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: Yes, they can make a living as a writer. It's not even that difficult to do. Two bold claims...Can I back them up? Can I show you realistic ways this can be done? Tune into this week's exciting episode to find out! (spoiler alert: Yes. I can.) Feature Presentation My title may seem like clickbait (Products out of thin air? 99% profit margin?) - Until you realize that I'm talking about writing...putting words on "paper". Your writing is a product and that is exactly how you should treat it. From conception to creation, you should have your ideal customer in mind...Who is this for? Who will this help? In fact, I recommend using the same formula you use when you're writing sales copy - My P.A.S.T.O.R. framework. Let's say you decide that you're going to write a how-to book on some topic that you're passionate about. I suggest the first thing you do is write the sales page for it. Write it as if your unwritten book were finished and ready to hit the shelves. Why would you write a sales page for a product that doesn't exist? Because it outlines the reasons that it should exist. As you use the P.A.S.T.O.R framework to craft your copy, you are essentially giving yourself the list of promises that this book must fulfill. You will write a better book because of this.   Links From This Week's Episode Maria Popova's Brainpickings - Think the days of making good money as a blogger are over? Not so. Maria Popova has incredible content and she is supported by her readers. rayedwards.com - Head here to download my 6-Step Master Persuasion checklist that I mentioned in the show. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Odds are, you don't have Parkinson's Disease, and if you don't, is there a benefit to listening to this week's episode? Absolutely! The truth is, we're all dealing with something - Either something big, bold and in-your face (chronic pain, degenerative diseases, injuries, etc.), or the subtle, waiting patiently in the background, definitively terminal condition that we all have in common - Life. Whatever your situation is, I believe these ten directives will help you live a better life. Click below to listen and I'll break down all ten. [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. [6:24] Consciously choose a philosophy of life and live in a state of non-contradiction [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%. [9:46] Be well, even when you're not. [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. [15:34] Trade your expectations for appreciation. [19:54] Build daily rituals to control your focus, your physiology and your neurobiology. [24:11] Do your best to stay awake - Stay out of the hypnotic trance that society puts us in. [25:11] Live from your future to your present. Many people are living from their past which severely limits the possibilities of their future. [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.

A surprising call from an old friend got me thinking … It seems almost everyone I know is being faced with big decisions. Maybe you, too, are thinking through one of these "big decisions". Decisions about whether to keep the job you have … Or decision about whether to accept the new job you've been offered… Maybe you're thinking about starting your own business… Or you might even be considering whether to move to a different city (or country) … If you are making any kind of decision, it's a good time to make all the decisions. About every part of your life. Don't let this freak you out. It's actually a good thing. It's a way to unleash lightning bolts of positive energy in your life.

Look, let's be real.    These last couple of years have been very difficult for most of us.    Think of all the crazy stuff that has happened.   There's a really good chance you did not see all of that coming.   I surely did not.   In today's podcast, I get gut-level real.   Many of my clients and friends in the world of business really did have their “best year ever” in 2020, and things are looking even better for them as we round out 2021.   It seems for many people I know the last couple of years actually bro have been charmed. No wonder they are so happy. Everything went their way.    It was not so for me.   Behind the scenes, my life was turned upside down. And there were some very dark moments moments that are hard to talk about. But I feel it's important that we do talk about them. Otherwise I'm not being honest with you.   This is important, especially if you’re a leader of any kind.    When you stop being honest, you stop being a leader.   We are about to start the fourth quarter of this year. These are 12 precious weeks that you and I can use as an excuse to turn our lives and our business is completely around. Or to turn them up to an all new level of enjoyment contribution and reward.   If you would like to run on the track with me, so we can spread together and make more progress in the next 12 weeks than most people will make in the next 12 years, invite you to join us for our live workshop which is happening Tuesday, September 14, 2021.   In this workshop I'm giving you everything you need to do this 12 week sprint. I'm not holding something back, I don't have any "secrets" you need to pay for, this is 100% free, it's going to be a powerful training, we got a killer workbook created for you but you must sign up to get it so right now go to https://rayedwards.com/million 

If you want to be a leader, you need to develop a reading habit.  “Leaders are readers,” says Jeff Brown, my guest on today’s podcast. Jeff is the host of The Read To Lead Podcast, and the author of a new book called, not surprisingly, Read To Lead. In Jeff’s book, you will learn Why you need to read like your career depends on it. The eight research-backed reasons reading will help you build your career. How to absorb a book into your bloodstream. Tips on creating a lifetime reading habit. In our conversation, Jeff and I dig deep into: Why books still matter, and why you should develop an intentional reading habit. Why you should read physical books and not only audio or summaries. Why you should read books with views that oppose your own. Why reading contributes to higher income and more success. How to remember what you read. The startling simple math formula that will help you decide what to read next. How reading makes life more fulfilling, How you can find time to read - even if your life is “crazy busy”. How to read faster - almost instantly. (You can read a 200-page book in 2 hours). Do audiobooks “count” as reading? The “secret” service both Jeff and I use to organize and export our notes from Kindle. What we’re both reading now, and why. Links From This Episode Jeff's Podcast https://readtoleadpodcast.com/ Jeff's Book https://readtoleadbook.com/ About Jeff https://readtoleadpodcast.com/about/

How much of your thinking is by design? I don't mean that in the spiritual sense, but rather, by your design. How much of your thinking is intentional? How much of it is YOUR thinking? Is it possible that most of your life is being dictated by random bits and pieces of knowledge, unintentional habits, misconceptions, and various other noise that you no longer even choose to think? And if so…Can you fix it? This topic isn't new to the podcast. In fact, there are several episodes where I have asserted that most of us are thinking thoughts that don't serve us…Thoughts we never intended to put on "Auto Pilot". I've also claimed that those repetitive thoughts can be removed and replaced with thoughts that do serve you. But is any of that true? I mean, Dammit Jim…I'm a copywriter, not a neuropsychologist. Lucky for us, my guest this week is a neuropsychologist. Dr. Shannon Irvine holds a PH.D. in neuropsychology (the study of the relationship between behavior, emotion, and cognition), and is also a renowned business advisor with a passion for guiding entrepreneurs. When she says she can help you train your brain for success, it's not just a motivational pep talk - She's a bonafide expert in the science behind it. Tune in to learn: How to Recognize "destructive programming" - The unintentional, negative thoughts are running a portion of your life. Why to Record those thoughts - As in, physically write them down. This isn't a meaningless exercise. Dr. Irvine explains the science behind this critical step. A great way to Refute those thoughts How to Replace them with positive truths Links from this episode https://drshannonirvine.com/ - Dr. Irvine's official site. Be sure to check out her Epic Success Podcast.  

At some point in life, I think most people find that they are essentially living the same day, over and over. Going to the same job, talking to the same people, thinking mostly the same thoughts, feeling mostly the same emotions...Everything is just mediocre repetition; neither advancing nor improving. They have brief notions of making changes, but ultimately go back to their routine. This week's episode details my personal journey through that scenario...And the diagnosis that snapped me out of it. Here's what we cover in this episode: Is the way you are setting your goals keeping you from reaching them? Is your attitude standing in the way of you being able to overcome your problems?  Be intentional about your goals. It is worth the effort to get the result.  Are you in the Matrix? Will you choose the blue pill or the red pill. Wake up to reality or stay in the illusion? Are you doing the same thing every day over and over again. Do you need to break this cycle? I signed up for Michael Hyatt’s Best Year Ever Program and this program was different, and it helped me make some decisions to change my life.  After starting it, I made 1 million dollars in my business, lost 67 pounds, paid off our debt. It woke me up and forced me to complete the past. Looking back at your past gives you the ability to learn, be aware and analyze what has happened and what I will do differently in the future. Quote of the Day: “You don’t need easy, You just need worth it” — Jim Rohn

This week we're showcasing one of our highest reviewed episodes in the history of the show...And for good reason - It breaks down the process of starting a successful copywriting business into 3 simple steps. Yep...You're (still) only 3 steps away from your work-from-anywhere, get paid to be creative, no-business-attire-required (or even pants for that matter) dream job. Here's what we cover in this episode: The definition of a “direct response copywriter” and who their best kind of clients are. Yes, every business needs good copy to sell their products. But that doesn’t mean you should try to work for just any random company… unless they use this specific style of marketing. That is, if you want to have good clients who don’t stiff you or undercut your every move. Why the kind of writing business I’m discussing today is the most profitable kind of writing business you can get into. Unless you’re the next J. K. Rowling or Stephen King, this is by far the most lucrative type of writing business on the planet – if you know how to leverage your copywriting skills. How to apply the required F.O.C.U.S. you’ll need to learn the craft of copywriting from a master teacher. If you follow this “one, and only one” method of learning, you’ll get to your goal much faster than the average rookie copywriter.   Why you need to become intimately familiar with the great original masters of copywriting. Without this knowledge, you’ll build your copywriting house on a foundation of sand, and you know what happened to the foolish man when the rains came tumbling down. How to get into the minds of the most winning copywriters of all time and internalize their methods for success. This practice is tedious and time-consuming. So much so that most copywriters never make it a habit, to their cost. If you make this a part of your routine, especially early on, you will have a massive advantage over the competition. What you should focus on before doing all the “normal” business setup practices. Focusing on these other business setup practices is an excuse that feeds your procrastination bug. If you want to sharpen up your skill, gain a positive reputation, and get to the money faster than most copywriters, you need to do this first. Why you need a copywriting mentor. How your mentor can open doors for you and get you on the fast track to notoriety, profitability, and a pipeline filled with the best kinds of clients. The only way to distinguish yourself in the marketplace and stand out from all the other so-called direct response copywriters. There are so many people who call themselves copywriters, but they don’t have the experience to back up their claims. When you follow this path to distinguishing yourself, you’ll truly stand out in a noisy world. How to build the single most powerful type of brand possible. Hint: you already have all the tools you need. You don’t have to take any courses or read any books. The answers are inside of you right now waiting to come out and build you a brand so powerful, you can use it to sell very expensive programs. The website platform I would use today if I was starting out. There are many options, but this one, which is not the industry standard, is the quickest, easiest, and most beneficial for beginners. How to use the 3 pillars of personal branding to grow your audience using social media and your website. This is how the game is played. This is marketing. Whether you’re against social media or not, this is what you have to do if you want to succeed. The best way to gain authority and establish expertise. It removes resistance and provides your customers with results in advance. How to get inside your customer’s mind on a regular basis and help them get to know you intimately. Starting this kind of marketing channel doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start today by pulling out your iPhone and hitting a couple buttons. But the potential for reach and influence is huge! Resources: Links mentioned on today’s show: Join my Copywriting Certification program to be mentored and certified by me by going to RayEdwards.com/cdrc. Check out Michael Hyatt’s amazing book, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by clicking here. Get your podcast started with the amazing RodeCaster Pro by clicking here. Get your Audio Technica ATR 2100 microphone by clicking here. A Few Essential Copywriting Books by the Original Masters: Breakthrough Advertising, Eugene Schwartz (BreakthroughAdvertisingBook.com) How to Write a Good Advertisement, Victor Schwab Scientific Advertising & My Life in Advertising, Claude Hopkins Robert Collier Letter Book, Robert Collier Tested Advertising Methods, John Caples Confessions of an Advertising Man, David Ogilvy Sponsor This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021

During today’s episode it is my goal to answer all your questions about starting your own writing business, especially in today’s new economy. Sometimes it seems like it’s a new economy every other day or so, but really there’s nothing to be frightened of. There is nothing new under the sun, after all-this has all happened before, and it will all happen again.  Spiritual Foundations The Lord is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV) Tip Of The Week I am a big proponent of dictating instead of typing, mainly because I can’t type very well. But I can speak pretty fast. I was frustrated with my iPad pro’s Magic Keyboard because it would not allow me to dictate. There’s no button for it. Tapping the little globe keyboard icon does not help, because as far as I can tell, you’re not supposed to use software keyboards in conjunction with this actual hardware keyboard. I found the secret. Simply tap the Control key twice in succession and up pops your dictation window. You’re welcome. Feature Presentation Last week, we published a podcast making a strong claim that the very best business to start (especially if you need money now) is a freelance writing business. Chief among those reasons being that almost anyone can do this, and you can start it for basically no money (assuming you have a laptop or some other device that allows you to connect to the Internet). While that episode clearly spelled out why starting a freelance writing business is such a strong choice, I really did not get into how to do it. In an email follow-up, I asked if you had any questions about starting your own writing business. I expected to get a few questions…and did you ever exceed my expectations. Seems there are lots of questions about this idea of “writing as a business”. So in this week’s podcast episode, you get answers. When you listen you will find out: What if I don’t like the idea of writing sales copy? Does writing direct response copy mean I have to write spammy Internet junk mail? How long does it take to become good enough at direct response Copywriting to be able to charge for it? How much you can really expect to get paid as a competent beginner in this kind of business? Is it really possible to start this kind of business for free? How do you start charging for Copywriting if you’ve never been paid to do it in the past? How do I find clients as a Copywriter, when it seems the market is already saturated with Copywriters everywhere I look? What if you have a chronic illness which might make it difficult to commit to deadlines? If I am willing to invest in books or training, what do you recommend? So grab your success journal and pen (or your iPad if you prefer), and get ready to take some notes. There’s plenty of meat in this one! It is possible to take your love of writing, and turn that into a lucrative full-time income – or even a full-fledged business of your own. Sponsor This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021

As we continue our recording studio makeover at Ray Edwards, International, I've been going through some past episodes, looking for those that stood out…episodes worth a second listen. The one I found for this week seemed oddly prophetic. It was released about a year before the pandemic began and actually seems even more appropriate in 2021. Don't take my word for it…listen, and hear for yourself. Feature Presentation: “The Single Best Business to Start (If You Need Money Now)” While thinking about this idea of the “ideal business”, I ran across an article by John Forde at AWAI. I will link to the article in the show notes. (https://www.awai.com/2009/05/is-copywriting-the-worlds-best-business/) Forde argued in that article that he has a set of objective criteria for what makes “The Ideal Business” … and these reasons actually go back to an article written in the 1970's by financial guru Richard Russell. Russell was the writer and publisher of “The Dow Theory Letters”, starting in 1958. Russell died in 2015. But as of the date of his passing, the Dow Theory Letters was the longest-running service continuously written by one person in the business. So no, he wasn’t writing about copywriting as we know it. And yet – he was a master of the craft. Anyway, with credit to John Forde and Richard Russell, here are the essential qualities of “the ideal business” for anyone to start. 1. “Sells the World.” 2. Enjoys Inelastic Demand” 3. “Cannot Be Easily Copied” 4. “Has Low Labor and Overhead Costs” 5. “Takes in Cash Billings” 6. “Is Free of All Kinds of Regulation” 7. “Is Portable” 8. “Satisfies Intellectual Needs” 9. “Leaves You With Free Time” 10. “Is Not Limited By Personal Output” I have two more “reasons why” to add to the list… (these are my own additions.) 11. “Easily Profits Whether Markets Are Up or Down”. 12. “Is a Minimalist Business”. Sponsor This episode of the Ray Edwards Show is made possible in part by The All-New Ray Edwards Enhanced Certified Direct Response Copywriter Program, where I help anyone who wants to make big money from their writing without getting a publisher or having a bestseller, and even if nobody knows who you are. Get my proven methods, systems, and even my endorsement – go to RayEdwards.com/CDRC2021   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.