writer three years ago she will share her top tips and her don't dos - the ones she learnt the hard way. Just think if you visit today at www.quality-content-writing.com you will be the first to find out the secrets of a happy freelancer!
What I figure is I love coaching and I love writing for websites so why not mix the two together and create my very own brand and products that will help others, especially stay at home parents, who want to discover all the secrets of a happy freelancer. What better way to help others and myself become more financially secure and discover what all this freelance stuff is all about.
Over three years ago I started my journey where two mothers gave me the ideas and the inspiration to become a freelance writer. Before that I knew very little of the freelance world, instead working full time trying to raise two kids with my husband but I knew there was something else I could do.
I loved working but wanted more time for the family because I didn't want to look back and think I had missed out somewhere. So my story will be told in my new to be released CD so other mums and dads like me can have more choice and have the opportunity to raise more income. Watch this space and if you want anything included just drop me an email and I will do my best!
Cherie Hawkins (me!) is a happy freelance writer who specialises in website writing. Happy to share her secrets on how she became a freelance writer three years ago she will share her top tips and her don't dos - the ones she learnt the hard way. Just think if you visit today at www.quality-content-writing.com you will be the first to find out the secrets of a happy freelancer!
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