Saturday 18th May

The Pulse

The pie is infinite

Written by
Paul Hassing

Businesses, Featured, Your Clients

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03
Jan

Have your cake. Eat it. Keep the plate!

Last year I realised my competitors aren’t.

This year I’ll help them get more business.

They won’t get a bigger slice of the ‘pie’ (i.e. market) at my expense.

Rather, we’ll all enjoy a BIGGER pie.

This could work for you too.

Winner winner

It started when Sarah Mitchell scored a new client from a conversation on this blog.

In the past I’d have fumed, ‘That should’ve been my client!’

But I was truly happy for Sarah, because she’s such a good scout.

Some weeks later, I realised I was pleased for another reason.

Our pie was bigger.

Sarah’s new business hadn’t reduced mine.

Instead, a person who hadn’t been using a copywriter now was.

Our market had increased by one.

I realised that if this process were repeated, there’d soon be more work for all scribes.

Sector artillery

I began cross promoting smart writers I’d met via this blog and other social media.

This triggered instant rewards, as many returned the favour.

I also sensed we were raising awareness of the value of copywriting to those who’d not considered it.

This really came home when I started doing Today’s Edit tweets. Not only were people incredibly generous in retweeting them, they pointed to others offering similar services.

I now see Twitter is replete with writing hints. The fact they’re so popular suggests people still care about good English.

I get the strong feeling that, while some will use the hints, others will hire their writers.

Mad man?

When I stopped tweeting hints, one lady actually said she missed them.

I replied that her best bet was to follow some of the writers I’d learned from:

@WorkInColour

@journeyjottings

@GoldenGooseAU

@IroningDiva

@emmashotthispic

@TashWord

@DesoliePage

@bellakatz

@wordmistress

@the_copy_chick

@WritersKitchen

@SpikeTheLobster

@globalcopywrite

@stinginthetail

@copywritemattrs

@clickablecopy

Looking at this (non-exhaustive) list, I realised I was basically saying to the world, ‘Here are 16 other people who may very well be able to meet your writing needs.’

I’d NEVER have done such a thing in my early ‘hungry’ years. (When I thought the pie was finite.)

Tuck in

Despite my act of erstwhile insanity, I’m busier than ever.

Best of all, though, is the fact I’m only hearing about busy writers.

It seems none of us is short of a gig.

A fine achievement amid chronic anxiety and unrest.

Your serve

How about YOUR market?

How can you make a bigger pie?

Whether you sell books, photos, horses, websites, IT consulting, mobile phone plans, marketing strategy, Facebook pages, virtual assistance, lease cars or pfoofer valves, I believe you can grow your pie and make friends as you go.

So have a think.

And table some starters.

They’ll surely go down well with us!

Paul Hassing | Founder & Senior Writer – The Feisty Empire

2012, change, clients, competitive advantage, customer service, economy, goals, image, marketing, new year, online, people

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What others are saying

Author

Paul Hassing

January 3, 2012 at 6:35 am

You know that as soon as you make a list, other names spring to mind. I’d love it if you told us about the writers who educate and inspire YOU.

Reply
Author

Lorraine

January 3, 2012 at 6:40 am

Thanks for the kind mention. I love the spirit of this post–and I believe in it. I think copywriters have far more to gain from fellowship than cutthroat competition.

The copywriter-client relationship really hangs on fit, doesn’t it? It’s about bringing together clients and copywriters that share the same goals, content values and pricing expectations. If we’re not right for the job or if a client would be more satisfied with someone else, do we really benefit from insisting on our primacy?

I like to think I walk my talk: Someone in my Twitter community recently asked for copywriter recommendations. Of course, I suggested myself. But I also suggested a slew of other writers. I told the prospect, “If I’m not right for this project, please consider one of my copywriting colleagues.” And I included a link to a post of I’d written listing 100 Top International Copywriters.

Of course you, my dear Paul, are included on this list. Since the prospective client has not contacted me since then, I DO hope you got the job!

As you note, a generous attitude is also practical: it raises awareness of copywriting and encourages others to return the favor.

The real enemy of professional copywriters isn’t fellow copywriters, but commoditization. The more we can show clients our value–both individually and collectively–the better off we all are.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 6:53 am
  
  Thank you, Lorraine! I call you the ‘copywriter’s copywriter’ (as the merest glance at your superlative blog will prove). So I’m VERY happy you dropped by.
  
  Inclusion on your list buoyed me for many days. It’s so nice to be on the same excellent page.
  
  I greatly appreciate your patronage and urge our readers to check you out if they’ve not already done so.
  
  Best regards and thanks again! P.
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 3, 2012 at 7:05 am
    
    PS. As Lorraine is way too modest to blow her own trumpet, here’s her list:
    
    http://marketcopywriterblog.com/2010/10/26/ultimate-copywriters-roll-call-100-top-international-copywriters-and-content-bloggers/
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 3, 2012 at 8:50 am
    
    PPS. Anyone who uses ‘slew’ with such elan wins my heart for life!
- Author
  
  Stephen Hamilton
  
  January 3, 2012 at 9:13 am
  
  “The real enemy of professional copywriters isn’t fellow copywriters, but commoditization.”
  
  This is so true. And even truer when you consider this statement works for any skilled craft/trade/profession you can shake a stick at (or at least any I can think of).
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 3, 2012 at 9:17 am
    
    Oh yeah! There are websites, and there are W3BsiiitZZZ!!!><
  - Author
    
    Stephen Hamilton
    
    January 10, 2012 at 11:11 am
    
    We facetiously compare websites to webshites…
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 10, 2012 at 11:20 am
    
    Ha ha ha! VERY clever!
    
    You remind me of that fabulous #apostropheday quote from @sam_tanner_
    
    https://twitter.com/#!/sam_tanner_/status/104264453469634560
    
    Gold!
  - Author
    
    Stephen Hamilton
    
    January 10, 2012 at 2:42 pm
    
    Ha! What a classic!
Author

Stephen Hamilton

January 3, 2012 at 7:04 am

Your story is one of embracing an attitude of abundance. This is something I believe in – trying to share as much as you get, oddly enough, gets you much further. It is also a mindset that makes being appropriately selective about which clients to accept much easier (something that has been a popular topic on this blog).

But most of all, it just is the best approach – one that benefits everyone.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 7:09 am
  
  Well spotted, Stephen! I think Malcolm sowed the seeds of this approach in my mind when he gave me the video of The Secret. This got me into further, highly productive, reading:
  
  http://myob.com.au/blog/keeping-your-feet-on-uneven-ground/
  
  I’m so glad you’re on the same tram. It’s a beaut!
  
  Reply
Author

Paul Hassing

January 3, 2012 at 9:03 am

A few more souls who share our passion are @contentwriteroz @m4bmarketing and @total_balance

Please accept my apology for any omissions. I generated the original list at speed and under deadline pressure.

Reply
- Author
  
  Micky Stuivenberg
  
  January 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm
  
  Hi Paul, thanks for adding me (@contentwriteroz) to that list, I’m honoured to be in such fabulous company.
  
  I don’t see other copywriters as threats or even as real competitors either but more as peers. I love being connected to my peers on Twitter in particular. I already follow most of those in your list but will check out the names I don’t recognise and follow them too.
  
  The pie you talk about is so big that I also often hand out slices to others because I simply can’t take on all the work that comes my way. Pie tastes better when shared anyway, doesn’t it?
  
  Love your work, Paul. Looking forward to your posts in 2012.
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 3, 2012 at 12:36 pm
    
    Hi Micky; sorry I didn’t name you from the outset!
    
    You’re dead right about sharing slices. So much better than chucking them in the bin. And if the day ever comes that your cupboard’s a bit bare, chances are someone will hand you a slice right back.
Author

Mick Devine

January 3, 2012 at 9:58 am

Paul, I think you’re absolutely right (and I love Stephen’s comment). It’s a lesson I learnt in retail many years ago, through a career as an MYOB Certified Consultand and now I’m in the software business. Co-operation beats competition all the time and the more you give away the more you get back – not always in the way you expect but something will come back to you

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 8:33 pm
  
  I really appreciate your corroboration, Mick. I’d have thought retail, certified consulting and software would be among the most cut-throat scenes around. Sounds like you played these games with more honour and integrity than any ‘Survivor’ contestant. Best regards, P.
  
  Reply
- Author
  
  Stephen Hamilton
  
  January 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm
  
  Thanks Mick. I think the metaphor of a pie isn’t even that great. Treating like something finite is always a zero-sum game. Maybe, a bakery is a much better metaphor, where we create delicious opportunities through co-operation!
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 4, 2012 at 2:24 pm
    
    The baker’s starter dough is infinite! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough
  - Author
    
    Stephen Hamilton
    
    January 5, 2012 at 8:26 am
    
    Classic, Paul!
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 5, 2012 at 8:30 am
Author

Sarah Mitchell

January 3, 2012 at 10:05 am

Hi Paul,

You know it’s going to be a good year when right out of the gate you’re name shows up on The Pulse. I did get a nice bit of business from your blog. It’s a testament to you and MYOB that people make business decisions based on the advice they find here.

You know, I was in the same spot you were when I first started. I didn’t want other writers to know what I was doing because I was afraid I would lose business. Once I began to implement content marketing strategies in my own business – give all your stuff away and lots more will come back – I came to understand the power of the referral. Writers have different strengths and interests. I learned I service my own clients better when I refer them to someone who does a particular job better than I can. So far, I haven’t lost a single client to another writer but all my clients appreciate having the best horse for the course.

The following list are my ‘go to’ writers – when I’m busy, when I need specific expertise, when my head is too far into the forest to see the trees. Bonus: These folks deliver perfect copy nearly every time

@Daniel_Hatch – web journalist, great researcher, terrific storyteller
@wbcontentwriter – fantastic on sales copy, especially direct mail sales letters
@NatalieCrabb – all-rounder but particularly good on webcopy and SEO research
@JamesBullCo – Need a web strategy? This guy will sort you out.
@Wordish – content, content, content with strong storytelling skills
@paulhassing – master of the brutal short-form content – real estate adverts, job adverts, etc.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few. I’ve been known to post more than one comment so don’t be surprised if I’m back soon.

I LOVE this post, Paul. Let’s keep spreading the copywriter love and open our market even more.

Reply
- Author
  
  Sarah Mitchell
  
  January 3, 2012 at 10:10 am
  
  Gah! I got one wrong! It’s @Hello_Wordish for content, content, content with strong storytelling skills. You can also find her at @Krissyb
  
  Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 10:13 am
  
  Fabulous expansion, Sarah! I love ‘brutal’ even more than ‘slew’. Bung that on my headstone and I’ll be happy.
  
  Thank you for inspiring this approach and being so generous with it. I’m delighted it’s doing you good, as you surely deserve it. I’m off to follow your other writers now.
  
  I forgot to mention @known so you can expect to see a few more names from me too. That goes for all our readers. Please help us make this list as comprehensive as possible. Best regards, P.
  
  Reply
- Author
  
  James Bull
  
  January 3, 2012 at 12:36 pm
  
  Thank you Sarah for adding me to Paul’s ‘Infinite Pie List’.
  
  The need for our services is strong but knowledge of them is low.
  
  Knowledge grows when we share it.
  
  James.
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 3, 2012 at 8:27 pm
    
    Great to see you in our forum, James. I like the idea of a greater Western presence. Sarah sure is a nexus worth knowing. Thank you for visiting!
Author

Leanne Berry

January 3, 2012 at 10:22 am

Hi Paul

Welcome to 2012 look forward to your inspirations – I read through your list and chuckled at the names already in my network @goldengooseau, @journeyjottings, @DesoliePage & @wordmistress. These 4 ladies are at the top of their game, they care about their clients and always strive to get the best result for them – @wordmistress (Gina) even wrote our professional bios and let me tell you they are great! I love being able to refer clients to these talented individuals

Keep up the great work

Cheers

Leanne

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 10:26 am
  
  Hi, Leanne! If memory serves, I’ve followed more than one of your retweets to these experts. I’m so pleased to hear your affirmation, as it’s far more convincing than my sole voice. Many thanks indeed!
  
  Reply
- Author
  
  Leah Klugt
  
  January 3, 2012 at 1:04 pm
  
  Thankyou for your generous comments, Leanne! Hope to catch up with you in 2012
  
  Reply
- Author
  
  Gina Lofaro aka the wordmistress
  
  January 3, 2012 at 11:22 pm
  
  You’re so lovely, Leanne, thanks a bunch! It’s always a pleasure to be of assistance to you and you are always a wealth of information when I have MYOB questions! Remember that old Robert Palmer song and replace the lyrics with: “You’re simply indispensable!!”
  
  Reply
Author

Tash

January 3, 2012 at 10:23 am

Firstly, thanks for including me in your list Paul – it is greatly appreciated

I have always believed there is enough work for everyone and been happy to support and share ideas with fellow writers (and others who could be seen as my competitors, too). As Lorraine said, some writers will fit some clients/projects better than me, sometimes I can’t fit in another client and some clients/projects need a local writer.

The more of us who communicate what good writing (and a good English) is, the better for us all – and the better for clients who can find a good writer rather than cheap-rather-than-quality writers. And I think the same applies to pretty much all industries – by giving your industry a good name, you are helping that industry grow and appear credible which comes back to giving you more potential clients.

I’d be fairly confident that clients consider us professional and worthy of respect when we treat our competitors well, too, so again it makes sound business sense to work with (not against) our competitors.

Aside from rational ways friendly competition helps us, I also just like it because it is about caring for people and being part of a community. Being friendly with other writers is also easy – we have common interests so often share information that is mutually interesting and beneficial – and valuable.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 10:29 am
  
  Wonderful stuff, Tash. Thank you. Your wise words also reminded me of something: though ours is one of the most solitary occupations, connecting with each other means we’re never lost for kind, clever company when the mood to mingle strikes.
  
  Reply
Author

Sheila NomNomDePlume

January 3, 2012 at 11:32 am

Hey Paul – i too was jealous of my followers and blog subscribers at first. Like you, i realised the pie was a bit like the Magic Pudding that always replenishes. And my lovely friends who went out looking at other people came back with interesting snippets (and new wonderful people) for me. And so it goes round.

can honestly say, without that sharing my book would be unpublished, and i would have many less friends, along with the valued acquaintances whose brains are pickable when i’m stuck.

thanks for your friendship, btw – and all the best for a wonderful 2012 xx

Reply
Author

Paul Hassing

January 3, 2012 at 11:36 am

Onya, Sheila! I was indeed impressed by the intense interest in your book writing adventure. Is it true you’re working on a sequel?

Reply
- Author
  
  Sheila NomNomDePlume
  
  January 5, 2012 at 11:12 am
  
  it’s actually finished! Bk2 is in edit process, soon beta readers, then final edit. Releasing a book is a known process now, so i’m hoping to be calmer this time
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 5, 2012 at 11:15 am
    
    Egad! Great news, Sheila. Thanks for the clarification. Perhaps, then, we can get a happy ending to http://myob.com.au/blog/author/sheila-smith/
Author

Paul Hassing

January 3, 2012 at 11:38 am

A fab Twitter comment from @Sam_Massaglia

‘Hi Paul. Have you heard of this documentary? http://iamthedoc.com/ It’s amazing and seems to share your sensibilities.’

My response:

‘That is an absolute pearler, Sam! Thank you kindly.’

Reply
Author

Anna @ Copybreak

January 3, 2012 at 12:52 pm

Thank you so very much for your kind inclusion Paul. I feel honoured to be listed amongst so many other fantastic copywriters, many of whom I follow and others I suspect I will be following very soon ;D

And this is why I love reading your blogs – you’re always spreading good cheer and goodwill (and not just over the festive season).

Let me add @untangle, @divinewrite, @DonnaBaierStein and @josmith_perth to your list.

I’d also like to give special mention to @copywritemattrs and Karen Zaskolny at http://www.copywithcream.com.au, both who have been incredibly generous with referring work (a favour I try to return whenever I can).

I’ve been constantly amazed at just how supportive and friendly the copywriting community is. Every day I see examples of copywriters sharing the love with their “competition”… something I’ve not seen in many other industries.

As many of us are sole traders, another fantastic upside to building relationships with our “competition” is having someone to refer to should we want to take a holiday, or get sick, or simply have too much work to manage on our own. It truly is a win-win.

Thanks again Paul for such an uplifting post to start the year

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 1:49 pm
  
  So glad you’re digging the scene, Anna. (One of which you’re such an important part!)
  
  Many thanks for those names. I’ll hunt them down – but in a very un-Kyle-Sandidands kind of way.
  
  I’ve been knocked out by the generous responses to this post. Seems you just can’t give good away without getting better back. Best regards, P.
  
  Reply
Author

Desolie Page

January 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm

Hello Paul,
I’m delighted to be included in your list of talented people, many of whom I’ve been following since I entered the social media arena about a year ago. And now I have more to follow – thank you.

It’s always satisfying experience to talk to others who share the value of clear, engaging and sharp writing, even though we often get ribbed for spending so much energy on misplaced commas and apostrophes when the big issues like poverty, climate change, etc, etc ‘deserve’ more attention.
But then, we need the micro perspective to help the macro chasers convey their message succinctly and effectively.

The connectedness and generosity among copywriters extends into the editing world, as was beautifully demonstrated at the recent Institute of Professional Editors (Aust) conference. How reassuring it is to know there’s always someone there ready to lend a helping hand when needed.
Referrals and recommendations flow between editors as we each share the editing pie.

Thank you, Paul, for your generosity, genuineness and wisdon.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 8:25 pm
  
  Hello, Desolie. It was you who brought several superior tipsters to my attention, and I always enjoy your observations. So I’m very pleased you’re here. The fact you’re rocking up at conferences demonstrates your calibre – which we’re jolly fortunate to have in our field.
  
  Reply
Author

Leah Klugt

January 3, 2012 at 1:47 pm

Wow, Paul! Extremely chuffed to have made your list In no way had I thought I inspired you, more the other way around

The time is certainly over for feeling threatened by businesses that are similar to our own.

Understanding that no one is an “island” – each dependent on the success of other businesses in order to survive – a key concept to modern day business marketing.

Even if solely for the purpose of overflow work, different skill-sets and areas of expertise this newer way of thinking in business is a key to success! Also a fantastic way of providing your client with the greatest possible result on every project.

What a fab way to start 2012!

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 1:54 pm
  
  Sounds like it’s a two-way street, Leah. We’ll certainly cover much more ground that way.
  
  I agree we’re moving (have already moved?) into a new era. Everything has always been connected. But cats like me are just waking up to this truth. As you’re clearly already hip the groove, your inclusion on the list should come as no surprise. Thanks VERY much for playing!
  
  Reply
Author

MyCarBudget

January 3, 2012 at 2:04 pm

I have used Twitter to retweet some of what our competitors say and have also contributed to their conversations at times. The truth is the more people are aware that leasing or car services are available for them or their business the more opportunity there is for all of us. Twitter is a mechanism for sharing information, if what someone else says has merit and others will benefit from it then why wouldn’t resend it. You can’t profess to knowinig it all.

I hve also experienced it at Trade Shows. if someone walks past your stand, tells you what they want but doesn’t find it with you, then it is only good service to point them in the right direction if you know someone else can help them.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 2:12 pm
  
  Nice one, MCB! You do strike me as an industry thought leader. You could refer me to your ‘foes’ till you’re blue in the face, but I’d always try you first based on your obvious expertise, forthright nature and generous contributions. Not least to this blog. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts once again.
  
  Reply
Author

Linda ~ Journey Jottings

January 3, 2012 at 2:52 pm

If there’s one thing to make me speechless its the unexpected, out of the blue kindness of others ~
What an amazing New Year’s gift to be included in your list

And to be surrounded by all these eminent word magicians… yikes!

I feel some philosophic extension of the ‘what goes around, comes around’ premise is in order, but rather than try and put it into my inadequate words…

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank

PS I believe the wordmistress Gina that you and Leanne talk of has an AUS on the end @wordmistressAUS

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm
  
  Heya Linda! Speaking of magic, I was just saying to another incredulous list denizen that we’re all mirrors to each other. So, what you’re seeing is what you’re giving. Not a trace of smoke.
  
  Many thanks for that correction: @wordmistressAUS is indeed correct.
  
  @wordmistress lives in Chicago and is probably even more surprised than you!
  
  Reply
Author

Susan Oakes

January 3, 2012 at 3:14 pm

Hi Paul,

Great post to start the year. You and the others have certainly given us an impressive list of copywriter and while I appreciate you adding me I think it is a tad bit of stretch

The post and comments reminds me of the strength of being known as a Specialist as it has the advantage of giving you a competitive edge. It also allows other copywriting specialists to refer. You and the other copywiters are setting a great example to other service businesses.

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 3:21 pm
  
  I’m so glad you see the application to other sectors, Susan. That was the whole idea. Thank goodness we have your marketing perspective available to us.
  
  I didn’t mean for this to be a copywriter love-fest (though that has been an extremely pleasing outcome).
  
  As to your list inclusion, if you don’t think you make the grade now, follow this crowd for six months and THEN try and tell me you don’t belong! Best regards, as ever. P.
  
  Reply
Author

Carol Jones

January 3, 2012 at 5:37 pm

PAUL,

Greetings from rural Australia on this, the third day of 2012.

Generosity of spirit gets you everywhere.

In every one of those situations where you truly believe someone else can do a better job, and you go that extra step to give a name, your client/prospect instantly imprints that on their brain.

And you’re forever branded as trustworthy.

In today’s business environment, being honest about your capabilities is memorable. Laudable. And peaceful!

It’s an honour to be included in your list. And I treasure our friendship in cyberspace.

I hope all your dreams for 2012 come true.

Best wishes and take care,

Carol ❤

Carol Jones
Director
Interface Pty Ltd
Designers of The Fitz Like A Glove™ Ironing Board Cover

Ironing Diva’s stories are at http://bit.ly/TheIroningDiva

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 3, 2012 at 5:49 pm
  
  Well, Carol, now you know what they mean by, ‘Those who come first shall be last.’
  
  I’m so sorry you had dramas with The System and very grateful you took the time to resubmit your comment. As usual, it was worth the wait.
  
  If this is the third day of 2012, I can’t wait for the rest! Looking forward to facing it together.
  
  Reply
Author

Paul Hassing

January 4, 2012 at 6:42 am

I woke realising I hadn’t mentioned @penelopetrunk or @ThisIsSethsBlog

Regulars will know these are two of my writing deities. Given our welcome influx of exciting new visitors, however, I figured it was worth stating the fact.

Reply
Author

Belinda Weaver

January 4, 2012 at 10:21 am

Wow Paul – thanks for including me in such wonderful company. I am truly honoured!

Another copywriter once told me that there is always enough work to share around. When I started Copywrite Matters I didn’t believe that was true and adopted quite a protective (competitive) mindset.

More than two years on I’ve learned that there is definitely more than enough to go around and the pie is always growing! I have also realised that not every client is a great match for my skills, which gives me the chance to share leads and give new copywriters a leg up when I can.

Coopetiton is thriving, propelling us all further along the way.

[And thanks to Anna for giving me a big up!]

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 4, 2012 at 10:25 am
  
  You’re welcome, Belinda. It’s a testament to the humility of our community that everyone’s surprised or honoured to feature here.
  
  It’s very kind of you to share your frank, personal assesment of the infinite-pie approach. I’m so glad it’s working out for you.
  
  Many thanks, and LOVE the hair!
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 4, 2012 at 10:34 am
    
    BTW, I just spotted your RT of @valeriekhoo who is another red-hot writer.
Author

Malcolm Owens

January 4, 2012 at 10:49 am

Hi paul,

I was expecting only a few comments given that many people are on holidays and was surprised to see so many. You have more than proven the point about sharing the infinite.

Well done and by letting go and sharing you are opening the flow for everyone.

Great start to the New Year mate!

Reply
- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 4, 2012 at 10:52 am
  
  Cheers, Malcolm. It sure is exciting to explode out of the blocks in this way. A wonderful surprise. Thanks again for putting me onto The Secret: you sowed the seed. Best regards, and have a wee ripper yourself!
  
  Reply
Author

Anthony

January 4, 2012 at 11:10 am

Thanks for the mention Paul

I completely agree about sharing the wealth.

I think having a rich referral network makes you richer. It creates more wealth and value in your own industry which of course has a return effect for you.

In the web and web based industries, there is no shortage of work – the pool is deep – so it only makes sense to refer. I’ve built some great relationships with other developers simply by referring work to them.

Reply
Author

Paul Hassing

January 4, 2012 at 11:14 am

No worries, Anthony. Thank YOU for being such an early, ardent supporter. (Not the sort of thing I expected from a Joomla template designer … )

I see you flying the Joomla flag on Twitter all the time. It’s great to add yet another disparate datum to our growing set.

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Author

Paul Hassing

January 5, 2012 at 5:05 am

This just in from Nathan Landau @snlandau

‘The business is only cutthroat because we make it so. Thanks for lighting the spark, seems like a lot of us are on board with the Infinite Pie.’

Many thanks, Nathan. We love getting overseas visitors and it’s great to make your acquaintance.

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Author

Philip Owens Leadership and Influence Coach

January 6, 2012 at 7:58 am

Abundance is such an important personal concept for me (along with integrity). Sorry I was away for this post!

I do believe that this concept serves my purpose, and this is certainly part of my bigger vision. On my last trip to Europe, I helped my taxi driver stop smoking, the woman on the plane next to me get over her fear of flying and my host over his fear of dogs… With nothing more than abundance in my mind- it is good to do nice things for others, and the payback will come when it does. I was on ‘Corporate Duties’ coaching and training but helping people from my clinical background (http://www.reflectiveresolutions.com) is what I am passionate about and love doing.

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- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 6, 2012 at 8:03 am
  
  With a comment like this, Phil, I’m glad you made it back. What an impressive litany of deeds – and you weren’t even trying!
  
  I confess to scant knowledge and many misconceptions of hypnotherapy. If you and your industry collegues can educate the likes of me and others, I reckon you’ll be in for a rich harvest indeed!
  
  Thanks very much for adding to our debate.
  
  Reply
  - Author
    
    Paul Hassing
    
    January 6, 2012 at 8:05 am
    
    BTW, Phil, if you never want to miss a post again, you can now subscribe to email alerts for my blog posts in the top right part of this screen.
    
    The same applies to our other contributors.
Author

Paul Hassing

January 10, 2012 at 6:19 am

Just found @johnemcintyre

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/mcintyre/blog/2012/01/gag_me_with_a_copy_editor.html

I DO like the cut of his jib!

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Author

Denise Mooney

January 10, 2012 at 10:17 am

Happy New Year Paul and thanks for including me on such an awesome list☺ I’m flattered to be in such great company.

I couldn’t agree more with this post and the comments others have made here. I think I made that mistake in the beginning of my career too, but after a while you realise that no matter what service you offer, it’s not a one size fits all. We all have particular strengths and different specialties. And there is more than enough work to go around. The more we promote each other the more we educate people about our industry and expertise, which plenty of people need (some of them just don’t know it yet). Also, it’s good karma, which can never hurt☺

This list is awesome and I will be following (and promoting) all of them in 2012!

I already found you, Sarah, Anna and other great writers through Twitter – one of the reasons why I love it so much!

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- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 10, 2012 at 10:33 am
  
  Happy New Year to you too, Denise! The way things are looking, it’s going to be a corker.
  
  Thank you for kind and honest contribution: you just can’t beat a second, third and fourth opinion!
  
  Best regards, P.
  
  Reply
Author

Adam Finlay

January 10, 2012 at 3:47 pm

You’ve hit a rich seam with this post, Paul. Glad to see so much discussion so freshly into the new year. I’ve just plugged my workstation in for 2012 … I look forward to following your wisdom again this year. Wallace Wattles, 100 years ago in ‘The Science of Getting Rich’, said we have to move from a competitive mindset to an abundant mindset. Glad to see it’s working for you!

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- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 10, 2012 at 3:54 pm
  
  Welcome back Ad!
  
  Yes, this discussion has been a wonderful surprise. Here’s to more of it.
  
  In fact, your fine comment just tipped this post into the Number One spot! http://myob.com.au/blog/
  
  May this fortunate happenstance shower blessings on all who contribute to this beaut vibe.
  
  Reply
Author

Paul Hassing

February 13, 2012 at 7:03 am

Another meeting of minds with Seth Godin:

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2012/02/the-sad-irony-of-selfishness.html

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Author

Paul Hassing Founder & Senior Writer - The Feisty Empire

July 23, 2012 at 8:46 am

Here’s me trying to make the pie even more infiniter for our Belinda @copywritemattrs

http://www.copywritematters.com.au/copywriter-voice-recognition/

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Author

Paul Hassing Founder & Senior Writer - The Feisty Empire

July 26, 2012 at 5:25 pm

Speaking of pies …

https://twitter.com/#!/thatcontentguy/aus-copywriters/members

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Author

Paul Hassing

December 21, 2012 at 9:49 am

Further reading: http://practicalcopywritingtips.wordpress.com/

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Author

Kate Toon Copywriter (@katetooncopy)

January 2, 2013 at 12:56 pm

Although I hate you for not including me in your list of special friends. I love the article.
I wrote something similarish
http://www.katetooncopywriter.com.au/how-to-kill-your-competitors/

Hugs
Kate

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- Author
  
  Paul Hassing
  
  January 7, 2013 at 10:18 am
  
  If only I’d known you then, Kate. But I just wasn’t ready for a relationship so strong. Now, of course, we can declare our grand alliance to the world! I like your article. And LOVE the pic. Many thanks for playing! ::)
  
  Reply