[namank]

#1 startups like people who like getting down and dirty

#2 build upon your strengths

#3 improve your weaknesses

It's actually Ruby on Rails thats hot right now and what most startups are looking for right now. I'd say take some time to learn that, maybe make some simple application for practice.

Secondly, use your strengths! English? I'm assuming copywriting is something that won't com to hard to you? OWN that space! Research marketing and user interaction for websites. Then go to some startups' websites and see how you can improve their text/site layout/whatever. Show it to your friend and get some opinins. Then let the startup know your thoughts. In-person is best but email just may work. In all this, remember that your strenght(and thus, the differentiating factor) is copywriting and the fact you know English well enough to teach it.

You are gonna have to build a portfolio, or resume as you put it, before anyone will take you seriously...figure out how to get those first initial clients

Good luck!