Meet Penny Phoenix... Copywriter Extraordinaire
Jul 01, 2020
Interview with Penny Phoenix
From Penny:
My name is Penny Phoenix. I am a copywriter, a swimmer, a reader, a mom to a 7 year old boy, a wife to badass interior designer, and the only person in a family of lawyers to refuse to go to law school. I have a snake plant named Kevin, and I’m currently teaching myself how to play guitar (turns out I’m a terrible guitar teacher. Who knew?)
What kind of work do you do?
I am a copywriter, which means that I write the words that make your perfect people break down the door, begging to work with you. I love doing market research and audience discovery, and boost my word nerd powers with solid data to make sure that your launch is a success!
What inspired you to become an author?
I got hooked on books as a kid. Reading has always been an escape for me - a total immersion in a different world, in a different body, a different life. Reading the words of others speaks to a part of me that just isn’t reached any other way. I wanted to become an author so that I could reach others in the same way.
What’s your favorite aspect of writing?
I particularly love spicing up my writing with sarcastic humor, but as a copywriter, it’s not my job to express myself - it’s my job to express your clients desires in their words. I love assuming the mentality of the people you are trying to serve, and designing the path to get them into your programs. It’s the power of empathy!
What inspired you to get started as an entrepreneur?
Before I met my wife, I was a single mom. I worked a crappy customer service job, and had a giant pile of imaginary money (called back child support). One day, my fairy godmother (aka, the IRS) finally found my ex, and deposited $10k in my bank account. My amazing wife immediately told me to quit my job, and start my own business. I would not be where I am today without her incredible, unwavering support.
What was your biggest struggle to get things going for your online business?
Finding my niche! I started off as a leadership coach, and boy oh boy, was that a FLOP! The funny thing is, I’m a great communicator, so I was speaking all over town, and even got booked to speak at a conference on the topic. Thankfully, COVID-19 saved me from myself by forcing that option off the table.
Was there a time you thought about giving up? What kept you from quitting?
I think every Tuesday at noon? Honestly, being an entrepreneur is a freaking rollercoaster. I am a really passionate person, so I feel those highs and lows so sensitively. My wife (god bless her), has been my rock. Every time I get that “UGH, I can’t do this, no one will ever buy from me, I’m useless” feeling, I reach out to her and she swiftly kicks me in the ass, then tells me I’m awesome and to get out there and crush it.
I have also made so many amazing badass friends along the way that also provide support. One of the most powerful things about being an entrepreneur is the incredible friendships and connections you get to make. There are so many awesome people just waiting to help you out - you just have to get out there and talk to them!
What have you learned since beginning?
All the tips and tricks and strategies and plans will never measure up to being genuine. Be you. Find what you love to do, and find people you love to help who have that problem.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Don’t be the cheapest, be the best. If you’re not the best, it’s time to learn.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Buckle up. It’s going to be a wild ride. There will be times you are on top of the world, and times you feel like the tiniest ant. If you choose something you love, and passionately believe in, the difficult times are easier to weather. The thing that will get you clients the fastest is good old connection.
What’s the professional win you’re most proud of?
Selling my $16k Platinum offer!
Is there a book you’d recommend to help with success and personal development?
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. That guy got me into ALL this mess. It’s entirely his fault, and I am so grateful to him.
Do you have a routine that you attest to your success? If yes, what is it?
My best days are the days I get up in the morning and go to kickboxing at 5:30am. Something about starting my day off with loud music and punching things just brings my energy level up a notch.
How has social media played a factor in your success?
It’s the arena I’ve used to build my business completely. I found all of my clients on social media. It’s how I reach new clients, and make new connections. It is also a HUGE time suck, and I sometimes wish I could just throw my phone across the room and run away.
What are the biggest social media mistakes you see commonly made?
Being salesy. Dear Baby Badass Bosses - don’t dm people with the intent to get them on a sales call. Just do not do it. We are all intuitive enough that we can tell, and I promise, we’re cringing for you. If you want to connect with someone and you think they might be a good client, connect genuinely and ask to interview them! Worst case, they’re a new friend and you got some rad copy for your marketing. Best case, they feel heard and understood, and they’re asking YOU to get on a sales call with them.
What is the business tool that’s been most helpful?
My calendar. Letting other people pick times that work for them without the awkward back and forth conversation makes my life so much easier, and more organized. I get distracted often, but my calendar keeps me on track (and makes sure I don’t leave people hanging!)
Is there something you wish everyone knew?
Penguins only live in the southern hemisphere.
What’s coming up for you in the next few months?
I am in Research Nerd Mode! Right now I am interviewing as many badass entrepreneurs as I can lure into my inbox! I also recently opened up my Copy 2 Clients program, and I’m taking the first few clients through that. I’m so excited to see their businesses EXPLODE onto the scene, and crush it!
What has being successful taught you?
If you want to be successful, you have to believe you can be. If you can’t believe it, borrow someone else’s belief until it takes root in your brain, and you can’t get it out.
Also, the more you serve without expectation of reciprocity, the more successful you will be.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I have 2 orange cats named Fred and George
- Phoenix really is my last name (I picked it!)
- I used to sing opera
- I lived in North Pole, Alaska for 3 years
- I have been to all 50 states
- I taught babies to swim for over a decade
- My favorite hobby (my wife calls it a problem) is collecting journals and stickers.
- I still haven’t gotten my bachelors degree, but I finished 54 credits in one semester to get my Associates.
- I’m a twin.
Connect with Penny:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Copywriting4Coaches
*Some clickable media, usually the book recommendations, are affiliate links, and should you choose to buy through using those links then The Infinite Power of You Inc. may earn an affiliate payout commission. This is at no additional expense to you, and helps keep this blog going.
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