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

The Rundown with Ramon: Understanding Mid-Market Business Evolution with Intuit's Sandy Edwards In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, host Ramon Ray speaks with Sandy Edwards, Mid-Market Product Leader at Intuit, to explore the fascinating world of mid-market businesses and Intuit's new Enterprise Suite solution. This conversation, recorded at Intuit Connect, dives deep into how growing businesses navigate the complex transition from small business to sophisticated mid-market operations. ## Key Takeaways 1. Mid-market businesses need solutions that bridge the gap between small business and enterprise systems 2. The transition from owner-operator to C-suite requires significant organizational changes 3. AI and business intelligence are becoming core components of mid-market operations 4. Human capital management is increasingly complex in the post-COVID environment 5. Integrated financial services are crucial for operational efficiency Sandy Edwards brings over 15 years of experience in online payroll and now leads Intuit's mid-market initiatives, including QuickBooks Online Advanced and the new Intuit Enterprise Suite. Ramon Ray, host of The Rundown with Ramon on the USA Today Network, brings his characteristic enthusiasm and deep understanding of business technology to this engaging conversation about the evolution of mid-market businesses. *This episode was recorded at Intuit Connect, showcasing the latest innovations in financial technology and business solutions for growing companies.*

Spotify Description The Rundown with Ramon delivers actionable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners. In this episode, Ramon Ray shares powerful strategies for building your business through blogging, mastering workplace dynamics, and breaking through procrastination. Learn how to leverage technology, handle awkward conversations like a pro, and navigate high-interest environments. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, this episode provides the practical wisdom you need to succeed. Join Ramon for your daily dose of business inspiration and tactical advice. Host: Ramon Ray - Serial Entrepreneur, Small Business Expert, Professional Speaker

In this episode of the Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray covered a diverse range of topics crucial for professional and personal development. He discussed the physical impacts of anger, the evolution of content marketing strategies, and the importance of living authentically. Ramon provided insights on navigating business challenges, including temporary closures and the difference between foundering and floundering. He explored the concept of purpose, the development of resilience, and the proactive approach to creating opportunities. The episode also touched on the importance of lifelong learning, brain-boosting foods, and managing emotional reactions in the workplace. Throughout the show, Ramon emphasized the significance of self-reflection, continuous growth, and making a positive impact on both immediate circles and the broader world.

So many tech startups often chase rapid growth and quick exits, JotForm's founder, Aytekin Tank's is quite different. With millions of users Jotform's growth offers a different playbook of steady and purposeful growth. Over 18 years, Tank has built Jotform from a simple form builder into a powerhouse platform serving 25 million users—all without taking a dime of venture capital. In his discussion with the publisher of ZoneofGenius.com, Ramon Ray, Tank shared how he transformed his frustration as a programmer into a thriving tech company, revealing strategies that challenge conventional Silicon Valley wisdom. From prioritizing sustainable growth over quick wins to building a company culture where employees stay for decades, his insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking to build lasting businesses. Whether it's his contrarian approach to freemium pricing or his current bold move to potentially disrupt his own business with AI, Tank's story demonstrates that patient, purposeful growth can lead to remarkable success in the tech industry. Watch the interview here on YouTube or below (and subscribe) | Buy his book Automate Your Busywork Here Key points Bootstrapped JotForm to 25M users over 18 years without external funding Focused on sustainable growth through free product strategy and virality Prioritized financial stability and healthy company culture Leveraged SEO and content marketing over paid advertising Currently developing AI solutions to enhance core product offerings Tank started Jotform in 2006 while working as a programmer in New York. Frustrated by repeatedly creating forms for a media company's 400 websites, he saw an opportunity to automate the process. He bootstrapped the company, initially offering the product for free to gather user feedback, which proved crucial for early adoption and growth. Instead of chasing rapid growth through venture capital, Tank focused on sustainable expansion. Jotform's freemium model allows users 100 form submissions monthly at no cost. This approach, combined with natural product virality, drove organic growth. When users share forms, recipients often become new customers, creating a self-perpetuating growth cycle. Tank emphasizes avoiding short-term revenue optimization that could hamper growth. When JotForm tested reducing free payment form submissions from 10 to 3 monthly, immediate revenue increased but user growth flatlined. This experience reinforced the importance of providing genuine value in the free tier to build trust and foster long-term growth. Starting slowly enabled Tank to build a strong company culture. Jotform hired just one employee annually in its first five years, allowing for close relationships and shared vision. This approach has resulted in high employee retention, with many team members staying 5-10 years. Tank prioritizes creating an enjoyable work environment and maintaining financial stability with a 25% margin between revenue and expenses. Rather than relying on paid advertising, JotForm focused on SEO and content marketing. They built a library of over 10,000 form templates, creating valuable content that naturally attracts users searching for specific solutions. This programmatic approach to content creation proved more scalable than traditional blogging while providing genuine value to potential customers. Looking ahead, Jotform is developing AI solutions aimed at transforming traditional forms into interactive, conversational experiences. Tank believes AI can make forms more engaging and personalized while gathering better data. This initiative demonstrates Jotform's commitment to innovation while potentially disrupting their own core business model. The Journey from Developer to Tech FounderBuilding a Sustainable Business ModelThe Power of Long-term ThinkingCreating a Healthy Company CultureMarketing Strategy: Content Over AdvertisingEmbracing AI Innovation

# The Rundown with Ramon: Key Business Insights for Entrepreneurs **Key Points Covered:** - Leveraging technology for business growth - Balancing business and family life - Lessons from 30 years of entrepreneurship - Startup investment risks and regulations - Business expansion strategies - Substack creator success strategies - Email marketing mistakes to avoid - Project management in personal life ## Technology as a Business Game-Changer Ramon emphasizes the critical role of AI, digital editing tools like Canva, and marketing automation in modern business. Technology should be viewed as a solution, not a challenge. Key recommendations include establishing a single source of truth for brand messaging and embracing AI for content creation and SEO optimization. ## The Business-Family Balance Reality Rather than pursuing perfect balance, Ramon suggests focusing on strategic time management. He advocates for explaining temporary sacrifices to family while building the business, but warns against prolonged absence from family life. The goal is building something better for your family's future while maintaining meaningful presence in their lives. ## 30-Year Entrepreneurship Lessons Kathleen Anthony of Life Spring Home Nutrition shares crucial insights: have multiple backup plans, trust your instincts alongside data, and prioritize team care. Ramon particularly emphasizes the importance of building a trustworthy team that's motivated beyond just financial compensation. ## Smart Investment Practices The show highlights concerns about Regulation A exemptions allowing startups to raise significant capital with lighter oversight. Ramon advises investors to only risk money they can afford to lose and conduct thorough due diligence, warning about misleading marketing tactics some startups employ. ## Strategic Business Expansion Barbara Weltman's insights focus on thoughtful expansion strategies. Key considerations include assessing whether growth is temporary or permanent, evaluating space needs, and considering e-commerce opportunities. Ramon emphasizes the legitimacy of physical expansion when it serves business needs. ## Substack Success Stories Highlighting creator Wendy McNaughton's success, Ramon discusses how Substack's chat feature can drive community engagement and subscription growth. The key is offering exclusive content and maintaining strong community connections. ## Email Marketing Excellence Common mistakes to avoid include overselling, poor mobile optimization, and neglecting sender reputation. Ramon emphasizes the importance of personalization, proper timing, and clear calls to action in email campaigns. ## Project Management for Personal Goals The show concludes with advice on applying project management principles to personal life. Using frameworks like Waterfall or Agile, alongside proper scheduling and goal-setting, can enhance personal productivity and achievement. Would you like me to expand on any of these sections?

# The Rundown with Ramon: Navigating Business Success in the AI Era Key Points from Today's Show: - The role of humor in the workplace - Seth Godin's perspective on winning at all costs - The value proposition of premium services in business - Essential account security measures - The evolution of search technology and AI's impact - The importance of authenticity in financial advice - Finding your right path in business ## Humor in the Workplace: A Tool for Connection Ramon Ray kicked off the show discussing the strategic value of humor in professional settings. Drawing from Lenny's newsletter, he explored how humor triggers positive biological responses, including the release of dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. Ray emphasized that while not everyone needs to be the office comedian, understanding how to appropriately use humor can enhance workplace relationships and productivity. He shared personal insights about his own use of humor, acknowledging that different personalities bring different strengths to the workplace. ## The Price of Winning: Seth Godin's Wisdom A powerful segment featured Seth Godin's perspective on the danger of adopting a "win at all costs" mentality. The key takeaway: if winning at all costs is your only principle, you effectively have no principles at all. Ray emphasized how this applies to business decisions, suggesting that success should be pursued while maintaining core values and ethical standards. ## Premium Services: The Value of Convenience Drawing from Wall Street Journal insights, Ray discussed how businesses are increasingly offering premium services for convenience-seeking customers. Using examples from theme parks to transportation services, he illustrated how companies can create additional revenue streams by catering to customers willing to pay more for enhanced experiences. This segment offered valuable insights for businesses considering tiered service models. ## Securing Your Digital Foundation In an age of increasing cyber threats, Ray highlighted three critical areas requiring robust security measures: bank accounts, email services, and mobile phones. He emphasized the importance of two-factor authentication, biometric security, and PIN protection for business owners and individuals alike. ## The AI Revolution in Search and Business Ray shared fascinating insights about the rapid evolution of search technology and its implications for businesses. He emphasized that traditional SEO strategies may become less effective as AI-driven search engines transform how information is discovered. His advice: focus on building direct connections with your audience through email lists, social media, and events rather than relying solely on search engine visibility. ## Financial Advice: The Credibility Factor A crucial segment addressed the proliferation of financial advice on social media platforms. Ray cautioned listeners about the quality of financial guidance found on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, noting that only 13% of social media financial influencers have relevant qualifications. He encouraged followers to seek advice from established, credentialed experts. ## Finding Your Path: Learning from the Past The show concluded with valuable insights from Entrepreneur Media's Jason Pfeiffer about career path evaluation. Ray emphasized that past experiences, even seeming failures, can be valuable stepping stones to future success. He shared his own experience of being fired from the United Nations, which ultimately led to valuable technological expertise that fueled his later success. This episode of The Rundown with Ramon demonstrated why Ray continues to be a trusted voice in the small business community. His ability to weave personal experiences with practical business advice creates an engaging and informative show that speaks directly to entrepreneurs' current challenges and opportunities. For more insights from Ramon Ray, visit RamonRay.com or ZoneOfGenius.com, where he continues to share valuable business strategies and inspiration for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey.

In this episode of "The Rundown with Ramon," host Ramon Ray discusses several key topics relevant to entrepreneurs and small business owners. He covers the importance of college degrees, building communities off Facebook, starting a coaching business, the psychology of viral technologies, personal vs. business content on social media, the power of being a publisher, turning failure into success, and the importance of self-care. Sign up for ZoneofGenius.com so you don't miss out ## The Value of College Degrees Ramon Ray explores the ongoing debate about the necessity of college degrees, particularly Ivy League degrees, in today's job market. He notes that while some traditional fields still value formal education, many employers are now focusing more on skills and experience rather than prestigious degrees. Ray cites examples from the Wall Street Journal, indicating that even elite companies are broadening their hiring practices beyond Ivy League graduates. ## Building Communities Off Facebook Ray discusses the limitations of Facebook for community building and introduces alternative platforms like School, Circle, and Mighty Networks. He highlights the advantages of these platforms, such as better visibility for posts and more control over community engagement. Ray emphasizes the importance of choosing the right platform for building and nurturing online communities. ## Starting a Coaching Business Drawing from insights by Carlos Gil, Ray offers advice on how to start a coaching business without appearing like a "snake oil salesman." Key points include being honest about what you offer, building trust before selling, scaling smartly while maintaining quality, and focusing on building a community rather than just a client list. Ray emphasizes the importance of authenticity and delivering real value to establish credibility in the coaching industry. ## The Psychology of Viral Technologies Ray explores the concept of viral technologies, using examples like Hotmail and ChatGPT. He explains that often, viral success comes not from creating something entirely new, but from making existing technologies more accessible or user-friendly. Ray encourages entrepreneurs to consider how they can simplify or improve existing solutions to achieve viral growth. ## Personal vs. Business Content on Social Media Addressing a common concern among entrepreneurs, Ray advises against trying to separate personal and business content on social media platforms. He warns about the potential risks of privacy setting changes and recommends being consistent across all platforms. Ray suggests using more private channels for truly personal content and maintaining a unified public presence. ## The Power of Being a Publisher Ray emphasizes the importance of content creation for small business owners. He encourages entrepreneurs to become "publishers" by regularly sharing valuable content related to their expertise. This approach, he argues, helps establish thought leadership and builds a strong personal brand over time. ## Turning Failure into Success Sharing a story about an entrepreneur who turned a job loss into a successful business venture, Ray offers advice on how to overcome setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failures as opportunities for redirection, identifying transferable skills, starting lean, and persisting in the face of rejection. ## The Importance of Self-Care Throughout the episode, Ray stresses the significance of self-care for entrepreneurs. He encourages listeners to prioritize their physical and mental health, reminding them to take care of basics like getting regular check-ups, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Ray views self-care as a crucial component of long-term success in business and life. By covering these diverse topics, Ramon Ray provides a comprehensive overview of key considerations for entrepreneurs and small business owners, blending practical advice with motivational insights.

On the latest episode of the Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray shares why NOT to mix secret (or divisive) personal and business on social media. If you want to share something secret on social media and hide it from clients or other groups, don't post it. Instead use What's App or other private, limited channels of communication. Recently Twitter/X changed a "block setting". So that blocked users can still see what you post, even though they can't engage with you. Evaluating business idea viability Seth Godin's writing advice on brevity LinkedIn's AI job recruitment tools Oura Smart Ring review Health considerations for entrepreneurs over 40 Hard vs. soft luggage debate Making meaningful professional connections Twitter/X's blocking feature update Building startups while maintaining mental health

On the latest episode of the Rundown with Ramon, hosted by small business expert Ramon Ray from Miami, he covered several key business and entrepreneurship topics: Key Topics: - Marketing showmanship - Cybersecurity and AI scams - Entrepreneurial burnout recovery - Professional networking - Passive income strategies - Customer experience enhancement - Self-care for entrepreneurs ### Apple-Style Showmanship for Every Business Ray emphasized that while not everyone needs to match Apple's grand presentation style, every business can add more engagement to their marketing. He encouraged viewers to find appropriate ways to incorporate entertainment and emotion into their customer interactions, noting that humans naturally connect with experiences that bring smiles to their faces. ### Cybersecurity Alert: New AI-Powered Threats Sharing insights from Seth Godin, Ray warned about sophisticated new scams using AI-generated voices, videos, and personalized information. He cautioned viewers to be skeptical of communications that include personal details, as this information is often readily available online. ### From Burnout to Success Story The show highlighted Alison Moniz's journey from burnout to building a six-figure business in six months. Ray used this example to discuss the importance of creating systems and processes that prevent constant burnout while building wealth. ### Professional Networking Strategies Ray discussed a Wall Street Journal piece about reconnecting with former colleagues and bosses. He emphasized the value of maintaining professional relationships, suggesting regular check-ins with past connections for mutual benefit. ### Passive Income Opportunities Drawing from Ramsey Solutions' research, Ray outlined several passive income strategies including real estate investment, renting out vehicles, creating online courses, and developing digital products. ### Starbucks' Return to Personal Touch The show concluded with an interesting detail about Starbucks purchasing 200,000 markers for handwriting customer names on cups. Ray noted how this simple human touch can enhance customer experience and create stronger connections. ### Final Thoughts Throughout the episode, Ray maintained his focus on practical business advice while encouraging viewers to prioritize self-care and maintain a positive mindset in their entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized the importance of understanding personal goals and ensuring that entrepreneurship aligns with individual aspirations.

# The Rundown with Ramon: Episode 162 - Key Business Insights and Strategies In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, serial entrepreneur Ramon Ray shares valuable insights on business strategy, marketing, and personal development. Here are the key takeaways from the show: ## 1. Seth Godin's "I Didn't See You There" - The Power of Recognition Godin emphasizes the importance of truly seeing and acknowledging people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's not just about physical visibility but about consciously choosing to recognize and design for diverse perspectives and experiences. ## 2. The Truth About Free Software While free tools like CRM systems might seem attractive for small businesses, Ramon warns about potential drawbacks. Limited support, delayed upgrades, and restricted features often make paid versions a better long-term investment. Examples include Zoho CRM and Canva, where premium features provide significantly more value. ## 3. Avoiding Strategy Myopia Drawing from Harvard Business Review insights, Ramon explains how excessive focus on efficiency and proven methods can blind organizations to new opportunities. Key principles include: - Refusing false proxies - Choosing customers wisely - Building the right team - Starting with small solutions for big problems - Prioritizing interesting questions over correct answers ## 4. The Recognition-Feedback Balance Organizations need to balance constructive feedback with positive recognition. While feedback is crucial for growth, recognition helps maintain engagement and motivation. Regular, quality feedback combined with genuine recognition creates a stronger organizational culture. ## 5. The Joy of Purpose-Driven Work Highlighting the SpongeBob voice actors' 25-year journey, Ramon emphasizes the importance of loving what you do. Finding joy in your work, whether it's voice acting or business leadership, creates sustainable long-term success. ## 6. Bootstrapping Success Venture capital isn't always necessary for business growth. Ramon advocates for creative problem-solving, pre-sales strategies, and organic growth through customer relationships. Focus on generating early revenue rather than seeking external funding. ## 7. Three Marketing Pitfalls to Avoid - Lack of clear strategy - Insufficient time investment - Failure to measure results Regular analytics review and strategic planning are essential for marketing success. ## 8. Innovation in Marketplaces The show highlights how entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, selling everything from tamales to empanadas. It's about thinking beyond traditional uses of available tools. ## 9. Content Marketing Mistakes Common errors include: - Starting without strategy - Ignoring audience needs - Over-focusing on sales - Neglecting the customer journey - Prioritizing quantity over quality - Lacking originality - Inconsistent content creation - Focusing solely on SEO - Over-rigid planning - Expecting instant results ## 10. Finding Your Zone of Genius Ramon concludes by encouraging viewers to identify their unique strengths and align them with market opportunities. Success comes from combining passion, skill, and market demand into a sustainable business model. --- Visit zoneofgenius.com for more insights and strategies from Ramon Ray on building and growing your business.