Dave, I'm a new subscriber and just wanted to share how much I have loved your work since following along. I feel like your newsletter has sparked new creativity in me and given me a lot more confidence as someone who identifies with the Octopus way of being. Thank you!!
Hi Alyssa, awesome thanks for your nice comment, I'm glad if my writing is opening up some new avenues of creativity for you and building confidence in your endeavors. We're definitely off the beaten path here as Octopus people so need to band together! Let me know if you have any specific questions about anything I'm doing or how I'm doing it, I'm happy to share!
One heuristic I like: "if there is already a guide, it's already too late."
Most people will look at Copywriting and say: "look at ALL these how-to guides, courses, etc.... this must be evidence of a great opportunity!"
In fact, it's the opposite. It's evidence that Copywriting is getting flooded with new people trying to be Copywriters. (the real opportunity, it turns out, is selling YOU on becoming a copywriter)
Amazing, unique opportunities never have a guide. Or if they do, it's extraordinarily hidden and will never be handed to you.
Agreed. Copywriting as an occupation is over saturated, and is probably going to be one that gets severely impacted by AI.
The internet is now littered with people selling picks/shovels for all the "known" money making gold rush opportunities, and they make more money than the people actually doing the digging.
The hidden opportunities are where the interesting action is, but there is also risk of a different kind there, as those explorations are also likely to fail, but I'd rather play in that sandbox than be fighting 500 other copywriters for a race-to-the-bottom job.
Good question. Still a fluid situation but roughly my category is "Octopus People" who want to enjoy life by pursuing myriad interests, as opposed to narrow specialization. How does that sound to you?
Hi Kelly, thanks and nice to hear from you, hope all is well. Haven't posted here in a bit so it's nice to know people are still reading my newsletter :)
I love the "why not" approach, Dave. The only issues is, how to sell it to someone else - particularly a client or employer. Just like a colourful CV it can put people off if they can't see a clear or familiar path or role.
Another great post Dave, thanks! I've got my 8 tentacle list and have prioritised the ideas I'd actually LIKE to do. Now I'm writing each idea on a post-it, so I can play around and pair/group seemingly unrelated ideas, asking 'how could this work?' You never know, it might lead me to discover my UPO! And if not, it's great fun anyway! :)
In any case, having been obsessed with the 'one thing' idea for too long, I plan to experiment and let my path unfold... But, having potential UPOs in mind? Why not?!
Hi Anna, awesome, and am glad to hear the octopus construct is opening up new ideas and paths for you! Keep me posted on your progress, I'm curious to see what tentacles you're developing!
Dave, I'm a new subscriber and just wanted to share how much I have loved your work since following along. I feel like your newsletter has sparked new creativity in me and given me a lot more confidence as someone who identifies with the Octopus way of being. Thank you!!
Hi Alyssa, awesome thanks for your nice comment, I'm glad if my writing is opening up some new avenues of creativity for you and building confidence in your endeavors. We're definitely off the beaten path here as Octopus people so need to band together! Let me know if you have any specific questions about anything I'm doing or how I'm doing it, I'm happy to share!
One heuristic I like: "if there is already a guide, it's already too late."
Most people will look at Copywriting and say: "look at ALL these how-to guides, courses, etc.... this must be evidence of a great opportunity!"
In fact, it's the opposite. It's evidence that Copywriting is getting flooded with new people trying to be Copywriters. (the real opportunity, it turns out, is selling YOU on becoming a copywriter)
Amazing, unique opportunities never have a guide. Or if they do, it's extraordinarily hidden and will never be handed to you.
Agreed. Copywriting as an occupation is over saturated, and is probably going to be one that gets severely impacted by AI.
The internet is now littered with people selling picks/shovels for all the "known" money making gold rush opportunities, and they make more money than the people actually doing the digging.
The hidden opportunities are where the interesting action is, but there is also risk of a different kind there, as those explorations are also likely to fail, but I'd rather play in that sandbox than be fighting 500 other copywriters for a race-to-the-bottom job.
"Known needs are different than known opportunities"
Yes, exactly. Such a common misunderstanding.
Dave, how do you specifically define *your* category?
Good question. Still a fluid situation but roughly my category is "Octopus People" who want to enjoy life by pursuing myriad interests, as opposed to narrow specialization. How does that sound to you?
Oooh I love this Dave!! Thank you for the wonderful read, it has inspired some interesting thoughts in my brain! ✨
Hi Kelly, thanks and nice to hear from you, hope all is well. Haven't posted here in a bit so it's nice to know people are still reading my newsletter :)
I'm good, thanks, Dave! Well, we all need a break sometimes!
I love the "why not" approach, Dave. The only issues is, how to sell it to someone else - particularly a client or employer. Just like a colourful CV it can put people off if they can't see a clear or familiar path or role.
Another great post Dave, thanks! I've got my 8 tentacle list and have prioritised the ideas I'd actually LIKE to do. Now I'm writing each idea on a post-it, so I can play around and pair/group seemingly unrelated ideas, asking 'how could this work?' You never know, it might lead me to discover my UPO! And if not, it's great fun anyway! :)
In any case, having been obsessed with the 'one thing' idea for too long, I plan to experiment and let my path unfold... But, having potential UPOs in mind? Why not?!
Hi Anna, awesome, and am glad to hear the octopus construct is opening up new ideas and paths for you! Keep me posted on your progress, I'm curious to see what tentacles you're developing!
Why not, indeed! Great post, Dave.
Hi Rea, thanks for stopping by, glad you liked it!
"known needs are different than known opportunities"
That distinction is worth so much, Dave. Well done!
Thanks Baird! Yeah that’s the difference between a job and no job for thousands of people.
Great ideas, Dave!
Thanks Joe! Hope your trip is going well!