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Lex DeVille's - Raw Review Corner

Andy Black

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Great video Lex. Poor deer.

I love the way you're able to get lessons from things that are happening around you. That shows you're thinking, and looking for the positives out of what others would see just as a negative.

Thanks again.


...

I also see that you're changing from "Sinister Lex's Raw Review Corner" to "Sinister Lex". I think that's smart. It's a consistent brand anyway, and you don't have to restrict yourself to just doing copy reviews. This will allow you to go with the flow and follow what is resonating most with the audience you're building.
 

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Video response to say thanks Lex.

 
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Video response to say thanks Lex.


That's an awesome idea. Video thank you letters are super cool. I will definitely do that. Especially in a public setting. It transfers real value to the person being thanked. Bravo!
 

Lex DeVille

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Video response to say thanks Lex.


Hell yeah! This turned out great for a phone video! Just phone audio too?

I appreciate the video Andy. You know you didn't need to, but I'm glad you did since it got you on video.

Thought I posted this earlier, but I guess it didn't go through cuz it's still sitting on my screen.

Anyway, I hope others take note of you and get inspired to take action toward their goals too!
 
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My favourite quote from your "Wantrapreneurs Suck" video:

Wantrepreneur: Can you show me how to start?

Entrepreneur: How can I improve what I am already doing?


In other words:

"You don't learn until you launch."
(Dan Norris)

"Start."
(@Vigilante)



You walk the talk @SinisterLex.

We can see you playing around, learning, and adapting already. It's great to watch it unfold and I'm looking forward to seeing where this takes you.

Everyone is watching videos now-a-days, especially on smartphones. This is just going to grow. IMO, helping people via video, and therefore building your audience via video, is a very smart move when you have the talent.


EDIT: Yes, just phone audio. I'll get a lapel mic or something and see how that goes. I have a baseline from which to improve from now. But the goal was to say thanks, and to add value to the forum. NOT having a lapel mic was not a good enough reason to stop me.
 

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Marked GOLD.

Here's why:
  • Lex is producing content that's great for entrepreneurs (how to sell, how to get more stuff done).
  • Lex is producting content that's great for wantrapreneurs (get out of your own head and do it).
  • Lex is walking the talk (by getting out of his own head and doing it).
  • Lex is more concerned with helping people, than creating perfect videos, or "monetising".
  • Lex is sharing his story, and allowing us to come along for the ride.
  • Lex is inspiring us to take action.
Thank you Lex.
 

Lex DeVille

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Identity Influence: Who Cares What You Want...

Yep my hair is gone. :(

It's not what I wanted. It's what I had to do.


That background noise is extra-strength coffee brewing. That's the real secret to success!
 
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Lex DeVille

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You're A Moron.

Today we talk about a pretty common issue. An easy way to make or break yourself.
Oh, and I'm testing a new setup. :cool:

 

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Raw Review 8 - Copywriter Upwork Bio

This episode is what it says. Specifically for an anon forum member. You know who you are. ;)

 

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  • Raw Review 8.docx
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Andy Black

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You're A Moron.

Today we talk about a pretty common issue. An easy way to make or break yourself.
Oh, and I'm testing a new setup. :cool:

Very nice setup. Ticking grandfather clock and smoking jacket next? :)



Totally agree with you.

When someone cuts you up in traffic, don't say "I hate people who cut me up in traffic."

Say "I hate it *when* people cut me up in traffic."

Don't hate the sinner, hate the sin.

Don't even hate. It's just negative energy.



I try to start all my responses with a Thanks for ...

Then I have to find what to thank them for. Thanks for reading. Thanks for following. Thanks for your input.

Then continue. ("Yes, and" style.)


I like your technique of asking questions too. That should come across neutral whilst still getting your objection/concern across, and you just might learn from the responses you get.

"What if you just helped someone this week, instead of building a website?"

"Is there anyone you know already who you could teach that too?"


The number one rule of sales is to not disagree with who you're selling to. "Yes, it's expensive, and worth every penny."

We're selling every time we try to influence or persuade someone. If we want successful businesses, we need to be able to sell. If we can't sell our viewpoint in a forum without antagonising people, then how are we going to sell anything else?


Thanks for the video Lex.
 
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Lex DeVille

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How To Walk Into Stores & Pitch Your Idea To
Key Influencers & Decision Makers

This video is by special request of @tafy to help show his new mentoree that it's not the idea blocking the results.

I didn't prepare at all for this. Pretty much as soon as he said make a video I grabbed pen and paper and went to town. :D

3 restaurants, 3 key people, 3 responses in the form of a yes, giving me permission to return when I'm ready to sell.


Here's what I learned:

Local restaurants where I'm at have 1 main slow time throughout the week.

Some restaurants may be less impacted by the idea due to the general age of their customers.

Chain restaurants need to chat with the District Manager / Corporate office before making decisions.

It's good to make friends with the GM, because they still have a lot of influence.

Local restaurants in my town all use different forms of advertising, but only 1 of these 3 used Groupon.

The others weren't using any other similar app.

Key Notes:

- Didn't buy business cards before doing this.
- Didn't make a website before doing this.
- Nobody said no.
- Got key information from an influencer at every place.
- Got permission to return which is the most important thing of all.
- Started a bit rough, and got over my adrenaline by the second pitch.
- Got key info at the first buz. that I used to help pitch others.
- Noticed things in the environment that could help pitch (such as lack of customers due to time of day)
- Took pen & paper so I could write down names. I can use those names to get me back in the door later.
- Wore business casual clothing.
- Wore a smile everywhere.
- Nice to everyone, including holding door for random customer & making chit chat with regular employees.

So there you have it, and I hope this helps. :)

Just do it.
 

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Awesome video and thanks Lex.
 

Lex DeVille

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Problem Solving 101 - For Stuck Entrepreneurs

Saw some guys having trouble finding problems to solve. Seemed like a fair Sunday topic, so here it is.


@Coreyc
 
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Raw Review 8 - Copywriter Upwork Bio

This episode is what it says. Specifically for an anon forum member. You know who you are. ;)


what if this guy doesn't have any proof? Let's say he is looking for his first job???
 

Lex DeVille

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what if this guy doesn't have any proof? Let's say he is looking for his first job???

How to Get Proof Instantly...

Proof of Copywriting Experience
• Write fake copy for fake products
• Write fake copy for real products

• Write your application as a sales letter

Proof of Education & Training
• Take a $10 copywriting course on Udemy
• Be sure to get the certificate

Proof of General Knowledge & Intelligence
• Take free Upwork tests

Social Proof
Write real copy for real products for free.
• Ask for feedback when you deliver.

Proof of Specific Experience
• Practice writing fake copy of whatever specific thing you're applying for
• If it's direct mail, use the junk mail you get as an example
• Or Google samples of different types of copy

The real question is - what happens when the client asks you to do something you don't know how to do?

Do you quit because SinisterLex wasn't there with the answers?

Or do you find a way?
 

mosdef

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How to Get Proof Instantly...

Proof of Copywriting Experience
• Write fake copy for fake products
• Write fake copy for real products

• Write your application as a sales letter

Proof of Education & Training
• Take a $10 copywriting course on Udemy
• Be sure to get the certificate

Proof of General Knowledge & Intelligence
• Take free Upwork tests

Social Proof
Write real copy for real products for free.
• Ask for feedback when you deliver.

Proof of Specific Experience
• Practice writing fake copy of whatever specific thing you're applying for
• If it's direct mail, use the junk mail you get as an example
• Or Google samples of different types of copy

The real question is - what happens when the client asks you to do something you don't know how to do?

Do you quit because SinisterLex wasn't there with the answers?

Or do you find a way?

well, I guess a thanks is the least I can say. What i learn from your post above. GO THE F*ckING EXTRA MILE!!!!!!!!
 
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Damn epic thread. So much consistently great content.

SinisterLex - my current profile on Upwork has a few projects as a client. I did one project where I paid a developer 15k. What is your thoughts on using this same profile as a freelancer? I got 5 star feedback as a client so no problems there.

Thanks for all the value this is adding to the forum.
 

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Why Persistence Pays Off

Seriously getting hard to steal time for vids, but I really wanna keep it going. This topic's been on my mind a lot and I made this a few days ago, but just now getting around to publishing it.



@Fox
SinisterLex - my current profile on Upwork has a few projects as a client. I did one project where I paid a developer 15k. What is your thoughts on using this same profile as a freelancer? I got 5 star feedback as a client so no problems there.

Having worked on both sides of the fence I haven't had any issue using the same profile. Nobody knows or cares that you're a client when they're looking to hire you as a freelancer. They only see what's right in front of them and most of the time they don't even see that.

If you're worried about it just change your business name on the client side to something other than your personal name.
 

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Sinister Lex have you ever considered representing people/teams on Upwork who have a great skill set but can't sell themselves effectively? Not in copy but in app development, websites, etc. You would find them the work and then take you slice of the pie.

I can't wait to see what happens with you over the next year. Easy to see you are going to kill it. The content here is amazing and your work ethic is insane - new great posts every few hours.
 
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Lex DeVille

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Sinister Lex have you ever considered representing people/teams on Upwork who have a great skill set but can't sell themselves effectively? Not in copy but in app development, websites, etc. You would find them the work and then take you slice of the pie.

I can't wait to see what happens with you over the next year. Easy to see you are going to kill it. The content here is amazing and your work ethic is insane - new great posts every few hours.

Thanks Fox,

I started building a Copywriting agency one time, but never really got into it. Didn't like the direction it was heading, and didn't like trusting others to write good copy.

I'm sure it could be done for other niches as well, but no I haven't tried it. TBH I don't really want to be online that much. Copywriting can be fun, but I get sick of being behind the computer and sometimes I just want to get outside and do things in the real world.

In the future I'll spend less and less time on Upwork as a freelancer, and can only see myself continuing with it for the purpose of outsourcing tasks.

Could be a useful opportunity for the right forum member who's looking to start something!
 

Lex DeVille

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Gary Vee's all for music.ly right now (15 second lip-syncing videos) so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Not really sure how I'll use it yet, but there's definitely potential.

At first I hated it. I really really hated the idea of this stupid app.

But I swear it grows on you like crazy and soon you're just scrolling and scrolling.

So here's my first music.ly. Wanted to start off strong. I'm sure some of you will figure it out. ;)


@Andy Black YouTube is the past. Better get with the times haha :D
 
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Andy Black

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Gary Vee's all for music.ly right now (15 second lip-syncing videos) so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Not really sure how I'll use it yet, but there's definitely potential.

At first I hated it. I really really hated the idea of this stupid app.

But I swear it grows on you like crazy and soon you're just scrolling and scrolling.

So here's my first music.ly. Wanted to start off strong. I'm sure some of you will figure it out. ;)


@Andy Black YouTube is the past. Better get with the times haha :D
Haha. Wtf?!? Is that what music.ly is about then?

Hmmm. The hulk? He-man? I think I'm way too old...

You put a smile on my face anyway. :)
 

Lex DeVille

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Haha. Wtf?!? Is that what music.ly is about then?

Hmmm. The hulk? He-man? I think I'm way too old...

You put a smile on my face anyway. :)

It's not just for lip-syncing, but for 15 second videos.

A different way for people to quickly show their talents or act really silly.

It put a smile on my face too and I'm pretty sure that's the main appeal.

I can't take it seriously, but every time I log on I find something to laugh about in like 10 seconds or less. :D
 

Lex DeVille

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RAW REVIEW EPISODE 9: THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Getting back into the swing of things. Here's a Raw Review for a forum member's landing page.


The Good:
- Design looks nice and flows smoothly throughout
- Easy to read and doesn't take long to get through the page
- Nothing really blocked my path to the bottom
- Overall design feels professional and I wouldn't immediately click away if I already knew why I was there.

Needs Improvement:

My biggest issue was understanding who should use the site. One second it seems like it's for artists and the next it seems like it's for agents or managers. This in itself isn't a problem, but there probably needs to be a clear sense of direction. Like some kind of separation instead of switching back and forth. Basically the copy needs to make it very clear that it's a place for the music industry as a whole to connect with each other. Not just for musicians getting manager contact info.

The headline needs to be more clear about what the site is. The first sub-heading should probably be the main headline.

Mostly just minor tweaks. Add some sensory language and only use logical/technical words like "networking" in sections specifically speaking to managers / agents / producers. When talking to musicians use words like "connection", "substance", "depth", "feel", "art", "listen / hear / sound / noise" - stuff that speaks to the heart.

Hope that helps! :)
 
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Lex DeVille

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Raw Review 10 - Lander with Flair

Okay, technically it's not a lander. More of a whole website, but since people are landing on it from an ad I think it's safe to call it a lander. Oh, I should mention I said you don't need to put the part about your experience in there, but I actually meant to say it doesn't need to be where it is. Not that it shouldn't be there at all, because I think it should. It's important for leads to know you have experience lol.


The Good

I really liked the layout and the general style. It has this fun, upbeat feel to it and keeps it all cool.
Flows very smoothly and doesn't look cluttered.
Looks professional

Needs Improvement

I wanted more of the flair-style copy. MS Access is kind of a technical subject but I feel like your audience probably isn't all that techy. I mean, someone who's into tech probably doesn't need help with MS Access, so I'm guessing your audience is a bit more open-minded since they're willing to hire out the work in the first place. I liked the "Let's do it" copy, but the paragraphs felt too standard, like drag and drop lines for the industry.

Also thought you should get rid of some of the "we", "our", "us" words and find ways to replace with more "you" and "your".

Oh and the last thing is the headline. I loved the creative feel, but I couldn't see the part about MS Access at first and people need to know they landed on the right page when they click an ad. I'd test that part for conversion to see if putting MS Access above the fold improve signups.
 

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