Ray Edwards Show (Ray Edwards)

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 I'm giving you a simple, 5-step process to help make 2024 the best year your business has ever had. Of course, I said "simple"...not easy.

The toughest pill for most business owners to swallow is this: You probably need to stop doing 20-50% of what you're doing right now.

In other words, take a look at 2023 and figure out what things gave you the least ROI. What things took the most of your resources and returned anything less than "worth it".

That's the prep work...Listen to get my 5-step plan.

Key Insights

• ​Stop doing the things that don't produce a good return on your time and efforts
• ​Plan Your Year
• ​Plan your time off (commit!)  
• ​Plan for the things you can't control (holidays, etc.)
• ​Plan your content schedule
• ​Plan your promotional schedule
• ​Setup accountability and guidance for you as the leader (e.g. a coach or mentor)

Links

 
The Copywriting Academy Live 2024 - As a listener of my podcast, you have earned a free invitation to experience my flagship training, live, with no investment other than your time and attention. The Copywriting Academy Live happens January 3-6, 2024. If that date has not yet passed, I strongly advise you check this out.

Video and Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/646

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

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

[smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/rayedwards/REP520.mp3" artist="Ray Edwards", title="Interview With Bryan Kelly" background="default"]

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.

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.

Some businesses seem to be stuck on the Struggle Bus. They putter along as far as they can go until...Poof. The ride is over. The business is no more. 
​
​Why is this? How can it be so easy for some and seemingly impossible for others?
​
​I believe there are 5 things you must recognize and control if you want to ditch the struggle and enjoy success - And that's what I'm sharing with you on this week's episode.

5 Momentum Makers That Move Mountains

• ​Mindset - This is not some new-aged hooey. Your mindset determines who you are, and who you are capable of becoming. You must nurture it if you want to be successful (and have the ability to enjoy that success)
• ​Mastery of a High Value Skill - Commit to the path of Mastery - Be hard to replace!
• Mechanism - What is the "tool set" you use to get the work done.
• Marketing - Marketing is NOT selling or promotion. Marketing is the act of intentionally influencing the beliefs of your niche through content that you create, that aligns with your offers
• Money - The result of amplifying the problem you solve for your people, and the pain you relieve.

Video and Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/663

Links

• ​Words Into Wealth Challenge: Discover How Words Create Wealth, Changing Your Words Can Change Your Income, and How Using AI the Right Way Can Help You Do It 100X Faster. This Challenge beings Monday, 7/29. Click Here for the full schedule and details.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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 today's world, there is no shortage of fuel for negative thinking, and none of us are immune to it.

The good news is that you can minimize your negative thinking by making a conscious decision to control the one thing you should always be in control of: your attitude.

The message of this week's episode is not "think good things and good things will magically happen." The message is about finding opportunities in bad situations. "What does this make possible?", as my friend and mentor, Michael Hyatt, would ask.

Sometimes there are business opportunities...finding new ways to serve others. Sometimes, there are opportunities to change the circumstances for the better.

Whatever the case, stewing in your own misery is never a solution. Even worse, that attitude tends to spread to those around you (more surplus fuel for negative thinking).

Listen to this week's episode and then do some self-analysis.

• What are the things that fuel your negativity?
• What do they make possible?
• What are some positive ways you can affect them?

It's not always the easiest path to take, but it's always the better one.

• [00:00] Be a positive thinker...not a fantasy optimist
• [01:25] Noticing the negative
• [03:55] Be unreasonable
• [05:43] Your beliefs dictate your actions
• [08:04] Rational Optimism
• [11:20] Your excuses are valid
• [12:49] Your attitude is 100% your fault

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.

Oh sure, the copywriting guy thinks that copywriting is the best side hustle ever...What a surprise, right?

I understand if you think I'm biased (perhaps I am), but I'm bringing 7 solid reasons to back this claim up.

In this week's episode, I'll tell you why copywriting is the best side hustle, ever!

• [00:00] Lots of great ideas
• [01:19] Copywriting is the core
• [02:27] 3 examples of companies that "get it"
• [05:08] 7 Reasons Why
  • [05:18] Reason 1: Freelance your way to freedom
  • [06:10] Reason 2: Build a 6-figure income with no capital
  • [06:44] Reason 3: You deserve the freedom
  • [07:14] Reason 4: Work whenever/wherever
  • [08:05] Reason 5: Never work for a jerk again
  • [08:36] Reason 6: Stop worrying about money
  • [09:16] Reason 7: All you need is copywriting skill and the internet

Not only can you start a business that actually prospers during recession, but you can do so for less than a $100 investment.

In this week's episode, I'll explain what that business is, why recession actually increases demand for it, plus a few pitfalls to avoid and some shortcuts to take.

• [00:00] Show open - What is it?
• [01:49] Here's 3 reasons why a copywritng business is perfect for a recession
  • [02:18] Businesses are your customers (They NEED you!)
  • [03:46] Operating cost is virtually nothing
  • [04:33] "Geo-arbitrage"
• [06:49] Linguistic Alchemy
• [07:50] How I started in this biz
• [08:09] I can write, but...now what?
• [10:02] Getting steady work
• [11:12] The "foolproof plan"...that doesn't work.
• [12:25] Seminars, and why you need them
• [13:34] Certified by yours truly
• [15:23] The first brick wall most new copywriters hit
• [16:00] Why new copywriters feel they have no credibility in the marketplace

Links

Become a Ray Edwards Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Click to apply and schedule a one-on-one meeting. This meeting is not a sales call! This is an opportunity to evaluate each other and see if this is a good fit. I do not sell my credibility, you must earn it - And that starts with us discussing your goals, expectations and level of commitment.

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.

On last week's episode, I boldly declared, "Writing gets you everything you want." This week, I'm giving you some proof of how that has been true in my life.

​You may already be thinking, "But Ray, you're a writer...of course writing has been important in your career."

The thing is, the proof I'm offering today has nothing to do with writing jobs. I wasn't hired to be a writer, but my writing is what got me hired, kept me working, got me promotions, and many other opportunities I would not have gotten otherwise.

Okay, enough of the preamble, let's get to the proof...

Key Insights

• Where I came from (and why I didn't want to stay there)
• ​My early marketing lessons - promoting family businesses
• ​Writing increased my value in the radio business - it made me less expendable
• ​Clients loved me because I wrote ads that made them money
• ​My pitch for a six-figure job was written with the same sales-letter tactics I use today
• ​My writing made me a sought-after talent in my industry
• ​My long (50+ pages) pitch for a job with Citadel Broadcasting made me more than a half million dollars in personal income (not bad for a non-writing job)
• ​My writing has allowed me to meet, learn from, and even teach many of my mentors
• ​Subscribe to The Daily Ray for valuable tips, interesting observations, and occasional offers

Video And Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/652

Links

Subscribe to The Daily Ray

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

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.

The P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework® is the formula I use to craft every piece of sales copy I write. It is also the most "borrowed" piece of knowledge that I've ever taught. I've seen it shared in countless blog posts, videos, and forums around the net (often without proper attribution, but that's okay...I guess).

The thing is, to really use this formula effectively, you need to learn a little more than just what each letter of the acronym stands for. This week, I'm diving deeper into each step of the process with a P.A.S.T.O.R. "mini" Masterclass.

Listen carefully, put these concepts to work, and you WILL sell more of your stuff.

Key Insights

• ​A review of the PASTOR Framework®
• ​Diving Deeper ... Talk to your "Right-Fit" client
• ​KNOW Your Person as well as possible, then talk to THEM, not to a group - Describe THEIR problem
• ​Describe the Pain as they perceive it
• ​What's going to happen if the problem (the Pain) goes unsolved?
• ​Show them what's possible when the problem is solved
• ​Tell them the story of Why they should listen to
• ​Describe your experience...tell the story of how you discovered the solution
• ​Show the transformation that happened for you (AND share the stories of others when you have them)
• ​Paint the picture of possibility - What would their life look like once your product has solved their problem
• ​Always focus on the benefits - Even if the offer
• ​Reframe the objections as questions...and answer them
• ​What are the reasons they should act Right NOW?
• ​Explain the cost of waiting
• ​Don't forget to actually ASK for the Sale 

Video and Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/643

Links

Building your business and your brand requires a particular set of skills. I want to talk about those skills (one in particular), but also issue a reminder about your other brand...the one built by others. Your shadow brand. What is it, and how do you manage it?

Key Insights

• ​ What's the best, must-have skill for creating cash flow and building wealth?
• ​AI has made it easier to build a business with less human help, but at a certain level you must start hiring people.
• ​The harder you work, the more money you make... Not True - That philosophy can destroy you
• ​To achieve true wealth, you must create assets that generate income
• ​You must learn to communicate strategically and influentially
• ​Use your writing to build your personal brand - Do not just hand this job over to AI...use AI as a helper, not an author
• ​How to take control of your Shadow Brand (make it intentional)
• ​Build a personal brand based on the Real You
• ​Embrace your Authentic Self - keep your quirks intact to build a personal brand that people connect with and recognize
• ​Copywriting is the number one skill when it comes to building your brand (Everything is copy)
• ​A.I. can help make you more productive, but you MUST understand the fundamental principles of good copy in order to use it correctly

Links

Transcript and Video

rayedwards.com/641

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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 have a goal of building a successful online business, I know of no better way to quickly build a reputable, memorable, brand, than by writing a book.

This isn't some tidbit I picked up somewhere - I've experienced this personally. My book, How to Write Copy That Sells, has sold about 30,000 copies since it was released in 2016. That's certainly not enough book sales for me to retire on, but the amount of business that book has generated for my company has resulted in millions of dollars in revenue.

This week, I'm giving you 5 good reasons why you MUST write a book.

• [00:00] Intro - Who is Ray Edwards?
• [01:30] Five good reasons to write a book
  • [01:44] Reason 1 - To be an Authority
  • [02:07] Reason 2 - A useful, bestselling book is the Ultimate sales letter for your company
  • [02:30] Reason 3 - Your bestselling book should become the hub of your digital business
  • [02:51] Reason 4 - Free publicity (and a whole lot more)
  • [03:01] Reason 5 - Your bestselling book is the key to getting speaking gigs (on podcasts, stages, etc.)
• [03:23] The fast track to building your personal brand
• [03:44] You don't get rich selling your book...
• [04:09] What kind of book?
• [05:43] How do you write a useful, bestselling book?
• [07:20] The best of both worlds
• [08:00] What does it take to have a bestseller?
• [08:40] What a book proposal really is, and how I got one
• [09:33] Who is Jeff Goins?
• [09:57] How I got my book deal (with a $150k advance) / Bestseller Bootcamp

Links

ProsperousWriter.com - Learn more about the upcoming Bestseller Bootcamp - Jeff Goins and I are going to walk you through the process of creating your book proposal (a.k.a., a business plan for your book), provide you with the exact proposal that we submitted to get my 150k book deal, and give you all the templates and tools necessary to do this for your own book. In fact, we'll be working on your proposal, live, in class.

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.

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.

Having to constantly chase down new leads is an exhausting and stressful way to keep revenue flowing.

Wouldn't it be better to have new clients seek you out? To attract new business instead of chasing after it? 

There are several ways to make this happen without a huge (or even a small) advertising budget. 

This week's episode features a segment from 2013 entitled "How to Attract Business". It's been almost a decade since I first suggested these tactics and they're all still valid. In fact, I still use each and every one.

Thanks to CDRC Bryan Switalski for suggesting that we revisit these powerful tactics.

[00:19] Intro - Where this week's episode comes from
[01:23] Your desperation stinks
[03:16] Here's "the secret"
[03:54] Step 1 - Create massive value
[06:36] Step 2 - Positioning and Authority
[09:50] Step 3 - The Hub and Spoke system
[11:06] Step 4 - Traffic, lead, and conversion system
[12:38] Step 5 - Create a Path
[13:57] Recap and implementation ideas

Links

RayEdwards.com - While you're here, take a moment to check out the resources I've made available to you, and get signed up for my daily newsletter which is filled with "WEIRD COPYWRITING TIPS, TOOLS, And TACTICS That Will Bring You More Traffic, Conversions, And Sales..."

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/598

The entrepreneurial journey is full of highs and lows…and yes, I acknowledge that the same could be said of any job - BUT, it’s somehow different when you’re running the show.

There is potential for higher highs, lower lows, and you're ultimately responsible for all of them.

In this episode (taken from The Cliff Ravenscraft Show) Cliff and I discuss how to deal with this reality from the perspective of a business owner...How to achieve equanimity and maintain a positive attitude at least 99% of the time (nobody is perfect).

[00:18] Intro - Special episode with Cliff Ravenscraft
[01:40] The messiness of the entrepreneurial journey - Avoiding burnout
[05:59] A conversation with Cliff and Ray
[09:22] Focusing on the right things
[11:44] Entrepreneurial Isolation
[12:42] Read this, or die
[19:45] Have you ever felt your business wasn’t giving you the freedom you were looking for?
[22:22] Where does joy come from
[24:26] Cliff’s word of the day: Equanimity
[33:08] Man’s search for meaning
[36:00] Your mental “home base”
[45:38] Handling the highs and lows
[52:13] The cat comes out of the bag, live, online
[55:52] The value of a coach
[57:24] Cliff wraps it up

Links

CliffRavenscraft.com - Cliff's home base

Free The Dream Course - Cliff's flagship course that gives you the techniques, tools and strategies that will allow you to Live the Life of Your Dreams…

TrainWithCliff.com - Find Cliff's commentary on Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, here.

Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl's must-read masterpiece

Order My New Book On Amazon - Read This or Die!: Persuading Yourself to a Better Life

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/599

Who are you, and why are you here?

That’s the question my podcast guest, Graham Cochrane, is helping us answer today.

“Most of us,” Says Graham, “are living a life crafted by other people: family, social media, societal expectations, etc. We’ve conformed to the patterns of everyone around us without even meaning to.”

Graham shows how to truly create YOUR life of freedom, joy, and meaning—on your terms, not someone else’s.

During this conversation, he walks us through his simple five-part framework, and you will discover how to create the life you’ve always wanted.

Key Insights

• Wake up from the world’s sleepy autopilot way of living
• Leave behind a legacy that others will want to emulate
• Stick to a set of values as you navigate the big decisions in life
• Determine what your ideal life looks like (in your work, business, relationships, finances, health)--and chart a path to get there
• Dismantle harmful mental scripts and limiting beliefs that have kept you stuck (potentially for years)
• Figure out what your dreams really are (or perhaps dream for the first time)

Video and Transcript

Links

• Rebel: Find Yourself by Not Following the Crowd - The upcoming book from Graham Cochrane. Like I said, this guy is the real deal and I can't wait to get my hands on this book. There are some great reasons to preorder - Check Them Out Here

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

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, 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.

• [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.

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 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

I want to talk to you about the incredible power of writing.

The power of storytelling.

And how it can help you connect with your divine purpose. Yes, even if the writing you do is marketing or sales copy.

That’s the subject of this week’s podcast episode.

In the podcast, I propose the idea that we writers are, in a sense, prophets. And as prophets, we are tasked with spreading a message of love, hope, and purpose to the world … through our work.

I know it’s a little “out there” - but it’s short.

• Books that inspired me to become a writer (a storyteller)
  
• Writers create Worlds
• We should transport our readers, viewers, and listeners to somewhere good
• I literally copied people's work...but not to steal - to learn
• Regardless of the business you're in, you're telling a story
• Writing is not a job...it's a noble calling
• Whatever you're writing, do it as an act of devotion
• Your words have power

Transcript and Video

https://www.rayedwards.com/658

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

3 Pivots That Provide Prosperity

What does it mean to pivot?

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

Today I give you “3 Pivots That Propel Prosperity”
 

Spiritual Foundations

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

(1 Peter 4:10 New International Version)

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

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

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

Tip of the Week

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

Delete social media apps from your phone

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

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

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

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

3 Pivots That Provide Prosperity

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

You need to pivot:

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

From Dabblery to Mastery

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

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

From Sprint to Marathon

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

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

From Resolution to Repetition

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Spiritual Foundations

The Whole Armor of God

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

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

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

Ephesians 6:10-18

Tip of the Week

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

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

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

7 Income Streams For Copywriters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links From This Week's Episode

Ben Greenfield Fitness

The Big Money Writer Workshop

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

Perhaps you are someone who would be described as successful by the people who know you. If that success is in business, maybe your world is filled with luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and exotic vacations. If you're a successful parent, perhaps one of your children is now attending Stanford and you have another that's heading off to Harvard next fall.

Whatever the extent of your achievements happen to be, there is likely at least one area of your life that seems to trip you up...One thing that you simply can't muster the motivation necessary for success.

This week, I want to tell you why you continually fail at that thing...and how to finally fix it.

• [00:21] Problem areas
• [00:52] My own issues
• [02:08] The reason we fail
• [05:20] What's the common thread?
• [06:03] Here's the answer
• [07:52] You CAN take control (try this exercise)
• [11:31] Your mental state

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 episode is definitely "off the cuff", but does have a clear inspiration. I've been listening to more intimate, less polished podcasts and started kicking around the idea of doing a secondary, more intimate, less polished podcast of my own.

I hope to gauge my audience's interest in such a thing based on feedback from this episode...then proceed as planned regardless of the results.

Have a comment to share about this idea? See the contact info near the bottom of this post.

Links

Train With Cliff Podcast - This is one of the inspirations I mentioned in the episode - definitely worth checking out.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Who else wants to reduce your financial stress and create a stable source of income from your business? This is the way: shift to a membership-based business model.

I know what you might be thinking: “Geez, Uncle Ray… that sounds complicated, and anyways… ain’t everybody sick of all the subscriptions?”

My answers are: it doesn't have to be complicated, and I can prove it to you. And yes, we are all tired of subscriptions… except for the ones we love. The ones you will only cancel when someone pries them from your cold, dead fingers. Like my Chewy.com subscription (my pugs LOVE their Chewy.com treats)... or my Paramount+ (because.. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds).

You and I need to wise up, and start building recurring revenue streams NOW - cause the coming year is gonna get all kinds of crazy.

​My guest this week is the world’s #1 expert in creating recurring revenue for virtually ANY business, Stu McLaren.
​
​Key Insights

• Why recurring revenue should be the goal of any business or entrepreneur (duh!)
• The "death" of TicToc in the US? What would happen to the nearly 7,000,000 businesses that depend on it?
• Every business has vulnerabilities - a membership with stable, recurring revenue gives you the ultimate insurance policy
• The 4 types of memberships - Product based (e.g. Dollar Shave Club). Service based (e.g. car washes, massage therapy) Knowledge based (helping people solve an ongoing problem, or master a skill. e.g. guitar training) Community based (uniting people with common interests)
• Two things that make your members stay: Consumption and Results
• ​If you think your business doesn't fit this model, it's time to shift your mindset. Ask yourself, "How can I continue to serve my customers?"
  
• Stu's live, once-a-year membership training starts April 4th. (Link below)

Video And Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/653

Links

• The Membership Experience: This is Stu McLaren's live, once-a-year training and it's absolutely free to attend. If recurring revenue is what you're after, but have no idea where to start - This is where to start!
  ​

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

The latest earnings statistics still show an obvious gender bias in Corporate America, but why do we so often see this same phenomenon in the entrepreneurial space? How can women, running their own businesses and setting their own rates, be getting paid less than their male counterparts?

That's one of the big questions I had for this week's guest, Dawn Apuan. She is a successful entrepreneur who does amazing work, and charges accordingly.

Tune in as we explore the costly practice of undervaluing one's self - and how women are seemingly more susceptible to it. 

Links

DawnApuan.com
Dawn on Instagram

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get The Transcript And Video

https://rayedwards.com/613

I've certified many copywriters who hold degrees in professions not associated with writing – Physicians, attorneys, engineers... In fact, I've had relatively few students with any professional writing experience.

If you've ever thought about trading your current career for a writing career, but the transition seemed impossible, my guest this week may inspire you to follow your heart. Camille Pardo abandoned her "draining" teaching career to pursue a profitable passion – Copywriting.

Camille has had this passion for writing since childhood, but those around her encouraged her to choose a career that was more practical. That's understandable since the odds of your child being the next J. K. Rowling are slim to none. Why not point them in a direction that leads to a more practical and sustainable career? 

Listen to Camille Pardo share the story of leaving her practical, sustainable teaching profession, and becoming a successful, work-from-anywhere, full-time copywriter. 

Key Insights

• ​An early passion for writing was squelched for the sake of practicality
• ​Entering the respectable, dependable, and always-in-demand profession of teaching
• The book that changed her path (okay, it was probably more than the book, but I'll take partial credit)
• Leaving a career when you're in your 30's - What will your family and friends think?
• Can copywriting satisfy the desire to be a great storyteller, or is it all Open Rates and Clicks?
• Certification required work - was it worth it?
• Dealing with month one's discouraging, zero-dollar income
• How (and why) to Show up and Serve
• "There's something really cool about going all in."
• How Camille can help you improve your emails (link below)

Video And Transcript 

https://www.rayedwards.com/662

Links

• Become a Certified Copywriter - Ready to start your own writing journey? My accelerated Certification Program is the fastest way to a profitable new career in writing. Great copywriters are in demand! Learn how to properly use the latest AI tech to enhance your productivity. Plus, get a chance to experience my private Mastermind, live in Spokane, WA (details here) - This opportunity disappears 7/4/24, so don't wait!
• Camille's 7-Step Guide to Writing Better Emails - Want more opens? More clicks? Camille's guide is easy-to-follow and full of excellent advice. Grab it now!

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

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.

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'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

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

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

Spiritual Foundations

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

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

Joshua 5:13-14 says,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 8:28

Tip of the Week

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

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

Feature Presentation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links From this weeks Episode

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

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

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

"People Pleasing" is NOT the way to build a brand. You might build a BIG list that way, but you won't build a QUALITY one.

Your list, your followers, your subscribers...They need to know the real you if you want to build a meaningful connection. (You know, the kind that brings in revenue for your business.) Your message must align with your brand.

My guest this week is known as "the People Displeaser" (a.k.a. Nick Pollard), and he has done exactly that.

Nick and I will discuss his journey, and how being authentic with his audience has helped him build a list of actively engaged, loyal followers. 

Key Insights

• ​Nick Pollard's recent video on TikTok has over 1.8 million views (and climbing)...but why "that" one?
• ​Don't worry about the size of your email list, focus on the depth of your relationship with your subscribers.
• ​Maintaining a high list engagement with a 50% open rate, even without marketing to them, shows the importance of having a targeted and interested audience.
• ​Nick's engagement with his audience's list is HUGE. That's a result of building a strong connection with his audience which paves the way for successful marketing.
• ​The key to building engagement with your audience is being honest and authentic from the start.
• ​Nick had rapid list growth, going from 1,500 to over 11,000 subscribers, thanks to a little bit of luck, and a viral video.
• ​The content that performs the best is when the creator is being authentic.
• ​Nick believes that high engagement on social media comes from sharing only what truly matters and resonates with the audience, rather than bombarding them with irrelevant content. (Don't force it!)

Video and Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/640

Links

• NickPollard.com - How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser, Quit Lying to Yourself About How Miserable You Are, And Finally Build a Life of Freedom Where You Don’t Come In Last Place.
• ​CopyCrew.net - Unlimited Copywriting for online business. Fast, effective, and 100% Guaranteed. A copywriting subscription to grow your business.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

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.

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.

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, I'm answering some of the most common questions I'm receiving from listeners, viewers, and readers. Since they keep coming up (some for many years), I feel that my answers will be helpful to more than just those who took the time to ask.
​
​If I missed anything (or Heaven forbid, you disagree), feel free to leave a comment, or reach out to support@rayedwards.com.

Key Insights

• ​What do I do in this economy? This question doesn't always end with "economy"...It could be any number of this's...this election year, this time of civil unrest, this whatever... Be aware of what's happening in the world around you, and make sure you're playing both the short-term and long-term game. Do the work you're being paid for today, and plant the seeds for the income you will reap in the future. 
• ​What if I don't like my business anymore? - Remember this: You should never make long-term, life-altering decisions based on a current "bad season" in your work. In other words, be sure you actually don't enjoy what you're doing, and you're not just reacting to some current, emotion-fueled unpleasantness. At the end of the day, you don't need anyone's permission to do something else (unless you have a spouse...then you probably want to bring them into the loop).
• ​How do I build my business the right way? - Life is not a flowchart. There is no step-by-step plan I can hand you for this. And yes, I teach people proven business plans, BUT, at the end of the day, the "right way" is "their way". That's why most of the time, I teach those plans in an interactive format (like my upcoming workshop) so I can answer the questions that help attendees translate what they learn into their plan.
• If you could only give me 1 piece of advice to guide me through building my own business, what would it be? - Writing is the way to get everything you want in life. I'm not exclusively talking about copywriting. Tune in for my complete breakdown of why that's my answer.

Video And Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/651

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Feature Presentation

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.

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.

This week, I have a potentially unpopular answer to a very popular question: How do I upgrade my clients?

The serial-refunders, the constant complainers, the manipulators...and of course, people who are downright rude to you and your team. How do you avoid them? Even more to the point: How do you get the kind of clients you actually want?

[00:00] How do I upgrade my clients?
[00:46] You're not going to like this answer, but...
[01:48] My $5,000 problem
[03:08] What your company avatar should look like
[04:13] It starts at the top (with you and me)

How You Can Help?

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get The Transcript And Video

https://www.rayedwards.com/620

Is it necessary to drop a bunch of cash on social media ads in order to get targeted names on your list? Absolutely not.

Buying ads isn't as complicated as some would lead you to believe. In fact, I may even offer some guidance on how to do it the right way in a future episode, but I think it's wise to start with the resources you already have at your disposal; specifically, your website. 

This week, I want to clearly define the purpose of your website, the purpose of your list, AND how those things work together to aid in the purpose of your business - making sales.

[00:20] Grow your list with your existing traffic
[00:42] Rule #1: The purpose of your website is to grow your email list
[01:55] Example 1: My site
[03:02] Example 2: Ben Settle
[03:28] Example 3: Tim Ferris
[04:08] Rule #2: The purpose of your list is to sell stuff to the people on the list
[04:57] Rule #3: The best way to make sales is to email the people on your list...every day
[05:36] What about Spam complaints?
[06:10] What do you say in your emails?
[06:31] The Story Formula (Hook, Story, Lesson)

Links

BenSettle.com - Want to up your email game? Pay attention to this man.

Tim Ferriss - I've been a fan for many years. This is another great example of a site that's focused on getting you opted in.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/610

I know not everyone who listens to my podcast is over 50, but God willing, someday you will be, so stick with me.
​
​50 doesn't seem old these days (depending on who you're asking), but for many of us, it's when our bodies begin to show a little wear and tear. In our twenties, we might pull a muscle if we lift something too heavy...In our 50's, that same injury could be caused by a sneeze.
​
​My point is, some of the freedom we earn by being entrepreneurs becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. For instance, in the past few years, I have had a couple of surgeries that required substantial recovery time. I'm not sure how an employer could have accommodated my needs (not wishes...needs). 
​
​There are some other advantages to this digital-business lifestyle (especially for the 50+ crowd) that I'll dive into in this week's episode. 

Key Insights

• Has this come without challenges? Nope.​
• ​Weather could interrupt my business, but not destroy it
• Monthly recurring revenue (the joy of not starting at $0 each month)
• All I need to do business is a laptop and access to the internet

Video and Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/667

Links

• ​Charity Navigator: Looking to donate to hurricane relief efforts? Check out what these organizations are doing to help victims of hurricane Helene

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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 invite you to tune out the continual stream of fear mongering and "doom and gloom" stories, and consider this: By every measurable statistic, life on Earth is better now than it ever has been.

Yes, we still have problems that need solving...
No, we're not perfect...but we're better than ever.

This week, I'm giving you 5 reasons why now is the best time to be alive.

[00:22] My premise: Things are better, and can get better still.
[04:35] Why pessimists are fools, and optimists have a better life
[06:40]Reason 1: Things are better than ever
[07:25]Reason 2: The internet
[09:47]Reason 3: Anybody can do anything
[12:40]Reason 4: We can change our peer group
[15:15]Reason 5: You can no longer escape your past
[16:55] So...What do we do now? 
[18:42] The most profitable way to do business
[20:24] Grow in the structure of good mental health
[22:49] The 20:1 ratio (give 20x's more than you ask)
[24:42] Use your modern brain
[27:24] Have an intentional mindset

Links

Factfulness: 10 Reasons Why We're Wrong About The World by Hans Rosling

Watch One of Hans Rosling's Ted Talks on YouTube

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/597

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.

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.

Last week I promised to share with you, 9 income streams for copywriters. In the interest of overdelivering, this week I present to you...11 income streams for copywriters.

Not all of these may be in your wheelhouse, but I'm fairly certain you'll get some new ideas from my list. The point I'm trying to make with this episode is this - Building multiple sources of revenue is a smart play for any entrepreneur. Tune in to find out how to do it.

• [00:00] Why do you need this?
• [01:38] Income Stream 1 - Books
• [03:31] Income Stream 2 - Workshops
• [05:21] Income Stream 3 - Product Sales
• [07:13] Income Stream 4 - Private Masterminds
• [08:35] Income Stream 5 - Affiliate Commissions
• [09:56] Income Stream 6 - Private Client Copy Engagements
• [11:09] Income Stream 7 - A "Day With You" Consulting
• [12:48] Income Stream 8 - Recurring Membership
• [13:43] Income Stream 9 - Group Coaching
• [15:24] Income Stream 10 - Newsletters (printed)
• [16:50] Income Stream 11 - Royalties

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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That is the question that keeps coming up:

“Is Ray retiring?”

It’s my own fault. It’s because I said (in yesterday's email) that “this is your last chance to work with me personally.” For 98% of those reading this email that remains true, but I am absolutely not “retiring“.

And I AM NOT shrinking the goals for my company. Quite the contrary, we have significantly increased our goals. My reasons for continued growth, and scaling up, are very different than they were three years ago, however.

Listen to this week's episode to get the whole story, where you will discover…

• Why my team and I attended FunnelHacking Live (hint - it was only partly to receive our “2 Comma Club” Award - and even that not for the reasons you might suspect.)
• How you can get a copy of the exact Funnel through which we processed nearly $1.8 million in sales to earn that award. We will even help you customize it for your own business, if you qualify.
• Why today's economy makes it possible for you to achieve business growth in 12 months which took me 12 years.

• The two surprising “universal truths“ about all businesses (no matter what business you are in, or think you’re in). These two truths should change the way you approach everything about marketing your business.

• And the 5 Areas of Strategic Focus you must master … if you want to not only survive, but actually thrive in the coming economic meltdown.

All this (and more) in today's podcast.

Links

Work With Ray Edwards to Build Your Million Dollar Freedom Business

Video

A video version of this week's episode is available 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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Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/588

This week's podcast comes from a meeting I hosted recently entitled, "Ask Ray Anything". The original intent of this meeting was to answer questions related to my Accelerated Certification Program, but I made the last-minute decision to make it a complete free-for-all...A true, "Ask Ray Anything" meeting.

The end result: A lot of great Q&A that I felt would benefit more people if I shared it here.

• [00:00] Intro / What is the purpose of this meeting?
• [02:58] Why the world NEEDS you right now
• [03:42] Lesson 1: Communicate Value
• [04:28] but...what about the recession
• [04:59] How I had one of my best times during one of the worst times
• [07:47] What to do right now
• [09:22] Yes, buying luxury items does help others
• [09:52] Want to give more? Earn more.
• [10:33] Prosperity with purpose
• [10:54] The ideal business
• [12:58] What is a CDRC and why should you be one?
• [17:26] Joe's CDRC experience
• [18:14] Why go to Funnel Hacking Live?
• [20:44] Q&A - How do you get affiliates to promote your stuff?
• [28:23] Q&A - P.A.S.T.O.R. formula for blogging
• [30:21] Q&A - What you SHOULD be asking me
• [37:23] Q&A - How do you amplify pain when you're selling a luxury item?
• [41:00] Q&A - Do pastors make good copywriters?
• [43:30] Q&A - How much is it?

Links

Become a Ray Edwards Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Apply now at https://rayedwards.com/sidehustle

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/579

My Parkinson's symptoms are not something I can hide. I can't keep them under control just because I'm in public, or on a Zoom meeting, or on a stage...They are something I share with everyone I meet, whether I want to or not.

But my diagnosis was the genesis of other struggles. The kind that can be hidden. Struggles we feel we must endure alone; perhaps because we've convinced ourselves that no one else will care, or understand...or because we're ashamed, or sometimes because we don't really even understand our own problems.

For me, I came to the realization that my symptoms (the ones the world could see) were not the true cause of my fear and uncertainty for my future. My biggest struggles were internal. Once I understood that, I knew I could make real, lasting change. I knew I could improve my life in spite of my doctors telling me that it would only get worse.

My affliction may be incurable, but the way I think is certainly not. That is something I can change...Something that can be cured. But how?

That's what this week's episode is all about.

Links

Read This or Die: Persuading Yourself to a Better Life - Preorder your copy today and receive a free, 6 video mini-course.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/615

A friend of mine recently gave me a not-so-subtle reminder that I am blessed to have a schedule full of things that I have chosen to do. She did this on the heels of me explaining to her how busy I was... "I have to spend 3 days in a studio recording my audio book, I've got to prepare for two upcoming workshops, I have to fly to Orlando for a mastermind meeting," and so on.

She reminded me that I was complaining about things that many people are praying for.

I am blessed to have a publisher who believes in my new book and has allowed me to record in my own voice.

I am blessed to have people willing to travel to Spokane to learn from me.

I am blessed to be part of a Mastermind group that allows me to learn from people I admire.

Same schedule...Different perspective.

That's what this week's episode is all about.

[00:00] I'm quitting...
[01:02] What's wrong with saying I'm busy?
[01:37] Be impeccable with your word
[02:40] My wakeup call
[03:46] Complaining about blessings
[06:29] My energy, my fault
[07:08] Read This Or Die

Links

Copywriting As A Million Dollar Business Workshop - There's still a chance to join me for one of these upcoming, life-changing, empire-building workshops. Click the link for details and availability.

Read This Or Die - Find my new book wherever books are sold, or even better, click the link and get a free video course that goes along with it. 

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get The Transcript And Video

https://www.rayedwards.com/618

The term "quiet quitting" predates the pandemic by more than a decade, but has become commonplace since 2020.

So, what is it? Quiet Quitting is when you decide to the absolute bare minimum of what is required to keep getting a paycheck...No more aspirations of "moving up the ladder", just "acting your wage", as they say.

When the pandemic forced so much of the workforce to work from home, outside of the constant supervision of the traditional workplace, it became a lot easier to quietly quit.

This week, I want to talk about where your life-impacting decisions (like quiet quitting) come from, and which part of your brain is calling the shots.

Links

Click Here for Your Final Opportunity to Work Directly With Ray Edwards to Build Your Million Dollar Freedom Business

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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Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/589

Some say that YouTube is unfriendly territory for newcomers, but have you really missed the boat? Is it too late to build an income-generating channel? My guest this week, Sean Cannell, says "saturation is a myth". YouTube still rewards great content for those who have the right recipe...and he's got the facts, figures, and cases studies to back it up.

Listen to this inspiring interview with someone who has over 1,000,000 subscribers, 100,000,000 video views, coauthored the book YouTube Secrets, and who has coached numerous clients in building their own, successful YouTube channels.

[00:00] Who is Sean Cannell?
[01:12] The dangers of comparison
[04:30] YouTube Secrets
[05:21] Psychology and Community
[11:15] How did you grow your company?
[20:00] Let's hear the vanity numbers
[22:30] Is YouTube still the place to start?
[31:35] It takes courage! Where do you get that?
[41:45] How do we deal with negative people in our lives?
[51:05] Saturation is a myth - Supply and Demand is real
[57:58] How to find Sean 

LINKS

Think Media on YouTube - Start here for incredible free content to get things going

Video Ranking Academy - Ready to level up? Join Sean Cannell's Video Ranking Academy. Use this private link to get the best price.

YouTube Secrets- Get the brand new 2nd edition of this Must-Read book for any aspiring YouTuber.

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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Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/603

I can't think of a time in my life where I have experienced significant growth, without significant effort. That's true for pretty much all of us. We all know that our growth (as humans, spouses, entrepreneurs, etc.) comes from doing the hard things, yet we so often focus on trivial things...tasks that we can check off of our to-do list to feel some sense of accomplishment, but in reality we're just procrastinating the important stuff.

This week, I'm challenging you to look at everything you do for your company, and ask yourself if YOU are the right person for the job.

How do you know you're not the right person? Simple...If someone else can do it, you're not the right person.

Entrepreneurs should be focused on the things that ONLY they can do. More than likely, those are the things that would grow your business the most - the hard things.

Tune in and I'll break down exactly how I'm putting this philosophy to use in my own company.

• [00:24] Choose the hard path
• [02:06] How we should be thinking
• [02:57] Optimistic lies
• [04:06] My commitment
• [04:57] A big question for entrepreneurs
• [06:01] Identify the weak points
• [06:46] Get it off of your plate
• [07:10] Tools of procrastination
• [07:58] Why do I do this?
• [08:48] What should you not be doing?
• [10:01] You're NOT to-do list
• [10:55] Your "Do-Dates"
• [11:55] One last thing...
• [15:02] Give me your feedback

Links

https://www.yearzero.io/ - August Bradley

https://michaelhyatt.com/ - Michael Hyatt

https://acuff.me/ - Jon Acuff

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.

In this week's episode, I'm talking about a single, magic word that has the power to reduce your stress and give you more time to do the things that matter to you.

What is this "Magic Word" ?

"No"

People seem to have no issue asking for our time, our attention, our money, etc. But for some reason, we often feel bad about saying no. It makes us feel like we're not doing our part, or being negative, or a bad person. "No" is just a response. It's neither good nor bad, but learning to use it can have a huge impact on your life.

Key Insights

• ​Saying "no" doesn't mean you're a negative person with a negative attitude...it's just a response
• ​No need to make up excuses. This is a complete sentence: "No."
• ​Using the word "because" in your response can lead to less pushback
• ​Saying No to things you don't want to do gives you more time to say yes to the things you do want to do
  

Video And Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/645

Links

​The Copywriting Academy Live:  Kick off 2024 with radical change and massive progress. Join me for The Copywriting Academy Live virtual event, January 3-5. We'll get your copy finished and ready-for-launch, plus you'll master some incredible tools that will make you more productive than ever before.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Many entrepreneurs start their journey out of necessity. An unforeseen set of circumstances gives them the push, and then it's sink or swim.

My guest this week was facing some major family and financial challenges. She fought through the fear and built a successful, 6-figure business in less than a year...That's a story worth paying attention to.

Listen and learn from my conversation with Anita Anello.

Key Insights

• Anita's career success and achievements left her feeling unfulfilled, questioning if there was more to life than just titles, money, and accolades, emphasizing the need for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• ​​Be impeccable with your word and build a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness.
• ​Everything Is Copy - Anita discovered the importance of copywriting through the idea that "everything that we say and do​ is all copy."
• ​Build your business around the deep desires in your heart and be rewarded with freedom.​
• ​Anita's passion lies in helping other successful women of faith who have reached a pinnacle in their careers and have a God-sized idea inside of them, guiding them towards fulfilling their potential.
• ​Creating a movement of women who champion each other, meet each other where they're at, and have no tolerance for complainers or those who don't take responsibility for their lives.
• ​Anita and her husband were able to pay off over $40,000 of debt in just a four-month period, demonstrating their commitment to financial stability.
• ​Anita's journey of finding work-life balance and being present for her kids while still making money and pursuing her interests is inspiring.
• ​"Being a person of Integrity is one of my core values...whatever you say you're going to do, that's it because all I have are my words."
• ​Anita's list of necessities for her family's survival and thriving included not just financial aspects, but also time, health, and other non-monetary factors.
• ​Overcoming challenges and declaring one's accomplishments can empower individuals to walk confidently in their journey, leaving a ripple effect for generations to come.

Links

• TheRippleAffect.net - The place to connect with Anita Anello, and "Turn Your Corporate Skills into a Consulting Business You Love"

Video and Transcript

rayedwards.com/636

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

It's almost that time of year...

Time to declare big changes for 2024! And then abandon those declarations in a few short weeks. 

I'm not trying to be negative, but the reality is: It's hard to make significant changes in ourselves. Only 3% of people stick to their big resolutions. But why?

That's what we'll take a look at in this week's episode. Change is possible...and it can be much easier than you think.

Key Insights

• ​ Change happens when the pain of not changing is greater than the difficulty of making the change.
• ​The fear of not changing is often overshadowed by immediate gratification, making it difficult for people to prioritize long-term consequences over short-term pleasure.
• ​To change, you need to make the future pain of not changing more real than the current pleasure.
• ​People don't change unless they associate significant pain with not changing and take ownership of their ability to change.
• ​Some people can learn to love pain through conscious choice and association with pleasure.
• ​Choose activities that you enjoy to make change easier.
• ​Enjoy the process of pushing yourself to achieve your goals, not just the end result.

5 Steps For Real Change

1. Decide what it is you want to do
2. Get clear on why it's important to you
3. Figure out how you're going to get to the outcome
4. Associate massive pleasure to the process of getting there
5. Associate massive pain to not doing the process
   

Links

The Copywriting Academy Live - Kick off 2024 with radical change and massive progress. Join me for The Copywriting Academy Live virtual event, January 3-5. We'll get your copy finished and ready-for-launch, plus you'll master some incredible tools that will make you more productive than ever before.

Video And Transcript

https://www.rayedwards.com/644

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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 covering 10 rules for living a richer life, whether you're a writer or not.

A rich life is not limited to (but can certainly include) money. My goal is a "richer life" - as in, a more satisfying experience on this planet.

These are thoughts which I have adopted as beliefs. They have served me well, and will continue to do so as I strive to be better at following them.

Try them for yourself, and I am certain you will see positive changes and ultimately, a richer life.

[00:00] Intro - The rich writer's life?
[01:13] Rule #1: Know what you believe, and why
[02:05] Rule #2: Keep promises to yourself, and then to others
[02:36] Rule #3: Respect the value of time
[03:05] Rule #4: Feel your feelings...but don't wallow in them
[04:07] Rule #5: Speak only when your words improve upon silence
[04:18] The Daily Ray email newsletter
[05:08] Rule #6: Don't worry
[05:34] Rule #7: Motion precedes motivation
[06:22] Rule #8: Laugh at yourself...but not all the time
[06:35] Rule #9: Live deep
[07:22] Rule #10: Get your satisfaction from the process
[09:01] Everyone should write
[10:10] Resolutions? Why wait...
[11:00] My personal guide
[13:28] My personal creed
[14:26] Get personal coaching every month

Links

ThisIsMarketingSchool.com - Each month, get coached by me, and my team of certified coaches. We'll pull back the curtain so you can see what's going on behind the scenes in my business, as well as some of our wold-class clients. We share the best practices, templates, funnels, and marketing methods that have brought us more than $500,000,000 in sales. We don't just hand them over...we show you how to put them to work for your business.

Watch This Episode On YouTube

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/596

For those who have wondered, this post will explain what I work on and how I function as a “million-dollar writer.” It is my hope this will stimulate you into taking the required steps to earn significantly more income than you do now. After I spell out how I manage to create a million dollars in revenue, I'll give you a simple 3-step roadmap to increase your own income.

(By the way, even though I am describing the life of a writer, virtually all of what I'm about to share will work for any freelancer or business owner.)

Links

My Copywriting As A Million Dollar Business April Workshop - Want to work on building your business together, live and in person? There are a few seats remaining for my upcoming workshop this April. These seats will sell out - Click Here For Details and Availability. 

Read This or Die - Click to preorder my soon-to-be-released book, Read This or Die.

Notes From This Episode

This subject seems slightly impolite to write about. Like many, I was taught from my earliest years that it is impolite to talk about politics, religion, or money. I routinely violate all three of these directives, however, so this is not new territory for me. Let’s begin…

I am not writing to boost my own ego. I am writing to answer a very frequently-asked question: “How does a writer make a million dollars?”

This is a great question, because the industry income average for freelance writers is just under $5,000 per year.

When someone asks me how, as a writer, I make a million dollars, they may not actually express it, but what they really want to know is: “How does a guy who writes ad copy, who has never published a book I've even heard of… how does that guy make a million dollars?”

And of course, ultimately, the real question burning in their heart is: “Could I do that? Or even half that?” That’s what people really want to know and that’s what I want to share with you.

Before I get to the tactical stuff like:

• How do you get paid?
• What are your rates?
• How do you get clients?

It’s imperative that I share 3 Prosperity Principles for Writers.

PROSPERITY PRINCIPLE #1: YOU MUST DISCOVER YOURSELF

Many writers and other creatives have a not-so-secret fantasy. They labor intensely for years on a masterpiece, hoping that an influential publisher or literary agent will “discover” them, and they'll be catapulted to fame and fortune.

That's a nice fantasy, but with one problem: it doesn't happen that way. It never does, or at least almost never. Okay, rarely it happens. But you're more likely to be struck by lightning on the same day you win the Powerball, than you are to be “discovered” in this way.

You must discover yourself!

You must identify what makes you different, what “special sauce” you add to this common craft (writing) that makes you a distinctly differently voice on a common subject. In what way are you a player with a unique, unduplicable advantage? We spend 3 full days answering this question definitively in our Dreamstorm Workshops, using our Core Thesis Process; obviously, if you don't already know the answer to this question, you'll need to spend some time on it,

PROSPERITY PRINCIPLE #2: YOU MUST PROMOTE YOURSELF

To succeed, dear Reader, you must realize you are not actually in the “writing business.” You are in the business of You, Incorporated.

It is your unique personality, and the fascinating persona you share with the world, that shapes how that world sees you. Done right, this can make you an irresistible character to whom people are attracted as their chosen and trusted authority. Done wrong, this can break the ties between you and your readers.

Specifically, instead of promoting and advertising your highly-developed craftsmanship as a writer, you must be in the business of promoting you. You cannot rely on word-of-mouth, or critical acclaim, or impersonal ad campaigns. You must conscientiously promote yourself, and intentionally craft the way customers perceive you.

If you have interest in knowing HOW it is I do all this, and want to see the detailed steps I take, let me know your interest in the comment section. Enough interest expressed will generate a new post on this “Implementation” phase. But for now, on to…


PROSPERITY PRINCIPLE #3: YOU MUST GET OVER YOURSELF

You might be disappointed to learn that your dream of being a purely creative being whose hands are never “sullied” by crass commercialism or “manipulative” marketing are mere fantasy. This may be hard to swallow, but you need to get over yourself in this regard.

So, let me get the disappointing stuff out of the way right upfront:

1. This approach may require a readjustment of what you think of as “craft.” The kind of writing I do is very specific: direct response copy. This is copy meant to result in a sale. It’s copy that moves the reader to buy. Personally, I find the craft of writing sales copy to be endlessly fascinating and fun. While you may not choose to write sales copy (arguably the most lucrative kind of writing available to the average writer), you may also have to spend a little less time writing poems about the secret lives of elves.

2. My approach is not an “instant income” strategy. This whole system of “writing as a business” has taken me a few years to figure out and build up. I am able to pass on some hard-won lessons (like those in this post), which I believe may considerably shorten your learning curve. You can go faster than I did. But it’s still not instant. And I'm constantly learning new things. You and I are very much works in progress.

3. There is more than one way to achieve a million-dollar income as a writer. For instance, there is a writer (whose name you would not recognize) who writes 3-4 books a year and gets paid $300,000 – $400,000 for each book. He's a ghostwriter. You’d be shocked to learn how many New York Times best-selling books with famous names on the covers were actually written by this one ghostwriter. Another writer I know raked in a million dollars last year writing content, white papers, and annual reports for big corporations. As I said, my way is not the only way. But it is worth noting that though the kinds of writing differ, the basic ideas I share here apply to every wealthy writer I know.

4. In my experience, a million-dollar writing business means you're selling more than “just” writing. You will probably find it necessary to offer products and services that are not strictly writing (but which you would not be able to sell without your foundational work as a writer). It's the rare writer who can merely write and cash checks (our ghostwriter friend notwithstanding). I'll dive more deeply into this in the next section.

5. This whole endeavor requires me to use a four-letter word that will shock and offend some people. But I feel the use of this word is required to communicate the force of my argument. The four-letter word is: w-o-r-k. Work! Ya gotta put in the effort!

This is a glimpse “behind the curtain,” and you may or may not like what you see. Then again you may find it encouraging to know there is a proven path to prosperity as a writer, and you don't need a fat contract from a big publisher to pull this off. You can simply decide, and then go do it.

“The miracle of the seed and the soil is not available by affirmation; it is only available by labor … the greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. That is when we must learn to reap without complaint if the amounts are small and to reap without apology if the amounts are big … you must either get good at sowing in the spring or begging in the fall. The soil says: don't bring me your need, bring me your seed.” — Jim Rohn


HOW I GET PAID

The first thing to know is I “fudged” a little on my income – it wasn’t really $1 million last year. The actual number is closer to $1.2 million.

The second thing to know is I didn’t get to keep most of it. Where did it go? A lot of places:

• The IRS and the State of Washington got their portions, of course.
• Then there are payroll taxes, Social Security, etc.
• Employee salaries.
• Affiliate commissions.
• Vendors and independent contractors.
• Other business expenses.
• There are the medical expenses related to my little neurological disorder.
• Plus we finished paying off all consumer debt, which at its height topped $400,000.(I’m actually embarrassed by this. I learned a lot through the mistakes which landed me in so much debt – perhaps I’ll share more about that journey in a future post.)

So, you can forget asking me for a loan. I didn’t sock a million into the bank. But I’m not complaining – the Edwards household did, and still does, quite well.

With all that out of the way… here’s where the money actually comes from. How I get paid.

Product Sales

Product sales are far-and-away our biggest source of revenue. These include high-ticket items ($1,000 and up) sold mostly via PLF-style launches, advertising, purchased solo email campaigns, and organic website traffic.

“Day with Ray”

Consulting This is where I meet with a single client (or their team). I require this meeting before Private Client Copy Engagement. The “Day With Ray” costs $15,000 if you come to me in Spokane, WA, or $20,000 plus private air charter if I come to you. What do we do in such a meeting? It depends on the client (everyone is different, so there is no template for this). I grill the client for the first hour or so, and generally this will lead to a discovery of the 1-3 most powerful “levers” we can pull in their business to increase revenue and profits, while providing the business owner with less stress and more peace of mind.

Private Client Copy Engagement

After a long period of protesting that I was no longer writing for clients, I am finally giving in to market demand. I am accepting a very few assignments wherein I personally run the copy project and write the copy. This is prohibitively expensive for the client, and if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Also, I require that all Private Clients pass a rigorous application process, and agree to my admittedly unreasonable demands (100% compliance with my advice, 100% commitment to running my copy as written, 100% commitment to testing and tracking, payment of a percentage of gross sales to be made quarterly, and acceptance of my total lack of availability for “chummy chats,” psychological counseling, and babysitting sessions). I charge a minimum of $150,000 payable up front. Maximum four clients per year, booked well in advance.

Royalties

These are payments on gross sales of Private Client projects. They also include royalties on co-created projects and revenue share deals. This is becoming a more significant percentage of my company revenue. Please do not contact us looking for me to do your marketing for free and offering me a percentage. I only do these deals when I know the person well, know the company and market well, and when it is my idea.

Group Coaching

Group coaching has been lacking in my portfolio of services until recently. Experiments thus far show it to be fun and profitable, as well as extraordinarily valuable to participants. These are online groups of up to 20 people at a time, who receive coaching and feedback from me once per week for a finite period (usually 6-12 weeks).

Workshops

I host a few small group workshops that focus on a single theme or outcome each year. Participants pay a premium fee ($5,000 – $10,000) and must qualify through application. These consist typically of three intense and productive days that can significantly alter the course of the client's business and life for the better.

Private Masterminds

Small group Mastermind Alliances involve a strict application process, membership requirements, and required compliance to meeting attendance and participation.

Affiliate Commissions

We generate commissions through the recommendation of products and services we ourselves use. This accounts for about 7% of our company revenue each year, but nearly 18% of our annual profit. Why is it so profitable? All we do is promote the product. We don’t actually do any work, creation, or customer support.

REIC Membership

This is our newest offering. Members receive a printed newsletter each month with my best (and freshest) thinking, a monthly video training, a live Q&A once per month, and more. We are launching this in September 2017. Those methods fairly well sum up how I earn my income.

HOW I GET CLIENTS

My marketing system is not immediately obvious to most. It is complex, carefully thought out, and rigorously tested. I am constantly experimenting. Every “thing” we do is designed to point to all the other “things” we do.

Client Attraction vs. Client Pursuit

Client attraction is foundational. Long ago I decided I did not wish to “chase” business, but prefer instead to let business chase me. So, I have carefully designed a ubiquitous system for attracting a steady flow of possible clients and customers from many different streams. This adds up to a large flow of potential business at various levels of engagement and investment, all swimming (upstream if necessary) to me. Some of the “pools” from which I attract business include:

• Podcasting. This is one of the most intimate mediums available. Podcast listeners have me literally “in their head” for an hour per week (or more, if they binge-listen… and many do just that from our library of nearly 300 episodes). This is a curiously powerful medium. Numerous customers have listened to 1-3 episodes and proceeded directly to a $5,000 – $10,000 purchase.

• YouTube channel. This is a new, experimental marketing tool for me. I have been enjoying playing around with the possibilities, and have now settled on a strategy going forward. Look for a slight shift in focus on my YouTube channel in the coming weeks. The goal, as with all third-party media, is to move people off third-party properties like YouTube (and Facebook, and Twitter, etc.) and onto my email list.

• Social media. While many claim direct money making power through social media, my approach is to use it to attract and build a bond and relationship with my tribe, and then move them from social media to the media I own, i.e., my email list.

• Printed newsletter. Already mentioned once, this is not only a product but also a marketing tool. Since the largest primary segment of my audience is made up of writers (meaning, presumably, they’re also readers), having a print newsletter is vitally important. Print media carries more impact than electronic media. This is not something I'm guessing at. According to this Millward Brown study, brain scans demonstrated the same message presented to the human subject printed on paper lights up more areas of the brain than the electronic equivalent. More areas of the brain lighting up equals more engagement.

• Speaking. This is a way that I accomplish a number of objectives: for instance, I like to travel. I want to travel to exotic places. So, I have a speaking engagement next month in Hong Kong, primarily because I've never been there. This will also afford me the opportunity, as do all speaking engagements, to establish personal contact with a new group of people, perhaps add them to my mailing list, and maybe generate a few clients along the way. Speaking automatically grants you a certain amount of gravitas and authority. As far as generating clients, this is an indirect benefit of speaking. I do not hock or pitch my services from the stage. I do, however, strategically communicate that I am available to be hired by the right people, and that I have products available for people who are not ready to hire me. Perhaps I'll write more about this at a later time.

• Books. Both physical and Kindle versions of my books are available. I currently have three books that are relevant to my business as a copywriter and marketer, and by the end of next year I plan to have no less than 10. The current books are How to Write Copy That Sells, Moneywords, and Just Get Started. These books generate a certain kind of prospect or client. They are engineered to do so, and also provide valuable content. And, as with speaking, having a book in hand conveys on the author a certain amount of authority and credibility which cannot be gained in any other way.

• Guest posts/appearances. From time to time I guest-post on the blogs of other people. I also appear on other people's podcasts as a guest interview. Once upon a time, I did this indiscriminately and would post or appear anywhere asked. The demands on my time have become so overwhelming I now have to choose more carefully. Each decision whether to appear on a podcast or write a guest post is a tactical decision designed to support my overall business strategy. For more on my thinking about this, see this book with my friend Tom Schwab, Podcast Guest Profits.

That, in a nutshell, is how I get new clients. I admit it is condensed and leaves out a lot of details. The subject deserves a book of its own. The above will get you started and will have to do until I write that book.

HOW I RUN MY WRITING BUSINESS

This is not an exhaustive description of methodologies and practices for running a business, but a brief overview of some key principles that I believe help keep my business lean and growing.

Minimal staff. Once upon a time, I wanted no staff at all. This came after having been responsible for hundreds of people in my corporate position in radio broadcasting. But I finally realized I was limiting my growth by not hiring employees for my personal writing business. So now we have a few full-time employees and a number of independent contractors. We try to keep the staff as minimal as possible, but no smaller than needed. I have seen more than one friend destroy their own business by over-hiring. I'm determined not to make this mistake.

Remote workers. Rather than limit my pool of prospective employees to people who live in my hometown, we simply look for the best people for the job. This means we have hired staff from all over the place. In the US, we have workers on our team in Tennessee, Colorado, California, and elsewhere. For more on how to orchestrate a remote workforce (because there are some unique challenges), I highly recommend the book Remote: Office Not Required, by Jason Fried.

Employees vs. Contractors. I am not offering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. You should seek the services of a qualified professional to answer those questions. I can tell you that in my experience there is a difference between an employee and contractor in terms of mental attitude and dedication to the job. This is not to say that contractors don’t have a place. In my work as a freelance copywriter, I am, after all, an independent contractor. However, the person who is a full-time employee in your company can devote 100% of their working efforts to you. You must see that makes a difference. I'm not saying one is better than the other; I'm saying there's a place for both.

Client Selection. Anytime I'm going to be personally interacting with clients, such as on a copywriting or marketing project, I use a selection process. The prospective client will have to convince me that I want them as a client. This may sound arrogant, but it is not meant to be so. It actually serves all parties concerned. If I do not have good chemistry with the client, if our working styles do not match, or if we have mismatched expectations, that is a recipe for discord and upset. Contentious, negative, or sketchy people do not make the list. And if they do somehow sneak in, once we discover these fatal flaws, they are invited to go elsewhere. Immediately.

PRIORITIZING PRODUCTIVITY

I place priority on stewarding my most valuable non-renewable resource – time – as if it is treasure. Because it is treasure. Thus productivity gets priority.

My Morning Success Ritual. This is vital to my most productive days. While I don't manage to get this all in every day, I'm getting better at it. My goal between is to achieve 95%+ compliance with this ritual every day. The days when I follow this MSR, starting the minute my feet hit the floor out of bed, are invariably my best days (most productive, most joyous, most satisfying). Probably because the most important things were done first – like prayer, reading, meditating, journaling, exercise, etc. And they are done when I'm still in the “NDZ”: No Distraction Zone (meaning no email, no voicemail, no phone calls, etc.)

Writing. The first thing I must do each day after my MSR is complete (and after I have showered, driven to the office, etc.) is WRITING. I am primarily a writer. You can always tell who the writers are – they’re the ones who are writing. This is my #1 Revenue Producing Activity (RPA). At this point my phone is off, I have still not checked email, not checked voicemail, etc. Still in the NDZ. I write for a large block of time at the beginning of the day — often 4 hours. NOTHING gets to interrupt the writing — including (especially) the clients for whom I may be writing.

Fortress of Solitude. This is the most important and perhaps the most controversial piece of advice I can give you. You must construct for yourself a “fortress of solitude”. While I do not pretend to be Superman, I do take inspiration from the Man of Steel's secret hideaway. The Fortress of Solitude is the place Superman goes to be in absolute solitude. A place of silent contemplation. This is the place he goes to think, to learn, to plan, to rejuvenate. Some of the ways in which I've done this are:

I never answer incoming business calls. They’re always screened, dealt with, and if I really need to speak with the person a call is set for Call Day.

I have only one day per month that I make phone appointments (Call Day). I make all phone appointments on that day. If that date cannot work for a person seeking a phone conversation with me, my assistant will schedule them for the next month. I schedule all my interviews on one day per month, grouped together so that I can take care of this task all in a single day.

My daily schedule is relatively free from appointments. This creates large blocks of time for me to do what I do best, and what is most important for generating revenue in my business: writing, creating content, and recording (either audio or video). For more details on why I resort to these extreme measures, please see No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs, by Dan Kennedy.

Rest. In order to deliver the very best work to my clients and partners, and to still leave room in my schedule for rejuvenation (sleep, family time, time with God, and time to just plain relax)… I have to guard my time vigorously. And I have to be on guard against what Dan Kennedy calls “Time Vampires”. They will suck the life out of you.

I Don’t Check Email, and I Only Get One Email Each Day. My auto-check feature in Apple Mail is turned OFF. I only get email when I press the “Check Mail” button. I check it once per day, Monday thru Thursday. Usually around 4 pm Pacific. All my email is screened by my assistant, who compiles the relatively few messages I must read or respond to. She sends those to me in a single email at the end of each day. This is one of my policies that tends to be unpopular with those who are “urgency addicts”, and who want me to have a constant email discussion about all manner of things with them. I refuse to sacrifice my highest valued commodity (time) for the sake of what usually amounts to trivia. I suggest you adopt the same policy.

I Avoid Meetings Like the Plague They Are. Any meeting that lasts longer than 15 minutes is probably too long. Not always, but most of the time. Any project that requires multiple meetings each week is probably in trouble. Long meetings = inefficiency at best, and postponement of the inevitable at worst. (As a sidebar: frequent short meetings are just a disguised way of having long meetings. HEAR ME: if you have “meeting-itis”, either you just want an excuse to talk about work instead of doing it, or something is wrong with the project … something another meeting won't solve).

Phone Meetings / Conversations. Same as in person meetings, only worse. Conversations and phone meetings should be 15 minutes or less and have a predetermined purpose and ending time. These all take place on aforementioned Call Day.

Instant Messenger. Any Flavor. (I’m looking at you, Slack). Just say no. The only time I use it is when I have SCHEDULED events on Skype or Zoom (usually interviews). I am NEVER “just available” to be interrupted. (If I was, that would mean that I was either doing something unimportant or that I was doing NOTHING. If I'm doing something unimportant… WHY? And if I'm doing NOTHING, it's a PLANNED nothing and it's important that this not be interrupted!).

I HATE TEXT MESSAGES. The end.

Office Hours. Yes, I have an office outside my home. I lease currently. I'm considering buying an office building. I keep regular business hours most of the time: Mon – Thurs, 8 am – 5 pm Pacific.

By the way, my office phone is answered by a LIVE HUMAN (not some stupid voicemail torture device) Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm Pacific time. Why do I have the phone covered even when I am out of the office? Because other members of my team keep different hours… and because emergencies DO happen, and I like to be available if a TRUE emergency arises. My phone team knows how to reach me in those cases.

WHY THE EMPHASIS ON NOT BEING INTERRUPTED?
Interruptions cost you dearly.

As a writer, I know that allowing myself to be interrupted by a client or vendor (“Hey Ray – got a minute to talk about the new logo?”) can seem harmless… but it isn't. That interruption costs me (a) the state of “flow” I was in while working, maybe impossible to recover, (b) the time of the interruption itself, and (c) the time it takes me to get back into the “zone” with what I was working on… minimum 20 minutes, maybe longer.

I can't afford to let that happen.

My clients and customers can't afford for me to let that happen.

I once had a client who loved to call me at 11 pm at night and talk for two hours. I tried to tell him I worked set hours and was available at those times, but he didn't seem to understand. When our first project was finished, I fired him. His dysfunction did not automatically become my problem. Be warned – people will WASTE your time if you let them. Will you let them? Be polite, be loving… but don't be a victim.

In the end, if you guard your time, you are being most respectful of other people. Think about it: if you allow yourself to be interrupted, or your time wasted when you should have been doing something else… who suffers? Your clients. Your customers. Your family (“Sorry honey, I have to stay late because I wasted 2 hours today listening to the web team make excuses…”).

You're not serving anyone by being a poor steward of your time.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Here’s the 3-step plan I promised you to help increase your own income. It’s quite simple:

1. Choose just one of the practices I listed above – the one that excites you the most.
2. Put that practice to work in your own business, and use it until it begins to produce results.
3. Now pick a new practice, add it to your daily/weekly/monthly routine, and repeat the process. (Don’t stop doing the new “thing” you started in Step 1. Keep doing all the activities, and as you add them one by one, you will likely see a corresponding surge in income. I am not promising you any income results, just sharing what has worked for me. Your mileage may vary.)

If this post has struck a chord with you, please let me know in the comments, and ask any specific questions you have. I’ll endeavor to answer as transparently as possible.

Finally, if you did find this post useful, I pray that you put it into action. So, here's my question for you: What ideas from this post will you implement and what results do you hope to see?

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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.

Get the Transcript and Video

https://rayedwards.com/612

Last week I shared the story of how I recently received a $150,000 advance from a publisher for an upcoming book. Furthermore, I suggested that you can do the same...If you have the right idea and follow the right process. That episode raised a lot of interest (and a bit of skepticism). How can this be possible?

There's a simple reason why this is possible for you: Publishers want to make money. Someone is at work right now sorting through various manuscripts and proposals looking for the next "big thing". Ideally, they get an idea so profound, that it goes beyond just a book. Perhaps it's big enough for a series of books, or training programs, or a Netflix miniseries...An idea that generates cash for their company.

Reality check: Most of the content people submit to publishers aren't the next "big thing"...They're not a thing at all. They're crap. Either the idea simply isn't worth sharing, or perhaps it was simply not presented well.

This week, Jeff Goins and I continue our conversation; diving deeper into the process of going from "big idea" to bestseller.

• [00:00] Intro and...why Fresh Complaint?
• [02:03] How do you come up with an interesting idea?
• [03:21] Start with your argument
• [03:57] Writing a book is a democracy
• [06:04] The Big Idea Formula
• [06:28] The subtle art of...
• [07:20] The title follows the idea
• [10:29] The headline is the LAST thing you write
• [12:00] Opening the kimono
• [13:15] Writing is a democracy...Not a committee
• [14:33] How does an idea succeed?
• [15:29] The War of Art
• [17:04] Be provocative
• [18:51] Books generate more than just sales
• [20:52] Books are still relevant
• [22:09] A timeline of our upcoming book (so far)
• [23:38] About the process
• [26:34] Don't just start writing...have a plan
• [27:11] Bestseller Bootcamp (https://prosperouswriter.com)

Links

ProsperousWriter.com - Walk through the exact process Jeff used to get this deal done

FreshComplaint.com - Jeff's boutique agency that turns big ideas into bestsellers

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.

Get The Transcript

Coming soon...

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.

That is an intentionally provocative title, but I assure you it's not clickbait.

Give me a quick 7 minutes and I'll explain why I believe the answer to that title question is an emphatic, "Yes!"

A Note About This Episode:

The audio from this week's podcast comes from a recently released YouTube video of the same title. If you prefer video, you'll find it here.

• [00:12] Intro ... Are you serious?
• [00:53] Do you own a business...or a job?
• [01:49] What's a true marketing system?
• [02:21] The simple fix
• [03:19] Discipline = Freedom
• [03:45] We all have challenges
• [04:31] One of these can change everything
• [05:24] Doctor's advice
• [05:35] The priorities have shifted...the goals have changed
• [06:27] A great next move

Links

Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Learn how and why to become a CDRC, AND Join me and my crew of Certified Writers in a sea of your perfect clients next month at Funnel Hacking Live.

ClickFunnels - This is our primary revenue-driving machine. I highly recommend you check it out.

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.

Get The Transcript

https://rayedwards.com/585

This week's episode is Part 3 of my Writer's Rewind Series, and it's all about why your copy isn't performing the way you think it should.

There's a reason it isn't converting, and most likely, it's one (or more) of the 5 reasons I'm about to give you.
​
Listen to learn what they are, and how to fix them.

5 Reasons Your Copy Is Failing

1. Failure to understand the "P" in the P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework
2. Not doing enough research
3. Not dealing with competing solutions
4. Your not getting the offer right
5. Not enough editing, revising and rewriting your copy
   

Transcript of This Episode:

https://www.rayedwards.com/656

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 7 questions that every entrepreneur, every content creator, every personal brand, every business that does business on the internet, must be able to answer in order to succeed. 

And I'm no exception. I want you to understand how things have changed, and how my company has responded to meet those changes head on (and why YOU should, too).

I felt this information was urgent enough to warrant a special, bonus episode for this week.

• [00:00] Intro (this may be a mistake)
• [01:27] Work
• [01:34] 7 Questions every entrepreneur must answer
• [01:51] Question 1: Are you prepared for ...?
• [03:00] Question 2: Do you have a systematic (repeatable) approach for marketing?
• [03:25] Question 3: Is your business a leach?
• [03:39] Question 4: Are you already using A.I. in your business?
• [03:53] Question 5: Are you creating 50-100 pieces of content each day?
• [04:11] Question 6: Is your Shadow Brand killing your business online?
• [04:37] Question 7: Is your marketing dynamically controlled by A.I.?
• [05:11] What qualifies me to give you this advice?
• [07:15] Here's what I've learned over decades of doing this
• [09:54] I blame Gary V.
• [12:33] The abundance mindset
• [13:33] Over a million views
• [14:39] But...I've tried that
• [16:54] The problem *most* people have
• [18:56] Your competition just got better
• [21:17] This is not a trend...
• [24:47] 20:1
• [27:30] What else we're doing
• [30:20] Elysium Writer
• [35:09] If there's ONE thing to improve in your business, it's this... 
  
  

Watch This Episode on Youtube

https://youtu.be/H-HkZxEv4tU

Links

Click Funnels - This is the system we have used to build multiple, 7-figure sales funnels. (affiliate link which does not affect the price you pay)

ElysiumWriter.ai - Members of our coaching program have early access to this powerful A.I. which has been designed with my own, proprietary framework to deliver incredible copy that converts. 

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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'd like to preface this by acknowledging that America is not officially in a recession, and that things may not get as bad as some of the typical sources of gloom and doom would have us believe.

There are, however, some facts that can't be denied. As we continue to recover from the costs of the pandemic and the threat of war still looms over us, things will no doubt get worse in some sectors. The fear that the fearmongers are spreading is not completely unfounded.

This week, I'd like to remind you of some facts to counter those fearmongers. Not just a motivational speech, but some valid observations from someone who has lived through unpleasant economic times before...me.

• [00:00] Intro - The fear
• [00:54] Past recessions
• [02:34] What now?
• [03:46] Your most valuable asset is...
• [04:26] Being me...
• [06:52] Culture and clarity
• [07:55] Your community
• [08:52] Courage

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.

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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.

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.

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

Spiritual Foundations

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

(Titus 3:14 NIV)

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

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

Tip of the Week

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

Batch your tasks. Put like tasks together.

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

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

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

An Interview with John Meese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How You Can Help

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

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

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

In case you're not familiar with Lee Cockerell, here's a quick snippet from his bio:

Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort. “As the Senior Operating Executive for ten years Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world.”

When it comes to team-building and leadership techniques, Lee has one of the best resumés on the planet.

A few weeks ago, I received a note from Lee saying that he had read my new book, Read This Or Die, and enjoyed it so much that he purchased multiple copies to send to friends and family. To receive a note like that from someone I respect and admire was both humbling, and inspiring. 

Lee also extended me the honor of being a guest on his Creating Disney Magic podcast (linked below), which is where this week's audio comes from.

[00:00] Intro/explanation
[00:14] Welcome back to the show
[00:45] How Read This Or Die impacted Lee
[02:39] The missing chapter
[04:11] It's about the reader's challenges...not Ray's
[05:44] Changing your input/output
[06:55] Your wife's review (The Cranial-Rectral Extraction Method)
[10:04] No need to wait for disaster
[12:42] A lesson in brain science
[13:48] A trip to Galaxy's Edge
[15:25] More about "The letter"

Links

Creating Disney Magic Podcast - Lee Cockerell shares his wisdom and experience from his time as the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World. Along with host Jody Maberry, Lee discusses how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.

LeeCockerell.com - The best place to get in touch with Lee. Learn more about his training, speaking, and mastermind group.

How You Can Help

Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.

Questions or comments?

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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.