In business, the Lunch and Learn is a good way to teach employees something valuable without cutting into their main productivity time. Let’s say a company recently upgraded their software. It might host a Lunch and Learn to demonstrate all the new features to its employees. The company plans the training session and buys the employees lunch. In turn, the employees forfeit their lunch break to sit in a conference room, eat free pizza and learn all about the new software version.
If you’re a freelance copywriter that works from home, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. And if you’re like me, you tend to work through the noon hour while nibbling at your desk anyway. But that doesn’t mean you can’t initiate your own version of the Lunch and Learn – the freelance version.
Free Lunch and Learn Reading Material
One of the best ways to become a better copywriter is to consistently read really good copy. But if you want that copy to qualify as Lunch and Learn material, it also needs to teach you something valuable.
I’ve chosen three documents (in no apparent order) that I think qualify for the freelance version of the Lunch and Learn. Each one can be read start to finish in an hour or less. And they are all free to download (no registration required).
So grab your lunch and get ready to learn!
1. 279 Days to Overnight Success
This engaging manifesto by Chris Guillebeau is touted as:
”11,000 words of free advice on how to create your own success with your own project.”
2. A Human’s Guide to Freelance Living
This easy and entertaining read by Charlie Pabst is also touted to be a manifesto:
“It features tips on finding ideas, staying organized, getting clients and ultimately making money doing what you love.”
3. The Death of the Salesletter
Michel Fortin’s report on Web 2.0 and Its Impact on the Future of Internet Copy is insightful and educational. Michel says:
“I want as many people, copywriters, marketers and buyers alike, to get this information, because, as a copywriter for many of the web’s top marketers, I’m seeing a significant transformation occurring that simply cannot be ignored.”
Copywriter Confession: When I take a break at my desk to eat, I tend to surf the web and read online news. Bad idea. The news is so depressing, but for me it’s like a train wreck: I can’t help but watch. So do as I say, not as I do. Stay away from the news and spend your learning learning something useful.