Archive for March, 2009
Experience FUN while learning the coolest of Web 2.0
I received this message in my Facebook inbox. Yes, I do have a Facebook account. Just click on the link to add me. 
Anyway, the sender of this message, Darren Lee, is an old acquaintance of mine. For a few months, we’ve worked together. It was a great experience – only I had trouble catching up back then due to other worldly commitments.
So, if you are interested, contact Darren directly at the email below.
Experience FUN while learning the coolest of Web 2.0.
——————————————————————
We’re a New Media company based at Gardens Mid Valley. We have recently been backed by ‘A-List’ Venture Capital (VC) Investors in Malaysia, who had also backed several well known, branded and award-winning companies which are now public listed. We specialized in the area of Internet media, and on various events and print media platforms.We’ve IMMEDIATE Internship Positions for the following:
- **Bloggers!!**
- Online Marketers
- Marketing & PRTypes of Benefits:
===========
- Free Lunch on Wednesday!
- Internship Allowance = RM 500 / month!
- Great Learning Opportunities on how to develop Web 2.0 and monetize blogs, web apps, Facebook*, Twitter* and etc!**
- OTHER PERKS: Comfortable working environment with easy access to Mid Valley Gardens Mall & Mega Mall
- OTHER PERKS: Plenty of choices for Lunch with more than FIVE Food Courts within walking distanceFor applications and inquiries, please send your resume to darrenlee@gmail.com.
Thank you.
On Blog Layout
Personally I prefer to read blogs with simple lay out. Too many columns and sections just turn me off – not to mention the attempts to navigate around. If I don’t see the content, I just exit it.
How about you? What are your views on blog layout?
Charismatic Speeches Written from Under 48 Hours
Do you remember that in classical times when Cicero had finished speaking, the people said, “How well he spoke”, but when Demosthenes had finished speaking, they said, “Let us march.”
Adlai Stevenson, 1900-65: Introducing John F. Kennedy in 1960; Bert Cochran Adlai Stevonson (1969)
Once upon a time, in a land called the United States of America, there was one young lad who captivated the imaginations, hopes and dreams of the torn American people. But alas, that young lad never got the chance to unite his brethren. To see his country succeed, he paid a heavy price – he paid with his life. Cicero and Demosthenes are alien names. Not many Malaysians have heard of the two men of the Ancient Western World. But today’s world aren’t missing people like the two:
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John F. Kenendy, Former U.S. President;
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Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister;
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Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Former Malaysian Prime Minister;
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Barrack H. Obama, President of the United States of America.
While I cannot control how you deliver your speech – why should I? I’d rather adapt the text to you! – I can draw up the text which would radiate the charismatic jive you need to keep your audience on the edge.
Attention! If you are listed below, you will need my speechwriting service
For more reasons than one, speechwriters are an essential group of people any PR agency, company and individuals would need to have on call. Why? Speechwriters are professionals who dedicate their time to write the text. Since they constantly write speeches, they would know what they’re doing than amateurs and non-professionals. The more practice they get over the years, the better their efficiency and ability. But let’s not rule out the fact that they must remain as dynamic as possible to give the speeches an identity, a life on its own on paper.
But who exactly needs my service? The list includes, but is not limited to, the following:-
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Local politicians;
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Business figures;
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Community leaders;
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Members of Parliament;
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Members of the State Legislative Assemblies;
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Members of the Board of Directors;
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Chambers of Commerce;
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Business groups;
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PR agencies;
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Anyone and everyone who make regular presentations in public!
Why hire Aldric Tinker?
Here are the ten reasons why you should engage me to write your speeches:
- Specialist writer – Speechwriting is my specialisation. I dedicate time, energy and money to constantly update myself with the latest and most pragmatic techniques and principles of speechwriting.
- Legal background – From November 2004, I received my legal education from Universiti Teknologi MARA.
- Infusion of Youth – Generations X and Y are entering the workforce. As Baby Boomers take the reins of the country, the people you need to attract are those 40 years and below. With the development of ICT, the latter generations are more informed and have a different level of thinking. What you need is someone who can adapt quickly to these audiences so you can deliver the best speech.
- Experienced – Yes, I have written speeches for Parliament. Twice were they delivered in the Dewan Negara. Now I am offering this service to beyond the four walls of that august chamber.
- Trilingual – Besides English, I can write both in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Iban. The speeches to Parliament were written in the national language. Don’t expect all the words to be factual! They’re sprinkled with proverbs, idioms and peribahasa.
- Efficient – I don’t believe in keeping my clients waiting. Thus, I aim to finish the job as soon as I get the order. Depending on the length of your speech, you can check out the timeframe I need to complete based on the table below. On top of that, I believe in utilising the Internet: it saves time, money and energy. If you really need to talk, I recommend calling. Why waste precious time?
- High Adaptability – The person who delivers the speech is you or your boss or your client, not me. Because of that, the speech should reflect his or her style. Whether citing the Law, statistics or religious text to preferring full text or speech points, I adapt fast and well to these details. Certainly I don’t subscribe to the syok sendiri/self-absorbed style of writing.
- Resourceful – I have a collection of resources I need to execute the project. Where I cannot or do not have the knowledge, I would consult my references to ensure that the speech tallies and conforms to the context.
- Value for Money – I charge by Ringgit Malaysia (RM)/Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). You may commission me from Singapore, Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa etc., but the price remains the same. What about the fluctuation in exchange rates? Pay in the price stated in the invoice. Your invoice will include a price in your currency, having the exact or rounded value.
- Result and Audience Oriented – Sure, anyone can write, what more draft a speech. However there is a line drawn where orientation is concerned. You get the script prepared to achieve a result, the result you want. Adding to that, the speech should appeal to your audience while complying to your own personal values and principles. How many are willing to go that extra nautical mile? You already know I am.
What are the Numbers?
Experienced speechwriters carry a hefty price tag. Why? If these guys were doctors, they would be considered brain surgeons – not many are in the market, and not all are freelancers. Usually they are in-house or full time employees.
When your project falls under the specific category, you can almost instantly get the price. Speech minutes refer to the amount of time allocated to the speaker you’d like written. Let the following table illustrate:-
|
Speech Minutes: |
Completion Within |
Rates |
| Under 20 minutes | 48 hours / 2 working days | RM150 per speech minute |
| 10 to 40 Minutes | 72 hours / 3 working days | RM125 per speech minute |
| Over 40 minutes | 170 hours / 5 working days | RM100 per speech minute |
Just An Email/Phone Call Away
Do not hesitate to contact me now. I will be more than happy to answer your queries. You never know when you need someone beyond competent to write charismatic speeches. The number is +6 019 752 2799. Email me at info@aldrictinker.com.
Services & Fee Schedule
After debating this for over a year, prospects and clients alike can now refer to this entry for the services you can get from AldricTinker.com and the price range for each item.
For both local and international clients, my fees are in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)/Ringgit Malaysia (RM).
The amount quoted below are general figures. Because your needs are unique and different, please email me at aldric@aldrictinker.com and CC to aldric.tinker@yahoo.com for specific quotations that would fit into your budget. The bolded red colours are my specialty.
No. |
Project Type |
Cost (RM) |
| 1. | Print Ads (Full-page ads) | RM300 to RM900 |
| 2. | Print Ads (Partial page ads) | RM180 to RM300 |
| 3. | Advertorials | RM300 to RM240/page |
| 4. | Annual reports & prospectus | RM2,000 to RM15,000 |
| 5. | Book ghost-writing | RM100 to RM200/book page |
| 6. | Book proposals | RM500 to RM1,000 |
| 7. | Booklets | RM1,500 to RM2,500 |
| 8. | Brochures | RM80 per brochure page |
| 9. | Business plans (Editing) | RM1,500 to RM2,000 |
| 10. | Business plans (Complete) | RM5,000 to RM10,000 |
| 11. | Case histories and application briefs | RM300 to RM2,500 |
| 12. | Catalogs | RM150/catalog page to RM1000/page |
| 13. | Teaser & Lead Generation Emails | RM150 to RM2,000 per page |
| 14. | “Long copy” e-mail | RM300 to RM3,500 |
| 15. | Feature articles | RM300 to RM4,000 |
| 16. | Flyers | RM150 per page |
| 17. | Labels & Packaging | RM150 to RM2,500 |
| 18. | Landing pages (Microsites) | RM3,500 to RM7,500 |
| 19. | Magalogs | RM7,000 to RM15,000 |
| 20. | Manuals | RM400 per day |
| 21. | Multimedia presentations script (10 minutes) | RM150 to RM350 per minute |
| 22. | Newsletter | RM300 to RM750 per page |
| 23. | Postcards | RM500 to RM2,000 |
| 24. | Press releases | RM80 to RM160 |
| 25. | Proposals | RM100 per page to RM200/page |
| 26. | Grant proposals | RM100 per page to RM200/page |
| 27. | Radio commercials | RM400 to RM800 |
| 28. | Report writing | RM50 to RM85/hour |
| 29. | Résumé | RM50 to RM80 |
| 30. | Sales letter | RM750 to RM2,500 |
| 31. | Self Mailers | RM1,500 – RM2,500 |
| 32. | Speeches | RM150 to RM200 per speech minute |
| 33. | Website Content | RM80 per segment to RM1000/ page |
| 34. | White paper | RM2,000 to RM7,000 |
7 Reasons Why Small Companies Need Freelance Writers
Based on record, in the 48 hours of Monday (March 9, 09) & Tuesday (March10th, 2009), I made close to 90 phone calls in a fresh attempt to promote my practice. What is most memorable for me during that 48 hours is one line a prospect told me: “we’re a small company“.
Defining ‘Small Company’
We’ve all heard of Small-Medium Industries (SMIs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). But what exactly do these terms mean?
Based on the SMI Business Directory published by Tourism Publications, the working definition of SMEs depend on which category they fall under. The following table should illustrate better:-
|
Category |
Micro-enterprise |
Small Enterprise |
Medium Enterprise |
| 1. Manufacturing, manufacturing-related services & agro-based industries | Sales turnover: Under RM250,000; OR Full-Time employees: Under 5 | Sales turnover: RM250,000 to RM10 million; OR Full-Time employees: 5 to 50 | Sales turnover: RM10million to RM25 million; OR Full-Time employees: 51 to 150 |
| 2. Services, Primary Agriculture, ICT, Mining, quarrying and construction | Sales turnover: Under RM200,000; OR Full-Time employees: Under 5 | Sales turnover: RM200,000 to RM1 million; OR Full-Time employees: 5 to 19 | Sales turnover: RM1 million to RM5 million; OR Full-Time employees: 20 to 50 |
The Seven Reasons
Reason #1: Save money by paying per project
Reason #2: Save money by outsourcing
By outsourcing writing jobs out to freelancers, you don’t have to worry about our EPF, medical benefits, raise, tax etc. To top it up, you do not have to spend valuable capital on my workstation – we already have our own. That is just the visible costs. With outsourcing, you save money on utilities bill, rent, furniture etc. The space and money is best spent on other areas – including outsourcing that task to a copywriter.
Reason #3: Professionally Written Copies for Fraction of the Cost
Unless you or your staff have a background in copywriting, either two of you would write as you feel necessary. Like any other field, copywriting, too, has its own set of principles, rules and guidelines. Professional and good copywriters are always on the guard to look for new techniques and methods. Wise ones would certainly restudy what he or she has done in the past. Thus, when we handle your project, you can expect professionally written copies are produced. The best part is while you reap the fruits of the copy. you don’t have to spend a fortune on something ad hoc like this.
Reason #4: Fresh Perspective & Infusion of Ideas to Enhance Effectiveness
When you work with someone from outside the company, they can bring in their own perspective. Of course delivering your message lies at the core, but what surrounds it is a totally different matter. What business owners and inventors want to convey may kill the ‘shopping mood’. Too much information ruins the copy just as much as too little. Unless your customers are techies, might as well you write your copy in some foreign language when it’s all too technical, especially feature-wise.
Reason #5: Quick and focused attention
Most copywriters have a system to make sure all they do is write. Every now and then they’d call up or meet clients and prospects. However they’d devote at least 50% of their time on writing. Like any other great writers, the copywriter you’d want is the one that can meet the Muse easily. This is what differentiates commercial writing and creative writing – the client never waits for the Muse. Once an order is made, it must be delivered.
Reason #6: Customer oriented
According to expert Bob Bly, copywriters are salespersons behind a typewriter or computer. Instead of talking to y/our clients, we convince them via the typewritten words carefully woven together to create persuasive, if not hypnotic, copies. Your customer may be a business or a consumer, but we write with them in mind. Why? So we can sell your product – you’re paying us to do just that.
Reason #7: Specialist touch
Copywriters are specialists of their respective fields. From Day One, they’d dedicate their time to improve their craft. After a period of doing the same thing, knowledge becomes habit. Knowledge including principles and techniques – that is why copywriters cringe at bad copy and adverts.
So, when you need to write Copy…
Do shop around for a copywriter – unless you are one. Invest in experts and professionals and see the results roll in. While looking for one, remember to see how compatible they are with you. I’m sure you’re going to produce more marketing materials in the future – think long term.
Good News for Malaysian Advertising Agencies!
It’s been over a year since I started out as a freelance writer. It’s time to level up the game – and you can benefit from this. Collaborating with a JB-based agency since August last year has taught me many things. In economic times of uncertainty there is an abundance of opportunities. More often than not advertising agencies fail to either grab it or live up to it. Here’s your chance to expand operations.
As a professional service provider, I emphasise on the quality of the relationship with my clients. Besides keeping my clients happy and profitable, I, too, need to watch my interests. It works both ways: a writer ‘suffering’ in a relationship only produces mediocre copy. A writer excited and rejuvenated in one always gives his best. The longer the relationship, the better – it save you time and money.
On your part, you’d be interested to know the cost of the relationship. A practice I have adapted and stated over and over again is the use of technology. I want to help you save your time, energy and money. Because of that I have this website to supply general information. On top of that I encourage my clients to use email. Mine is aldric@aldrictinker.com. Why? It’s free, fast and efficient. You can also fax me at +6 03 9282 7697.
Besides minimising the cost of communication, my fees are among the most competitive on today’s market. The current ‘promotion’ I have is for my brochure writing service. For a 8-page brochure, it will be completed by 10am tomorrow or RM80 per page.
Also, if you have a privacy agreement, please fax it over. That way we can get the ball rolling!
What are you waiting for? Drop me an email immediately. State the nature of the project and I will give you a quotation. Here’s your chance to expand operations at minimal cost.
Brochure Writing Service – RM80 per page, completed by 10am tomorrow.
Brochure writing – a task many can do but not all can succeed in. Why? Like any discipline of advertising, there are principles, elements and ingredients which needs to be present to be effective. Then the question is: what makes a brochure effective?
To answer, you have to understand why the brochure is written. Is it to sell? Will the brochure be a supplementary information to a presentation from the sales team? Is the brochure to invite enquiries? Is it to generate lead? Should the brochure act as a guide or reference material?
I’m sure we all want everything to be in it. If every conceivable information is written into the brochure, you can expect any of the following to happen:
- The brochure ends up being a novel-length material;
- The customer gets turned off;
- Cost to produce increases;
- Staff who wrote it got bored midway;
- You’d need a huge space to store the brochures;
- More trees are being felled to produce papers;
- More chemicals are used to print the brochure;
- Customers would be intimidated.
The bottom line is once a brochure is written too long, the message is lost. Too short, you loose the chance to tell the important points of your product or service.
At AldricTinker.com, we are dedicated to help you find the middle way. We devote our time in improving and restudying the methods and techniques you would need to increase leads and customer conversion rate. Throw in the bonus of time, your brochures are produced professionally and effeciently at a low rate: RM80 per page!
So what are you waiting for? Have your brochure completed by 10am tomorrow at a low price! E-mail aldric@aldrictinker.com or syed@aldrictinker.com.
Corporate Brochure for Optik Aniess
Earlier this month, I uploaded an entry regarding an optical shop based in Galaxy Ampang. Besides targeting high end markets, the same firm, Optik Aniess, caters to mid-range consumers as well as students. Included below is the brochure – in copy brief – for Optik Aniess as commissioned:-
Corporate Brochure for Optik Aniess
Cover Page
Visual
Models wearing Glasses + friendly staff of Optik Aniess
Headline Options
· Better Vision, Trendy Fashion.
· What if You Can See Better – In Style?
· Optik Aniess: Your Trusted & Friendly Neighbourhood Optical Retailer
Flash/Tear-Out Coupon
“Bring this flyer in to enjoy discounts up to 50%!!!”*
*Terms and Conditions apply.
Page 1
Optik Aniess – Who We Are?
Since <year>, Optik Aniess have help countless of customers gain better vision while remain fashionably up to date. Under the leadership of Mr. Noor Azmi Othman, Optik Aniess has bloomed to cover a wide area of the Klang Valley. Our branches and booth span from Shah Alam all the way to Gombak.
We believe in offering the best and utmost professional service to our customers. If you are on a budget, don’t worry. Our friendly staff will help you optimize the value of your money. When you look for fashion, our line of Gucci, Alain Delion, Swatch and more frames and sunglasses is sure to boost your image!
Whether it’s your first time or your 55th time, we make things easy and affordable.
Corporate Philosophy
Optik Aniess is no ordinary optometric shop. Our philosophy, naturally, revolves around you, our customer. The Team at Optik Aniess are dedicated to assist you selecting the best product for you. Whether it is to match your physique by complementing or enhancing it, or finding the best lense, you will receive our most professional advice.
We believe in going beyond the face value of our products. If you need our assistance, we are more than willing to help. With branches open 7 days a week and telephone lines being open, you will not be alone after your purchase. With each sales, we guarantee your satisfaction of our products and services!
Page 2
Are You Right For Us?
As our stores and booths offer an array of frames, contact lenses, sunglasses and frames, you can instinctively conclude we serve a variety of customers. Guess what, YOU ARE RIGHT! Our customers in the past have been:
· Women who yearn sophistication in their elder years;
· Youth and students who seek trendy fashion within their budget;
· Individuals who see sunglasses as part of their wardrobe – and personality;
· Men and women who need optical aid for reading, driving, and other outdoor activities; and
· Recurring customers from all walks of life who can’t stop enjoying our warm, efficient and professional service!
Page 3
Inventory
Our product offerings, as you can see, ranges from spectacle frames…
…To Contact lenses…
…To Lenses…
…Sunglasses…
…Optical products…
…Including FREE Eye Checks…
…Spectacle repairs…
…and more. Ask any of our experienced team member for assistance. They will give you the best advice and consultation so you can make your decision easily, quickly and suitably.
NB: Visuals of frames, contact lenses, lenses, friendly staff at branch after each item description or next to it.
Page 4
<Pending>
Back Page
Map to Galaxy Ampang Branch.
Gombak Branch:
· No. 1, Kedai MPS, Taman Greenwood, 68100-Gombak, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
· International Islamic University of Malaysia Booth.
Ampang Branch:
· Lot G1-002, Galaxy Shopping Centre, Tmn Dagang, 68000-Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Shah Alam Branch:
· Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia, Main Campus (Shah Alam)
With our expansion policy, soon we will open our branches in Pahang, (list states and branches).
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