The (Sometimes) Rocky Road to Success

Chapter 12 - Defining Moments Shape A Freelance Future

One of the great lures of freelance writing and graphic design careers is the opportunity to ply your trade anywhere on the planet. Successful freelancers have a lifestyle most work-a-day people envy. Freelancers adjust work habits with family and leisure activities, creating a balance others only dream about. As freelance careers are launched, Freebird wondered what challenges, advantages or unique characteristics freelancers encounter in countries around the world. In our quest, for answers we talked with Ron Welsh. Though he calls Brisbane, Australia home, he currently works in Moscow, Russia for a major oilfield services company on a rotational basis. Having lived in 10 countries and conducted business in over 50, Ron Welsh (RW) has valuable insights which he shares with Maria Thompson (MT).

MT - You've had the opportunity and excitement of living in countries throughout the world. What especially attracted you to copywriting?

RW - I've had dreams of writing for a living and tentatively explored possibilities on many occasions - usually after the recurring thought, "there must be a way to get into writing, earn a decent living, be with my family and enjoy myself." For me the turning point occurred one day in Siberia in mid-winter, with temperatures hovering at minus 28 C. I wondered what I was doing in a frozen, bleak, desolate part of Russia, when my heart was in sunny Brisbane. I thoroughly recommend a trip to Siberia to inspire the uninspired! Another memorable "incentive moment" was when the 9/11/2001 attacks on the U.S shocked the world. At the time we were living in Saudi Arabia and we certainly reassessed our priorities, when we learned 15 of the 19 attackers were Saudi's. In such uncertain times the idea of working from wherever you choose is an extremely attractive option.

MT - What writing background did you have before beginning the copywriting course?

RW - I have written hundreds of multi-million dollar proposals for oilfield service companies over my almost 30 years in the industry. I have dabbled in writing short stories about growing up in a family of 13 children in Australia. A few years ago I wrote an unpaid article on following Australian football (my passion) as an expatriate for my hometown newspaper in Geelong. To my amazement, they published it. The resultant positive comments from friends and family were encouraging. Though I wasn't impressed at not being paid I was happy enough to have a published piece for my portfolio.


Siberia in January -28o Celsius (-18o F)

MT - What has helped you most working on your course materials and planning a freelance writing business?

RW - I guess it was the realization I can do this. I have also had great support and encouragement. I was originally put off somewhat by the intense selling techniques in the direct marketing aspects of the course and wondered if this was an avenue for me. I gradually came to recognize the benefits of knowing what constitutes good "copy" and soon realized there are other writing fields I can pursue. Early To Rise has been inspirational and I've found Freebird an invaluable source of ideas, information and support. Another thing driving me on is the philosophy that determination is major factor in succeeding in any endeavor and the knowledge I have such determination.

MT - Has your current location in Moscow presented any particular obstacles as you launch your freelance business?

RW - No, the Internet has allowed me to take the necessary steps to set up and launch my freelance business as if I were at home in Australia or in the U.S. The lesson here is, if you have an Internet connection, there is no reason you can't do the same from anywhere in the world.

MT - What do you see as the greatest challenge as you move ahead with your plan to work from home in Brisbane as a freelance writer?

RW - Like Russ Banister (Freebird Issue #3 interview), fear of failure is my worst nightmare. I waiver between the euphoria of finally living my dreams and abject fear I will not be good enough to sustain a decent income. I do have a fallback position in that I could probably get more rotational work from the company if my writing fails, but that doesn't kill the inherent fear and I don't like to think that way.

MT - Do you have advice for beginning copywriters who live outside the States?

RW - Don't be cowed by the daunting idea that most of the copywriting jobs are in the U.S. I have searched for all types of writing jobs and opportunities in Australia and found, while there are some copywriters, there also appear to be plenty of opportunities. I think the same is probably true for most countries, but I believe specialization in a particular industry can also be beneficial, no matter where you live. Finally, I'm not convinced it is necessary to be physically close to the market you seek to enter, though I agree with many who have said "face to face" meetings reap more immediate benefits. Whether your initial contact is via e-mail, phone or face-to-face, your success will depend on your subsequent performance as a writer.

MT - What are the advantages to conducting a freelance business in Brisbane or in other countries outside the U.S.?

RW - I don't know that there are any actual advantages, nor do I think there are any substantial disadvantages. To me it's all about where you want to be. Brisbane is a great place to live and work. It is city of one million people only an hour's flight away from Sydney, the largest commercial market in Australia. If there is a sustainable market for good commercial copywriting in Australia, then Brisbane is as good a place as any to start. In the international market in particular I feel I can offer a "fresh" approach, an "outside perspective" clients may feel they need to reach markets where they previously had only partial success. I also suspect setting up and running a freelance writing business outside the U.S. is not dissimilar to trying to do so from rural America in many ways.

MT - Are there barriers copywriters outside the U.S. might experience that U.S. copywriters may not encounter?

RW - No, I don't believe there are insurmountable barriers as such, but it is important to know something of the culture and language of the countries where you plan to market. The differences in language and nuances attached to particular words in each country could cause serious embarrassment and worse, loss of clients, without such knowledge. However, I am sure potential faux pas can be avoided with clear communication.

MT - How do the rewards of copywriting compare to international living and travel?

RW - There is no comparison. International living and travel are certainly great experiences. To me the successful copywriter has the ultimate in job satisfaction and lifestyle. Being where you want, with whom you want and getting paid for what you love doing is nirvana. Travel fits in nicely with the copywriters' lifestyle as well, if that's on your agenda.

I often think of the world's top entertainers who find they have to go on tour to make the greatest impact on their audience. Applause is their ultimate reward. In copywriting the rewards are many and we don't have to be in front of our client to either win the job, do the job or to reap the rewards.


Brisbane’s Southbank Beach in January 30o Celsius (86o F)

MT - Thank you, Ron. It has been a pleasure visiting with you. I know our readers will look forward to reading more on your global perspective in your article next month.

Note: Additional questions we had for Ron resulted in a wealth of information. His answers could have filled an entire issue. In our April issue he will translate his global experiences into tips for freelance businesses throughout the world. You will discover the advantages for copywriters and graphic designers, as the planet becomes more and more a "global market" as opposed to a world of isolated countries with individual markets.