Another day, another newsletter to write...Written by Jessica Albon
Another Week, Another Newsletter to Write... By Jessica Albon Copyright 2004, The Write ExposureAre you at end of your rope when it comes to writing your newsletter? Do you sit and stare at that little blinking cursor? Even most prolific newsletter publishers face times when they just can't stand thought of writing another issue. The next time that feeling strikes, use these three techniques to pull yourself out of it. ...................................... Renew your commitment to discipline ...................................... There's something to be said for forcing yourself to do something, even when you don't want to. Whether that's exercising your muscles, getting up an hour earlier, or keeping your promise to readers to get your newsletter out on time, you'll shore up your personal integrity by honoring commitments you make. If just thought of training yourself to become better disciplined isn't enough, consider this question asked by Sam Horn in her book, ConZentration: What will I remember a year from now? Will you remember that you played hookey for a day? Or will you remember that you got your newsletter out on time, every time, for entire year? ...................................... Pare down newsletter ...................................... Last year, I was writing two feature articles per issue. And though newsletter came out less frequently, I was still writing both articles at same time. It was simply too much writing for me.
| | What Aunt Marge Can Teach You About EzinesWritten by Jessica Albon
I have a certain relative, let's call her Aunt Marge (mostly because I don't think there's ever been a Marge in family). Aunt Marge never met a forward she didn't like. People have actually been known to set up email accounts just for Aunt Marge's forwards.Virus warnings, chain letters, "cute" photos, jokes, etc, etc, etc. I don't think she knows how to actually write an original email--just how to click and send to everyone she knows. In my own email account, I have a folder just for Aunt Marge's emails. Outlook automatically routes her emails there and from time to time I go through and delete messages she's sent. Unread. Perhaps you have an Aunt Marge of your own. Most of us do. Aunt Marge teaches us two lessons about effective email newsletters. ...................................... What Do They Associate Your Name With? ...................................... The first, what do subscribers think when they see your name in "from" field? Information they've already seen a half dozen times? Or fantastic, to-the-point advice that's always entertaining? Entertain them, inform them, and your list will grow. That's because people like to share information they find interesting and engaging. What's Aunt Marge's second lesson? ...................................... Why Does Aunt Marge Forward Those Emails? ...................................... Take a look at those forwards she shares with you. Chances are, they're very specific about who she should send them to--"Six people who know you best," "Everyone in your address book," etc, etc.
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