What a great guest to help ring in the new year- Mark Timm!

This guy has created more than a dozen successful businesses and I'm sure there's more to come. Just reading his story is a great motivator for those planning to enter the entrepreneurial ranks in 2021.

Of course, Mark credits much of his success to the mentors who shaped him, one of whom is Kevin Harrington of Shark Tank fame and coauthor of Mark's book, Mentor to Millions: Secrets of Success in Business, Relationships, and Beyond

This week's episode is a little different from the usual format. It was recorded with a live audience on Facebook. I've missed the instant interaction I get from a live broadcast, so I intend to do these live broadcasts every Friday morning at 7 a.m. Pacific.

To be clear, these live broadcasts will not be replacing the podcast; they will be separate shows. I chose to showcase the Facebook broadcast this week for two reasons:

1. First and foremost, it's useful content that I think will benefit you.
2. To officially invite you to join me live Friday mornings at 7 a.m. Pacific

The podcast content is a streamlined version of the live broadcast, but if you want to watch it as it happened, check out the comments and add your own - you can do so by clicking here.

Feature Presentation

Here's what we're diving into in this episode: 3 Unpopular Rules for Optimizing Your Life:

1. Don't take on other people's problems
2. There is no simple answer to complex questions
3. Don't trade short term pleasure for long term pain

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

2020? My best year ever? Yes! And I've got the proof in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians [4:11]-13

Most people, whether they are followers of Jesus or not, have heard at least a portion of these verses typically in a triumph over adversity context.

It was of course written by the apostle Paul (kind of the Rambo of the apostles) and is an excellent verse to keep in mind as you process the events of this year.

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is that you do a Psycho-Spiritual  Inventory and analyze what you want going in your brain.

It's human nature to want to ingest information and there is certainly no shortage of that these days. I'm challenging you to actually inventory what you are ingesting and draw some sort of conclusion as to whether it is helping or hindering your development as a person.

We've all heard the saying, “You are what you eat”, but I'm suggesting “You are what you think.” is much more accurate.

Feature Presentation

Do I really have 12 reasons why 2020 is my best year ever? No…I actually have more, but I picked my top 12 to share with you in this week's episode.

1. I've developed the deepest connection I have ever had with God.
2. I have experienced the deepest connection and growth I have ever had in my marriage.
3. I am convinced that I am already as prosperous as I could have ever dreamed, and there’s no way for me to become more or less prosperous.
4. I grew in my ability to adapt to unexpected events outside my control.
5. I honed the power of unshakeable faith & extraordinary effort.
6. I discovered the power of growing through constraints.
7. As a team, we removed every system, practice, habit, and person that was causing friction and slowing our manifestation of our purpose and vision.
8. I became a true student/beginner/learner again and began a “long-game” learning practice.
9. We created a true marketing SYSTEM that works even when I don’t.
10. We found our team’s core strengths, their “Zone of Genius” and aligned those with each person’s work, so everyone is working on what ONLY that person can do best.
11. We created a vision and a plan to DOUBLE our growth in 2021.
12. I learned that I am capable of enduring much higher levels of discomfort than I ever thought possible – and to actually ENJOY THE PROCESS!

Those are all true statements. Could I come up with some reasons as to why 2020 is the worst year of my life? Probably…but why would I do that? How would it serve me?

I choose to feel gratitude rather than despair – AND I can do so while still remaining true to myself. Doing so makes me better in literally every aspect of my life.

Links From this weeks Episode

6 Figure Small Group Intensive (December 17th-19th)

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

Do you still think LinkedIn In is just a job posting site?

These days, it's much, much more - and John Nemo explains how to put it to good use for your business in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

Jesus never promised that life would be easy. On the contrary, Jesus said that we would have trials.

Sometimes, we may wonder if God is truly concerned about our situation. It may feel as though he’s not listening, or even that He is not going to help us. Not matter how bad it gets, whether we go through health scares, or huge losses, or business problems… God is with us.

Joshua 5:13-14 says,

“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."(NIV)

Joshua was about to take the city of Jericho. The manna had stopped. Being very human, Joshua asked the angel of the Lord whose side he was on. “Are you for us?” The answer: neither.  The angel was there to do the will of the Lord.

Think...He is not on “sides” of human arguments, industries, businesses, nations or even sport teams. God is working to accomplish His will in the lives of everyone.

In your situation, pray about what is God’s will for your life and understand that God does not have anything against you. The enemy would love for you to believe that God is angry with you and therefore has abandoned you; especially when you see others prosper or the wicked blessed.

No, whether you see it or not, the Bible says that the “Father is always at His work” (John 5:17, NIV). God is working for your good. His will for you IS your highest good. Even when you can’t necessarily see it - yet.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Tip of the Week

This week's tip is a concept that I use to make sure that I complete the important stuff every day: The power of 3.

Each Sunday, decide your Big 3 for the week, the 3 things that MUST get done this week. Then, at the end of each day, give yourself the Big 3 for TOMORROW. In Donald Miller’s words, “pass yourself a baton”.

Feature Presentation

So many people have yet to shake off LinkedIn's reputation of a resume` website. These days, it can be a powerful tool from getting clients.

My friend John Nemo literally wrote the book on using LinkedIn to generate revenue. It's called LinkedIn Riches and you can get it for free right here.

John gave me a live demonstration of The Nemo Method and, as many genius things are, it's dead simple!

You can get the in-depth version in John's book, but the nutshell version is this: You find someone that you feel could benefit from your services and introduce yourself - Not bulk email...not a link to a lead page... Just a simple formula for an introduction and a pitch straight to their inbox.

LinkedIn has not only made it easy to get in someone's inbox, but they've also provided powerful tools to really make a personal connection - like dropping a quick video introduction in their inbox.

As I said, the book will take you on the deep dive, so be sure and grab it - AND John's other resources for online marketing can be found right here.

Links From this weeks Episode

John Nemo's LinkedIn Riches! (Get your free copy there)

6 Figure Small Group Intensive (December 17th-19th)

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

Emotions are habits and that's great news, because habits can be changed.

Before I go any further let me clarify...Obviously, not all emotions are habits. Some emotions are genuine responses to your present, personal situation, but those are not what I'm talking about today.

I'm talking about the emotional defaults - the mood you naturally gravitate to.

For instance, we all know someone who seems to be grumpy most of the time. It might fluctuate a little, but "grumpy" seems to be their default state regardless of the circumstances.

On the other end of the spectrum, we all know someone who seems to be perpetually happy...sometimes annoyingly so.

So is that just how it is? Some people are generally angry and there's nothing they can do about it? I'm proposing that people can in fact change their general disposition by acknowledging the underlying emotions and dealing with them.

People who are generally angry will look for reasons to be angry. And with the endless supply of 2020 news, they don't have to look very hard.

If you tend to live in this zone of frustration and anger, you should make an effort to focus on different things. Try to avoid the things that irritate you the most and focus on things that inspire you or bring you joy. I'm not suggesting you bury your head in the sand and ignore the world around you, but rather to recognize the things that are negatively influencing your mood and try not to dwell on them.

This is not meant to be an easy, quick-fix. Longterm, deeply engrained habits are never a quick fix. They take work to change, but they are changeable.

The main point is this: Don't just decide that you "identify as angry" and that's your fate. Treat this like any other lifestyle change. Stop fueling your mind with things that aren't healthy for you. Make a conscious decision to change your mental habits in the same way you would for physical habits. (Less cupcakes, more carrots... Less news, more music)

Once you succeed, you might find that those perpetually happy people aren't so annoying after all.

Links From this weeks Episode

6 Figure Small Group Intensive (December 17th-19th)

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

What's worse than having a job you hate?

Having a job you don't like.

In other words, having a job that is in no way fulfilling, but you tolerate it because you need the paycheck.

Is there a better option? Oh yes!

My friend and best-selling author, Dan Miller, has the solution in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

Whatever work we're doing, there is a perspective that will make it better, richer and more meaningful (even if it's not what we want to be doing). The scripture that taught me this comes from the Apostle Paul in the book of Colossians:

 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24 CSB

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is for what could be our final 6 Figure Small Group Intensive, December 17th - 19th.

It's not too late to lay the groundwork for your 6 Figure Business before the end of the year. These groups are limited to 8 entrepreneurs because of the intense focus and personalized attention required to build your highly customized action plan.

The goal: 6 Figure Business, in six months or less!

If you're ready to work with me to build your new business, or adapt your existing business to make it more profitable, click here to get started.

Our Feature Presentation

My guest this week is my friend and New York Times best selling author, Dan Miller. His book 48 Days to the Work You Love is celebrating its 20th anniversary and should be required reading for anyone who feels like they have missed their calling in life.

As Dave Ramsey put it, “Few categories of our lives define us and grow us spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and as people. Our work is one of those defining areas. Sadly, a ‘j-o-b’ is what most people settle for. But as Dan Miller so powerfully points out in 48 Days to the Work You Love, a calling lights up your life.”

The wisdom Dan shares in the interview goes beyond occupation. We discuss Dan's perspective on life during the pandemic, the challenges and opportunities it has brought and how he still plans ahead to navigates these uncharted waters (or as every third commercial I hear says, "uncertain times").

Links From this weeks Episode

Dan's Book - 48 Days to the Work You Love: Preparing for the New Normal

6 Figure Small Group Intensive (December 17th-19th)

I don't typically release my podcast on Sunday, but this is no typical podcast. This week my special guest is Chris Ducker, author of Rise of the Youpreneur and Virtual Freedom.

When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I was a bit leery of personal branding...Would I be better off with the Acme Copywriting Academy, or is it better to stick my name on everything?

I believe in almost every case it's best to be your brand and I credit Chris Ducker with teaching me many of the tactics I've used to build mine.

So...Why the Sunday Release?

Like so many others, Chris's annual live event, The Youpreneur Summit, was cancelled due to the pandemic. As Chris puts it in the podcast, he wanted to do something to bring people together and teach his "Build, Market, Monetize" process - which he'll be doing online, for free, starting tomorrow (Monday, 11/16/20).

I take no joy in Chris's (or anyone else's) event being canceled, but this does make things a bit more accessible for those of us in the US as the live event takes place in London.

Adding some of Chris's wisdom to your arsenal is a smart move and since he's offering this 3 day bootcamp for free, I suggest you jump on it.

Links From This Week's Episode

Profitable Personal Brand Bootcamp - Build Your Audience. Monetize Your Expertise. Become Future-Proof. Click the link to save your seat.

November 16-18, 2020
7pm GMT (London) | 11am PST (Los Angeles) | 2pm EST (New York)

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

If you’re staring down the holidays, have a stack of bills, and the balance in your savings and investments accounts keeps getting lower...And if you’re wondering how long the COVID lockdowns will last, and there’s way too much month at the end of the money...This episode is for you!

If you’re able to write decent copy -  even if you’re not a professional copywriter for hire... I have 7 income streams you can tap into right away...

Spiritual Foundations

The Whole Armor of God

I got a timely reminder about one of our great rest resources - my friend Ben Greenfield posted this today...

“One of my favorite incredibly powerful Bible passages, Ephesians 6:10–18, lists seven distinct pieces of spiritual armor. Armor that can equip you to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. When I’m spiritually struggling, know that I’m entering into a situation in which I will encounter significant temptations, or am about to embark on travel away from my family and Christian support network, I often imagine adorning myself with each of these seven pieces of armor.”

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Tip of the Week

Register for our upcoming massive free training (12/1/2020, 12 p.m. EST):

• How to Apprentice With Me to Become a Six Figure Writer
• How to Quickly Cut Your Teeth in the MOST Lucrative form of Writing So You Can Start Making Money Almost Immediately! With a few basics, many of our students have started bringing in money within 1 week, some did it in just a few HOURS!
• How to Attract the Perfect Clients Who Send You Regular Work You Can Complete In Less Than One Hour a Day
• The one thing you need to pick and stick with to get a hoard of the best clients chasing you down, practically begging you to take their projects (and their money).
• How to Multiply Your Income Dramatically In a Simple Way Almost EVERY "Guru" Overlooks or Ignores
• You'll have so much work you'll either have to put people on a months-long waiting list or start saying "NO" to even the most interested clients because you'll be TOO busy.
• PLUS - One Person WILL WIN $1,000 CASH During This Workshop!

Click here to save your seat at the live workshop, December 1st at Noon EST

7 Income Streams For Copywriters

Can you write copy? Then check out these 7 income streams most copywriters overlook...

1. Content writing: It's not all sales copy…people need blog posts, articles, scripts for their videos, etc.

2. Affiliate marketing: This one seems a little obvious, but it's often overlooked. If you have products you use and enjoy, why not share those with your list and your social media followers? They won't pay any extra and you could end up with a nice stream of revenue.

3. Social media marketing: There are many marketers out there who need help with their social media content. (not just their ad campaigns…their content)

4. Copy editing and proofreading: Even the best writers can be blind to their own mistakes. Many pay good money for an extra pair of eyes.

5. Ghost wiring: I have students who make their living almost exclusively ghost writing for others.

6. Podcast show notes: You may find some of your favorite podcasts don't have posts to support their episodes. Apparently you find value in show notes (because…here you are) so why not write up some samples and send them to the creator offering to do them for past and future episodes?

7. YouTube video descriptions: Similar to number 6, only this is for video. There are tens of thousands of videos (conservative estimate) that could benefit from a well written description. A channel that is producing high quality videos may gladly pay for some help with the text.

Links From This Week's Episode

Ben Greenfield Fitness

The Big Money Writer Workshop

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

You didn’t see it coming. And 2020 maybe put you on your nose. This is the part where you turn the tragedy into triumph, the trials into treasure, and move from victim to victorious!

Spiritual Foundations

Your Misery Is Not Meaningless

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
English Standard Version

Normally this is where I would pontificate on the verses above, but this week I will give that honor to John Piper. This is an excerpt from his sermon on this subject with a link to the entire sermon following.

 

Not only is all your affliction momentary, not only is all your affliction light in comparison to eternity and the glory there. But all of it is totally meaningful. Every millisecond of your pain, from the fallen nature or fallen man, every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory you will get because of that.I don’t care if it was cancer or criticism. I don’t care if it was slander or sickness. It wasn’t meaningless. It’s doing something! It’s not meaningless. Of course you can’t see what it’s doing. Don’t look to what is seen.When your mom dies, when your kid dies, when you’ve got cancer at 40, when a car careens into the sidewalk and takes her out, don’t say, “That’s meaningless!” It’s not. It’s working for you an eternal weight of glory.Therefore, therefore, do not lose heart. But take these truths and day by day focus on them. Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God and preach his word into your mind until your heart sings with confidence that you are new and cared for.

John Piper - Full sermon text here

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is for an app I recently started using called Thinkup.me. This is the number one app for affirmations and motivations and it's available for both iPhone and Android.

What stops you from achieving goals or becoming who you want to be?Build your self-improvement program to develop the motivation and the positive mindset you need to succeed, using positive affirmations in the most effective way.

7 Steps to Transform a Tragic 2020 Into a Terrific 2021

1. Process 2020: Wins, Losses, Learning
2. Release and Redeem the Emotions
3. Prioritize
4. Energize
5. What do you want to Eliminate, Delegate, Automate
6. Set Goals, Actions
7. Schedule habits, routines, reviews, assessments

Links From This Week's Episode

The Six Figure Small Group Intensive - Ready to join Ray and 7 other entrepreneurs on a mission to build a 6 figure business in 6 months or less? Click the link to schedule a one-on-one chat with Ray. Seating is extremely limited for these events!

• November 12-14: 3 seats remaining
• December 17-19: 4 seats remaining

A Song for the Suffering (with John Piper)

Thinkup.me - An app for iPhone and Android that allows you to create your own affirmations and motivational messages.

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

Something a little different for this week's podcast…

It's been months since I've done a live stream and the timing felt right for this one. For those who want the raw, visual live stream, you can watch it here. 

Whichever medium you choose, I would love to hear your feedback. You can leave a comment here. If this message was helpful to you and you feel it may be helpful to others, I encourage you to share it.

Spiritual Foundations

“Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.

Genesis 12:1

Truthfully, this week's podcast could fall completely under the Spiritual Foundations heading, but even if you and I believe in differently, perhaps you will still receive the hope within the message.

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

"Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is life."

As a business owner, nothing could be more true...According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, the number one reason 95% of businesses close their doors is quite simply running out of money.

In this week's podcast, I'll give you seven ways to create steady cash flow.

Spiritual Foundations

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

Luke 14:28-30

 If a business leader wants to get new clients, or sees a possibility of financial “boom times”, there’s the temptation to promise more, offer more, deliver more,  overcommit,  over SPEND, etc. Then if things don’t go exactly as planned, paying the price becomes a bigger drain on resources, staff time and more. Maybe more than you can handle.

Many a business has gone under because of this very phenomena. Jesus’s wisdom works for every part of life, so the question is - The next time you have a big business decision to make, or even a small one… will you hope that you escape paying the price, or will you follow Jesus and count the cost?

Entrepreneurial Spotlight

This week, we're inviting you to cast the spotlight on an entrepreneur with an innovative idea or inspiring story (and yes...it can be you).

We see and hear daily reminders of businesses that have failed in this economy. All of us need to remember that millions of entrepreneurs around the globe are thriving in spite of the challenges brought by this pandemic.

Help us spread the good word! Send your Entrepreneurial Spotlight suggestion to support@rayedwards.com and we may feature them in a future episode.

Tip of the Week

My tip of the week is a very timely and powerful book by my friend, Michael Hyatt.

Michael is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and his latest book, Entrepreneurs Will Save the World, definitely deserves a spot in your library.

Not only is this a small investment ($17.99), but it comes with $164 in bonuses:

• Audio book version of Entrepreneurs Will Save the World ($24.99 value)
• The complete "Mindset Advantage" video series ($99 value)
• Employee to Entrepreneur Handbook: How to Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Your 9-5 ($29.99 value)
• 8 Traits Printables - Keep the 8 traits of the entrepreneurial mindset visible on your office wall or desktop ($9.99 value)

The book is officially shipping as of today (10/19/20) and you can order it here: https://entrepreneurswillsavetheworld.com/

7 Ways Copywriting Creates Consistent Cashflow

Copywriting is more than sales letters. These are 7 ways that your copy can keep the cash flowing:

1. Increase New Customer Count

2. Increase Dollars Per Transaction

3. Increase Frequency of Transaction

4. Increase Lifetime of Client

5. Increase Referrals

6. Increase Leverage (ability to innovate and scale)

7. Increase Resiliency

We covered some specific examples in the podcast, but if you really want to delve deeper into these, I suggest you pick up a free copy of my book, How To Write Copy That Sells, by clicking here.

Links From This Week's Episode

Michael Hyatt's new book can be found here: https://entrepreneurswillsavetheworld.com/

Ray's book, How to Write Copy That Sells is available for free by visiting https://rayedwards.com/FreeBook

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you in this show.

We are also on Stitcher and Google, so if you're Team Android, feel free to find us there.

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

How do you get what you want? The simple, two-word answer: Expect it.

That is, of course, the boiled-down version...we'll get into the specifics in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

“If you think about it, people wake up in the morning, they begin to think about their problems, those problems are circuits, memories in the brain. Each one of those memories are connected to people

and things at certain times and places and if the brain is a record of the past, the moment they start their day they’re already thinking in the past."

Dr. Joe Dispenza

How did you end up being who you are?

In my opinion, you, me and the rest of us are the sum of our habits. Dr. Joe Dispenza gave a great talk about this back in 2018 and you'll find the video linked below. It's a great reminder that our habits control us...so we'd better control them.

Tip of the Week

My tip of the week is an I-Phone app (sorry Android folks...if there is a good equivalent, leave us a comment) called Scan Plus.

Yep, I know...you have a scanning app or two already. This one is great because it not only converts your scan to a pdf, but also uses OCR to digitize the text and make it searchable.

Great for submitting official documents and general archiving, check out Scan Plus in the App Store.

How To Get What You Want

As I previously stated, to get what you want, expect it...now here comes the fine print: That may literally require changing who you are - changing the habits that dictate so much of what you do.

It may not always be easy, but it's my belief that any pattern can be changed if you know the 7 mastery steps:

Understand and Appreciate Their World
You must figure out the driving force behind your habits.

Create a Base and Get Leverage
The P.A.S.T.O.R. framework doesn't just apply to advertising copy...The same process that motivates a consumer to buy can motivate yourself to change.

Destroy Any Negative Patterns
Whatever the problem you're trying to correct in your life is, you'll need to find the associated negative patterns that contribute to it, and interrupt them.

This one can be tough. It may require a change of environment, or often...changing the people you associate with.

Define the Problem in Solvable Terms
Acknowledging a negative habit is a great start, but it's just the beginning. You must define the problem in such a way that you can formulate a plan to alter or eradicate it.

Create an Empowering Alternative
Okay, you've audited your habits and marked a few counterproductive ones for deletion...You've applied the P.A.S.T.O.R. framework to motivate change...You've intentionally disrupted your negative patterns and devised a solution...NOW WHAT? Now you do the work! You replace your old, detrimental habits with intentional, productive new ones.

Condition The New Alternative
No matter how good the plan, it likely will not come naturally (if it did...you wouldn't be doing this exercise). You repeat this until it becomes the new norm...the new habit.

Connect to a Higher Purpose

Regardless of whatever spiritual beliefs you hold (or don't hold), connecting to a purpose that is bigger than yourself will be hugely beneficial. Maybe that higher purpose is being a better Christian, or maybe it's serving your community, feeding the homeless or volunteering for an organization that helps clothe underprivileged children.

I suggest creating a new environment and peer group that will support your plans for change. Having people counting on you AND appreciating your efforts is an incredible motivator.

Links From This Week's Episode

All links referenced in this episode are available at https://rayedwards.com/487

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

Ready to start your online business? On this week's episode we'll talk about the 3 things you need to get dialed in first. I'll also be introducing my brand new cohost.

Spiritual Foundations

“Sometimes we need a geography to usher our soul into spaciousness."

John Eldridge

John Eldridge is the author of a successful Christian book entitled Wild At Heart. The book speaks to the importance of getting out of the artificial world we've created and into the spaciousness of nature...camping, adventuring, journeying, etc.

I think many of us these days feel a bit cramped, especially with our current circumstances so I recommend you note only read the book, but also take the advice.

Tip of the Week

This week's tip is to read John Eldridge's latest book, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad

In Get Your Life Back, New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge provides a practical, simple, and refreshing guide to taking your life back. By practicing a few wonder­fully simple practices—or what John calls “graces”—you can begin to recover your soul, disentangle from the tragedies of this broken world, and discover the restorative power of beauty.

Ask yourself:                

Are you happy most of the time?
Do you feel deeply loved?                                           
Are you excited about your future?
How often do you feel lighthearted?

After reading this book you will…

Learn how to insert the One Minute Pause into your day. Begin practicing “benevolent detachment” and truly let it all go.
Offer kindness toward yourself in the choices you make.
Drink in the simple beauty available to you every day.
Take realistic steps to unplug from technology overload.

These simple practices and others are ready for the taking. You don’t need to abandon your life to get it back. Begin restoring your life here and now. Your soul will thank you for it.

Starting an Online Business Today

Online businesses are just as diverse as their brick and mortar counterparts, but regardless of whatever the business idea is that you're contemplating, there are three things that you must get in order to succeed while avoiding stress and overwhelm.

Intention

Know what you want, why do you want it, and have a plan for getting it.

Focus

Identify the key essential activities that will get you there. Schedule those - and obsessively ignore everything else. Turning out the noise in this season particularly is very important.

Margin

Give yourself extra time for rest, recreation, reflection, and if possible to be in nature. This is key to avoiding stress, overwhelm and eventual burnout.

Links From This Week's Episode

6 Figure Small Group Intensive - This is an extremely exclusive event (only 8 people) for those who are serious about creating a 6 Figure Business in 6 Months or Less. If that sounds like you, click here to see if seating is available. This three day, travel-free event happens 11/5-11/7.

Entrepreneur Spotlight - I'm shining a light on Pat Flynn this week because of the consistent, valuable content he has been sharing on his Youtube channel during the pandemic.

Kris has been taking advantage of shelter-in-place time by practicing guitar and if you share that interest, he recommends you check out Active Melody's Youtube channel. This channel is a great example of Value First Marketing. Brian provides useful lessons every week for free with the option to expand on those with a premium membership.

John Eldredge's latest book, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad.

Eric Pickersgill photography - This is the photographer whose name escaped me during the podcast. Eric has done some great photos depicting the loneliness we can experience even when we're surrounded by other people. He does this by removing the smartphones, tablets and various technology leaving his subjects staring with empty expressions at empty hands.

The "Water Bird Whistle" - Just for the sake of completeness and for those who were curious, here is the bird whistle (actually called a Warbler) Kris was referring to.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you in this show.

We are also on Stitcher and Google, so if you're Team Android, feel free to find us there.

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

How do we move forward in the “next normal” as 2020 is about to be the past? What does thriving look like in ANY economy? That’s what we’re talking about with John Meese in today’s episode.

Spiritual Foundations

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives."

(Titus 3:14 NIV)

I think this verse applies to us especially in these times. As entrepreneurs and business owners, what we're doing is not just about making money. Don't get me wrong, it definitely is about making money and that's fine, but it is also about providing for urgent needs.

Be encouraged! You are needed because you provide for the urgent needs of others...You are not living an unproductive life.

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is very simple, but the effect on your life will be profound!

Batch your tasks. Put like tasks together.

A great example of this is email. I used to check my email several times throughout the day which was most definitely a distraction. I now do this one time per day. It may take 30 or 45 minutes, but I respond to what is necessary and move on.

This also works with content creation. For instance, I often record multiple podcasts in succession. I'm already setup to record...already "in the zone", so it makes sense to knock out more than one. Once I get a few weeks out of the way, it leaves some days on my calendar wide open, giving me the chance to create, or to recreate.

Remember recreation is re-creation. You're recreating yourself - your inner-child, your inner-joy, your spark that makes life feel good. You can't be running sprint all the time. Batch your tasks and leave some space for this recreation...enjoy the margin in your life.

An Interview with John Meese

John Meese is on a journey that would inspire any entrepreneur. I met him several years ago when he was still working his first job out of college, making about 30k a year.

At the time, John had a new wife, new baby and was looking for a way to be an even better provider for his family.

He became a student of Michael Hyatt's Platform University as well as my Copywriting Academy...two things that helped him make his first 10,000 dollars online in one week selling his first digital course.

Apparently John made quite an impression on Michael Hyatt and was ultimately given the position of Brand Director and Dean of Platform University.

Even while playing such a huge role in Michael Hyatt's organization, John still found time to continue building his own brand and launched a successful software company, Notable Themes, which produces some high quality themes for Wordpress (such the one I use on RayEdwards.com)

Of course the path of an entrepreneur is not without obstacles. One of John's most recent ventures, a shared workspace for his fellow entrepreneurs in Columbia, Tennessee was shut down just 58 days after a successful grand opening due to Covid 19. The story of how John dealt with that situation is worth the listen to this week's episode.

John didn't just lay down and let the pandemic dictate his business's fate. He actually managed to take advantage of the situation.

He started contacting other well known entrepreneurs asking them if they would share their experience dealing with the pandemic.

Of course, with all the lockdown free time, he got lots of yeses. Check out the fruits of those efforts (some great podcasts) available right here. You'll find info on John's upcoming book, Survive and Thrive - How to Build a Profitable Business in Any Economy (Including This One), at the same spot.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you in this show.

We are also on Stitcher and Google, so if you're Team Android, feel free to find us there.

Questions about the show? You can text me anytime at 509-245-2670

Eric Upton is one of my students with a success story that makes me smile.

In this conversation, Eric talks about how we crossed paths, about where his career has gone since that time, and what he feels is in store for the future. A true example of how it's possible to reinvent your work, your life, and even your world.

Spiritual Foundations

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Eric describes the first major step of his journey like this, "Phoenix was not a place that we'd ever thought about going to, or moving to, or living in, but the more we prayed about it and looked into it, the more it became clear to us that [Phoenix] was where God was leading us..."

This exemplifies the verses above and is a good reminder to try to recognize God's plan ("plans to prosper you and not to harm you"). And yes, sometimes it may not be obvious. Sometimes you'll need to put in the work ("Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.")

Tip of the Week

This week's tip is an addendum to last week's tip: Be intentional with Social Media.

Social Media plays two roles in the life of an entrepreneur. At any given time it can be either:

• The driving force behind building your brand (creation)
• An endless waste of time (consumption)

Now, I know that consumption can be part of a productive business strategy (e.g. reading what your audience or potential audience is saying about your business or industry. Gauging response to your latest campaign. Keeping an eye on your competition.); however, you know what I'm talking about when I say "endless waste of time" - The infinite scroll to see what catches your eye...not that finding out how your "friend" that you haven't seen since high school is coming along with the shed he's building isn't fun, but it's probably not going to advance your agenda.

This is why you must be intentional with social media.

I recommend you schedule separate times of day for consumption and creation. Decide when you will use social media as one of the most powerful (often free) tools in history and separate that from the time when you're just getting a thumb workout...clicking like on the latest Doug the Pug content.

An Interview with Eric Upton

Ever asked yourself something like, "Isn't it too late for me to start doing this thing since I've spent so many years doing that thing?" I'm sure your internal dialogue is more eloquent, but you get the idea.

Even when transitioning into a career that you know will make you happier, you'll probably spend some time doing some soul searching (praying, talking to family and friends, etc.) before you make the move.

And then, after all of that self-reflection, conversations with those closest to you, prayers and everything else you've done to affirm your decision...it's still scary.

That's not a certainty for everyone, but for most of us, fear and anxiety are simply a normal part of this process. The key is how we respond to that fear.

As Eric put it in our conversation, "Operate in spite of fear...move toward boldness even with the fear that's attached to it."

3 Pivots That Provide Prosperity

What does it mean to pivot?

The term “pivot” has become a buzzword referring to a significant business change -- ranging from mild to dramatic. A pivot is usually intended to help a business recover from a tough period, or survive after experiencing new competition or other factors that make the original business model unsustainable.

Today I give you “3 Pivots That Propel Prosperity”
 

Spiritual Foundations

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

(1 Peter 4:10 New International Version)

That's a powerful message even if you're not a religious or spiritual person.

Look at the practicality in that statement: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others..."

If we don't serve others in business, we will not succeed. Maybe you can find some short term success by exploiting others, but to succeed long term - your business must serve others.

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is simple and you may find it bizarre, but here goes:

Delete social media apps from your phone

I know that may sound crazy to some, but I had a good reason to do this. I've been keeping an eye on my screen time lately and in doing so discovered that I was spending an alarming amount of time scrolling through Instagram, Facebook and a few other platforms.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still active on social media, I just don't want it to be the default way that I spend my time when I could be doing other things (like being with the people I'm with).

For the record, I kept Instagram installed because that service is designed specifically for mobile, but I only allow myself to scroll at specific times.

I'm only a couple of weeks into the experiment, but so far it has been great for me. My mind is quieter, I'm less "worked up" about things that aren't my business and life is much better.

3 Pivots That Provide Prosperity

The pivots I'm talking about today are "Mindset Pivots" which can help bring you prosperity in any business.

You need to pivot:

• From Dabblery to Mastery
• From Sprint to Marathon
• From Resolution to Repetition

From Dabblery to Mastery

Okay, "Dabblery" is a word I'm pretty sure I made up, but I'll bet you can guess what it means. If you've been dabbling in social media promotions, dabbling with Youtube videos, dabbling with Facebook ads...or whatever else you're "dabbling" in - you need to stop dabbling and go for Mastery of a particular thing.

When you dabble in something, you're not putting all of your effort into that thing. You're not giving it concentrated focus - and on some level, you may be doing this to give yourself an out if it doesn't work for you. "Oh, I was just dabbling with that..I didn't expect much." Instead of "dabblery", pursue mastery - it will serve you better.

From Sprint to Marathon

In today's business world, many people are in constant "sprint mode". They're sprinting from one project to the next...from one product to the next...from one platform to the next.

2020's economic oddities have caused a lot of sprinting as we try to figure out how to keep the wheels turning in the midst of all of the changes. I've done my fair share of sprinting this year, but I have committed to move back into the marathon mentality...to run the race with thoughtful preparation.

From Resolution to Repetition

As entrepreneurs, we make resolutions all the time (not just in January). "That didn't work, I'll never make that mistake again", and yet, next month we make the same mistake.

I propose you stop making broad scope, grandiose resolutions and instead, start focusing on a few core habits that you can repeat day after day. Something like making a good, short post on social media every day isn't very exciting, sexy or particularly fun, but if you do it every day, it pays big dividends.

Lose the resolutions and pick a few things to practice in repetition. Remember, putting in the reps gets you the muscles.