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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:
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If you've been watching the news this past week, you’ve likely seen the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

As the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. since Katrina, it's left deep scars on North Carolina and surrounding states. It breaks my heart to witness the damage and loss of life in my state, but I’ve also been moved by the support pouring in from across the world.

Though I live two and a half hours from Asheville, I've visited many times, particularly in autumn. It's such a special place to me. The photos below are from 2019, when my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in the North Carolina mountains. This is how I choose to remember the area: vibrant, peaceful, and beautiful.

Thank you for keeping those affected in your thoughts and prayers. ❤️
 
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Left: French Broad River in Marshall, North Carolina | Middle: Blue Ridge Parkway | Right: Mount Mitchell
 

 
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The Leaflet is officially one year old!

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A Marketing Lesson at the Clinique Counter
I got an unexpected marketing lesson at the Clinique counter in Belk this week.

While I was testing perfumes, the saleslady asked if I had a Belk credit card. I smiled and said, “No, thank you,” assuming that would be the end of it.
 
But she didn’t miss a beat. “Today’s a great day to apply because cardholders get an extra 20% off Clinique products today only. You could stack discounts and get 40% off!” I thanked her but declined again.
 
Over the next 20 minutes, she answered all my questions about the products I was shopping for. She was friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy. At checkout, she brought up the credit card one last time, reminding me of its perks.
 
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Did I apply for a Belk card? No, but I admired her persistence. She kept the idea in my mind throughout the transaction in a way that felt natural and unpressured.
 
What can we learn from this? Just like that saleslady, we can use friendly persistence in our marketing.
  • Stay on your clients' radar. Whether through a monthly newsletter or regular social media posts, remind them you’re there.
  • Keep showing the value you bring. Like that extra 20% off, remind potential clients why working with you benefits them. Are you experienced? Detail-oriented? Let them know!
  • Consistency is key. The saleslady didn’t badger me, but she made sure I heard about that Belk card a few times. Likewise, gentle, consistent reminders of your services help ensure clients think of you when they're ready to hire.
Are you already using any of these strategies? I'd love to hear about it. 🌟
 

 
Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week:
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn this week (shared with permission):
By the way, if you're on LinkedIn, I'd love to connect!

 
Catch of the Week:
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I guess watching all those episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies came in handy! 😄
 
Catch of the Week screenshots come from my transcript proofreading. I can't change what a person said, but I can make sure words are spelled correctly and punctuation marks are in the right spots. If you're interested in learning more about transcript proofreading, I wrote an article about it here.
 

 
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Susan from Bravo Editing & Proofreading
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: 
  • What type of content do you proofread or edit? 
    I copy edit and proofread a wide variety of content, which keeps it interesting! My work includes articles, white papers, press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media, retail catalogs, slide decks, corporate sustainability reports—and more!
     
  • Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
    Yes, my education includes a BA in English and a certificate in editing from ACES: The Society for Editing.
     
  • What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
    Getting to do what I love every day! I was that kid who won the spelling bees. I was that bookworm who spent every Saturday in the public library. Being a copy editor and proofreader is my dream job!
     
  • What causes you the most frustration in your work?
    I wouldn't call it a frustration, but the "feast and famine" cycle of freelancing work can be a challenge.   
     
  • What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
    Take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach when reviewing client content. Build relationships with the people you work with so they'll think of you as their partner, not the Red Pen Police.
     
Connect with Susan: Website | LinkedIn
 

Plant Photo of the Week:
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My begonia is flowering! It’s a rare treat, and I get so excited every time! 🪴

Let's keep growing together!
Julie

What did you think of today's email, First name / friend? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback. Email julie@theproofreadergreenhouse.com
 
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