How to Sell Anything, Anytime, to Anyone!

How You Can Sell Anything With Your Writing

Most people assume that the primary tool required to be a successful writer is talent. That could not be further from the truth. While there are many talented writers who are successful, if you ever watch television or films, you, like most of us, are constantly surprised at some of the scripts that get sold and produced.

In his book Rich Dad, Poor Dad (a must read by the way) Robert Kiyosaki tells of an interview with a young reporter whose work he had read and admired. She asked for his advice, since he has written multiple New York Times best sellers, on her own attempts at publishing her novels. He suggested she take a course in sales. The young woman was enraged, it seemed she was insulted that he thought her Masters in English Lit was not enough, why would she want to learn sales, she was a "writer". He gently pointed out that the cover of his book touted him as a best "selling" author, not best "writing", she like others who ask a guru for advice, left disappointed with the Truth.

So, here, loosely adapted from my good friend and networking master Boe Parrish from Corporate Care is the road map to writing to sell.

1. Know your audience. Who are they and what do they want to hear?
2. Find out what they want that you have to offer and find a way to ask this question: If I could solve your problem in a way that benefits you, would you buy.....
3. Tell them how you can accomplish just that!
4. Present your solution in terms and pictures that will appeal to them, based on step 1.
5. Ask them to buy from you, join your organization, donate to your cause, whatever the case may be.

So, what about you? Which steps do you typically leave out? Are you the typical "artist" or "writer" that only wants to hear themselves talk and forgets to say things that his audience will care about? Or do you forget to ask them to take action? What else do you find works well for you?