Alexandria Sims

Alexandria is a 29-year old web content and copywriter who was born and raised at the Jersey Shore. A 2012 graduate of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Alexandria is a former best-selling author on Amazon, and a Top Rated Upwork Freelancer, as well as a travel and personal development enthusiast.

Where did the idea for ADS Copywriting come from?

I was working as an hourly shift manager for Burger King making $9.50 an hour. I was on the verge of losing my living situation and I couldn’t afford to support myself. My friend’s mom knew I loved writing and suggested I check out oDesk (now Upwork), a freelancing website. I signed up and had my first gig within minutes of activating my account – a contract to write an autobiography for $600. I kept applying to and getting contracts after that. The money quickly started adding up. I started to learn more, and then I started to make connections through my clients. I had a nice chunk of side change coming in over the next 3 years. A few months ago I got into copywriting and really liked the challenge it provides me. I decided that my next goal is to be able to work for myself so I started to present myself professionally as ADS Copywriting.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I get up early to enjoy my coffee while watching the sun rise. Then I do a high-intensity workout routine of strength and cardio. I work until the evening and then come home to enjoy my dinner. Some days I spend the evenings with my loved ones and other nights I relax with myself and recharge my energy.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I take visualize them. I live as if I’ve already brought it to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The rise of the Information Industry. I think that selling specialized knowledge is genius. It gives everybody a fair chance to create something incredible out of their lives. It’s a great way to discover your passion.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

No matter what, I always learn from my failures. I don’t make the same mistake twice. Not only does it help me find solutions quicker, it helps me grow as a person. I don’t only become more productive as an entrepreneur. Wisdom makes me more productive in my personal life as well.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to be mindful of the company I keep. You really are a sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Also, everything happens for a reason. It always works out. Hang in there, kid.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That today’s school systems are outdated.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Create and follow a morning routine. You can’t even begin to imagine the goals you can achieve and the rewards that you can reap after starting one.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Networking. Get to know the right people and you can gain all the connections you want. I met one guy who introduced me to 4 business owners who introduced me to connections of theirs who needed a copywriter and over the years I grew a strong client base.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I first started the writing business when I was 22. I didn’t anticipate how good I’d actually do and I got overwhelmed. I wasn’t confident and caved under failure. I sent my business license back in and I lost a lot of lucrative opportunities. I actually believe I overcame it through manifestation. I ended up reconnecting with an old client who happened to be a coach. I started working on a self-development project with him and I ended up becoming a new person, literally. I decided that I wanted to try again, and master it, so I could eventually attain financial freedom.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Take whatever you’re better than everybody else at, package it up, and sell it.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently enrolled in an online certificate program for Inspired Leadership offered by Case Western University. I have an undergraduate degree from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, but I wasn’t happy with the educational aspect of my college career. I wanted to have some type of certification that I’m passionate about.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I like the Numbers shareable spreadsheets on iPhones. I create and share them with other people in my life who have iPhones and also things they manage with me.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I wish it was one of the first books I read when I was younger. It’s all about the power of desire, achievement, and masterminds. I look at it as a handbook that lays out the foundation for success for all entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite quote?

I have so many favorite quotes, but my go-to is this one, which I share with all of my friends: “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’re getting”

Key Learnings:

• By waking up early and setting aside time for yourself in the evening, you can constantly maintain your focus, drive and determination throughout the day.
• Networking can dramatically increase your chances for opportunities
• Figuring out what you’re passionate about and selling it can change your life
• Not only can learning from your failures help you do it better next time, it can help you grow as a person
• Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions, as well as the words you use — these all reveal a lot about you. Be conscious of the message you’re conveying to the world.
• Never stop trying and never stop learning. Everything happens for a reason.

Connect:

facebook.com/adscopy