We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Cumes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I first got started as a copywriter, I struggled because I didn’t have formal training. I wasn’t quite sure what copywriting was, and did a poor job pitching it to clients. But, when I did get to work on a project, I always knocked it out of the park, clients were amazed and grateful that their messaging was finally clear, simple, and kind.
I dealth with imposter syndrome for the first 2 years. I was able to overcome it when I realized that working with clients was as much about my communication, committment, encouragement, willingness to go above and beyond… as it was about my copywriting.
I believe that the best freelancer, copywriter, coach, consultant doesn’t always win. The one that can communicate clearly, simply, and the one who cares about the client is much more important. And THAT was something I could control. So, I won over many clients and landed great projects because of my skill at connecting and selling before I considered myself an expert in my business.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am freelance copywriter who has built a multiple 6-figure, online copywriting agency, over the past 5 years. My team and I help startups and personal brands simplify their message and streamline their content marketing. https://simplestorysolutions.
I also have a passion for helping freelancers stop hustling and start building thriving full time businesses. As a mom of 3 kids, I know how to navigate mommy guilt, actually be productive working from home and I coaches other freelancers and copywriters through Full Thrive Freelancers with online courses, coaching and free training focused on leveraging the Upwork Platform. https://www.fullthrive.co/
My latest endeavor is The Copy Collective, a dedicated coaching community for copywriters. We are building a platform and marketplace for trained, vetted, and certified copywriters to connect with clients who need them. https://www.thecopycollective.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Understanding people and how they make decisions. When you care enough about other people, and understand the challenge they are facing, you can create messaging and communication that will connect with them in a simple and clear way. People and potential clients first want to be understood before they will listen to what you have to say.
2. Clear communication. Simplifying what you want to say, and taking the time to communicate it in several ways, several times. Sending followup emails, recording personal videos, articulating step-by-step instructions is really a clear and kind way to work with others, whether it’s clients or friends and family. It reduces miscommunication, friction and having to repeat or fix mistakes.
3. Taking a chance. Not waiting until everything is perfect. Giving it your best shot, knowing that the ONLY way to get better is to first get started. Playing the long game and realizing that you won’t figure it out the first time and that there is plenty of time to acheive your goal if you stick with something long enough.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe that we all have areas where things come easily and naturally. In the book, The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks talks about our Zone of Genius…where time just disappears and work doesn’t feel like work.
When you spend more time in your strengths(add comma) you are at your best, which means more creative ideas flow, you feel more joy and you attract people who have the same level of energy.
It’s better to hire out and get support on the areas you’re not great at and triple down on the 1-2 things you are really good at.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisacumes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacumes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisacumescoach
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FullThriveFreelancers
Image Credits
Monica Linda – GirlSquadLLC
