Home | Stella Orange Wordsmith

Getting the skills to pay the bills

Published November 16, 2011

The Beastie Boys: smart marketing advisors?

We’re halfway through the Marketing Secrets of the Rich + Famous Summit. And there’s something that’s coming up that I just can’t keep to myself.

Growing a business takes skill.

Fans of the Beastie Boys will remember a little ditty called “The Skills to Pay the Bills.”

Enthusiasts may even choose to opt for the multimedia experience here and click through to the B-Boys’ Amsterdam performance of the song.

As part of the series, I’ve interviewed Linda Claire Puig on why you need to send a regular newsletter in your business. Business Breakthrough Specialist Monica Shah on the 5 … Read the rest >

Posted in brand + message, content, copywriting, how to be, how to sell, how to write, marketing

3 myths about marketing that will sink you.

Published November 14, 2011

Let’s do some marketing myth-busting, shall we?

Myth #1: Marketing is sleazy.
This is a worldview that must die if your business is going to live and thrive. Last time I checked, the definition of marketing doesn’t include lying or selling something that doesn’t work.

If you have negativity around the idea of marketing, I’m curious why. Have you never seen someone do with love in her heart? Have you gotten burned by someone selling you something in the past? Have you not met people who are totally awesome AND who are promoting their work in a wholehearted, joyful way?… Read the rest >

Posted in brand + message, content, copywriting, how to be, how to sell, how to write, marketing

The Halls of Justice for marketing

Published November 7, 2011

When I was a kid, when superheroes weren’t out fighting the good fight, they were gathering at the Halls of Justice. Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, the Green Lantern, Superman… the Halls of Justice was their HQ, in a made-up city called Metropolis.

The cool thing about super heroes is that they all have unique powers. No two are alike, but together, they can really get things whipped into shape.

Business is a lot like that, too. It really does take the wisdom of a group of smart people to get your business moving forward in the right … Read the rest >

Posted in brand + message, content, copywriting, how to be, how to sell, how to write, marketing

At Last - Marketing Secrets of the Rich + Famous

Published October 31, 2011

Dear faithful reader,

Because I want you to be as rich as you please…

Because I want more people to hear about you and how you make the world a better place…

Because I want you to join one of the most fascinating and lucrative conversations you’ll ever have the joy of participating in…

Because of all these desires I have for you, I’m throwing you a party. A celebration of knowledge, if you will.

Did you just hear a champagne cork popping, too?

I’ve been planning since spring to pull this off. And I think you’ll … Read the rest >

Posted in brand + message, content, copywriting, how to be, how to sell, how to write, marketing

5 Simple Secrets to Writing When You Don't Feel Like It

Published October 24, 2011

Make and appointment with yourself

If you want to get rich, famous, and better looking…

….you’ve got some writing to do.

That’s because online marketing relies on sending out little messages into the online universe. And yes, those messages can be MP3s or video. But more often than not, they are written.

Which means you need to get all up in your writing’s face and say: I’m not afraid of you, you big bully… AND I’m gonna get you done on a regular and consistent basis so YOU start bringing ME more clients, word of mouth buzz, and benjamins*! How you like the sound of … Read the rest >

Posted in content, copywriting, how to write

Why your marketing isn't working

Published October 17, 2011

Develop your "outside voice" in writing

It’s raining as I write this. There’s a cup of yerba mate on my desk. If I squint my eyes a little and look out my office window, I can almost convince myselft that I’m in Seattle (not Miami).

It’s good thinking weather.

Before I share the thought, let’s set this up. As psychologists, copywriters, marketers, salespeople, and anyone who persuades for a living will tell you, there are two ways to move people to action. Pleasure or pain. You speak to your potential clients about what they want to move towards, or away from.

The standard line here is … Read the rest >

Posted in how to write, marketing

I'm really bad at marketing

Published October 10, 2011

Build your own marketing muscle

“I’m really bad at marketing.”

It’s as though my business were a confession booth.

“Forgive me, Stella, for I’ve sinned. It’s been 4 months since I sent my last newsletter. And I’ve had secret thoughts about getting a job.”

What you keep telling me is that you aren’t good at marketing. And that you’re doing “alright”… but you want more.

More clients, more word-of-mouth, more of your cash register singing. A business that’s more like a moveable feast, and less like eating fast food in a parking lot in your car.

Yes, good marketing can make magic happen in your … Read the rest >

Posted in brand + message, how to be, marketing

How to write money-making marketing

Published October 3, 2011

A copywriter isn’t an insurance policy.

You can’t expect to hire someone to “do” your marketing for you. Especially if you’re starting out, or have your sights set on growing your biz.

Here’s the thing: you need to know how to write for your business. In a way that connects with your ideal clients. That signals you “get” it. And that they need to act NOW to work with you.

But here’s the OTHER thing. As vital as knowing how to write effectively is, even that isn’t enough. You need to hone your marketing sense. So you know WHY you … Read the rest >

Posted in marketing

Greatness or bust

Published September 26, 2011

Stella

Adventures are a girl’s best friend.

And in business, as in life, you gotta make your OWN magic.

(Side bar: I was in Montana for 5 weeks this summer. Before I left, my friends and I were planning to build a blanket fort womb and stage a ritual birthing ceremony. When I told a friend who’d just had a kid this, she said, “just make sure you punch one another in the stomach and scream a lot.” She also suggested, helpfully, that we serve Epiduraltinis.)

Speaking of giving birth, Stella’s been working with a few midwife-geniuses to find out … Read the rest >

Posted in how to be

Is your opt-in box a road to nowhere?

Published September 19, 2011

Take a different path

Friends, Stella’s got a bee in her bonnet. And it’s making her crazier than a cat on a hot tin roof.

If she had a nickel for every business owner she’s met who has a website, but DOESN’T send a newsletter regularly, she’d be even richer.

Here’s what you don’t know about me: I’ve been doing recon on you. I’ve been opting in to your lists, and watching what you send me.

And I seriously love you, but…just who do you think you are? Taking a girl’s email digits and never bothering to ring her bell again…

I mean, … Read the rest >

Posted in content, copywriting, how to write, marketing