The Rundown with Ramon - Ramon Ray - small business podcast for entrepreneurs

Here's what you've always been wanting to know - can you make money if you speak for free. YES you can. There's several ways you can still "get paid" even if you didn't get directly paid to speak.

Self-promotion is so important. Ramon Ray, The Celebrity CEO talks about it in today's show - and more! Sign up for you free Celebrity CEO personal branding blueprint at - www.CelebrityCEO.comYou are your best promoterOther people are their own prioritySelf promotion is not arrogance - it’s awarenessPeople want to work with winners, with people who are doing somethingSelf promotion - not vanity or “look at me”Self promotion is sharing, is encouragingEvery post should not be “look at me” but something regularCelebrate with me - instead of LOOK at meSelf promotion is simply good marketingSelf promotion is advertisingNot self promotion and waiting for others will limit your growth

Welcome to The Celebrity CEO Show on The Rundown with Ramon - we cover tips on how to advertise your book, best ways to live stream, how to write a great email subject line and how to use hashtags on Instagram!

The Rundown with Ramon delivered a comprehensive episode focused on how to launch and grow a successful podcast, along with other vital business insights. Host Ramon Ray shared his expertise on podcast guest acquisition while weaving in valuable lessons about personal branding and business growth. Key Points: Essential strategies for launching a podcast and securing guests Building a personal brand through consistent content creation The importance of maintaining professional standards in podcasting Leveraging text messaging for customer communication Developing an effective marketing mindset Optimizing work productivity from home Evaluating AI's impact on business capabilities Comparing TikTok and YouTube Shorts for video content Starting Your Podcast Journey Ramon emphasizes that podcasting serves as a powerful platform for sharing expertise and building thought leadership. He explains that successful podcasting requires clear focus on your area of expertise and can be structured in multiple formats - solo shows, interviews, or co-hosted discussions. The key is maintaining consistency and professional standards regardless of the chosen format. Securing Quality Podcast Guests Drawing from his extensive experience, Ramon shares practical approaches to finding guests. He suggests starting with your immediate network - business associates, local chamber of commerce members, and professional organization colleagues. Authors promoting new books often make excellent guests, and LinkedIn can be a valuable resource for connecting with potential interviewees. The Power of Personal Branding Throughout the episode, Ramon emphasizes how podcasting fits into a larger personal branding strategy. He outlines a three-stage approach: gaining attention, building trust, and ultimately converting that trust into sales opportunities. This systematic approach helps establish credibility in your chosen field. Marketing Communication Strategies The episode delves into effective marketing communication, particularly highlighting the value of text messaging. Ramon shares insights about using multiple channels to reach customers, noting that text messaging can be particularly effective when implemented thoughtfully and respectfully. Optimizing Content Creation When discussing video content creation, Ramon provides a detailed comparison between TikTok and YouTube Shorts. He emphasizes that platform selection should align with your target audience and content type - YouTube Shorts for professional services and educational content, TikTok for more trend-focused, entertainment-oriented content. Leveraging Technology Responsibly Ramon addresses the impact of AI on business operations, presenting varied perspectives on whether AI technology is "dumbing down" business processes. He emphasizes the importance of using technology as a tool while maintaining creative and critical thinking skills. Professional Development and Growth The episode concludes with practical advice on streamlining business operations, including automation, workflow optimization, and data-driven decision-making. Ramon reinforces the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in business practices. Throughout the episode, Ramon maintains his signature engaging style while delivering actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business professionals. His approach makes complex business concepts accessible while emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional standards in all business endeavors.

The Rundown with Ramon: Building Success Through Mindset, Growth, and Connection Ramon Ray delivers another energetic episode of the Rundown with Ramon, sharing vital insights on business growth, mindset, and entrepreneurial success. Key Points: Five essential steps for sustainable small business growth The importance of empathy in business relationships Learning from a 102-year-old resort owner's positive mindset Ten founder insights that unlock business growth The power of laughter in building customer relationships How AI is transforming personal finance Bouncing back from business failure Understanding revenue benchmarks for investor attraction Setting boundaries while maintaining tolerance Finding inspiration for entrepreneurial ideas Ramon outlines five critical steps for business growth, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear goals, understanding your target market, building a strong online presence, focusing on customer satisfaction, and continuously investing in improvement. He stresses that these elements must work together to create sustainable growth. Sharing wisdom from a 102-year-old resort owner, Ramon emphasizes how avoiding negative thoughts can lead to longevity and success. This connects to his broader message about maintaining a positive mindset while facing entrepreneurial challenges. The episode explores ten key moments that founders identified as catalysts for massive growth. These include revisiting core ideas when hitting walls, giving customers what they want regardless of cost, and finding better ways to package products. Ramon emphasizes that while not every strategy works for everyone, entrepreneurs should remain open to experimentation. Ramon discusses how humor and laughter can strengthen business relationships. He explains that authentic connection through positive interaction helps build trust and puts people at ease – essential elements for business success. A significant portion of the episode focuses on bouncing back from failure. Ramon emphasizes that failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey, and the key is not avoiding failure but learning how to recover and grow from it. Ramon concludes by discussing how AI is transforming various aspects of business, particularly in personal finance. He encourages entrepreneurs to stay informed about technological advances while maintaining their unique human touch. Throughout the episode, Ramon maintains his signature encouraging tone while delivering practical, actionable advice. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowing your strengths, setting appropriate boundaries, and maintaining a growth mindset. The episode wraps with a powerful reminder: success in business comes from identifying what you do best and finding ways to get paid for it. As Ramon puts it, "When you know what you do best, you get paid to do it." This edition of the Rundown with Ramon reinforces the show's mission of helping entrepreneurs "live your best life or start or grow your business" through practical insights and motivation. The Foundation of Business GrowthThe Power of Mindset and PositivityUnderstanding Growth TriggersBuilding Connections Through LaughterNavigating Business ChallengesThe Future of Business

From Airport Romance to Olive Oil Empire: The Story of Flor de la Jara - A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything Jorge and Tiffany's story begins like a romantic movie - with a chance encounter at Madrid's airport. Two strangers, heading in opposite directions, shared a brief 20-minute conversation that would change their lives forever. Eight years and one 5-year-old son later, they've not only built a life together but also a thriving olive oil business. The foundation of Flor de la Jara runs deep - three generations deep, to be precise. Jorge's great-grandfather planted the first olive trees, establishing what would become a family tradition. When Jorge noticed the lack of high-quality olive oil in the United States, the couple saw an opportunity. They decided to bring their family's premium olive oil to American consumers, maintaining complete control over the production process from tree to table. Starting their business wasn't just about having great olive oil - it required months of careful planning and research. The couple tackled everything from trademark registration to bottle design. They chose the name "Flor de la Jara" (meaning "flower of la Jara") to honor the aromatic wildflowers that grow among their olive groves in Spain. Even the packaging required extensive testing, with the couple literally dropping bottles at home to ensure their precious cargo would survive shipping. Their success stems partly from their complementary skills. Jorge brings creativity and vision, while Tiffany excels at handling the administrative and research aspects of the business. As they put it, while some couples play tennis together, they build their business together - making it both their work and their shared passion. Unlike many competitors who ship by sea, Flor de la Jara ships exclusively by air. Their olive oil travels from Spain to the United States in less than 24 hours, ensuring temperature control and optimal freshness. They bottle at the source in Spain, maintaining complete control over their product's quality. This commitment to excellence extends to their packaging, featuring rose gold lettering and premium presentation. After just one year in business, the couple has ambitious plans. They're working on introducing smaller bottle sizes for first-time customers and considering expanding into honey production using bees from their family land. Perhaps most excitingly, they envision offering agritourism experiences within five years, allowing customers to visit their olive groves and witness the production process firsthand. Both Jorge and Tiffany emphasize the importance of simply starting, despite not having all the answers. They maintain full-time jobs while building their business, proving that entrepreneurship often begins as a side pursuit. Their advice to aspiring business owners? Never give up, take it one step at a time, and remember that disagreements can lead to growth when handled with maturity and mutual respect. The Flor de la Jara story demonstrates how family tradition, quality commitment, and passionate entrepreneurship can combine to create something special. While their journey is just beginning, their dedication to excellence and clear vision for the future suggests this is just the first chapter in a much longer success story. A Family Legacy Meets Modern EnterpriseThe Journey to MarketA Perfect PartnershipQuality Above AllLooking to the FutureLessons in Entrepreneurship

The Rundown with Ramon: Converting Subscribers, New Platforms, and Business Growth In this dynamic episode of The Rundown with Ramon, host Ramon Ray shares valuable insights on growing businesses and making strategic decisions in today's evolving business landscape. Key Topics Covered: Email marketing strategy and subscriber conversion Social media platform decisions AI and business speed considerations Financial planning importance Startup mentoring insights Strategic hiring practices Business service expansion Entrepreneurial resilience Problem-solving in business Business startup considerations Ramon emphasizes five key elements for turning subscribers into paying clients: email frequency management, audience segmentation, content personalization, addressing pain points, and perfect timing. He stresses that nurturing communications must build trust before conversion can occur. When it comes to joining new social platforms like Bluesky, Ramon advises businesses to focus on where their customers are rather than following trends. He notes that while he maintains a presence on multiple platforms, each business must evaluate the potential return on their time investment. Sharing Seth Godin's perspectives, Ramon discusses how AI is changing market dynamics. He highlights that while AI can produce good results quickly, there's still room for exceptional human-created work. The key is avoiding the "mediocre middle" that AI will likely replace. Ramon strongly advocates for thoughtful financial planning, emphasizing that proper financial guidance can be transformative for businesses. He encourages even young entrepreneurs to start early with basic financial planning tools and professional advice. Drawing from Daniel Rizia's experience mentoring 100 startups, Ramon shares key insights including the importance of diverse teams, the value of mentorship, careful cofounder selection, managing advice overload, and maintaining speed in execution. Discussing the MIT Sloan Management Review's insights, Ramon outlines eight essential interview questions that successful CEOs use, focusing on cultural fit, leadership potential, and personal accountability. Ramon concludes with practical advice for business starters, emphasizing the importance of understanding fixed versus variable costs, essential versus optional expenses, and proper budgeting for taxes and emergencies. He stresses that successful businesses must solve real problems for their customers. Throughout the episode, Ramon maintains his characteristic energy while delivering practical, actionable advice for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Converting Subscribers to ClientsThe Bluesky Decision for Small BusinessesSpeed, Creativity, and AI ImpactThe Financial Planning ImperativeLessons from Mentoring StartupsThe Art of Hiring RightStarting and Growing Your Business

The Rundown with Ramon: Reading for Success and Building Customer Relationships In this dynamic episode, Ramon Ray delivers insights on essential business books, customer feedback strategies, and resilience building, broadcasting from Atlanta after attending a business development conference. Key Points: Must-read business books for entrepreneurs Strategies for gathering customer feedback The importance of resilience in business Holiday sales preparation Customer relationship management essentials Ramon highlights ten foundational books for entrepreneurs: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries Start with Why by Simon Sinek The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Good to Great by Jim Collins Zero to One by Peter Thiel The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Atomic Habits by James Clear The episode emphasizes several key approaches to gathering customer feedback: Conducting deep, ongoing conversations with clients Organizing face-to-face focus groups Monitoring social media conversations Regular customer success calls Demonstrating responsiveness to feedback Ramon shares five ways to increase resilience: Practicing mindfulness meditation Cultivating gratitude Setting clear boundaries Practicing acceptance Surrounding yourself with resilient people The episode provides practical holiday sales strategies: Understanding slow shopping trends Leveraging local presence Utilizing social media effectively Hosting holiday events Making purchasing processes frictionless Ramon emphasizes the importance of proper customer relationship management: Going beyond basic contact lists Understanding customer buying patterns Tracking customer interactions Using data for better decision-making Building stronger customer relationships Throughout the episode, Ramon maintains his signature approach of combining practical business advice with personal insights, encouraging listeners to focus on continuous learning and customer relationships while maintaining authenticity in their business approach. Essential Business BooksCustomer Feedback StrategiesBuilding ResilienceHoliday Sales PreparationCRM Implementation

A dynamic episode from Atlanta focusing on managing multiple ventures, customer experience, and publicity strategies. Key Points: Managing multiple businesses effectively Customer experience as a CEO priority Strategic publicity and PR approaches Social media relationship management Workplace meaning and purpose Strategic hiring during holidays Ramon shares his experience managing multiple businesses, emphasizing key strategies: Setting clear goals and priorities Establishing systematic processes Delegating and automating tasks Cross-pollinating between ventures Maintaining focus on core operations The episode emphasizes the CEO's role in customer experience: Prioritizing customer support Leading by example in customer service Building customer-centric company culture Maintaining direct customer engagement Measuring customer satisfaction Ramon discusses turning publicity into profit through: Converting media exposure into leads Using PR to justify premium pricing Leveraging media mentions in sales Building brand credibility Creating content from publicity The episode outlines key social media mistakes to avoid: Over-engagement with devices ("phubbing") Excessive information sharing Relying too heavily on influencer advice Making unhealthy comparisons Betraying confidences The discussion touches on why many Americans feel disconnected from their work: Only 17% find meaning in their work Importance of purpose beyond pay Leadership's role in creating meaning Connecting individual roles to company mission Throughout the episode, Ramon emphasizes authenticity in leadership, strategic business growth, and the importance of finding purpose in work while maintaining his signature approach of combining practical advice with personal insights. Managing Multiple VenturesCustomer Experience LeadershipPublicity and PR StrategySocial Media PitfallsWorkplace Meaning

The Rundown with Ramon: Business Focus and Marketing Insights Ramon Ray delivers another engaging episode from Atlanta, covering essential business topics and marketing strategies. Key Points: Understanding your target customer base Securing unbiased financial advice Effective storytelling in business Marketing focus areas for new businesses Website valuation and competitive analysis Leadership authenticity Ramon emphasizes that not everyone needs to be your customer. Using examples like Bentley and Amazon, he explains how businesses thrive by focusing on their ideal customers rather than trying to appeal to everyone. The episode explores how entrepreneurs can secure unbiased financial advice by: Understanding advisor biases Choosing fiduciary advisors Recognizing conflicts of interest Prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains Drawing from Forbes insights, Ramon discusses common marketing mistakes new businesses make, including: Over-focusing on traditional metrics Trying to appeal to everyone Prioritizing acquisition over retention Chasing marketing trends without strategy Using the Whole Foods CEO example, Ramon emphasizes that effective leadership isn't about fitting a traditional mold but rather about: Staying true to your values Delivering results Growing with your business Meeting customer needs The episode outlines effective competitive analysis strategies: Identifying direct and indirect competitors Analyzing online presence Assessing product offerings Understanding sales tactics Gathering customer feedback Throughout the episode, Ramon maintains his signature approach of combining practical business advice with personal insights, encouraging listeners to find their strengths and build successful businesses aligned with their values. Customer Focus and Market PositioningFinancial Advisory GuidanceMarketing PrioritiesLeadership AuthenticityCompetitive Analysis