I love when y’all reply to my emails. (Seriously. Hit reply and tell me what’s on your mind.)
In response to my recent email called “Better than a near-death experience” one reader, who we’ll call “Ray” replied with this:
Hi Dov
Damn, what a bloody brilliant email. I’m resold solid and definitely swiping it..
Have to remind you again I’m first in line when (not if – I’m banking on it 🙂 you decide to release a few copies of the seminar for sale.
Best UK regards
Ray
I replied:
Hi Ray,
🙂 Thanks.
When you say swiping, I assume you mean the concept, which you would express in your own way, rather than the words which would violate copyright?
Forgive me, as I don’t know you. So I don’t mean to accuse you. Just want to be sure.
There are many people who do just swipe – and wonder why it doesn’t work for them. They don’t understand that you can’t just take someone else’s stuff and expect it to work for you without first internalizing the thinking – and then re-expressing in your own way – which is what made it compelling for the original author.
Dov
Ray writes back:
Hey Dov
When I copy a work of art whether it be a quote, video, photo etc (swipe it 🙂 I do so to treasure it. To marvel at the genius and creativity of the creator. And to admire what I see as the genius in it. Hopefully I get a chance to review it or trip over it many times in the future.
I can only dream to be able to recreate it in my context and in reality know if I can attain but 10% of the magic in the original I’m doing real well. Just copying it verbatim is just dumb.
Not the clearest explanation but it’s what I do.
Cheers,
Ray
My final reply to Ray:
Hi Ray,
OK, I get it. 🙂
But you really can create something like it. Honestly, it’s doable. I didn’t write like this five years ago. Or even three.
I’ve been able to help clients write like this as well. Clients who don’t think of themselves as writers.
Much of it has to do with seeing the structure beneath the surface. Like in painting, there are underlying principles and “strokes” that when brought together create something special.
So while I’m flattered that my work has you glowing, I’d be even happier if my work helps you see that you can do more than you think you can.
Dov
One of the clients who has made great progress in “writing for response” is Skip Weisman.
Skip and I recorded a conversation a couple of months ago in which he talked about how he found himself drawn into my emails, and how he wanted to be able to write like that as well.
And, by golly, he’s gotten to be very good. And his business has improved as a result.
You can listen to my conversation with Skip here.
Right click to download the link.
I'm sure you'll learn something.
Also, Skip is flying down from New York to Washington DC to join me for the May 29th "One Day Jumpstart to A Consistent Flow of Clients."
If you haven't gotten your ticket yet, what are you waiting for?
Our special discount on hotel rooms expires on May 15th 2014 - that's soon! Go have a look now.
Dov Gordon
PS - Oh and my apologies to Ray and anyone else hoping to get the recording of the workshop. I won't be selling the "Jumpstart" recordings to people who can't make it there. So plan to be there.
