With only a few days left in 2021, I wanted to bring you a powerful message that's short, easy to digest, and could be extremely helpful with whatever problems you face in 2022. Of course, I don't know what those problems will be (for either of us), but I do know the way in which you view them, and ultimately deal with them, will affect your personal growth.

This week, I want to challenge you to think of the problems you encounter as puzzles. Instead of having an anger fueled meltdown, or a tearful self pity party, analyze the problem as though it were a puzzle - then, make a plan and deal with it in an intentional way. Will this make the problem an unexpected joy? No. That will likely not be the case, but it can result in positive growth in all aspects of your life...spiritually, emotionally, and even financially.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

"OK Boomer..." - A popular comment on the internet meant to insult someone by implying the entire Boomer generation just "doesn't get it."

I won't spend a lot of time breaking down the irony of how some of the modern generation, characterized as tolerant and accepting, can paint an entire group of people with the same broad brush (a crime which they often accuse Boomers of), but rather focus on the facts and figures...Boomers, and Gen-X'ers are raking in millions by marketing their knowledge online.

This week's episode is meant to be a kick in the pants to you Boomers and Gen-X'ers out there who haven't figured this out yet...People will pay for what you know. But that's not even the best part. Not only do they value your knowledge and experience (perhaps more so than your current employer), but it's never been easier to deliver it to them. The tools have been simplified, the costs have been minimized and the only thing standing between you and your own work-from-anywhere life is your commitment...and perhaps a little guidance.

Before you jump in, here are some more encouraging facts and figures: I don't have a huge youtube audience. I have a little more than 9,000 subscribers as I write this. That's probably more than your local high school gym can handle, but in the Youtube world, it's not an impressive figure. BUT - that audience generated 6 figures in revenue for my company this year. I'll explain how in this week's episode.

• [00:20] That's easy for you to say
• [01:09] It seems we've forgotten
• [02:39] An audience of interested people
• [04:17] Don't monetize your audience
• [05:50] Build your audience
• [06:23] How many do you need?
• [07:01] How do you start from nothing?
• [07:32] Accelerating the process
• [08:32] An example
• [10:02] The ultimate secret research tool
• [10:25] 1,000 true fans
• [11:51] Unique...is usually bad
• [12:38] Another BIG reason to start now
• [13:14] That's easy for you to say
• [14:00] How it really works
• [14:57] 2 challenges that made things tougher
• [16:10] What I always look for
• [18:42] You can do this

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

For years, I've touted Direct Response Sales Copy as the most lucrative niche a freelance writer can master to have a very high profit, virtually no overhead business. That is still true, but, when it comes to those who are writing copy to promote their own products, services and ideas, there is something much more powerful... Content.

This week's episode discusses the power of Content Marketing. Tying every piece of your content into a worldview that is always in integrity with your company's vision. When your audience understands and appreciates your vision, your sales copy doesn't need to be nearly as "salesy" because people know what to expect from your brand. They're already sold - you just need to deliver the message.

Take Apple for instance. They have spent decades carefully crafting their brand, but not just through ads. Every decision is carefully made staying consistent with their reputation. From the packaging, to the product colors, their customers know what to expect, so much so that thousands of them don't even need to see a sales page or television commercial...they just need the release date of the latest product and they're in. That's powerful.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This is an exciting week! On Thursday, 12/9/21, 5 p.m. Eastern, I'm offering a free Copywriter's Strategy class that will teach you everything you need to know to get a high profit, low overhead, writing business up and running for the new year.

This week's episode gives you an overview of the deep dive we'll be taking on Thursday's class. The topics I want to cover are better presented in a live, interactive format, so I encourage you to attend if you're reading this before the event.

I want you to have a complete understanding of every aspect of how to get started, how to scale and how to have your own writing business and your dream, work-from-anywhere, lifestyle. I'm teaching it all AND answering your questions, LIVE this Thursday.

Get signed up for the class By Clicking Here.

Links

COPYWRITER'S STRATEGY CLASS - This is my upcoming Free Masterclass that takes place live on 12/9. I'll teach you how to build your own, profitable writing business - with my help, or on your own...I'll cover all the bases. Don't miss this! Click the link to register

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This is an exciting week! On Thursday, 12/9/21, 5 p.m. Eastern, I'm offering a free Copywriter's Strategy class that will teach you everything you need to know to get a high profit, low overhead, writing business up and running for the new year.

This week's episode gives you an overview of the deep dive we'll be taking on Thursday's class. The topics I want to cover are better presented in a live, interactive format, so I encourage you to attend if you're reading this before the event.

I want you to have a complete understanding of every aspect of how to get started, how to scale and how to have your own writing business and your dream, work-from-anywhere, lifestyle. I'm teaching it all AND answering your questions, LIVE this Thursday.

Get signed up for the class By Clicking Here.

Links

COPYWRITER'S STRATEGY CLASS - This is my upcoming Free Masterclass that takes place live on 12/9. I'll teach you how to build your own, profitable writing business - with my help, or on your own...I'll cover all the bases. Don't miss this! Click the link to register

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's episode is about America's next big crisis and how to prepare for it.

I'm not an economist, but I do study many experts and most of them are saying that America is headed for a crisis...a perfect economic storm brought on by lack of retirement savings and an aging population whose ability to work is diminishing.

"But Ray...aren't you usually the positive thinking, 'look on the bright side' kind of guy? What's with this fear talk?"

I AM a positive thinker...But I am not one who ignores reality. I don't think it takes an expert to know that millions of people exhausting their savings, borrowing against their home equity and exiting the market place is going to cause hardship in the not so distant future. BUT - There IS a bright side - One of the brightest I've ever seen! I'll share it with you in this week's episode.

• [00:51] The next problem we should be prepared for
• [01:28] Part One: The coming American Economic Crisis
• [02:43] The 3 forces fueling the crisis
• [05:55] My 5 Part Action Plan to prepare
  • [06:01] Eliminate debt
  • [06:34] Minimize taxes and expenses
  • [08:00] Diversify your income streams
  • [09:08] Define your MVP (Minimum Viable Prosperity)
  • [10:23] Maximize your ability to produce income
• [11:34] Taking advantage of new opportunities
• [13:05] Why start a business now?
• [14:21] Here's how you do it
• [15:22] Who are the most successful creators?
• [16:48] Mastering the greatest business skill
• [17:35] But...I'm not a salesperson
• [19:36] Earn while you learn
• [22:17] How to make it work
• [22:52] Get started right away

Links

Permission to Prosper - Ray Edwards

COPYWRITER'S STRATEGY CLASS - This is my upcoming Free Masterclass that takes place live on 12/9. I'll teach you how to build your own, profitable writing business - with my help, or on your own...I'll cover all the bases. Don't miss this! Click the link to register

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week, there is much to discuss. Here in the US, Americans are getting set for Thanksgiving and the retail holiday that follows, Black Friday.

For the first time, my company is participating in Black Friday. Tune in and I'll give you the reasons why we are (and why you should be, too...even if you are exclusively online).

But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. I also want to make a very clear point: You are a writer...Even if you don't think you are. I'll teach ways to improve your persuasive writing by organizing bits of knowledge into blocks of information you can use to create original, compelling content.

And of course, I'll discuss the title of this week's episode: The Creator Economy.
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• [00:17] You are a writer
• [03:26] The numbers matter
• [05:28] What is marketing?
• [07:10] What is Black Friday
• [09:19] Using the calendar to join the conversation
• [11:47] Why you should have a Black Friday deal
• [14:16] But I don't have a retail store...
• [16:29] Paying attention to what's happening in the culture
• [17:35] Reaping the rewards from your ideas
• [20:05] Your backup brain
• [20:47] The magic notebook
• [24:44] Great sales copy is assembled...not written
• [28:36] Organizing your blocks in a meaningful way
• [31:32] Product Launches
• [34:25] Putting it to work for you
• [35:44] The Creator Economy
• [38:01] Capitalism in it's purist form
• [39:26] The transparency era
• [41:57] What's the point?

Links

How To Take Smart Notes - Sönke Ahrens

Building A Second Brain - Tiago Forte`

Our First Black Friday Deal - Get an incredible course (previously $500) to help you start your own, profitable writing business for only $7, through the end of Cyber Monday

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

We're nearing the end of 2021, but we still have almost 7 weeks left. That's 13% of the year still to come. Way too much time to start coasting to the finish line.

The last few weeks of the year, most people will disregard their goals and dismiss the rest of the year as though it's the last day of school. Not me. Yes, I will take time off from work and be with my family, but I’m also going to do things that lead me closer to my goals, not farther away from them.

Look, you can author a new story for yourself starting today. You can start living your best life, today. Or you can do what everybody else is going to do and defer your goals to some future date that will probably never get here. It’s up to you.

This week, I'll tell you the 7 domains of life you should always be working to improve, regardless of the date.

7 Domains of Life You Should Improve

• [07:52] Faith
• [08:51] Fitness
• [10:11] Family
• [10:48] Finances
• [12:28] Friends
• [12:38] Fun
• [12:59 Fulfillment

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Over the years, I have trained many professional copywriters, but the actual writing is only part of what I teach. In order for a student to be successful as a writer (or any entrepreneurial venture), they need to know how to launch, run and grow their business.

This leads to me getting asked various forms of this question numerous times each week:

"Should I start my business now, or wait until things are a little better?"

Here's the short answer - Do it now!

In this week's episode, I'll back that answer up with 5 great reasons to get started A.S.A.P. - Whether you're talking about launching a business, publishing a book, starting a podcast...whatever it is, NOW is the time.

DISCLAIMER: Before you jump in, let me tell you what has this on my mind in the first place. I've been attending Jeff Walker's latest masterclass. These are free sessions and YES, I do attend! I send notifications to my tribe about them because they're amazingly beneficial, free content. In fact, giving away content that is *actually beneficial* is one of the key principles of Jeff's program. It has been the main roadmap for my own business since I first bought it in 2005.

The reasons I list in this podcast are things that I believe are 100% accurate. They DO NOT require you to purchase anything - I would never release an "infomercial" for my product or someone else's unless I flat out stated that up front.

IF you are interested in following this roadmap that has generated over a BILLION dollars in revenue, then I encourage you to use my affiliate link. Yes, I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you), BUT more importantly, I will be working through the program with you if you purchase with this link.

Each year, I pay the small maintenance fee to get the latest version of PLF. I have done this since 2005. I don't do it because Jeff and I are buddies (he's doing just fine financially and doesn't need donations from friends). I buy it because I use it to make money - Every single year!

So this year, I'm inviting any members of my tribe (if you're reading this, that's you) to go through the program with me. After doing this every year for 16 years now, I'm more than qualified to help guide you across the finish line.

Okay...now that I've fulfilled my Full Transparency Guarantee, let's get on with the show!

Five reasons to launch now

• [05:07] Reason 1: The world has shifted to online.
• [06:07] Reason 2: The technology has never been easier
• [07:00] Reason 3: You don't need a following
• [11:22] Reason 4: There are plenty of examples to model
• [13:50] Reason 5: Access to help, support and community

Links

Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula - Ready to launch? This is the latest and greatest version of PLF - The roadmap that I use in my own business. **Remember, purchasing with this link does not increase the price, but it does allow you to go through the program with me and other members of my tribe. I can't wait to help walk you through it. If you're a go-getter who just needs a path...this is THE one.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week, I'm introducing you to someone who is helping to change lives - in particular, the lives of Christian entrepreneurs around the globe.

David Lee Martin is not only a student of mine, but he has become a great friend and respected colleague.

In our conversation, David and I discuss his early beginnings as a spiritually hungry adolescent, to his ministry, to his life as an entrepreneur.

David has many lessons to share (enough to create his own successful academy) and I think you will find great inspiration in his story, both as a Kingdom Entrepreneur and as a Christian in today's world.

• [00:51] Who is David Lee Martin?
• [02:10] Encountering the Holy Spirit while on an acid trip
• [03:23] Learning the tech to deliver the word
• [04:38] Realizing the possibilities
• [06:35] The big mistake many authors make
• [07:33] More on that...trip you took
• [15:29] One of but a few things (steeping into your purpose)
• [20:32] The Christian Creative Academy
• [24:41] The experience for students
• [29:32] Who is this for?
• [33:39] Closing advice...don't overcomplicate things

Links

https://christiancreative.academy - This Christian based academy teaches its members how to express the message God has given them and deliver it to others.

https://davidleemartin.com - David's blog and podcast

https://faithfulcreativebook.com - "Discover How Christian Authors, Artists, and Entrepreneurs Are Breaking the Mold & Making a Difference"

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

For this week's episode, I wanted to get back-to-basics and give you the nuts and bolts explanation of who I am and my philosophy of writing persuasive, direct-response copy.

I had done this already for someone else's podcast back in 2018 as a guest host. That someone was the great Jeff Goins, and he gave me permission to use that audio for this week's episode.

I have a ton of respect for Jeff and the work he puts out, so if you're not familiar with him, I recommend you check out his blog, best-selling books and podcast. You'll find the links below.

If you're a regular listener of my podcast, this week's content will seem familiar, but I encourage you to jump in for a succinct review of the copywriting process; specifically, the P.A.S.T.O.R. framework. This universal framework (to sell products, services, or even ideas) gives you a starting point for every piece of copy you'll ever write.

• [01:55] Get to know Ray
• [02:56] Ray's career in broadcast radio
• [04:19] What is Direct Response Copy?
• [06:45] The value of good copy
• [07:29] What is copywriting and why does it matter?
• [08:26] Everything is copy
• [09:38] The P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework
  • [10:24] P - Person, problem, pain
  • [12:47] A - Amplify the pain, give asperations
  • [14:30] S - Story, struggle, solution
  • [15:07] T - Transformation and testimony
  • [16:18] O - Offer
  • [17:30] R - Request a response

Links

https://trainwithray.com - If you're serious about becoming a stellar, in-demand copywriter, check out this page

https://goinswriter.com/hey - This is Jeff Goins's new podcast called Hey Creator which I highly recommend. While you're there, make sure you check out his blog and his best-selling books. This is the kind of stuff your entrepreneurial brain needs!

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

We're a couple of weeks into 4th quarter 2010 (October-December), but it's not too late to make more money in this last quarter than you've made so far this year.

No matter what your business, this week's podcast lays out a simple plan for you to CRUSH your goals for the year, rake in the revenue, and pile up profits. How great would it be to start 2022 with that amazing momentum?

• [00:45] Getting prepared for your 4th Quarter Miracle
  • [01:12] Put the past in the past
  • [02:39] Define your objective
  • [03:14] Calendar your plan
• [03:38] Ray's Unpopular Ruthless Rules of Revenue
• [04:09] How to make a great offer? (Alex Hormozi's book)
• [05:06] High profit offers
• [06:05] The O.P.E.N. Scale
• [09:00] Frictionless Path To Paradise
• [09:40] Two elements you need to add to your offer: Urgency and Scarcity
• [11:00] The more offers you make, the more sales you make
• [12:32] Operation Money Magnet
• [14:28] Action Plan (Commit to the challenge, create a Money Magnet offer, market your offer EVERY DAY on EVERY MEDIUM)
• [16:07] Read the mind of your marketplace...with your calendar
• [20:31] Crafting your copy (same offer...different clothes)
• [20:57] Join my free copywriting community on Facebook

Links From This Week's Episode

$100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No by Alex Hormozi

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This may blow a few minds, but I, Ray Edwards, direct response copywriting evangelist and educator, am telling you that Copywriting, alone...Is not enough. Today's sophisticated, high-paying client demands that you have more to offer.

This week, I'll tell you what other skills you must possess to thrive, AND give you an actionable checklist that will simplify the process of getting you (and keeping you) in high-demand.

[1:49] - The dirty little secret of the copywriting world (The title says it all.)
[5:40] - The Race to the Bottom - If you win, you lose...big time.
[8:17] - Becoming the brand of You (Mike Kim's book will make this abundantly clear - Link below)
[9:54] - Two fears you must overcome - Here's what happens when you finally get in the spotlight
[13:28] - Why you need an exit plan - Keep the end game in mind.
[16:32] - Coaching programs - In my humble (but accurate) opinion, these are the best ways to learn
[17:45] - Action guide checklist - A few questions to get you started.

Links From This Week's Episode

Last Week's Episode (538) - If you missed last week's episode, How to Create Products Out Of Thin Air (With a 99% Profit Margin), I suggest you check it out. It's the first of this 3-part series.

You Are The Brand This is the new book from Mike Kim I mentioned in the show. This should required reading for those wishing to create a brand built on their personality, ideas and reputation. I highly recommend it.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week, I want to talk about writing as a business. Not just copywriting, but writing in general. From fiction, to how-to e-books, to blogging (yes, blogging is NOT dead - proof below), etc.

There are so many myths and misconceptions about this topic, that many people don't realize:

1. Yes, they can make a living as a writer.
2. It's not even that difficult to do.

Two bold claims...Can I back them up? Can I show you realistic ways this can be done? Tune into this week's exciting episode to find out! (spoiler alert: Yes. I can.)

Feature Presentation

My title may seem like clickbait (Products out of thin air? 99% profit margin?) - Until you realize that I'm talking about writing...putting words on "paper".

Your writing is a product and that is exactly how you should treat it. From conception to creation, you should have your ideal customer in mind...Who is this for? Who will this help?

In fact, I recommend using the same formula you use when you're writing sales copy - My P.A.S.T.O.R. framework.

Let's say you decide that you're going to write a how-to book on some topic that you're passionate about. I suggest the first thing you do is write the sales page for it. Write it as if your unwritten book were finished and ready to hit the shelves.

Why would you write a sales page for a product that doesn't exist? Because it outlines the reasons that it should exist. As you use the P.A.S.T.O.R framework to craft your copy, you are essentially giving yourself the list of promises that this book must fulfill. You will write a better book because of this.

Links From This Week's Episode

Maria Popova's Brainpickings - Think the days of making good money as a blogger are over? Not so. Maria Popova has incredible content and she is supported by her readers.

rayedwards.com - Head here to download my 6-Step Master Persuasion checklist that I mentioned in the show.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Odds are, you don't have Parkinson's Disease, and if you don't, is there a benefit to listening to this week's episode? Absolutely!

The truth is, we're all dealing with something - Either something big, bold and in-your face (chronic pain, degenerative diseases, injuries, etc.), or the subtle, waiting patiently in the background, definitively terminal condition that we all have in common - Life.

Whatever your situation is, I believe these ten directives will help you live a better life. Click below to listen and I'll break down all ten.

1. [4:31] Be a Rational Optimist - I don't believe the best will always happen, but I do work to make the best of whatever does.
2. [6:24] Consciously choose a philosophy of life and live in a state of non-contradiction
3. [8:17] Take 100% Responsibility for everything in your life. You're not in control of everything that happens in your life, but you are in control of how you respond to everything that happens in your life…100%.
4. [9:46] Be well, even when you're not.
5. [13:26] Pursue growth and contribution. If we don't feel that we're growing as a person, we begin to feel that we're dying.
6. [15:34] Trade your expectations for appreciation.
7. [19:54] Build daily rituals to control your focus, your physiology and your neurobiology.
8. [24:11] Do your best to stay awake - Stay out of the hypnotic trance that society puts us in.
9. [25:11] Live from your future to your present. Many people are living from their past which severely limits the possibilities of their future.
10. [27:20] Ask better questions.

For a transcript of this episode, visit https://rayedwards.com/537

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

A surprising call from an old friend got me thinking …

It seems almost everyone I know is being faced with big decisions.

Maybe you, too, are thinking through one of these "big decisions".

• Decisions about whether to keep the job you have …

• Or decision about whether to accept the new job you've been offered…

• Maybe you're thinking about starting your own business…

• Or you might even be considering whether to move to a different city (or country) …

If you are making any kind of decision, it's a good time to make all the decisions.

About every part of your life.

Don't let this freak you out.

It's actually a good thing.

It's a way to unleash lightning bolts of positive energy in your life.

Look, let's be real. 

These last couple of years have been very difficult for most of us. 

Think of all the crazy stuff that has happened.

There's a really good chance you did not see all of that coming.

I surely did not.

In today's podcast, I get gut-level real.

Many of my clients and friends in the world of business really did have their “best year ever” in 2020, and things are looking even better for them as we round out 2021.

It seems for many people I know the last couple of years actually bro have been charmed. No wonder they are so happy. Everything went their way. 

It was not so for me.

Behind the scenes, my life was turned upside down. And there were some very dark moments moments that are hard to talk about. But I feel it's important that we do talk about them. Otherwise I'm not being honest with you.

This is important, especially if you’re a leader of any kind. 

When you stop being honest, you stop being a leader.

We are about to start the fourth quarter of this year. These are 12 precious weeks that you and I can use as an excuse to turn our lives and our business is completely around. Or to turn them up to an all new level of enjoyment contribution and reward.

If you would like to run on the track with me, so we can spread together and make more progress in the next 12 weeks than most people will make in the next 12 years, invite you to join us for our live workshop which is happening Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

In this workshop I'm giving you everything you need to do this 12 week sprint. I'm not holding something back, I don't have any "secrets" you need to pay for, this is 100% free, it's going to be a powerful training, we got a killer workbook created for you but you must sign up to get it so right now go to https://rayedwards.com/million 

If you want to be a leader, you need to develop a reading habit. 

“Leaders are readers,” says Jeff Brown, my guest on today’s podcast.

Jeff is the host of The Read To Lead Podcast, and the author of a new book called, not surprisingly, Read To Lead.

In Jeff’s book, you will learn

• Why you need to read like your career depends on it.
• The eight research-backed reasons reading will help you build your career.
• How to absorb a book into your bloodstream.
• Tips on creating a lifetime reading habit.

In our conversation, Jeff and I dig deep into:

• Why books still matter, and why you should develop an intentional reading habit.
• Why you should read physical books and not only audio or summaries.
• Why you should read books with views that oppose your own.
• Why reading contributes to higher income and more success.
• How to remember what you read.
• The startling simple math formula that will help you decide what to read next.
• How reading makes life more fulfilling,
• How you can find time to read - even if your life is “crazy busy”.
• How to read faster - almost instantly. (You can read a 200-page book in 2 hours).
• Do audiobooks “count” as reading?
• The “secret” service both Jeff and I use to organize and export our notes from Kindle.
• What we’re both reading now, and why.

Links From This Episode

Jeff's Podcast https://readtoleadpodcast.com/

Jeff's Book https://readtoleadbook.com/

About Jeff https://readtoleadpodcast.com/about/

How much of your thinking is by design? I don't mean that in the spiritual sense, but rather, by your design.

How much of your thinking is intentional? How much of it is YOUR thinking?

Is it possible that most of your life is being dictated by random bits and pieces of knowledge, unintentional habits, misconceptions, and various other noise that you no longer even choose to think? And if so…Can you fix it?

This topic isn't new to the podcast. In fact, there are several episodes where I have asserted that most of us are thinking thoughts that don't serve us…Thoughts we never intended to put on "Auto Pilot". I've also claimed that those repetitive thoughts can be removed and replaced with thoughts that do serve you.

But is any of that true? I mean, Dammit Jim…I'm a copywriter, not a neuropsychologist.

Lucky for us, my guest this week is a neuropsychologist.

Dr. Shannon Irvine holds a PH.D. in neuropsychology (the study of the relationship between behavior, emotion, and cognition), and is also a renowned business advisor with a passion for guiding entrepreneurs. When she says she can help you train your brain for success, it's not just a motivational pep talk - She's a bonafide expert in the science behind it.

Tune in to learn:

• How to Recognize "destructive programming" - The unintentional, negative thoughts are running a portion of your life.
• Why to Record those thoughts - As in, physically write them down. This isn't a meaningless exercise. Dr. Irvine explains the science behind this critical step.
• A great way to Refute those thoughts
• How to Replace them with positive truths

Links from this episode

https://drshannonirvine.com/ - Dr. Irvine's official site. Be sure to check out her Epic Success Podcast.

At some point in life, I think most people find that they are essentially living the same day, over and over. Going to the same job, talking to the same people, thinking mostly the same thoughts, feeling mostly the same emotions...Everything is just mediocre repetition; neither advancing nor improving. They have brief notions of making changes, but ultimately go back to their routine.

This week's episode details my personal journey through that scenario...And the diagnosis that snapped me out of it.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• Is the way you are setting your goals keeping you from reaching them?
• Is your attitude standing in the way of you being able to overcome your problems? 
• Be intentional about your goals. It is worth the effort to get the result. 
• Are you in the Matrix? Will you choose the blue pill or the red pill. Wake up to reality or stay in the illusion?
• Are you doing the same thing every day over and over again. Do you need to break this cycle?
• I signed up for Michael Hyatt’s Best Year Ever Program and this program was different, and it helped me make some decisions to change my life. 
• After starting it, I made 1 million dollars in my business, lost 67 pounds, paid off our debt. It woke me up and forced me to complete the past.
• Looking back at your past gives you the ability to learn, be aware and analyze what has happened and what I will do differently in the future.

Quote of the Day: “You don’t need easy, You just need worth it” — Jim Rohn

This week we're showcasing one of our highest reviewed episodes in the history of the show...And for good reason - It breaks down the process of starting a successful copywriting business into 3 simple steps.

Yep...You're (still) only 3 steps away from your work-from-anywhere, get paid to be creative, no-business-attire-required (or even pants for that matter) dream job.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• The definition of a “direct response copywriter” and who their best kind of clients are. Yes, every business needs good copy to sell their products. But that doesn’t mean you should try to work for just any random company… unless they use this specific style of marketing. That is, if you want to have good clients who don’t stiff you or undercut your every move.
• Why the kind of writing business I’m discussing today is the most profitable kind of writing business you can get into. Unless you’re the next J. K. Rowling or Stephen King, this is by far the most lucrative type of writing business on the planet – if you know how to leverage your copywriting skills.
• How to apply the required F.O.C.U.S. you’ll need to learn the craft of copywriting from a master teacher. If you follow this “one, and only one” method of learning, you’ll get to your goal much faster than the average rookie copywriter.  
• Why you need to become intimately familiar with the great original masters of copywriting. Without this knowledge, you’ll build your copywriting house on a foundation of sand, and you know what happened to the foolish man when the rains came tumbling down.
• How to get into the minds of the most winning copywriters of all time and internalize their methods for success. This practice is tedious and time-consuming. So much so that most copywriters never make it a habit, to their cost. If you make this a part of your routine, especially early on, you will have a massive advantage over the competition.
• What you should focus on before doing all the “normal” business setup practices. Focusing on these other business setup practices is an excuse that feeds your procrastination bug. If you want to sharpen up your skill, gain a positive reputation, and get to the money faster than most copywriters, you need to do this first.
• Why you need a copywriting mentor. How your mentor can open doors for you and get you on the fast track to notoriety, profitability, and a pipeline filled with the best kinds of clients.
• The only way to distinguish yourself in the marketplace and stand out from all the other so-called direct response copywriters. There are so many people who call themselves copywriters, but they don’t have the experience to back up their claims. When you follow this path to distinguishing yourself, you’ll truly stand out in a noisy world.
• How to build the single most powerful type of brand possible. Hint: you already have all the tools you need. You don’t have to take any courses or read any books. The answers are inside of you right now waiting to come out and build you a brand so powerful, you can use it to sell very expensive programs.
• The website platform I would use today if I was starting out. There are many options, but this one, which is not the industry standard, is the quickest, easiest, and most beneficial for beginners.
• How to use the 3 pillars of personal branding to grow your audience using social media and your website. This is how the game is played. This is marketing. Whether you’re against social media or not, this is what you have to do if you want to succeed.
• The best way to gain authority and establish expertise. It removes resistance and provides your customers with results in advance.
• How to get inside your customer’s mind on a regular basis and help them get to know you intimately. Starting this kind of marketing channel doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start today by pulling out your iPhone and hitting a couple buttons. But the potential for reach and influence is huge!

Resources:

Links mentioned on today’s show:

• Join my Copywriting Certification program to be mentored and certified by me by going to RayEdwards.com/cdrc.
• Check out Michael Hyatt’s amazing book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by clicking here.
• Get your podcast started with the amazing RodeCaster Pro by clicking here.
• Get your Audio Technica ATR 2100 microphone by clicking here.

A Few Essential Copywriting Books by the Original Masters:

• Breakthrough Advertising, Eugene Schwartz (BreakthroughAdvertisingBook.com)
• How to Write a Good Advertisement, Victor Schwab
• Scientific Advertising & My Life in Advertising, Claude Hopkins
• Robert Collier Letter Book, Robert Collier
• Tested Advertising Methods, John Caples
• Confessions of an Advertising Man, David Ogilvy

Sponsor

This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021

During today’s episode it is my goal to answer all your questions about starting your own writing business, especially in today’s new economy. Sometimes it seems like it’s a new economy every other day or so, but really there’s nothing to be frightened of. There is nothing new under the sun, after all-this has all happened before, and it will all happen again. 

Spiritual Foundations

 The Lord is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.  Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV)  

Tip Of The Week

I am a big proponent of dictating instead of typing, mainly because I can’t type very well. But I can speak pretty fast. I was frustrated with my iPad pro’s Magic Keyboard because it would not allow me to dictate. There’s no button for it. Tapping the little globe keyboard icon does not help, because as far as I can tell, you’re not supposed to use software keyboards in conjunction with this actual hardware keyboard. I found the secret. Simply tap the Control key twice in succession and up pops your dictation window. You’re welcome.

Feature Presentation

Last week, we published a podcast making a strong claim that the very best business to start (especially if you need money now) is a freelance writing business. Chief among those reasons being that almost anyone can do this, and you can start it for basically no money (assuming you have a laptop or some other device that allows you to connect to the Internet). While that episode clearly spelled out why starting a freelance writing business is such a strong choice, I really did not get into how to do it. In an email follow-up, I asked if you had any questions about starting your own writing business. I expected to get a few questions…and did you ever exceed my expectations. Seems there are lots of questions about this idea of “writing as a business”. So in this week’s podcast episode, you get answers. When you listen you will find out:

• What if I don’t like the idea of writing sales copy?
• Does writing direct response copy mean I have to write spammy Internet junk mail?
• How long does it take to become good enough at direct response Copywriting to be able to charge for it?
• How much you can really expect to get paid as a competent beginner in this kind of business?
• Is it really possible to start this kind of business for free?
• How do you start charging for Copywriting if you’ve never been paid to do it in the past?
• How do I find clients as a Copywriter, when it seems the market is already saturated with Copywriters everywhere I look?
• What if you have a chronic illness which might make it difficult to commit to deadlines?
• If I am willing to invest in books or training, what do you recommend?

So grab your success journal and pen (or your iPad if you prefer), and get ready to take some notes. There’s plenty of meat in this one! It is possible to take your love of writing, and turn that into a lucrative full-time income – or even a full-fledged business of your own.

Sponsor

This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021

As we continue our recording studio makeover at Ray Edwards, International, I've been going through some past episodes, looking for those that stood out…episodes worth a second listen.

The one I found for this week seemed oddly prophetic. It was released about a year before the pandemic began and actually seems even more appropriate in 2021.

Don't take my word for it…listen, and hear for yourself.

Feature Presentation: “The Single Best Business to Start (If You Need Money Now)”

While thinking about this idea of the “ideal business”, I ran across an article by John Forde at AWAI. I will link to the article in the show notes. (https://www.awai.com/2009/05/is-copywriting-the-worlds-best-business/)

Forde argued in that article that he has a set of objective criteria for what makes “The Ideal Business” … and these reasons actually go back to an article written in the 1970's by financial guru Richard Russell.

Russell was the writer and publisher of “The Dow Theory Letters”, starting in 1958. Russell died in 2015. But as of the date of his passing, the Dow Theory Letters was the longest-running service continuously written by one person in the business.

So no, he wasn’t writing about copywriting as we know it. And yet – he was a master of the craft.

Anyway, with credit to John Forde and Richard Russell, here are the essential qualities of “the ideal business” for anyone to start.

1. “Sells the World.”
2. Enjoys Inelastic Demand”
3. “Cannot Be Easily Copied”
4. “Has Low Labor and Overhead Costs”
5. “Takes in Cash Billings”
6. “Is Free of All Kinds of Regulation”
7. “Is Portable”
8. “Satisfies Intellectual Needs”
9. “Leaves You With Free Time”
10. “Is Not Limited By Personal Output”

I have two more “reasons why” to add to the list… (these are my own additions.)

11. “Easily Profits Whether Markets Are Up or Down”.
12. “Is a Minimalist Business”.

Sponsor

This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week, we decided to use some studio down-time to revisit our most downloaded, most commented episode, and strip it down to the meat and potatoes. The original episode, which you can find in its entirety here, focused on the importance of the order in which entrepreneurs should do things to successfully create a personal-brand based business.

Three years later, the out-of-sequentialism problem still exists and the solutions in this episode are still valid. Even if you heard the original, this condensed, straight-to-the-point version can help you stay on track as you start or grow your business.

Feature Presentation

The premise for today’s podcast: Every person listening to this show can and should build a prosperous personal-brand business by following 5 proven phases.  

If you get these phases out of order you will have problems. If you are frustrated with lack of traction in building your personal brand online, chances are you’re out of sequence.  

• If you want to start a platform-based, personal-brand business by taking your knowledge, your wisdom, your expertise, and your gifts and you can share them with people (the world) via the power of the Internet.
• You can establish your global reach for $50-$100 by creating a radio show (podcast), TV show (YouTube channel) and other various ways of having people communicate with you (social media).
• Many businesses have done just that.
  • Casey Neistat  started out with a video camera and making movies and had no audience, no following, and built a seven million follower YouTube channel. Part of his company was purchased by CNN for $25 million last year.
  • Peter McKinnon, a photographer, cinematographer, and videographer who lives in Canada has built a million subscriber YouTube channel.  
  • It’s not just YouTube channels, there are people in all social media markets like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You know the names of the people who rule these marketplaces, but you may not know the people in the niches that are getting wealthy serving a small, few thousand people in their particular niche.

“The internet and the ability to build a personal brand online is the great equalizer of all entrepreneurs.”  Ray Edwards

5 Phases of a Prosperous Business

1. Determine the meaning of life and the meaning of your business.
2. Define your mission, your vision, your goals, and your tasks.
3. Clarify your message. (Who you help, why they need you, what you do that helps)
4. Create marketing materials. (Marketing that is clear, repeatable, and sticky.)
5. Collect money.  (Give value first.)

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

You already are a personal brand, and as my friend Mike Kim says, you might as well be a better one. Personal branding isn't just for celebrities, public speakers, or internet gurus…It's for YOU! 

This week's episode will help you make big strides in your own personal brand, thanks to Mike's expert advice.

Feature Presentation

Throughout my years of consulting and training, I have encountered a common sentiment among many would-be content creators - "How can I succeed when so many others are already doing what I want to do?"

I get it...Most likely, you've already been inspired by content creators in your field of expertise. Perhaps you are even a devoted, multi-platform-following fan of some of them. Why would anyone choose your content over theirs? It's a one-word answer: You.

Your personal-brand is where your power lies...It's not simply a battle of Your Content vs. Their Content - It's a Battle of the Brands. The fact is, even though someone else may have more resources than you (more time, more money, more support staff, better equipment), your personality, your style, YOUR BRAND, can serve as an equalizer. It's the unduplicatable part of your content, and Mike Kim has the knowledge to raise your branding game to a new level.

Listen to the episode (or read the transcript linked below) Then, grab Mike Kim's book here.

Links From This Episode

You Are The Brand - The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise & Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business. No matter where you buy your copy of Mike Kim's book, You Are The Brand, make sure you go to this official site to claim many awesome bonuses.

Norm McDonald's Moth Joke - I mentioned it, so I felt the need to throw this in.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

So many of us still have life "on pause" as a result of the last 18 months. Regardless of where you are or what restrictions you're still facing, it's time to press play...It's time to move forward. This week, I'm giving you 5 reasons to show you why Now is your time.

Spiritual Foundations

"The wicked flee though no one pursues,

    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

- Proverbs 28:1, NIV

Perhaps you're more familiar with the secular version, "Fortune favors the bold". In this economy, NOW is the time to be bold as a lion.

Feature Presentation

5 reason why now is your time:

1. This is the Digital Revolution - The one we've been talking about for a few decades now is essentially just starting for millions of people who were rocketed into an online lifestyle due to the effects of the pandemic. We don't know the official numbers, but the amount of people buying, meeting and learning online has increased by at least TEN TIMES.
2. This is the Wild West Economy, all over again (Fortunes will be made NOW)
3. Chaos Rewards Optimism - Things are chaotic right now, but chaos rewards optimism and reflects whatever you expect of it.
4. It's a new Inflection Point. Worldwide - More millionaires are being made now than ever in the history of the world economy.
5. Exponential Growth is Just Around The Corner - Incredible advances in internet infrastructure and other technologies are priming the economy for giant leaps.

Links From This Episode

Be Your Own Copywriter - This live, cohort-based, interactive learning experience is the most effective way to get the power of persuasive copywriting. This isn't a series of pre-recorded lectures - This is a virtual classroom environment where you get results - in class! Every piece of copy you need to launch your product, service, membership, course or offer will be completed by the end of this program. You'll learn how and when to deploy each piece, AND have your copy reviewed by expert copywriters and your cohorts. The doors close soon, so don't wait - click here to reserve your seat.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week, I'm asking you to do some self-reflection (check yourself, before you wreck yourself.) I'm offering you 5 "Failure Factors" that can paralyze entrepreneurs if left unchecked.

The good news is this: Even if you see some, or all of these factors in yourself, there is a simple solution. That's what I'm giving you in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

    in the morning I lay my requests before you

    and wait expectantly."

- Psalm 5:3, NIV

How is it possible to stay spiritually centered in a world prone to chaos? This verse from Psalm gives us a pretty good recipe: Start your morning by speaking God - Then LISTEN for His voice throughout the rest of the day.

Tip Of The Week

Here's an app that fixes a recurring, expensive problem for many of us: Forgetting to cancel things we're not using. You may even see the charge pop up and think, "Oh yeah, I need to cancel that.", but the subscription rolls on for a few months until you actually do it.

Truebill takes care of this in a simple, almost magical way. It keeps track of all your subscriptions and allows you to cancel unwanted ones with a single click. Amazing!

Feature Presentation

This week, I'm breaking down 5 factors that can be dream-killing kryptonite for entrepreneurs:

1. Drifting (You MUST NOT drift. You need an intentional destination)
2. Complaining (If you're complaining about things that are not in your control, stop it. If you're complaining about things you can control, stop it...and fix the thing that you're complaining about.)
3. "Victiming" (It might give you some quick pain relief, but this fixes nothing)
4. Comparison vs. Creation (Don't worry about who's doing it better, keep creating! The more you create, the better you will get)
5. Procrastinate vs. Publish (You're not perfect. You're content will not be perfect. Don't let striving for perfection lead you to producing nothing.)

Links From This Episode

Write an Email Series That Sells - My free workshop that happens on July 8, 2021. This is a live, cohort-based workshop that will teach you how to create must-open subject lines and how to sell using stories. If you want a sample of how effective this style of learning is, just sign up and show up...no investment required.

Truebill - No more forgotten free-trials or hidden subscriptions. Track them all and cancel with a click.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

In this week's episode I want to talk about what I believe to be the future of online education - Cohort Based Learning. This isn't a new concept, but it IS revolutionary. After all, a revolution is simply a return to the beginning. Cohort-Based learning fills in the missing pieces that we sacrifice when we're not in a physical classroom: The interaction, the community, the time constraints, the accountability...those are all invaluable educational tools that are stripped away with traditional digital courses.

This Cohort-Based format is why, after over a decade of teaching, I had my first 100% successful completion rate. Not completion as in "people showed up and listened to me lecture them"...Completion as in, they showed up and DID THE WORK they came to learn how to do.

Whether you're the teacher or the student, this is the format that will get you the results you're looking for. I'll break down all the why's in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

"A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."

- Proverbs 10:4, EIV

Is this God's warning to us that unless we toil our life away we will have nothing? No. This is God's reminder to work diligently - Do the right work, at the right time, in the right way.

Tip Of The Week

My tip this week is to get your Inbox organized with the help of Sanebox.

Sanebox uses advanced AI to organize your email, keeping only the right stuff in your inbox. I know the email client or website you use probably has filters and rules to organize your email, but you likely don't use them and even if you do...Sanebox does it better. Click here to learn how.

Feature Presentation

This episode was inspired by two things: A course I recently taught, and an amazing article by Wes Kao.

Before I get started, let me say that I don't think traditional, prerecorded digital courses are going away. This is still an on-demand world and there will be those who prefer the self-paced, self-study route...especially if it's a subject that they're kind of interested in. However, for most serious students who have made the commitment to learn AND implement the material, I believe the cohort model is supreme.

Okay, enough disclaiming...back to my two reasons for choosing this topic.

The 100% Success Rate in the title isn't click-bait. It is a fact, and it was a first for me...literally. This was the first time that EVERY student not only learned the material, but also put it to use and produced a quality product that they were satisfied with. Don't get me wrong, I'm accustomed to seeing some success, but not this level...not everyone. Imagine if you owned a gym and on January 2nd, you got that huge wave of new customers who were determined to get in shape. Only, instead of quitting in a matter of weeks (or days), they all put in the work and actually achieved their goals. Buying a digital course is like joining a gym...it's the easy part. Doing the work is a different story.

The results achieved in that class made me rethink my entire system of educating. People don't want a gym membership...they want the transformation. The cohort environment forced them to interact, to write, to revise, to be engaged - To do the work.

If you're a course creator, you need to become intimately familiar with this format. This is what most of your students will be looking for. If you deliver can deliver what they want, your course completion rate, customer satisfaction rate, reviews, testimonials and revenue will be dramatically amplified.

I want to acknowledge the author of the article I quoted extensively in this week's podcast, Wes Kao. I highly recommend you take a few minutes and read it in its entirety.

Links From This Episode

Write an Email Series That Sells - My free workshop that happens on July 8, 2021. This is a live, cohort-based workshop that will teach you how to create must-open subject lines and how to sell using stories. If you want a sample of how effective this style of learning is, just sign up and show up...no investment required.

Sanebox - The most advanced Inbox organizer I've ever used.

In Online Ed, Content Is No Longer King—Cohorts Are - Future - Brilliant article by Wes Kao - a MUST READ for anyone who creates digital courses.

Be Your Own Copywriter - This is my new Cohort-Based course that will not only teach you how to write engaging copy that transforms your readers, viewers, members and followers into customers - BUT also helps you get the work done, in class - with support from me, my team of coaches, and your fellow cohorts. When you finish this live course, you will have every piece of copy you need to launch or re-launch your product, written, reviewed and ready for launch.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Tik Tok may have started as a platform built for teens and tweens to post dancing videos and the like, but that is NOT what it is today.

These days, it's a viable platform for marketing yourself and your business. But wait...there are plenty of those, why would you need another?

Because, unlike most of the other big players, Tik Tok does not require you have a huge following before giving you exposure to their users. It's a viral-video machine and if you know how to put the right ingredients in, you can see growth at a speed that no other platform offers.

My guest this week is a Tik Tok pro named Bryan Switalski. Bryan knows the viral-video recipe and he's got some great tips on how you can get started, TODAY.

Spiritual Foundations

Looking for some free business advice? Why not check in with the number-one business consultant I'm aware of...God! I know that some feel the need to keep those world's separate and that God has bigger fish to fry than helping you with business problems (or your football team's victory), but...I have evidence to the contrary.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

- James 1:5, NIV

There is a great example of God's desire to partner with human beings to accomplish his purposes, and we'll dive into that in this week's episode.

Tip Of The Week

My tip this week is for an app called Boosted.

This app is for those who want to create slick-looking videos for social media, without being a pro (or without paying a pro). You can quickly crank out impressive video that is formatted appropriately for whatever platform you choose. They also have a huge stock library of free videos. If you find one that fits your brand, you can actually have a video that uses pro-grade footage and impressive graphics in a matter of minutes. Definitely worth a look!

Feature Presentation

Tik Tok is huge with its millions of users. It's also hugely misunderstood by many entrepreneurs who have dismissed it as a place for kids to hang out. The platform was definitely focused on and built by the young, but much has changed. Millions of adults (your customers) are spending an incredible amount of time on Tik Tok, AND (this is where it gets really good for you) - YOU can have a video that gets thousands, even MILLIONS, of views, WITHOUT being a celebrity, or having a huge following.

Bryan Switalksi is a StoryBrand Certified Guide & Business Coach who will share a (very recent) story of how one of his clients "blew up" overnight by posting the right kind of video. This is a highly motivating, take-action episode that will eliminate some of the myths associated with Tik Tok. If you've ever thought "I wish I would've gotten on _________ earlier.", then here's a chance at redemption.

Links From This Episode

Boosted - Generate professional looking videos, sized appropriately for all the major platforms, with just a few clicks.

Bryan Switalski - Learn more about Bryan and his services at https://www.leverageclarity.com

Bryan's Free Tik Tok Guide - This is a GREAT RESOURCE to get started with Tik Tok and Bryan is providing it for free.

Be Your Own Copywriter - This is my new Cohort-Based course that will not only teach you how to write engaging copy that transforms your readers, viewers, members and followers into customers - BUT also helps you get the work done, in class - with support from me, my team of coaches, and your fellow cohorts. When you finish this live course, you will have every piece of copy you need to launch or re-launch your product, written, reviewed and ready for launch.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

I’ve got a couple of big, epiphany inducing, points to share in this week’s episode, and I can’t wait for you to jump in.

The first is a personal revelation that I’ve had that will be impactful for anyone who makes or takes a digital course: Cohort-Based Learning.

If you sell (or plan to sell) a course, there’s something you need to know: It won’t work for everyone...because not everyone works.

It can be frustrating to share your best content (content that was life-changing for you) with someone who does nothing with it. You’re giving them the power to achieve their goals, but they choose not to use it.

While there is no universal cure for that scenario, I will say that the recent cohort-based courses I have taught have been my most productive...ever. In fact, in the course we just finished, EVERY STUDENT completed the course with their work finished, reviewed and ready to roll. They were ALL satisfied because they had something valuable to show for their efforts (and their investment).

It seems counter to the on-demand world that we live in, but Live Content and Collaboration are HUGE learning tools that I intend to put to use as much as possible in my business. 

We’ll dive into that a little in this podcast, but I intend to do an entire episode devoted to this system (and HOW to do it), coming soon.

The second big takeaway this week comes from my friend, Jonathan Milligan, and has the honor of being this week’s Feature Presentation.

Spiritual Foundations

This week, I want to discuss the perils of prosperity. I do not subscribe to the Prosperity Gospel, which roughly means that if you’re a good Christian, Jesus will reward you with a Rolex watch or other such material things. Hogwash. 

However, this does not mean that I find the pursuit of wealth to be evil or immoral. If your aim of building wealth is so that you can lord it over other people, I believe there is something spiritually unhealthy about that, but money itself is not evil.

“...the distortions of something good must not cause us to think that the thing itself is evil.”

- Wayne Grudem

Money itself is a good thing and gives us many opportunities to glorify God. 

My challenge to you is this: Over the next week or two, find ways to use your money to glorify God...without just giving it away (at least not yet). Think about that and then put it into practice. I'd love to hear what you came up with, so feel free to comment below.

Tip Of The Week

My tip this week is for an app, and… sorry, Android users, this one is IOS only. 

If you’ve ever needed to remove the background from a photo for use in online content and had minimal success with complicated apps, like Photoshop, you must try Pixel Cut. This app can magically accomplish the task I just described and rather than me telling you how impressed I am, I think it’s best you just see it in action. Check it out at https://pixelcut.app.

Feature Presentation

Jonathan Milligan's latest book, Your Message Matters, is an important read for anyone who has the Why would anyone want to learn from me? mentality that’s keeping them from getting started. 

This is the biggest sticking point I’ve witnessed in wannabe entrepreneurs. Before they even get to the other popular show stopping excuses - The “but I don’t have” list… (But I don’t have a website… But I don’t have an email list… But I don’t have any followers… etc.) They first struggle with, “Why me? Why would anyone want to learn what I know, and why would they choose to learn from me?"

If you’re in that position, please understand that I’m not trying to minimize your feelings. I had the same doubts initially, but guess what… I was wrong. And, so are you.

In this week’s feature presentation, Jonathan and I discuss some of the big points from the book, like, “How to rise above the noise and get paid for what you know.”

Links From This Episode

Get Jonathan Milligan's book, Your Message Matters, here (U.S. residents can get a free copy at that link)

Be Your Own Copywriter - This is my new Cohort-Based course that will not only teach you how to write engaging copy that transforms your readers, viewers, members and followers into customers - BUT also helps you get the work done, in class - with support from me, my team of coaches, and your fellow cohorts. When you finish this live course, you will have every piece of copy you need to launch or re-launch your product, written, reviewed and ready for launch.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Successful entrepreneurs are typically go-getters, but too much go-getting can cost you everything you're supposed to be working for.

This week, I'm giving you 5 reasons why taking time off can not only help you realize your dreams, but also give you the time to enjoy them.

Spiritual Foundations

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

In this week's Spiritual Foundations, I'll be breaking down this verse from Proverbs. Specifically, what it means to be hasty.

Tip Of The Week

This week's tip: Go shopping for Apps (that you've already paid for). Think about the apps that you've purchased that haven't made it through your various phone migrations. There's a good chance some of those apps have evolved over the years and may be even more useful than when you originally purchased them. Android or IOS, it doesn't matter. Check your purchased history wherever you get your apps and do some "shopping".

Feature Presentation

Here are 5 reasons you need to take more off. If you want to dive deeper into each one, click above to listen to this week's episode, or check out the transcript below.

1. Being diligent is not necessarily about hustle.
2. Busy does not equal productive.
3. Productivity is single measure - not a recipe.
4. Sprints are unsustainable.
5. Music only works because of the space between the notes - called RESTS.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

My guest this week has a solution to a problem that most of us are probably guilty of: We read a book and acquire some great knowledge, but never put it to use.

I can't give you an exact total of self-improvement and business related books I've read, but I'm certain it's a three digit number. Yet, there is so much I've learned that never made it to common practice in my life.

Bryan Kelly's system aims to help you unpack, digest and implement the knowledge from books using what he calls the WIT framework:

• Writing
• Imagery
• Talking

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Links

https://getstrokeofgenius.com/ - Join the waiting list here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankellynow - Bryan Kelly's LinkedIn profile.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

I'm a big believer in systemizing tasks for repeatable results, BUT…can you systemize creative processes? Absolutely! In fact, I have a method that will help you generate consistent, strategic content that WILL get you noticed AND boost your bottom line. That's what I'm breaking down in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations

Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Proverbs 14:4

Many entrepreneurs struggle with decisions regarding investing; whether the investment be in employees, equipment, services, etc. You may ask yourself, “Is it worth this extra hassle?” This verse from Proverbs reminds us that in order to have abundance, we need the strength of the ox, which, of course, comes with its share of poop.

Tip Of The Week

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor. This tip is not intended to be taken as medical, or psychological advice. If you need that sort of help, seek a professional.

Now that I have that out of the way, here's a tip to help you with anxiety and depression:

For one week, try these five steps:

1. Turn off all notifications (phone, tablet…anything that winks, blinks, buzzes, etc.)
2. Check e-mail and messages only ONCE per day
3. Remove social media apps from your phone and other devices
4. Only use social media for advertising and promotion (Use it for output, not input)
5. Avoid all newscasts and reporting (If it's a big deal, you'll hear about it)

Odds are you won't try this digital detox, but IF you do, I truly believe it will make a world of difference in your outlook, productivity and overall happiness. If you try it, please share your result.

Feature Presentation

When we look at the way businesses use social media, there are a few noticeable trends:

1. The Post And Pray Method – A.K.A. Random Acts of Marketing. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses live in this zone. There's no real strategy here. You're basically throwing out posts, tweets, videos, etc. and hoping you get some positive attention (which usually doesn't happen).
2. The Post And Pay Method – Again, not a real strategy, but simply throwing money at various social media platforms in the hopes something will bloom. Essentially, this is the same as the first method, but you burn cash in the process.
3. The Post And Profit Method – This is what you should be aiming for AND it's what I'm breaking down in this week's episode.

Tune in to the episode (or check out the transcript below) and I'll share this process AND explain why it works.

The key is delivering consistent, microcontent (entertaining and easily consumed) to your audience. I've laid out everything you need to know right here. Check out that link and you'll also find out how you can get help from me and my team in generating AN ENTIRE YEAR'S worth of content for your business – I'm talking about INTENTIONAL content. The kind of content that grows your business, engages with your audience and gives you Brand Presence (not just Brand Awareness).

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Am I worried about copywriters being replaced by AI robots? The answer is no...at least not if you don’t want to be replaced. In this episode, we'll get into how any copywriter can benefit from A.I. copy, and avoid being replaced by a robot.

Spiritual Foundations

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

II Corinthians 9:8 NLT

God always provides what we need (not necessarily what we want). Sometimes he sends a check just in time, and sometimes he sends creativity to find the right solution to our challenges.

Tip Of The Week

This week's tip is about an app I recently discovered. Here's a summary of their app description: Record videos with confidence. Script, shoot, style, and caption like a pro. BigVu gives you a teleprompter on your phone. You can keep your eyes on the camera while reading your script with ease as it scrolls up the screen. Cut videos in a snap by just selecting the words where you want to start and end.

BigVu caption maker automatically transcribes your video into a storyboard with subtitles perfectly in sync with your narration. Spice up your presentation by highlighting keywords on your subtitles with bright colors, or adding image or video overlays. Brand your video with your logo & titling. Style your video with your brand logo, lower 3rd titling, commercial free music backgrounds, and a biz card animated outro with your business contact details. You'll find BigVu right here: https://bigvu.tv/

Feature Presentation

Are copywriters being replaced by AI? Should you be worried about this? Yes, if you are robotically cranking out copy. “If you can be replaced by a robot, you will be.” We have to up-level our game!

Any copywriter can benefit from AI copy, and avoid being replaced by a robot. Here are 5 keys to making that true for you…

KEY 1-  Move beyond templates and “mad-lib copy”. AI is ALREADY doing that - often better than you. You’ve got to bring that spark of creativity and write BREAKTHROUGH copy.

KEY 2 - Practice your CRAFT. Make time to write - not just hack together swipe files. You must enjoy the process. The AI phenomena will wash out those for whom this is “just a job”.

KEY 3 -  Use AI yourself to crank out transactional copy and “vomit drafts” - and use the time saved to try creative approaches your weren’t able to get to before.

KEY 4 - Be a testing fanatic. Use Google’s built-in testing features, or Optimizely, or similar products to get serious about testing: post titles, video and podcasts titles, email subject lines, YouTube video titles, copy, description and thumbnails. Optimize for BOTH SEO  and conversion.

KEY 5 - Renew your passion for copy - or move on. This is, in the best case, art. In the less than best case - it's hacking.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

My guest this week is best-selling author and all-around superstar, Jon Acuff.

I've been following Jon for a long time now, and his new book, Soundtracks, is one I can recommend without hesitation. In fact, I've read it twice, and as you'll hear in our conversation, it's already had an impact in my life.

He has managed to beautifully pinpoint and simplify the process to change the way you think…or, more accurately, to take control of the recurring thoughts that influence your life, whether you realize it or not...Your soundtrack.

Links From This Episode

Soundtracks - Get your copy of Jon's book

Jon Acuff's official website

Jon's Podcast - If you want to hear a sample of Jon's new book, Soundtracks, check out Episode 12

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

If you run a service based business, a troublesome client is almost inevitable. For instance, a client may demand a refund even when you have delivered exactly what you promised. And if they paid with a credit card, they don't necessarily need your permission to take that money back.

On this week's podcast, you'll meet entrepreneur, Allie Bjerk, and there is a lot to be learned from her story.

Allie explains why and how she made the transition from a service-based business to a knowledge-based business. And, how she was able to quickly generate enough revenue to cover a $6,000 chargeback from a problem client.

Links From This Episode

Allie Bjerk - As the creator of one of the fastest-growing marketing programs available today, Allie has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs how to scale their businesses quickly and limitlessly in the most streamlined and wildly successful marketing strategies to date in her program Tiny Offer™? Lab.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Not so long ago, I found my To-Do list had exceeded 100 items. None of the items were unimportant; they all needed to be completed and the sheer number of tasks was intimidating. 

This week, I'm giving you precise instructions on how to work your way through an Overwhelming number of tasks.

Links From This Episode

Getting Things Done - This book by David Allen is an incredible resource for learning task management and, well...getting things done. Highly recommended reading.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

There are would-be entrepreneurs all over the world struggling with this question...I mean, would it be smart to sit this out for a while?

This episode gives you a quick and direct answer to that question.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

"If anybody is going to change this, it has to be me. No one is coming to save me."

That's a quote from my guest this week, Dawn Apuan, and it turned out to be a powerful (and profitable) epiphany for her.

Dawn never saw herself as the entrepreneurial type until her family had the rug yanked from beneath their feet.

Not so long ago, she and her husband both lost their jobs...they had a new baby to take care of AND were forced to move to a new city for LESS money.

Somewhere amidst all the chaos, Dawn decided to take control. She didn't want to put her baby in a childcare facility while she spent her days working for low pay.

You'll get the full story of her rapid climb to a six figure copywriting business in the podcast, but here's a spoiler: She made the right choice.

Links From This Week's Episode

Dawn Apuan: https://dawnapuan.com

TCA Live: https://trainwithray.com - Get your ticket for The Copywriting Academy Live 2021 (April 7-9)

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's episode contains a bit of a rant, but I think it's a rant most of us should hear.

There's a sea of negativity in this world, and at the center of that sea is a giant vortex with an ever-expanding mouth, trying to pull you under…to suck you down the drain.

I know that sounds like a negative outlook, but here's the thing…You shouldn't be part of that sea in the first place!

Every human I know (and I know me better than the rest of them) is guilty of falling into these traps…stressing about the parts of the world they don't have the power to change while real opportunities for growth and prosperity are right in front of them.

Let's have a serious talks about how to eliminate this; how to acknowledge the fact that we can't solve every problem (for me, Parkinson's Disease comes to mind.)

Life is about solving the problems you can and not getting paralyzed by the ones you can't.

This pandemic has taken much from many, BUT it has created new opportunities that have never existed before…it's created needs to be filled. Why not focus on those needs and HELP people? You will prosper greatly and improve the world.

Links From This Week's Episode

https://trainwithray.com – Get your ticket for The Copywriting Academy Live 2021

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

The title of this week's episode is the title of John Lee Dumas's new book which I strongly suggest you add to your library.

John is the host of the award-winning podcast, Entrepreneurs On Fire, and has interviewed more than 3,000 successful entrepreneurs. This book is the result of JLD sorting through all of that wisdom and boiling it down to 17 common steps that each of these entrepreneurs have taken on their path to success.

It is rare that I read a business book that I feel will still be relevant and valuable for decades, but that's exactly what I believe about John Lee Dumas's book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success.

Links From This Week's Episode

https://uncommonsuccessbook.com – Get your copy of JLD's new book here. https://www.eofire.com/ – John's podcast, Entrepreneurs on Fire

https://trainwithray.com – Get your ticket for The Copywriting Academy Live 2021

How You Can Help

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's episode content was actually borrowed from my YouTube video of the same name. Even if you've already seen the video, these are some great, money-making ideas that deserve a review.

Feature Presentation

So you want to be a writer for hire, but those high-paying gigs you hear about seem a bit out of your reach. Keep in mind that, just like any worthwhile career, you gotta start somewhere. Here are seven ways you can get started making money as a copywriter that ARE within your reach:

• Creating Content for Others
• Affiliate Marketing
• Social Media Marketing Copy
• Copy Editing and Proofreading
• Ghostwriting
• Podcast Show Notes
• YouTube Descriptions

Tune in to the episode to get the full explanation of these often overlooked rapid-revenue generators.

Links From This Week's Episode

https://trainwithray.com - Here's your invitation to join me for The Copywriting Academy Live, April 7th-9th. This intense, 3-Day workshop will teach you how to write the words that sell WITHOUT the sleaze. You can get the world's premiere Copywriting training for 1/10th the cost of the in-person event - AND you'll get the same knowledge. Click the link for details.

https://youtube.com/rayedwards – If you're not subscribed to my YouTube Channel, click the link and fix that. Be sure to enable notifications so you never miss a video!

If you're considering writing a book, you need to check out this week's podcast.

Chandler Bolt, CEO of Self-Publishing School, is THE Authority when it comes to self-publishing and he's my special guest this week.

By the way, “self-publishing” doesn't have the same minor league connotation it did a few years ago. There are many situations when it's simply the smarter choice. 

Chandler and I discuss how to be an authority by being an author and how your new book can have a major impact on your business.

Bio:

Chandler Bolt is an investor, advisor, the CEO of Self-Publishing School & SelfPublishing.com, and the author of 6 bestselling books including his most recent book titled “Published.“.

Self Publishing School is an INC 5000 company the last 3 years in a row as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US.

Chandler is also the host of the 7 Figure Principles Podcast and the Self Publishing School Podcast. Through his books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and Self-Publishing School, he’s helped thousands of people write a book that grows their income, impact, and business.

He’s currently spending his time scaling Self Publishing School, a company he’s built from 0 to $20M+ in 5.5 years. In 2020, Self Publishing School hit #1,944 on the INC 5000 as one of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America.

There are so many ways to make your marketing complex.
Funnels, upsells, cross-sells, JVs, multivariate testing, challenges, tiny offers with a value ladder of upsells…

Sometimes the best way to sell a horse is with an ad that says “Horse for sale”.

But that kind of clarity only comes when you know your perfect client. Your “right fit client”.

And you must know their language.
The POSITIVE and NEGATIVE “triggers”.
It’s like your RFC has a codebook …. And you need to know that codebook inside-out.

Spiritual Foundations

How To Be Blessed

 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV) 

Tip of the Week

This week's tip is simple: Get on Clubhouse!

I know there have been a few come-and-go platforms in the social media world, but this one looks like it's here to stay – already over 100 million users!

What's different about Clubhouse? It's “Social Audio”. This is a place where you can host, or participate in, discussions on a particular topic. Live, audio only discussions – A great place to teach, learn and network with your people.

Visit JoinClubhouse.com for more information on how to get started.

Feature Presentation

This week's episode is a good one to listen to multiple times because there is a lot to unpack: Who is your “Right Fit Client” – AND – Have you learned their language?

That second point is the one that seems to get screwed up the most. Your RFC has certain triggers that they respond to – both positive and negative. It's like they have their own codebook…a language that they recognize and respond to. Once you decipher that code, writing copy that makes them react becomes almost trivial.

In next month's Copywriting Academy Live, we'll focus on how to build this Messaging Codebook for your Right Fit Client – AND – how to keep building it, block by block. When we're done, you'll have your first, high-performance Sales Page, and you'll have the ability to easily generate subsequent offers using your Messaging Codebook. You'll know what to say and how to say it.

TCA Live is only a few weeks away. Get signed up now so I can get your materials in the mail (Yeah…materials – This is a workshop, not a seminar. Be ready to be productive and profitable!)

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's episode is a conversation I had with the great Lee Cockerell, former VP of Walt Disney World and a master of creating that Disney Magic.

Lee is one of our favorite people to learn from. I say "our", because my company invested in The Cockerell Academy which has benefitted our entire team.

Lee teaches entrepreneurs and business leaders that you don't have to be Disney-Sized to make magic. Excellence, like so many other things, is a state of mind and learning that it is within reach will motivate you to be better.

Learn more about The Cockerell Academy by clicking here.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

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My book is now officially available for purchase. For now, you can get it the Kindle or Nook version for only .99¢

Even though this book is one of my biggest accomplishments and, I believe, will enrich the lives of those who read it, I still felt weird doing a monologue podcast about my own writing.

Instead, I got permission to borrow some audio from my friend Dan Miller's podcast.

Dan recently interviewed me about the book and definitely did not softball me any sales copy disguised as questions. He really dug into the "why" behind this book and that's what made me want to share it here.

ATTENTION: We interrupt these show notes to bring you this important announcement:

You have a chance to train with me for free starting this Friday!

This Friday, February 12th, we're starting the Get Clients Fast 5 Day Challenge. Five days of free, live training to get clients, fast!

This IS 100% FREE OF CHARGE.

Live training will be about one hour per day. This will be fun, interactive and ultimately profitable if you follow the steps. Click here to join the challenge and I'll see you live starting this Friday!

And now...back to the show

How can you reframe an overwhelming list of "have to's" into an exciting list of "get to's"? That's what we're talking about in this week's episode.

Spiritual Foundations 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

In the past I would often wonder what to pray about. Well, it's clearly stated in the verses above: everything. I think these are the things we worry about and stress over even though they are beyond our control. If you can reach the point of release where you can let go of the things which you can do nothing about, I think you will find yourself much less stressed. Let God do the things that only God can do.

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is for my new book Permission to Prosper. It doesn't get officially released until February 16th, 2021, but you can preorder it by clicking here. Also, if you'd be kind enough to preorder, I'll make sure you get a free copy of the audiobook as soon as it's released!

Feature Presentation

So how does one transform stress and anxiety into peace and increase? This is another example of "change your words, change your world". It's about looking at "have to's" as "get to's".

I recommend starting out by writing down your list of have-to's. The example from the podcast was, "I have to increase revenue for my company." That sounds stressful...it sounds heavy. Perhaps overwhelming. It's a have-to that I and probably every other business owner has had on their list at some point.

Truthfully, I've had to deal with that one quite a few times in my career and one day it hit me: We have incredible resources now that we didn't have when I first addressed this "have to". Not so long ago, I didn't have social media platforms to potentially reach millions of new customers for free.

This revelation changed my outlook on things. You and I have ever-increasing opportunities to grow our revenue...we don't just "have to", we "get to". Now, it's important to notice the "revelation" part of this story. I didn't simply pick a new word and *poof* everything changed. I had an epiphany that made "get to" a more accurate way of describing the process. You need to ask yourself what you need to do to make that true for you. I promise you this is a better, more rewarding, exciting and less stressful way of tackling your list.

How To Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

You want to write copy that converts, but how can you do that?
Remember this: Before conversion comes connection. You need to connect with your audience before you start pitching them. In this week's episode, I'm giving you three ways to do exactly that.

Spiritual Foundations 

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow.

“… we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Many verses of the Bible seem a little vague (hence all the various denominations of Christianity), but this one is crystal clear.

As a believer, I find comfort in this verse during the bad times. If I don't see the good in what is happening in my life, I simply need to remember that the story isn't over. In other words, in the end, I will see the good.

Tip of the Week

My tip this week is for a free app called Threads that is available for both IOS and Android.

This is the tool to use when you want to add close captioning to your Instagram stories (which, for the record, I do on a daily basis right here).

Why closed captioning? Because not everyone scrolls through Instagram Stories with the volume up and having the text on the screen entices them to either turn it up or read it. How do I know this to be true? Because my engagement has increased since I began using it.

If you're posting videos on IG, I highly recommend you get this app.

Feature Presentation

3 Ways To Write Copy That Connects

I don't just write copy, I teach others to write copy and often my students and I review some of their material that flopped. In almost every case, the basic problem is the same: They failed to connect with the reader on a personal level. Their words were...just words.

First connect. Then convert.

Here are three ways to get it right:

1. Pay attention to what your market is talking about.

Whomever your intended audience is, do your homework and get to know them. Try to learn not only the relevant joys, pains and everything in between, but also learn their specific language well enough to echo it back to them in your copy.

2. Help them feel understood, appreciated, justified , safe and vindicated.

Okay, there is a lot going on in that sentence, but it isn't complicated. It goes back to remembering whom you're talking to.

For instance, I've never been in combat, but I've written some powerful copy for our combat veteran heroes. How could I do that if I've never experienced the battlefield? I took the time to listen to their stories...to make an emotional connection, to empathize as much as possible.

3. Be interesting especially when you’re talking about boring things (be different by not being the same)

It would be great if every story we had to tell were filled with action heroes, narrow escapes and surprise endings, but that ain't so.

You have to find a way to make the story interesting even if the subject isn't. There was a time when no one would have considered making a funny car insurance commercial. What's funny about car wrecks? Nothing. But, put a caveman in a suit and tie and now you've got my attention.

How To Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Can you imagine opening the lid to your toilet, only to discover a snake? What would you do? Here’s what my wife did…OK relax. My wife did not find a snake in the toilet. But this little exercise reveals the subject of today’s podcast…Using story-based emails and subject lines to capture your reader's attention.

There is more noise than ever before in the marketplace, and therefore there’s more competition to get emails opened and read. You’ve got to have something really powerful to hook people's attention. Nothing beats a great story. We’ll  explain how to use story-based subject lines and email copy in this episode.

Spiritual Foundations 

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow.

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”   

James 4:13-15

I don't think this means that we shouldn't set goals, but I think it does mean we need to have the humility to admit we cannot predict the future...that sometimes, God simply has a different plan.

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Story Based Email Copy That Gets the Click

One of the cardinal rules of writing is the importance of learning to “show and not tell”. So instead of saying “he had searched the room from top to bottom”, you might say instead, “He systematically begin taking things out of the top of the closet and throwing them on the floor. Boxes, shoes, sweaters...then he moved to pulling clothes from the hangers and throwing them on the floor. He proceeded to empty the drawers of the dresser, his face growing more and more puzzled the longer he searched."

Notice how the second version conveys a lot more drama and emotion. That’s what stories can do for any copy, and especially for email. Don’t say “this is very interesting” – you make it very interesting by telling a story about it.

Three subject line examples:

1. sent the email TEMPLATE by mistake – and our open rates went crazy…
2. when she opened the email, she screamed…
3. She found a snake in the toilet! (and THEN…)

Each of these subject lines paints a very different scenario. Each of them begged you to fill in the blanks in your imagination about what happens next. And that’s exactly what you want to occur whenever you send an email. You want the subject line to induce so much curiosity, the recipient has to read the email to find out what happens next.

But keep in mind, then you have to deliver. You have to give them something that satisfies the set up in the subject line.

It’s the best of all possible worlds when you tell me a true story that beautifully illustrates the point you’re trying to make in the email copy. Because the next thing you’re going to do is ask the reader to click through to get… “The rest of the story”…And to maintain your credibility you have to be telling the truth.

Take that headline about sending the email template, for example. True story. One of our best testing email open rates for a case when we sent an email with the subject line: “insert subject line here”.We even got tons of replies to that email. Not something you should do on purpose, and probably would not have worked as well the second time because it was an honest mistake. But that’s just a point. It was true, and it contained an element of story.

Start telling the story in the subject line, continue it in the body of the email, and have the reader click through to get the rest of the story on your landing page (or in your podcast, for instance)…

Are there “new rules” for copywriting? Undoubtedly. We are living in a different time now. We’re going to be spending some time going into these new rules during our Copywriting Academy Live event which takes place April 8th and 9th. This is a totally live, but virtual workshop. We’re going to spend these two days writing your copy together. You should register now, while the price is still just $197 per ticket – because at the end of this week (January 31) the price goes up. Get all the details by going to https://rayedwards.com/tcalive.

How To Help

Subscribe to the show in iTunes 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 on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there.

Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Visit Ray's community on Facebook - This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

I think of Entrepreneurs as Kingdom Builders - and I don’t think of kingdoms in some domineering, benevolent tyranny sense - but in the sense of the “King’s Domain”. Who is the King? For me the King is our Creator. The Kingdom of God that I know is one of peace and mutual benefit. That describes a good way to live, and it describes a good way to do business.

But hang on - This episode isn't about the spiritual Kingdom. It's about the earthly Kingdom I would choose for my business to emulate - The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. I have some incredible, almost surreal memories from there (surreal because there is no other place like it on Earth). So how does such a mega-company provide such an inimitable, fanciful atmosphere full of employees (cast members) who seem genuinely enthused to be part of the experience? Lets find out, shall we?

Today we talk with the former vice president of Disney's Magic Kingdom, 26-year Disney veteran, Dan Cockerel. He has some fascinating insights about the culture of YOUR kingdom.

Feature Presentation

10 X growth is what we discussed last week... and it cannot be additive, it must be multiplicative. Instead of going into specific tactics and techniques, I think it's important to first focus on the primary driver of everything we do in our company, which boils down to our culture. And I know no one more qualified to talk about “kingdom cultures” in the realm of business than Dan Cockerel.

Dan was, for a very long time, in charge of the Magic Kingdom at Disney. His book is called "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom?”. Dan took some time off the ski slopes in Breckenridge to chat with me about company culture - how important it is, and how to create “magic” at any size company. I stress "any size" because most of us don't have the resources that Disney has at their four-fingered white gloved fingertips. Dan's brilliant advice - Don't spend time getting your people motivated - hire motivated people and treat them like gold.

Links From This Episode

Dan's Book - "How's the Culture in Your Kingdom"

Event that can drastically change your life for the better: The Copywriting Academy Live

This really could've been entitled, “what I have learned after doing 500 episodes of this podcast.” But that seemed like a boring title.

Then I realized that around episode one marked the year my business made just over $100,000. After 500 episodes – a little over 9 years or so – our company revenue is somewhere between 1 million to 1.5 million per year.

That's roughly 10X. And now we're looking at how to 10X again. We can't do it by working harder – we have to do something completely different.

Unless you're totally new to this podcast, you probably know that writing great copy is my passion. In fact, I wrote this book which is an excellent place to start if you intend to master this skill.

Most of the copy I write is aimed at business growth…pretty much all of it in fact. But how do words make your business grow? If copywriting is the weapon, what is target?

Back in the 90's, I discovered a book that taught me many valuable (literally life changing) concepts. It taught me there are 3 ways (and only 3 ways) to grow your business:

1. Get more customers.
2. Get each customer to spend more with each purchase.
3. Get customers to buy more often.

You can learn more about this book and the brilliance of Jay Abraham in this video.

Succeeding at any of those three goals will grow your business, but if you succeed at all of them, even just a little (think 10% each), you're talking exponential business growth.

The key to doing all this is being able to write the appropriate copy for each stage. That’s why we’re having the Copywriting Academy Virtual LIVE Video Workshop, April 8-9. (Tickets are just $197 for a very limited time – price increase January 31.)

If you attend this workshop, you will not only gain some powerful, proven, business growing skills, BUT you will also get your copy finished, polished and ready for deployment. All the details on this are right here.