Impact Over Applause: Jay Conner’s Approach to Coaching and Investor Success

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@Kevin98270 

"MDR Podcast #356 - Jay Conner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD6wnmVYLp4&t=4s 

  In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, we’re often told that success is a solo journey fueled by hustle, strategy, and a pinch of luck. But as we’re reminded in the recent episode of the Million Dollar Relationships podcast featuring Jay Conner and host Kevin Thompson, the true secret sauce lies in real, authentic connections and staying true to who you are.

Starting with Authenticity

Right from the outset, Jay Conner sets the tone by sharing his core values — not shying away from his faith or his deep belief in authenticity. He laughs at the old speaker's school advice to "never talk politics or religion." For Jay, the most valuable relationships are built on truth and transparency. “Be who you are,” he says, not just for audience approval, but to build bonds with people who share your values.

Jay’s journey was influenced early on by his father, Wallace Conner, who told him, “Don’t try to be your dad. You be your person.” That lesson only truly clicked for Jay when, in his twenties, trying to mimic others didn’t deliver results. Authenticity, he realized, is magnetic — it opens doors and forges lasting connections.

The Power of Asking ‘Who Do You Know?’

The heart of Jay’s entrepreneurial story is a pivotal crisis in 2009. After building a thriving real estate business by relying on traditional bank funding, his credit line was abruptly cut off during the global financial crisis. Instead of throwing in the towel or feeling victimized, Jay asked himself a powerful question: “Who do you know that can help fix your problem?”

That question led him to a friend, which led to learning about private money lending from Ron LeGrand — a move that fundamentally transformed both his business and his ability to serve others. In less than 90 days, Jay raised over $2 million in private money, more than double what he’d been able to borrow from the bank before. What began as a setback blossomed into a new opportunity, all because of his relationships and willingness to seek help.

Paying It Forward: Building Impact

Jay’s story doesn’t stop at personal gain. Inspired by his success and a bit of entrepreneurial boredom, he reached out to his mentor, Ron LeGrand, for advice on what to do next. Ron pushed Jay to start teaching others, which launched his own coaching and information business focused on helping real estate investors raise private capital. This new direction not only satisfied his creative drive but also led him to impact thousands of investors — and by extension, the families and communities they support.

As Jay and Kevin note, their mutual connections with industry giants like Ron LeGrand, Joe Polish, and Dan Kennedy show that every success story is interwoven with others. Sharing wisdom, offering opportunities, and supporting each other creates a multiplying effect of impact.

From Success to Significance

Both Jay and Kevin stress the importance of moving from “success” — personal achievement and financial gain — to “significance,” which is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As entrepreneur Zig Ziglar famously said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” It’s a philosophy Jay lives by daily, whether through one-on-one mentorship or his highly-rated "Raising Private Money" podcast.

Final Takeaways: Start What’s Stirring in Your Heart

Jay ends with a compelling challenge: “What is stirring in your heart to start?” Whether you’re facing a setback, feeling unfulfilled, or looking for your next move, the answer ma