Build Your Writing Business According to the Laws of Nature
By Lisa Christoffel

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went on vacation in the mountains of New Hampshire. It gave us a chance to enjoy the changing foliage and beautiful scenery.

Fall in the northeast has always been my favorite season, weather-wise and because it reminds me of new beginnings.

Now, I know it’s closing in on the end of the year … and the leaves turn colors and fall off and flowers die or go into hibernation. That doesn’t seem like new beginnings, does it?

But to me, it’s creating opportunity.

Now, many people don’t care for change.

But in many cultures around the world, though, change is embraced, welcomed, expected.

For instance, in the Vedic tradition, the natural “laws” of creation, maintenance, and destruction are accepted as a normal part of life.

Even if you’re not familiar with those laws, you can recognize the forces when you see seeds sprouting (creation) into shoots and then full-blown flowers that bloom for weeks or sometimes months (maintenance) … only to watch those flowers fade, the plant to turn brown and die (destruction).

These seasonal changes may not be welcomed by everyone, but they are expected.

Your business is going to go through “seasons” as well … changes that correspond to those natural laws. Everything needs to move through this cycle. You can’t stay in one place.

So how you prepare for those changes — because you know they’re coming — can help your business grow and grow.

Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction in Our Writing Businesses

Creation requires space and opportunity … which comes as a result of some kind of destruction.

For instance, when you decided to become a copywriter, you had to make room for it. You stopped doing something else to give you the time to learn and practice copywriting and to market yourself to clients, and eventually to write for clients.

Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you quit your job. Or maybe … you started this as a side business. But before you started studying copywriting, you were doing something else with that spare time, even if it was sleeping in later in the mornings.

So, there was an element of destruction involved in your choice to add copywriting to your life.

But it was worth it, because it made room for … creation — you’ve created a whole new part of your life.

You’re creating new skills for yourself … and every new skill you add to your business services is another opportunity to create something for your clients.

When you’re in maintenance mode, you’re probably handling clients, marketing your services, and generally running your business.

But at some point in your journey, you’re going to want to expand or change to move to the next level. And that will typically involve some kind of destruction to make room for that creation.

And the cycle begins again.

So, how do you use this new understanding to help your freelance business succeed?

First, There’s … Creation

If you’ve just made the decision to become a copywriter and you’re creating something brand-new, you should be focusing on what you need to do to enable that creation.

Do you have the right tools for your business, like a good laptop, efficient software, a productive office setup?

And do you have the right training to deliver the services you want to deliver?

If not, what steps do you need to take to get there?

Do you need to make some equipment purchases? Do you need to clear a space for yourself in your home that not only allows you to work at your computer there but also enhances your creativity and flow?

Do you have the resources to build a solid foundation for your business so you can find, land, and serve clients?

If you still need to build your skill set, do you have access to the training you need for the projects you want to write?

When I decided copywriting was absolutely my path forward in the next phase of my career, I made sure I had access to the best training I could find.

Next Comes … Maintenance

When you’re working with clients and marketing your services, you’re probably in Maintenance.

This is your “steady-state.”

You may make some changes here, but they’re smaller and less intrusive … do you need to upgrade your software tools to improve your writing speed or organize your research? Do you need to reassess your marketing efforts to ensure you’re attracting the clients you really want to attract?

It feels great to be here … for a while. But the next season is coming …

Finally … Destruction

Don’t think of destruction as a negative force in this instance. It’s actually pretty exciting. It means you’ve reached a point where you’re ready for more … you’re ready to make room for a new phase of creation.

You’re entering a new cycle.

To create, you will likely need to destroy a few things. Shed what isn’t serving you anymore. But that’s okay … because it’s giving you the space to grow and expand.

Maybe your destruction phase now involves leaving one niche and moving into another that feels like a better fit.

Maybe your destruction phase is going from part-time copywriting as a side hustle to full-time copywriting after quitting your day job.

Or maybe you’ve decided to go after a new kind of client … like ones who pay royalties … or ones who will give you a retainer agreement.

When you do that, you may need to part ways with a few current clients, or you may need to change what you’re marketing and to whom.

Those are elements of destruction, but what they open for you can help you take your freelance business to new levels.

As Long as You’re Prepared, Your Writing Business Will Thrive

For those of you who live where there is a winter, you know you need to prepare for it … winter tires on your car, warm clothes, boots, a snow shovel. But if you’re heading into summer, your preparation includes sunscreen, lighter clothes, air conditioning, and bug spray.

You can enjoy any season, as long as you’re prepared for it. None are good or bad. They just are. Just like the Vedic Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction cycles.

When your business goes through that change cycle, don’t resist. Instead, prepare for it and take advantage of all the new opportunities.

That means having the tools, training, and processes for each cycle at your fingertips.

When you’re starting out, you may use a spreadsheet for your income and expenses, Word for your invoicing system, and Turbo Tax to file your taxes.

When your business gets more complex with more clients, different types of income, and potentially business assets, you may hire a bookkeeper and an accountant.

For your office, you may start with a basic laptop sitting at your kitchen table. But the more successful you get, the more you may want to get more productive and efficient tools for your day-to-day tasks.

And for your training, you may start with The AWAI Method^TM. Then as you build your business, you will likely find yourself adding new services or wanting to improve or upgrade your existing services.

That’s where programs like AWAI’s Infinity Program can be very helpful. With access to training for pretty much any copywriting project, as well as business-building resources, it’s a great investment in your business that keeps you prepared for all those changes you know are coming.

Your business will move through each of these cycles, often many times. Don’t resist change ─ it’s necessary for your growth.

Whichever cycle you’re in right now, embrace it. And realize it’s exactly where you need to be to take your business to the next level.

Do you have any questions about getting started as a copywriter or leveling up your career? Share with us in the comments.