One of the biggest pieces of advice I received was from George (I can’t remember his last name), this marketing director at Industrial Indemnity where I had a part-time gig writing sales promotions for their employee who was out on maternity leave. 

 

While reviewing my work, he once told me, ‘You’ve got good instincts, kid.” I never forgot it.

 

In fact, that may have been the beginning of letting my instincts drive my copy, as I could actually see and feel the direction my sales letters would take.

 

It was almost like magic, as I could feel the ideas just splash onto the page, directing me like a divining rod as my mind jumped from one idea to another—that just made sense.

 

When I was on, man, was I on. I could crank out idea after idea, almost effortlessly. The feeling was so intense I could not get up from my computer.

 

The funny thing was, at the time, I did not know that this was advice. I looked at it as more of a compliment. But in time, it was the simple direction to me that I could actually feel in my body. 

 

That feeling directed me to write many of the best-selling direct mail, email, and landing pages in InvestorPlace history. This is how I could get up in the morning and crank out many updates and winners.

 

The list goes on and on:

 

 

Just to name a few. All by tapping into my internal instincts.

 

Just like any skill, it was one that was born by writing, rewriting, and writing again.   

In my copywriting coaching course, I cite Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr, whose directive to his players was to play with joy, mindfulness, compassion, and competition in their hearts—all for the love of the game.

 

Frankly, this is how I have approached my work for 30 years, with joy, mindfulness, and the attitude that “I do, indeed, have good instincts.”

 

Of course, not all of them were correct—like trying to sell real estate in my 20s. But that misdirection moved me toward my purpose in life.

 

As I’ve said many times, I worked from home, typed letters for a living, got paid like an author, took my kids to and from school, coached their sports, went to jiu-jitsu and lunch (got a black belt), and was able to pick up the groceries and have a meal on the table by the time my wife got home from her job.

 

Those instincts led me to coaching others and selling my samples.  Putting everything I know to work to help others on their journey.  

 

So what’s the best advice you’ve received about your work or career?    No matter what ever it is,  your instincts could be pointing you in the right direction.

 

All good wishes, 

 

Doug D'Anna 

 

P.S. If you've read this far, then there was something about today's post that moved you to open and read this far.  

 

That was not luck or fate.  

 

It was the question that had been popping around in your head and you wanted to read the answer.   

 

This is the kind of copywriting coaching, teaching, and mentoring that I can offer you. Helping you tap into your instincts to take your copywriting skills to the next level. 

 

This is exactly the kind of insight I help people uncover in my copywriting coaching. 

 

If you're ready to harness your instincts to elevate your copywriting, I'm here to help you.  

 

 

I look forward to working with you.