The Mind Reader

Once in awhile I get it right - even 100% on target at that. What am I talking about? Anticipating a client's needs to the point where I am able to convey to them what they are unable to state in words to me.

For example, a few week's back I had a small project to work on, a series of automotive articles, and the customer wasn't sure exactly what he wanted but he knew that there was something that he needed: fresh web content. I sensed that his budget was limited and I could almost hear him say as much, but I did not press the issue with him. Instead, after looking over his website, I decided that writing several tightly focused articles of about 400 words in length would do. No, it wasn't the traditional copy I would have recommended but for his particular site it would be a good fit. At least that is what I had surmised.

When I pitched my proposal to the client he seemed cautiously interested, but he gave to me his go ahead despite whatever reservations he may have had. A few days later I managed to deliver the completed work to him and he accepted the project without demanding any changes. Instead, he remarked, "you knew exactly what I wanted without me being able to tell you what I wanted. How did you know?" Well, I mentioned to him that I had a lot of practice: years of working with people who were in a similar situation as he was. I added: "once you get a sense for what someone wants, then you go with it."

No, I am no mind reader. However, anticipating a client's needs comes with the territory. It has taken years of hard work to get to this place, but the payoffs for client and writer are very obvious.

Copyright 2006 - For additional information regarding Matthew C. Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips. Please visit Rid Job to expand your career choices.

How To Write Headlines That Grab Your Prospects Attention
Kick-Starting Body Copy
Organizing Your Data to Write Better Copy
How To Test The Body Of Your Sales Copy For Weaknesses
10 Tips for Tech-Writers
How To Write Powerful Headlines
Are Long Copy Salesletters Scams?
To Start Making Cash from Your Online Writing, You Must Draw Blood First
Steps to a Writing an Effective Press Releases
How to Write Carrot-Wielding Copy!
Write Hard-Hitting Headlines With Magic Words That Sell
Some Important Tips On Proposals And Price
How You Can Find Freelance Children?s Writing Positions That Will Last
Three Tips For Magnetizing Your Copy
3 Keys to Better Online Copywriting
Pulling Sales with Your Ad Copy
Progressive Headlines Guide Customers To Buy
How To Become Qualified As A Proofreader
Business Writing: When Not To Be Professional
Real Estate Professionals Need You to Write for Them!
Advice From Successful Freelancers: Starting & Maintaining A Freelancer Career
Freelancers Can Jump-Start Your Publicity Initiative
Memorable Sales Copy -- How to Write it
Designing for a Non-English Audience
Lapsed Donors: How to Write a Fundraising Letter That Wins Them Back
Freelance Copywriters on the Internet: How to Tell the Difference Between Heaven-sent and Hack
How To Be Creative
Writing Effective Sales Copy
Revealed: The $12,500 Copywriting Formula
No-Holds-Barred Conversation with Dan Lok - Part 1
How To Write Headlines That Get Attention
What Is Persuasive Copywriting And How Can It Help Your Business?