Las Vegas Breakthrough Copywriting Seminar - More Than Anyone Could Have Expected
You can barely believe what happend in Las Vegas this weekend. We went from 8 in the morning to 10 at night for two days, and 8 to 5 on Sunday.
I'm taking a breather today and will be back to report more in the next couple days.
One student wrote me today and confessed,
What I learned in this seminar was worth 120 times more than what you've asked us for..
(I was skeptical at first but.. lol)
That ought to give you some idea of how unique this whole program was!
BTW... anyone reading this blog who was there... while I recover, if you have something to say, please leave a comment here!
David Garfinkel
World Copywriting Newsletter
David,
Just off the plane back in Sydney!
Once again, an enormous "Thank You" to you and all of the faculty members for providing a truly unique and valuable event. I knew it was going to be a great event but you guys (and gal!) over delivered in a big way!
For me, it was a privilege to spend time with such great copywriters who were prepared to share their time and knowledge in such a generous fashion. By doing so, they certainly helped me understand the "mindset" of a great copywriter.
If you weren't there, what this weekend was about was looking at the total picture of what being a great copywriter is all about. Not just the writing itself but the thinking, feeling, insight and energy that goes into the writing. Great writing is not just about the "mechanics" of headlines, bullets, offers etc (although the mechanics themselves were by no means neglected!)
"Hats off" to Dr Melissa Andersson for adding a unique and invaluable dimension to the workshop.
My "breakthrough"? Realising I don't need to be, or write like, Gary Halbert or John Carlton or other "Masters of the Outrageous"! I can write powerful, effective copy in my own style by truly understanding and connecting with my audience.
It's impossible to single out any of the faculty members (well, maybe Michel Fortin!) so "Thank You" again Melissa Andersson, Michel Fortin, Craig Perrine, Mike Stewart, Capt Henry Andersson, Randall Blaum, David Scotland, Jim Van Wyck, Peter Stone, Carl Galletti, Brian Keith Voiles, Martin Wales Matt Bacak...and, of course, David Garfinkel!
Finally, thanks to all the other "students". You guys rocked and your energy and contributions were an essential part of what made last weekend such a powerful event. I think we will be hearing a lot more about people like Dr Dave and Eric Farewell!
See you on the coaching call next week and...next time!
Kevin Francis
Posted by: Kevin Francis | February 22, 2005 at 07:31 PM
Sometimes the stars line up ...
You know,
when everything goes better than you imagine.
Like a first date,
where you finally discover your soul mate.
Or that chance encounter
with a stranger who grows to become your best friend ever.
Breakthrough Copywriting was just like that!
And the stars that lined up were more
than a mere metaphor.
David Garfinkel, Michel Fortin, Brian Keith Voiles, Craig Perrine, Carl Galletti, Mike Stewart, Capt Henry Andersson, Peter Stone, Melissa Andersson,Randall Blaum, David Scotland, Martin Wales, Matt Bacak ...
.... all of them felt that magical energy
of colleagues and comrades sharing
their skills, their best practices their talents and their experiences ...
So everyone opened up and gave and gave and gave.
The tactics and strategies of breakthrough
advertising copy were outstanding.
The difference was the opening and invitation into the hearts of those giants of their trade.
Usually those magical moments
shine bright in your life for a while
and then fade into a glowing memory.
Not this time.
Because every word and syllable
was recorded on studio quality video.
I think most folks have a treasured
movie that stirs their heart time after time, giving deep insisghts into the human condition.
That's how my Breakthough Copywriting DVD's will be.
Jim
PS... yeah, you did show us how to turn
words into an explosion of wealth ...
But the "inner game" of wealth building
is what makes this seminar so completely unique.
Posted by: Jim | February 23, 2005 at 08:55 AM
Dave,
I just wanted to tell you how absolutely amazed and astounded I was at the impact the Breakthrough Copywriting Seminar had on both my copy writing, and my life!
What a faculty! Everyone was so giving and willing to share their experience. It was also nice that it was not a pitchaton!
Thanks for letting me be a part of it. I am walking away with at least 5X my moneys' worth.
That should keep me busy for a while, but... When is the Next One!
Best, DR Dave
Posted by: Dr. Dave | February 23, 2005 at 09:37 AM
Hi David,
When you comment on this blog, you'd better write something
compelling!
In my case, I think I'll just make it short and sweet.
It takes someone very well respected in their field to corral
the kind of legend-status talent that made up the
faculty at the event.
Now, everybody has a favorite guru... and mine has always
been Brian Keith Voiles. The first time I read his Ad Magic
copy I said to myself...
"This guy can write!"
So, when I saw him on your roster, I anted up and reserved
my room and plane tickets...
But would I be able to talk to him and ask him a question
or two?
Would he even care?
Well, not only did he care... we discussed some ideas,
we had dinner together (I was one of 8 or 9 at the table),
and we even hugged... a couple of times!
I know that may sound strange, but when you share
common passions and thoughts in a "safe" environment
like you created at the event...
... mutual respect results!
Anyway, I saw a lot of joint venture business taking place
(including me), and to some, building those relationships
was the primary purpose for attendence.
And then there was the CONTENT.
Even though I could go on and on (and on) about that,
I will just say 3 words...
David Garfinkel's TEMPLATES.
They, alone, were worth the price of admission.
Thank you, David, for making me a (much) better
copywriter.
Norman Hallett
PS: I would have heard from you or one of the other
faculty members if I didn't add this PS!
Posted by: Norman Hallett | February 23, 2005 at 09:55 AM
“Check your egos at the door” and let the healing begin!!
Many of us were struggling with copywriting pain and the caretakers pulled us through.
Every now and then you attend an event that you can honestly say “my life would have been different had I not been there”. This was one of those events.
The collection of ego-less talent of the faculty combined with the genuine interest and passion of the students made for a charged, laugh-filled, hyper productive 3 days.
I was joking with my wife that David Garfinkel was the Tony Robbins of Copywriting. And I believe it!
Having Dr. Melissa on the first day helped open up the environment so the real work could happen (two winks to her). I cannot express how comfortable, open, and close I felt with the others. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t touchy feely EST-like, the amount of groundbreaking information that followed was hard-core and delivered in digestible caplets unlike any other copywriting course.
Everyone was there to help..thank you to all those folks that provided me insight (although I don’t think I will change the name of the book to “Golf Balls Gone Wild”). I really felt that everyone wanted me to be the best I could be (and yes I am ending in a preposition and I’m OK with that!)
Special thanks to Michel Fortin for shredding my copy (with respect, of course) and for the singing renditions both Norm and David provided at dinner the 2nd night.
With this continued care and delivery of the copywriting art, I fully expect the World Copywriting Institute to grow rapidly in the not so distant future! And I can say, I was there..when…
Raising a glass of Manischewitz in your honor, David
Thanks
-Kenny
Posted by: Kenny Lauer | February 23, 2005 at 10:15 AM
David, David, David...
What can be said?
Sure, I could go on in an endless monologue describing the greatness that you offered this weekend, the sincerity of all the speakers and the truly life changing content that each of you shared with us...
How ever it seems that all of those things have been done already. So, to reiterate what I wrote on Michel's Blog I can simply say that this conference WILL go down in history.
You have developed a group of raving fans and I don't think you will ever have a problem filling a room.
After John Reese's seminar nearly a year ago, I had dozens of people tell me how much they wished they had gone to it. I of course smiled and rubbed it in a bit more as I told them about how much they missed...
THIS conference FAR exceeds that one! The content that was given, the hearts that were shared was so in depth and so step-by-step that no-one there has any excuse for not becoming a great copywriter and marketer.
We are all indebted to you David.
Thank you so much!
-Eric
P.S. Special thanks to Craig Perrine, Michel Fortin and Mike Stewart you guys are tops.
Posted by: Eric Farewell | February 23, 2005 at 11:28 AM
First, the short version comparing the Breakthrough Copywriting seminar to everything else I've done in my quest to become a top copywriter.
All the other courses and seminars-- the equivalent of a high school education.
David Garfinkel's Breakthrough Copywriting seminar-- you just earned a Ph.D.
I've been to one other copywriting seminar, and on the breaks, at lunch and in the evening, most of the pros disappeared. Not so here. David's faculty (and what a freakin' faculty it was) sought us out. Michel Fortin (yes, that Michel Fortin) stopped me in the hallway and asked me if he could talk to me about opportunities he saw for me. He had to ask? All he actually had to say was "Sit down, shut up and listen."
And the course itself, it just seemed to fill in so many gaps and plug in so many holes for me. I hated having to leave early on Sunday to catch my flight and if I had been certian I could get on a later flight, I might have stuck around for the finish.
I have never read or heard anyone cover headlines and bullets like David does. I have never seen anyone take the time to do such a thorough critique of direct mail pieces and web sites like Michel does. And they were just the tip of the iceberg.
I can't wait to get my audio CD of the seminar. Next month I've got to make a 20 hour drive to Jupiter, Florida. Guess what I'm listening to all the way?
Even more important, I've been on the cusp of getting hired to do a direct mail piece for some attorneys. I've actually balked at pushing them to commit because of a crisis of self-confidence. Thanks particularly to Dr. Andersson, the seminar and the encouragement and support I found there, Monday night I wrote a proposal letter to the attorneys, using some of what I learned at the seminar.
Yesterday afternoon I got a call. "The check is in the mail."
Now it's not a very big check, but it's a check. And I have profound doubts it would be heading my way were it not for the seminar.
If there is a David Garfinkel World Copywriting Institute cult somewhere out there, sign me up.
Posted by: James Sadler | February 23, 2005 at 12:56 PM
David-
As I sit down to write this, I am blown away at everything that I want to say. As such, to avoid rambling, I will keep it short and sweet.
David, you have created something great here and I hope that you know it.
I have never attended a seminar where the content, staff, and students were all of such high-caliber! I think that my fellow students and I will, in some way, always owe you something. Thanks to you, we got to spend 3 days with a staff that did not just share their knowledge, but a part of themselves as well. Only because they were your friends did they take the time to do that. I envy you for such loyalty because indeed it is very rare. You are a true creator David, and I thank you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
David Brown
Posted by: David Brown | February 23, 2005 at 01:19 PM
David,
Spending the weekend with you and your amazing team was by far the best money and time I've spent learning copywriting and advancing my career.
You not only filled in some deep holes in my writing, but you also blew open doors in my personal life that I feared might be forever locked.
You can't put a price tag on that!
I'm telling all my copywriting friends that they better get their fanny in a seat at your next workshop. If anyone thinks they can't afford to go, they better beg, borrow and work like crazy to get the money...Because you can't afford NOT to go.
A special thank you to Dr. Andersson, Peter Stone and Jim Van Wyck.
Thank you David and your amazing team!
Wendy Baldwin
Posted by: Wendy | February 23, 2005 at 02:21 PM
Hi David.
I can't thank you enough for this past weekend.
It was truly inspirational for me to have had this experience.
The after-effects continue to reshape my heart - the after-effects of witnessing so much kindness and courage, put forth by everyone there. In particular, you.
Will I make money from this transformative adventure?
You bet. I already have. It's already started...
The personal improvement may be where the real benefits are for me. Either way, thank you.
What follows is an exerpt from my blog, posted last night...
"The seminar 'is' brilliant.
Rather than consider it as an event, passed, I prefer to think of it more as a living, breathing, near-entity.
Something independent of a time-line -- "At 6:00 p.m., it ended", doesn't really apply, here.
The exercises presented by Dr. Andersson early-on, opened doors - and allowed a number of participants enough emotional traction - to find their way across one or more internal thresholds... To further explain what I mean...
Perhaps encumbering subscripts says it... The mumbles - "I'm not worthy of success or recognition"... "I'm doing too well, making too much money"... Set-points, I guess you might say, too. Feelings of inadequacy... whatever. What's important is that...
Courage was openly demonstrated and admired there. And...
Ongoing, dynamic processes were set in motion that I believe will continue to positively impact the future lives of [all of us].
Lion among the courageous, is David - Mr. unassuming - Garfinkel. He found the courage to put together this unusual curriculum. I'm guessing without benefit of group support.
That's stellar and a show of brilliance, I think.
He took some very real risks that I understand as his conviction to the development of participants, as copywriters.
After all, he accepted money, predicated on the promise to take participants to their next level.
It was soon obvious, he's short on bullshit. And he's earned my respect for delivering on his word.
David's cool. Very cool. You may understand that to mean, in a world short on integrity, you can find it. Get ahold of David.
If you want to learn how to be a copywriter, David is someone to contact. Or, if you want to take your copy to the next level, he's someone to seriously consider.
He's a working copywriter and it is proven that he knows how to competently teach copywriting - no matter what stage you're at in your career..."
[END]
Thank you David and everyone for an incredible experience.
Peter
Posted by: Peter Stone | February 23, 2005 at 04:56 PM
Can you read these freakin' comments?
I mean, seriously!
Just read some of them, will ya? "Instant proof" of the power of this past weekend in and of themselves. Beautiful stuff.
Proves you don't need to be a great writer to write copy that sells. What you need is to write with passion. What you need is to connect -- with yourself and your audience.
What you need is to BREAK THROUGH.
And that's what this entire seminar accomplished. With flying colors too, I might add.
David, you ARE the world's foremost copywriting teacher, bar none. And this seminar was immensely representative of that.
The event was lifechanging. The content was unreal. And other faculty and adjunct faculty members were bloody amazing. (Meeting and sharing with Brian Keith Voiles was the absolute highlight for me, personally.)
Finally, but (without ANY question) NEVER the least, are the students.
I learned from YOU.
YOU taught me.
YOU made thise seminar a real treat for me, as a faculty member, because YOU shared so much and were teachable... Teaching me how to be teachable. And that's something that I find so freakin' inspiring.
Just as this seminar intended, "we" all connected. YOU made this seminar, not us. And for that, I'm truly "great-ful."
Michel Fortin
P.S.: Those many little notes you left are not forgotten, Dr. Dave. Thank YOU.
Posted by: Michel Fortin | February 24, 2005 at 12:00 AM
David, I just want to tell all of your BLOG readers who didn't get down to your outstanding Las Vegas "Break Through Copywriting Seminar" what they missed out on!!!
I am grateful that you made it possible for me to study with the Greatest CopyWriters, and coaches ever put together in Las Vegas!
It's just too awesome for words! You just had to be there to experience it!
I am sure glad that I didn't miss it!
It was just this side of magical!
As a former APA photojournalist, I have to tell you that I studied with 2 other copywriting institutes and they can't hold a candle to "David Garfinkel's World Copywriting Institute Break Through Seminar".
I gained more real copywriting skills in your Break Through Weekend Seminar David, than I had in 2 years studying at my other writing schools.
What did I get from this Seminar?
I got a 2" binder filled to the brim with copywriter's templates and inside information that I have never seen anywhere else! I feel like I got a "Copywriting Makeover"!
What I experienced was a "Copywriting No Holds Barred" event --- and we had a ton of fun!!!
I got to learn from David Garfinkel & Michel Fortin's expertise and they and everyone else warmly and generously shared get their powerful copywriting essentials and dynamic secrets -- if I can't write a million dollar sales letter now, then I guess I'd have to be brain dead! Additionally, I learned from:
* Randall Blaum the Hollywood Marketing Mogul (got to learn how to market myself as a copywriter, don't I?)
* David Scotland (copywriter & artist who is producing the movie "It's More Than a Story")
* Jim Van Wyck, World Class Copywriter Coach
* Craig Perrine's Email Copywriting Secrets
* Dr Melissa Andersson's fun way to instantly zap those writer's blocks away
* Captain Henry Andersson's "Leadership Codes" (yes he is a real captain of a cruiseship and his life story was truly inspiring!)
* Mike Stewart's revolutionary internet media system that will rock you to internet profits!!! We are going to be among the first people to have access to this new internet technology (thank you again, Mike!)
* Dr Dave who shared his wisdom and "Monster Multis" with us.
Also available to coach us were Brian Keith Voiles, Peter Stone, Carl Galetti and the 1Shopping Cart.com guy --- sorry, but I can't remember the names of all the top names in copy writing who were there for us!
And at the end of the seminar, they formed a 'panel' and we got to 'pick their brains'!!!
Best yet, I got to eat at the same table with them!
We had a nonstop fun stomping karaoke sing-along extravaganza lead by Mike Stewart!
And I got plenty of photos to take home for my personal "Wall of Fame". (I got a photo of Brian and I playing air guitars - hope we didn't break the camera! )
The opportunity to be pampered by copywriting Superstars ... was simply priceless!
David ... thank you one million ... no make that 10 million ... for your outstanding Las Vegas "Break Through Copywriting Seminar" and all the wonderful memories and most of all for sharing your best copywriting secrets with us. Highest
Regards,
Marla LaRue
Posted by: Marla LaRue | February 24, 2005 at 08:03 AM
David,
To someone who is not a 'copywriter', or worse, thinks all this is about copyright and protecting intellectual property... the posts in this blog, and the weekend we just shared, will seem a little over the top.
But when you write copy, you pour out your hopes for a response and your entire business seems to rest on what happens next.
And when you don't get a response, your self confidence takes a solid spanking, not to mention your marketing budget...and the 'midnight fears' rob you of sleep and make you wish for someone to show you the way out.
So copywriting isn't just 'writing.' It's not just marketing. It's our self confidence (and our bank accounts) on the line.
This weekend when you pulled together such a world class bunch of folks, faculty and students alike, to 'Break Through', you created such a powerful event because we all got to experience the freedom and creative power that comes from writing without fear.
You didn't just teach people effective ways to write headlines...you freed them up to write from their hearts.
We all learned from each other...and you put that amazing opportunity together.
We got to experience breakthrough after breakthrough...and witness the rest of our new friends experience profound breakthroughs of their own.
It takes an experience like that to have folks line up to the microphone and sing your praise at the end of the event...and yes, anyone who missed this definitely missed out on the magic that we all brought home with us.
I'm reading everyone's posts and just smiling that I was a part of this life changing event (and enjoying the great writing in the posts themselves...awesome).
You've outdone yourself David, and I hope there is a Breakthrough Copywriting II...
Without a doubt, those of us who were there will always cherish the one of a kind experience...and your teaching, your caring, and your friendship.
Here's to you, my friend. I raise a glass of Lagavulin 16 to you David.
Craig Perrine
Posted by: Craig Perrine | February 24, 2005 at 11:10 AM
So why all the rants and raves
about 3 days in Vegas?
I think it all boils down
to something totally simple and elementary.
The combination of CONFIDENCE with COMPETENCE.
The conjoining of the PERSONAL with the PROFESSIONAL.
There are many powerful seminars
that build your confidence.
Think EST, Landmark, NLP
and most notably in our time
Anthony Robbins and the like.
They build up your confidence
and belief in yourself
to a fever pitch.
Massive confidence,
but you are on your own for competence.
Then there are all the seminars
that teach you insider skills and
tactics of a skill, business, or trade.
Think of the real estate investing guru's,
or the internet marketing mavens,
or the plethora of "Biz-Op" types.
Great wealth building information.
You get competence transferred,
but for confidence, REAL and DEEP,
the inner belief that YOU can do it...
... you are on your own.
Breakthrough Copywriting delivered breakthroughs
on the professional level ie COMPETENCE
AND on the personal level ie CONFIDENCE.
Both sides of the professional/personal equation
were treated with equal care, attention, and expertise.
Folks didn't only walk away
with breakthrough wealth-building abilities,
they also had the personal breakthroughs
that ensure any blocks or doubts
were simply blown away.
That's my take on it,
to the extent that magical experiences
can be "analyzed" logically.
As I have mentioned before,
sometimes the stars line up,
and magic happens ... transformational magic.
Jim
PS... thank goodness every word,
sentence and syllable was recorded
to high quality DVD!
This "genie" was captured.
I don't have Aladdin's Lamp,
but I can slide a DVD into my player
and have the magic again, whenever I want it.
WHEN ARE THOSE DVD'S GOING TO BE DELIVERED?
Posted by: Jim | February 24, 2005 at 01:08 PM
David,
You're recent Las Vegas seminar was awesome! While interviewing hundreds of experts, or helping others create their own audio marketing and radio shows, I meet a lot of smart people and I want you to know that you're in the top 10. You and the other speakers gave me what I needed to MORE THAN DOUBLE MY INCOME this year.
Your two advanced sessions about Emotional Triggers and DNA of copy writing contained so many insights and helpful tips. It was especially revealing about having to be BOTH in an emotional place yourself to write copy and then to write to the extreme emotions of your reader too for the best response.
This is the only time I can say I WON in Vegas!
Sincerely,
Martin Wales
http://www.RadioTalkShowHost.com
http://www.CustomerCatcherTips.com
Posted by: Martin Wales | February 27, 2005 at 08:39 AM
Who says copywriting seminars are boring?
Your seminar was a copywriting seminar on steriods.
When you mix the best copywriting seminar ever and
Tony Robbins' Unleash The Power Within weekend - you
get the David Garfinkel's Breakthrough Copywriting
weekend.
Thank You and all the speakers for making it
the best seminar that I have been to in years.
You offered strategies to model and now I feel
confident that I have seen a quantum difference
in my own copy.
The only thing that I regret about the seminar
is that I didn't urge enough people to come.
Thank You again, David and everyone that spoke.
It just totally rocked!
Matt Bacak
http://www.powerfulpromoter.com
Posted by: Matt Bacak | February 27, 2005 at 06:51 PM
David,
It's been a few weeks since your amazing Breakthrough Copywriting event in Las Vegas and I have to tell you, I'm still getting downloads from what I learned.
It's great to know that after spending 25 years training Hollywood celebrities and working with major international companies to increase their celebrity factor and to get all the free media they can handle that there is still so much I can learn. Totally Awesome!
Your event provided me with a foundation of information from which to build my empire. I was able, finally, to get the answer to the one question I've always had, "Where do I start?" You showed me where to start and where to go. Thank you. If not for you, your information, and the Breakthrough event I would not be doing what I'm doing today.
Simply amazing stuff you have here. As we say in Hollywood, "Two thumbs up! Way up for you and Your Breakthrough Copywriting event!!"
I want to thank Dr. Melissa Andersson for her unique insight and allowing me to personally breakthrough some blockages I didn't even know I had (I still have my arrow).
I also need to thank everyone who attended the event as they became part of one of the most important events I think I've ever been associated with. Thank you everyone for sharing your wisdom with me and I look forward to seeing you all at the next big Breakthrough event!
Yours in success,
Randall Blaum
The Hollywood Marketing Mogul
www.MarketingExpertsInternational.com
Posted by: Randall Blaum | March 19, 2005 at 07:51 AM