Posts filed under 'Professional Philosophy'
Copywriter 2.0: What it Means
Copywriter 2.0 Concept Introduced
Copywriter 2.0 is the buzzword since the re-launch of the Internet as Internet 2.0. Yet, what is the key differentiator with AldricTinker.com?
In a nutshell, being a Copywriter 2.0 means the Copywriter’s roles include:-
- Overall brand management by maintaining consistency and compliance to the Client’s needs aimed at long term expansion and growth;
- Conceptualisation of marketing & PR campaigns suitable for online and offline media;
- Recommendation of professionals necessary to execute the projects at cost-effective rates – cost effectiveness includes in terms of time, energy, money and resources;
- Execution of copywriting projects commissioned consistent with the Client’s brand.
How does a Copywriter 2.0 Conduct Business?
The term Copywriter 2.0 is meant to reflect Internet 2.0. Internet is equated with cost-effectiveness when used right.
Here are how Copywriters 2.0 conduct business:
- Portfolio: Available on websites and blogs;
- Communication: Instant Messaging, E-mails, text messaging, phone calls;
- Conferences: Instant messaging, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP);
- Payment: Internet Banking, PayPal etc;
- Branding: Article marketing & e-book marketing;
- Physical files: Courier services, TT.
For example, if you really need a conference or meeting, I would recommend using Instant Messaging software like Skype or MSN Messenger.
As far as contracts are concerned, irrespective of where the Client may be, the laws binding the contract shall be the laws enforced in Malaysia. Terms and conditions to the contract are as stated in the respective website’s terms of service.
Benefits of Working with Copywriter 2.0
As you may have noticed, Copywriters 2.0 work at a minimal cost basis. In the words of budget airlines, frills-free copywriting.
Instantly you’ll save time, money and energy, especially in terms of travel. Geographic limits become obsolete.
Finding the Diamond among the Glasses
Your mind may be screaming “Risky! Risky! Risky!” My only answer to that is: reduce the risk! Have a mechanism for you to screen.
You may want to find for someone who has handled many projects, and delivering them, using the methods above.
In my experience, I’ve done a major translation job worth RM2250 without having to meet the client. For a span of over 7 months, I worked with an advertising agency 296km away. Like the translation job, I never met them in that span.
So even if you’re not engaging me, for whatever reason, you may want someone who has this similar credentials.
Best regards & God bless!
Aldric Tinker
Copywriter 2.0
Co-Author of NLP for Online Marketing and the People Behind It: Download for free at http://jevince.com/NLPOnlineMarketing.
Add comment October 20, 2009
Unveiling Aldric Tinker, CreateChange and CreateCopy Logos
Without further ado, I am proud to share with you the logos for Aldric Tinker (the Business), CreateChange and Create Copy.
Inspired by the soaring phoenix, Mohd. Izwan Ismail designed this logo especially for the use of Aldric Tinker, present and future divisions as well as incorporation of the business at a later stage.
Add comment September 26, 2009
Aldric Tinker, Certified NLP Practitioner (NFNLP, USA)
It’s been a marvellous 5 days throughout the Certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner’s course. Dr. Will Horton is one great Master Trainer, considering that he’s got over 50k experience. Learning from this FBI-trained US Army Veteran just moves senses, creates ideas and combines old ones to become a greater solution. All five senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory) practically came alive. You get to hear things more vividly, see things more relevantly and feel the way you should!
Besides one great facilitator and trainer, my fellow participants were also a bunch of inspiring and awesome people! We had the brightest of minds, the most sweetest of souls, the most enterprising of personalities! Everyone are special in their own way, so not meeting them after 5 days straight is slightly awkward. But hey! Wait! Being NLP practitioners, we practically established excellent rapport and communication with each other! We have the skills then as we have it today. It can be duplicated, no matter where, when and whom.
So, it’s a new day. My first day as a Certified NLP Practitioner. Let’s see what magical works I can do today. After all, the journey has just begun!
Thank you, all, for making this experience a great one!
With warm sincerity,
Aldric Tinker, Certified NLP Practitioner (NFNLP, USA)
Add comment June 29, 2009
What is it worth to you?
During lunch on Saturday, Dr. William Horton, Niza, Phillip and myself sat at the table in the Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Amidst the aromatic restaurant coming from the buffet, we were talking about rates and professionalism continuing a remark Dr. Horton made.
When he was approached by a client who wanted to improve a particular skill, he paused for a moment. He looked at this person and tried asking one question he never asked before: if you get this result, what’s it worth to you?
Relating back to my experience, I have held back much of my potential ‘for the sake of gaining experience’. While my copywriting idol, Robert Bly, wrote in his book Secrets of a Freelance Writer – How to earn $100,000 or more that pricing is important. To charge peanuts, you get exactly peanuts. If you charge peanuts, your clients will see and feel that you are too insignificant to be bothered with. Here you will start to hear the little Critic in your head bashing you up.
My NLP Master Trainer’s insight reinforced a new belief I embraced after reading T. Harv Edgar’s Secrets of a Millionaire: I choose to be paid for my results.
So, what’s my stance on fees? How much do I charge for writing a script or a speech, a brochure or a flyer, a blog or other copywriting jobs, you have to know how much is it to you.
Before you answer that, think about it: what do you want by hiring me? What does that do for you? What does hiring me do for you? How would you feel and see when you do? What will you hear when you allowed one NLP Practitioner, trained by an FBI-trained U.S. Army veteran renowned Master Trainer of NLP, take up the job? Don’t think of how you personally can benefit from this experience – it is company or organisation sponsored!
So, what is your project worth to you?
Add comment June 29, 2009
Engage Your Mind, Hypnotise It!
Hey there! Can I offer you a Krispe Kreme donut?
It’s been a while since I last updated this blog. Since then, besides the Men’s Health Refine & Define Challenge 2009 modules, one thing that I look forward to is the Certified NLP Practitioner Course I am attending from June 24 to 28, 2009.
Some time after reading Adam Khoo’s Master Your Mind, Design Your Destiny, the idea of NLP somehow got lodged in between the hemispheres of my brain. I was curious of this little course which changed this obscured boy’s life by leaps and bounds. Sure, his success isn’t attributed just to NLP, but it was a starting point.
One day I was browsing the papers, New Straits Times to be exact, I cam across this advert. A U.S. NLP Master Trainer is coming over to Malaysia later this month to teach the basics of NLP. What caught my attention was the certification. Just imagine: I’m going through the same road the Millionaire-at-24 trod before. Plus upon completion, I would enjoy a two-year membership with the Florida-based National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming (NFNLP).
Wait! Back up! What on earth is NLP?!
To answer that, I bought myself a little book – you know how I am with books!
After reading this book, which I bought at Times Pavilion for RM68.00, I come to conclude that NLP – or Neuro Linguistic Programming – is about speaking to your brain in a language it can understand so it could achieve a desired outcome. Embrace it or distance from it, NLP certification can be regarded as one of those craze a number of us are after. Used properly, it can improve lives. Check out that Adam Khoo guy again. 
Let me give you some examples of the brochure:
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Remove the emotional charge from unpleasant memories;
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Be able to build rapport with anyone.
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Control almost any situation.
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Improving and using states of mind.
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Defuse tense situations.
Besides paying for the 5-day intensive Certified NLP Practitioner programme, inclusive of lunch and tea breaks, you will receive a VCD, two books, the invoice, timeline of the programmes, programme materials and the two-year NFNLP membership.
This course will be conducted by William D. Horton, Psy. D., CADC, – a licensed psychologist, an alcohol and drug counsellor, a Master Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programming, a Certified Hypnotherapist and trained through the Red Cross programme for Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. The good counsellor have also been trained by US’s FBI at the FBI Academy, Quantico, VA, and recently taught at an FBI Lead Crisis Negotiation Course. This veteran of the Army and Naval Reserve is also considered a leading expert in subconscious communications.
The five-day intensive module is organised at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur by NLP Academy, Power Events, Success Shop and Power Press & Design Sdn. Bhd.
Not bad, eh, for a 22-year old freelance copywriter?
Hmm… Maybe I’m able to get this Oris watch after all – without having to stake everything on a competition. After all, the idea was to be refined and defined!
Add comment June 17, 2009
Why Hire Aldric Tinker?
This afternoon, I have an interview with a panel from a leading media group in the country. It’s going to be my first interview for a job – never had one before. Huge leap from being an entrepreneur; but it is an experience I look forward. In preparing for the question “What can you share about yourself?”, I am forced to reflect on my past, my abilities and how far I can execute my role. On my wall, I have a postcard; I’ve had it for a while now. A good source of inspiration:
“Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go.”
A Jack of All Trades
My first days of Varsity
What have I done? While in Universiti Teknologi MARA Kedah, I was invited to present a paper at the National Students’ Conference 2005 held at Langkawi. Mind you, I just stepped foot into university. The conference was held in February 2005. Besides presenting the paper Students’ Perception on the Concept of World Class University, I was also part of the organising committee. I spearheaded the Sub Committee on Working Papers. My job? Assisted by fellow committee members and guided by the lecturer, is to compile and format the working papers submitted by the participants – including my own.
Where public speaking in concerned, I won second place in the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s Public Speaking Challenge 2005. Participants are from the various campuses under the UiTM system. I was still a Foundation student.
Before bagging the Siswa Harapan 2004/2005 of UiTM Kedah award, I spearheaded the Organising Committee on the College Festival 2006 in my campus. As the most junior member of the committee, I not only oversaw the programme as a whole, but had to handle and coordinate 20 sub-committees for the respective events, competitions as well as logistical committees. Besides balancing and re-appropriating the budget, I had to juggle studies at the same time. I am glad to share with you that despite some minor hiccups, the overall performance was beyond expectation.
In Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia
After moving to Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia in Shah Alam, I got involved in campus activities. The highlight of which would be the campus elections of 2007. I stood, along with 3 other candidates, for my faculty’s seat. Sadly, I did not succeed. That, dear reader, gave me a wake up call. Perhaps politics isn’t the road that I am meant to pursue – even though I have been prepping myself to fill in the shoes of my forefathers. Despite the loss, I quickly move to create a blog especially for Law Students. As my term expires, I am looking for interested individuals to take over From a Law Student’s Desk…. Somehow I find myself enjoying the private sector. Where you drive the initiative, you get to decide its future.
Since January 2008…
In January 2008, I moved to register my copywriting business with the Companies’ Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia). While I’d love to say that everything took off like a rocket on a mission to Mars, things were slow. Though slow, nonetheless I scored a job with the Bandar Puteri Online Community. In February 2008, I met with the founder, Mr. Darren Lee, at The Curve. The meeting went well, but soon after, commitments pushed me beyond capability to continue.
At the same time, I was contacted by the former Personal Secretary to a Member of the Senate, Parliament of Malaysia. Initially the task was to come up with a set of questions for the Dewan Negara’s sitting. From there, it became speechwriting. Suffice to say I wrote two speeches which were both delivered in Parliament and entered into the Hansard.
About this time, my Acer Aspire broke down. My work stored in the hard disk went along with it. Repairing it costs RM1,200. So my client, the Personal Secretary, took the liberty to replace it with a Sony Vaio VGN-NR310E. Have been using it ever since – generating more income for me.
In June 2008, I answered an advertisement in the New Straits Times. Submitted my resume and dropped a call to Ms. Wong. Since I was on holiday back then, having my semester break, time passed by fast with the Gawai celebrations, an engagement party and all.
The call came in August 2008. The task? To come up with headlines for a product brochure. Days turned into months, and months into year. Turn September 2008, projects began to flow in from Johor Bahru. And do you know what? I have been working with this advertising agency for over 7 months without having ever met them. I must credit this agency for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow. The following are the agency’s testimonial on my work:
"Working with Aldric was a wonderful experience. He was fast, professional, and easy to work with. His attention to detail and willingness to work to "get it right" was amazing. I would have no hesitation in recommending Aldric for his services."
Celia, Art Director
"Aldric was great to work with, very understanding and provided a professional service in a timely manner. We look forward to working with him again."
Chin, Art Director
In late September 2008, I took the liberty of heading to Yusmanja Entertainment and register myself as a member. Through this once a month experience, I managed to be a background actor in several drama on TV. Julia Juli, Dua Kali Aku Mencintaimu, Penghujung Rindu. With the assistance of my manager, Syed Khairul Aswad, I landed an extra role in Kasanova XXL – for which I receive comments from former university-mates and classmates alike.
Come December 2009, I attended a Screenwriting Workshop held at FINAS, Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation. The workshop, organised by award-winning screenwriter Martias Mohd. Ali, opened up a whole new door for me. A door which I never imagined that I would open. It’s the world of creative writing.
Turn March 2009, I have had the opportunity to meet the people behind the Malaysian Association of Creativity and Innovation (MACRI). On March 26th, 2009, I received my membership confirmation letter. I am a full member of this umbrella NGO promoting creativity and innovation in this country. With the hopes to help society appreciate and explore their own creativity and innovation that this country would be equal not only in terms of development but also of substance, I am proud to affiliate with them. On April 15th, 2009, I was commissioned by this Association to preside over the launching ceremony of the Creativity and Innovation Week 2009 at Pusat Sains Negara (National Science Complex). My first job as an Emcee/MC (Master of Ceremony).
What I can Bring to the Table
Whether working as part of a team or leading my own one-man-show, you can expect the following from working with me:-
- I believe I can fuse concepts and make them as pragmatic and as relatable as possible. What would begin as a far-fetched idea will be churned and turned to fit the market’s understanding, views and needs.
- I am a team player, though I can work alone with minimal supervision. When in a team, I believe everyone has something unique which should be given attention, not just by the team leaders, but also fellow team members. We never know when an idea could generate millions of ringgit in revenue!
- I work to achieve a goal. I will tune and hone my work to ensure that that goal is met. In the process, I am open to ideas and will weigh them according to their merits. As a copywriter, the buck also stops with me as far as copy is concerned. You entrust me to write copy, and quality copy you ought to receive.
- Accountability is a value I take pride in. Even so, accountability alone isn’t sufficient. On top of accountability, it is equally important to be able to learn or unlearn, learn and relearn. Mistakes are part of the process – any process. To achieve optimal results, however, learn from these mistakes and never repeat them.
- I don’t believe in dogma. I appreciate status quo, but dogma is a different set of issue. Adhering to principles and guides should they be proven effective is necessary. In the same breath, I’d try to explore other opportunities or methods to enhance or improve results.
- Like you, I, too, like comfort zones. But while this comfort zone may feel good and safe, I become restless in it. I have to explore and expand. At the end of the day, I want to look back and say, “veni, vidi, vici”.
Add comment April 19, 2009
Need something written? Get a Copywriter!
Working with freelance copywriters is not something new in the advertising industry. Every advertising agency has a list of their own copywriters. An agency may have more than one guy on standby. While these firms may be used to handling this type of business relationship, not many small and medium enterprises are aware of this. Sure, you meet some businesspersons who’d find copywriters. But a bulk majority of the market is unaware of it.
Wanna bet? Try asking people who meet, “what’s a copywriter?”
You will be amazed with the many replies.
In Bahasa Malaysia, the closest translation would be penulis iklan. Copywriters write the copy (advertising lingo for ‘text’) of adverts and marketing collaterals which includes brochures, sales letters, websites as well as your flyers.
Everyone who runs a business must have done this some point in their life. It’s nice to say everyone is a copywriter. Do you really want to spend money, time and energy writing something no one is going to read?
Copywriters, like yours truly, work on copy which would be read. Besides getting you to read, it’s our job to sell. Copywriters are professional sales executives who sell by writing.
Don’t blink or snap when you check out my fee schedule. It’s among the cheapest on the market. But cheapest isn’t without quality. Quality includes the facts, the persuasive and hypnotic principles, not to compel you or your readers to do something, but to sell the idea inside the copy.
Add comment April 18, 2009
Simple Brochure of Services
As a copywriter, I help my clients draw up compelling copy to sell their products or services to their target market. But ‘copy’ can be almost anything and everything written under the sun. So when will my clients need me? For what? Or what is more important: when will you need my services?
To answer your questions, here are my niche services:-
Speech Writing
Everyday someone somewhere is giving a speech. A speech written without proper objective and principles would not only bore your audience. Some would be chased away! No matter what your style or your personality may be, I am confident in drawing up something you can deliver to send your message across.
In the past, I have written two speeches for a member of the Dewan Negara/Senate, Parliament of Malaysia. It was a privilege to draw up the text for Y.B. Datuk Sri Empiang Jabu for the First and Second Sessions of the 12th Parliament in 2008.
For speech, I only charge RM100-RM150 per speech minute.
Brochure Copy Writing
Many brochures are being printed every day for an array of purposes. Some meant to inform, others to persuade. In some instances, maybe like yours, to sell a product or service. Writing this marketing collateral can be as fun yet as tricky. From RM75 to RM750, depending on length, complexity and market, I would be more than happy to draw up a brochure which lures your customers before convincing them. Imagine the results from this small one-time investment!
Blogging/Ghost Blogging
In blogs, content is king. If your blog contains valuable information, you stand out. So it’s not just the frequency of your entries. Use this opportunity to reach out to customers and clients alike. Lure your prospects and convince them. Share your expertise. Blogs can be as personal that your business may seem to have a personality of its own. You’d be amazed with what you can achieve.
As a blogger since Late 2004, I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills. Loving the learning process helps me ensure I come up with the best content. As a business, I am an investment which you should exploit. For a mere RM50 per post, you’d see information attracting your prospects.
Flyer Writing
I hope you don’t fall in this category: Many consider writing these one-piece wonders a menial task. Something, they think, which does not need a professional touch. Did you know bad writing reflects badly on your business?
For RM150 to RM200, you can pass the job to me. Imagine an attractive arrangement of words that creates intrigue and interests. That is a job well done for me.
Online Copywriting
Who says copywriting is confined to books and printed media? As long as you need to play around with words to sell your message or product, a copywriter’s role comes in through the door. My online copywriting services cover writing the copy/content of websites. From RM75 per job to RM250 per page, it becomes my task to iron out the smooth flowing prose which even a 10 year old would understand. If you need to reach out to high-end or professionals, not a problem. The copy will be sprinkled with the latest jargon and industry-speak.
General Consulting
Even if your writing job is done, I’d be more than happy to check it out and prepare a review for you. For RM100-RM200 per hour, your marketing tool would be checked against proven techniques used by leading copywriters.
Ease your Task! Spread The Word!
My copywriting services run on a hassle-free rail where every project is an investment meant to yield results. With this object in mind, the only thing you need to do is supply accurate and relevant information related to your project. With the help of my team, completion would be within 5 working days. What’s more is you get up to two (2) free revisions/rewrites!
Even if you don’t need a copywriter, perhaps your friend who’s starting out as a business owner or someone you know in Corporate Comm. would benefit from this service. Feel free to pass my contact details to them. Better yet: give them the URL to AldricTinker.com!
For further inquiries, you can email me at aldric@aldrictinker.com or my Manager, syed@aldrictinker.com. For you in Malaysia, you can reach me by calling my mobile: +6 019 752 2788 or my Manager’s +6 012 222 7716 or +6 013 344 3891.
Add comment February 7, 2009
