Use Your Talents to Make a Difference
By Steve Roller

Before we get into the next side benefit of the writer's life, just a quick reminder that Circle of Success enrollment ends soon.

I've talked about Circle of Success a lot this week. It was one of the main reasons I got results early in my career.

Before I had a portfolio or any experience, Circle of Success gave me the confidence to get clients. It also gave me an instant library of copywriting resources which I tap into regularly. You still have time to check it out, but enrollment closes May 30 and won't be offered again soon. Get the details here.

Now, on to today's message …

One of the wealthiest men who ever lived said:

"No man can become rich without himself enriching others."

Andrew Carnegie was the Warren Buffett or Bill Gates of his day. He built a $400 million fortune ($189.6 billion in today's dollars), more than Buffett and Gates combined.

Then he gave it all away.

Carnegie established 2,509 public libraries. He built Carnegie Hall. He provided hundreds of church organs to local communities and much more.

There's a lesson here.

Early in his life, he developed the habit of giving and continued it throughout his life.

As copywriters, we can get in the habit of giving in a slightly different way.

We can enrich others by crafting words that cause people to act.

Copywriters are some of the most generous people I've ever met. Every week, I hear another story of a colleague giving either their time, talents, or resources.

Jan Marie Mueller is an AWAI member in Germany. She helps run a non-profit there called Helping Hands for Children. Jan's copywriting skills bring school books, food, and medical care to kids in Namibia and Tanzania.

Susan Laird is a rising copywriting star, but she still finds time to donate her time and talents. She's the newsletter editor for the Rotary District in Folsom, California.

Tanya Marcia is a talented wordsmith with a heart of gold. She recently used her writing skills to raise money for a friend with breast cancer.

It's a great feeling to give, isn't it?

Last year, my kids' charter school needed money for technology and books. We called it the "Excellence Campaign," and I wrote a letter that got mailed out to all 250 families. The parent board and teachers were thrilled when we brought in over $9,000, exceeding our goal.

More recently, last fall I spearheaded a fundraiser for an organization called Both Hands. I wrote an emotional appeal, and we raised over $13,000 for adoptive families with a one-day event.

When you become a writer, you'll have many opportunities to use your talents to make a difference in your corner of the world, too.

Have you been able to use your writing to help others? Your story could inspire others like the ones above inspired me. Tell us what you did in the comment area below.