Course Review: AWAI – Virtual Business Building Intensive 2017

Introduction

The AWAI – Virtual Business Building Intensive 2017 is a comprehensive program designed to equip aspiring and established freelance writers with the tools, strategies, and tactics needed to build a successful and sustainable business. This intensive course, offered by American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI), focuses on the practical aspects of freelancing, covering everything from choosing a profitable niche to effectively marketing your services and closing high-paying clients. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your existing business, this intensive provides actionable insights and step-by-step guidance to accelerate your path to success. The content is delivered by industry experts, each specializing in different facets of business building, ensuring a well-rounded and in-depth learning experience. By the end of this program, participants will have a clear roadmap to build and grow a thriving freelance writing business.

Course Description

The AWAI – Virtual Business Building Intensive 2017 is structured as a series of virtual sessions, each led by a renowned expert in their respective field. The course covers eight vital steps that strategically build upon each other, making the process of starting and growing a freelance writing business much easier. From selecting the right niche and crafting a powerful marketing message to building a professional LinkedIn profile and launching a client-attracting website, each module is designed to be highly practical and immediately implementable. The teaching style is interactive, incorporating live sessions, Q&A sessions, and personalized feedback. Key highlights include easy-to-use templates, real-world case studies, and proven strategies for attracting and retaining clients. The intensive nature of this program allows for rapid progress and immediate application of the concepts learned. It is tailored for individuals eager to transform their writing skills into a profitable and scalable business venture. Overall the courses covers the entire business building proccess, not just copywriting.

Ideal Student

• Beginner freelance writers seeking a step-by-step guide to start their business.
• Experienced copywriters looking to refine their marketing strategies and attract higher-paying clients.
• Individuals with strong writing skills who want to monetize their abilities.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost, high-potential business opportunity.
• Freelancers who want to diversify their income streams and build a more sustainable business model.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and select a profitable niche market for freelance writing.
• Craft a powerful marketing message that resonates with potential clients.
• Build a professional and client-attracting LinkedIn profile.
• Develop a comprehensive copywriting information kit.
• Launch a professional website that showcases your skills and services.
• Implement warm email prospecting strategies to acquire new clients.
• Master proven techniques for closing deals and securing high-paying clients.
• Create sustainable systems for managing and growing a freelance writing business.

Course Modules

Module 1: Choose Your Niche Focus

Led by Pam Foster, this module emphasizes the importance of selecting a specific industry or niche for your writing business. Choosing a niche allows you to specialize, command higher rates, and stand out from generalists. Pam guides students through a proven process to identify their perfect niche by combining their passions, background, and income goals. This involves identifying the benefits of niching, exploring clues that indicate a great niche, examining real-world examples, and completing a Personal Inventory Worksheet to make a confident niche decision. Students will learn how to find clients in their chosen niche and have the opportunity to ask Pam questions. This focus gives students and founders a more clear and predictable goal for the future.

Module 2: Create a Powerful Marketing Message

Nick Usborne teaches how to craft a marketing message that transforms how you promote your freelance business. Instead of just pitching skills, students learn to create a message that is easy and fun to share and is uniquely valuable. Nick shares his story of starting with nothing and building a business around the message “Writing for the Web is different.” The module covers how to uncover a message that sets you apart, deploy the message across all marketing materials, start conversations with prospects, remove the pressure of selling, and build brand value. Students receive live feedback on their new marketing message. It is recommended that you take good notes, because the course is intensive, and covers many new concepts.

Module 3: Build Your LinkedIn Profile

Ilise Benun guides students on how to create a professional presence on LinkedIn to attract clients. LinkedIn, with its millions of active users, serves as a powerful tool for professional networking and client acquisition. Students learn how to put together a profile that promotes their copywriting business, focusing on the three most important elements. The module covers how to use the profile to be found when clients search for services. Completing the LinkedIn page also provides a valuable writing sample. Students receive a review of their LinkedIn profiles with suggestions for improvement. Many students are already generating a high income, and high value for their time.

Module 4: Develop Your Information Kit

Bob Bly leads this module on developing a powerful “copywriting information kit” to generate leads and convince prospects to hire you. An information kit provides an overview of your freelance writing business and gives you an advantage in getting clients. The module covers what makes a great kit, whether to charge a fee, the best format (PDF, hard copy, or both), and the five key elements every kit must contain. Students learn how to boost the kit’s value, generate sales leads, and use lead magnets to double response. Students also receive an easy-to-edit template and Bob’s actual information kit. It is a good idea to start building your leads early.

Module 5: Launch a Professional Website

Rebecca Matter teaches how to build a freelance website that enhances credibility, attracts better clients, and commands higher rates. The website serves as an online portfolio and a way for clients to find you. The module covers the content options for the website and how to get plenty of relevant content without a lot of writing. Students learn how to write content that reflects their talents and skills and what pages the website should have. The module includes a “Content Essentials Guide” covering specific content based on the type of copy you write. Students will see sample websites and learn what to do if they have zero samples or little experience. You should take notes throughout this module, so you can compare them with your website.

Module 6: Get Clients Faster Through “Warm Email Prospecting”

Ed Gandia shares his simplified process for landing great clients through “Warm Email Prospecting,” which is the opposite of cold calling. This involves personally crafting emails with relevant and timely messages. The module covers why this formula is the most reliable and sustainable outreach strategy, fill-in-the-blanks templates, and powerful email samples. Students learn how to turn prospecting into an enjoyable habit and use simple emails to land a steady stream of clients. Prospect early, so you’re ready for sales later.

Module 7: How to Close Clients

Joshua Boswell teaches how to close clients and build a business that attracts high-paying clients. Joshua shares his personal story of overcoming debt and establishing himself as a copywriter earning a six-figure income. He built his business by doing all the things learned in the intensive. The module demonstrates how it all comes together into a business that easily attracts and closes clients. Earning over six figures is a common goal for many marketers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of building a freelance writing business.
• Led by industry experts with proven track records.
• Actionable insights and step-by-step guidance.
• Easy-to-use templates and real-world examples.
• Interactive sessions with live Q&A.
• Strategic approach where each step builds on the previous one.

Cons

• The cost might be a barrier for some individuals.
• Requires a significant time commitment to complete the intensive.
• Some strategies might need adaptation based on individual circumstances and niches.
• The course focuses primarily on freelance writing, which might not be ideal for those interested in other forms of writing.
• The 2017 Edition might have slightly outdated information on certain platforms or tools.
• Requires self-discipline to implement the strategies and stay consistent.

FAQs

• What is the AWAI – Virtual Business Building Intensive 2017?
  It is a comprehensive online course designed to teach freelance writers how to build and grow a successful business.
• Who is this course for?
  This course is ideal for both beginner and experienced freelance writers looking to monetize their writing skills.
• What topics are covered in the course?
  The course covers niche selection, marketing message creation, LinkedIn profile building, website development, email prospecting, and closing clients.
• Who are the instructors?
  The course is taught by industry experts like Pam Foster, Nick Usborne, Ilise Benun, Bob Bly, Rebecca Matter, Ed Gandia, and Joshua Boswell.
• How is the course structured?
  The course is structured as a series of virtual sessions, each focusing on a specific aspect of business building.
• Will I receive any templates or resources?
  Yes, the course includes easy-to-use templates, swipe files, and real-world examples.

Final Verdict

The AWAI – Virtual Business Building Intensive 2017 is an excellent investment for anyone serious about building a thriving freelance writing business. The course provides a comprehensive roadmap, covering everything from the foundational steps of choosing a niche to the advanced strategies for closing high-paying clients. The expertise of the instructors, combined with the practical resources and templates, makes this intensive a valuable asset. While the program requires a significant time commitment and some strategies may need adaptation, the potential return on investment is substantial. If you’re looking for a structured, step-by-step guide to turn your writing skills into a profitable venture, this course is highly recommended. It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the freelance landscape and achieve long-term success.