One Pitch, One Client Won
By Kazi Quinton

It was nearing the end of 2023, another year had flown by, and I was still working in a corporate role. I couldn’t help but daydream about my favorite subject: being a copywriter!

I’d wonder daily … How long would it take for me to learn my craft? How do I earn while learning and gaining competence as a writer?

A Chance Encounter

As a manager of an organization that provided training to occupational therapists and associated professionals, I occasionally had the opportunity to work alongside a particularly remarkable occupational therapist …

Her passion for her clients would shine as she shared with me fascinating therapy practices and success stories from people she had helped. It was clear to me that her mission was to help everyone live meaningful lives. The more I got to know her, the more I wanted to help her help even more people.

One day, during a meeting, she praised my writing.

That simple compliment ignited something in me.

Life’s too short not to chase dreams, I thought, and mine was clear: becoming a copywriter. I saw my chance. That fleeting moment was about to shape my future.

“You’re a gifted therapist,” I said. “You often talk about your dream to support more parents, care organizations, teachers, and therapists. So, why not take your practice to the next level? I’m a copywriter. I can help you do it.”

We talked about it a bit and realized her therapy practice would need web copy, newsletters, emails, blog posts — the works. “I can handle all of that,” I told her confidently. (I knew AWAI had all the training I needed.)

She agreed, and our journey began.

FINALLY, My Words Pay the Bills

Early in my copywriting journey, I joined AWAI’s Circle of Success … knowing that someday I would want access to everything I needed — when I needed it.

Soon after meeting with my now client the occupational therapist, I dug into my membership, checking out the wide selection of training programs. I kicked off with blogging basics, then jumped into newsletter writing with Pam Foster presenting.

Browsing AWAI’s resources, I stumbled upon an editorial calendar. Talk about perfect timing! Days before, my client had asked for four distinct monthly newsletters, because she had four target markets she wanted to support. For me, a complete novice to both newsletters and planning tools, this find was a lifeline.

Using AWAI’s template as a guide, I created four customized calendars, swapping in my client’s market data, brand colors, and scheduled copy. My client was thrilled, and my life as a paid writer began.

Little did I know just how much experience I would gain in a short amount of time.

Tapping Into a Gold Mine of Writing Wisdom

The next several weeks flew by as I dug into various training programs to help my client …

She wanted her newsletters to mimic a popular U.S. newsletter. I thought about how to do that and decided to apply AI skills I had just learned through the AI Copywriting Mastery course to create a brand guide in the voice and style of her chosen newsletter.

Two weeks later during an online meeting, I unveiled her “SabeyOT” brand guide with four catchy newsletter titles, and copy written in her desired voice. She was ecstatic. She kept saying, “I love it, I just love it, it’s perfect.”

Next, she asked if I could help with some online copy for her LinkedIn profile. I studied Ilise Benun’s LinkedIn program. I find AWAI’s programs specific and super easy to follow. This one was no different. In a few hours, I was done.

Observations from A-list copywriters on AWAI webinars revealed a gem: E-books still reign as top lead magnets. When my client needed a freebie to attract leads, the choice was clear — an e-book it would be.

I found the perfect module in what I was now affectionately calling my Copywriting Treasure Trove (my membership account): Bob Bly’s Ultimate Guide to E-Book Writing Success by Bob Bly.

At the same time, I spotted AWAI’s Email Copy Made Easy. Perfect timing, as emails were next on our list. While diving into e-book training, I scanned the email program: 10 one-hour modules. I scheduled one module daily, ensuring I’d be email-ready when the time came.

I couldn’t believe that whatever I needed … it was all available!

Another Client!

Not long ago, a new client approached me to ask if I could help her business with social media marketing. No sweat!

AWAI has social media programs that helped me learn this skill. I am now managing a social media marketing strategy and also writing additional copy for this client.

Recently she informed me she wished to scale another business and asked me to be the copywriter for that project too!

I Finally Made the JUMP

I am delighted to say, I am now a full-time copywriter!

With Circle of Success, I learned directly from industry giants through intuitive, easy-to-understand programs. I felt such a thrill as my writing skills soared.

That chance encounter, where I told my occupational therapist colleague I was a copywriter and I could help scale her business — the words felt a little foreign on my tongue, yet also exhilarating. But it was the moment everything changed.

One chance encounter. One casual conversation. That’s all it took to open doors I never knew existed. So here’s my challenge to you: Tell everyone. Let the world know you’re a copywriter and looking for opportunities. Because in that next handshake, that next “nice to meet you,” your entire future might be waiting.

Don’t just dream of your own copywriting success — live it.

I can’t thank AWAI enough for making my dream come true.

And all in less than one year!