Ray Edwards Show

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.

This week, we decided to use some studio down-time to revisit our most downloaded, most commented episode, and strip it down to the meat and potatoes. The original episode, which you can find in its entirety here, focused on the importance of the order in which entrepreneurs should do things to successfully create a personal-brand based business. Three years later, the out-of-sequentialism problem still exists and the solutions in this episode are still valid. Even if you heard the original, this condensed, straight-to-the-point version can help you stay on track as you start or grow your business. Feature Presentation The premise for today’s podcast: Every person listening to this show can and should build a prosperous personal-brand business by following 5 proven phases.   If you get these phases out of order you will have problems. If you are frustrated with lack of traction in building your personal brand online, chances are you’re out of sequence.   If you want to start a platform-based, personal-brand business by taking your knowledge, your wisdom, your expertise, and your gifts and you can share them with people (the world) via the power of the Internet. You can establish your global reach for $50-$100 by creating a radio show (podcast), TV show (YouTube channel) and other various ways of having people communicate with you (social media). Many businesses have done just that. Casey Neistat  started out with a video camera and making movies and had no audience, no following, and built a seven million follower YouTube channel. Part of his company was purchased by CNN for $25 million last year. Peter McKinnon, a photographer, cinematographer, and videographer who lives in Canada has built a million subscriber YouTube channel.   It’s not just YouTube channels, there are people in all social media markets like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You know the names of the people who rule these marketplaces, but you may not know the people in the niches that are getting wealthy serving a small, few thousand people in their particular niche. “The internet and the ability to build a personal brand online is the great equalizer of all entrepreneurs.”  Ray Edwards 5 Phases of a Prosperous Business Determine the meaning of life and the meaning of your business. Define your mission, your vision, your goals, and your tasks. Clarify your message. (Who you help, why they need you, what you do that helps) Create marketing materials. (Marketing that is clear, repeatable, and sticky.) Collect money.  (Give value first.) 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.

You already are a personal brand, and as my friend Mike Kim says, you might as well be a better one. Personal branding isn't just for celebrities, public speakers, or internet gurus…It's for YOU!  This week's episode will help you make big strides in your own personal brand, thanks to Mike's expert advice. Feature Presentation Throughout my years of consulting and training, I have encountered a common sentiment among many would-be content creators - "How can I succeed when so many others are already doing what I want to do?" I get it...Most likely, you've already been inspired by content creators in your field of expertise. Perhaps you are even a devoted, multi-platform-following fan of some of them. Why would anyone choose your content over theirs? It's a one-word answer: You. Your personal-brand is where your power lies...It's not simply a battle of Your Content vs. Their Content - It's a Battle of the Brands. The fact is, even though someone else may have more resources than you (more time, more money, more support staff, better equipment), your personality, your style, YOUR BRAND, can serve as an equalizer. It's the unduplicatable part of your content, and Mike Kim has the knowledge to raise your branding game to a new level. Listen to the episode (or read the transcript linked below) Then, grab Mike Kim's book here. Links From This Episode You Are The Brand - The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise & Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business. No matter where you buy your copy of Mike Kim's book, You Are The Brand, make sure you go to this official site to claim many awesome bonuses. Norm McDonald's Moth Joke - I mentioned it, so I felt the need to throw this in. 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: 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. This is the Wild West Economy, all over again (Fortunes will be made NOW) Chaos Rewards Optimism - Things are chaotic right now, but chaos rewards optimism and reflects whatever you expect of it. It's a new Inflection Point. Worldwide - More millionaires are being made now than ever in the history of the world economy. 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'm asking you to do some self-reflection (check yourself, before you wreck yourself.) I'm offering you 5 "Failure Factors" that can paralyze entrepreneurs if left unchecked. The good news is this: Even if you see some, or all of these factors in yourself, there is a simple solution. That's what I'm giving you in this week's episode. Spiritual Foundations "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;     in the morning I lay my requests before you     and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3, NIV How is it possible to stay spiritually centered in a world prone to chaos? This verse from Psalm gives us a pretty good recipe: Start your morning by speaking God - Then LISTEN for His voice throughout the rest of the day. Tip Of The Week Here's an app that fixes a recurring, expensive problem for many of us: Forgetting to cancel things we're not using. You may even see the charge pop up and think, "Oh yeah, I need to cancel that.", but the subscription rolls on for a few months until you actually do it. Truebill takes care of this in a simple, almost magical way. It keeps track of all your subscriptions and allows you to cancel unwanted ones with a single click. Amazing! Feature Presentation This week, I'm breaking down 5 factors that can be dream-killing kryptonite for entrepreneurs: Drifting (You MUST NOT drift. You need an intentional destination) Complaining (If you're complaining about things that are not in your control, stop it. If you're complaining about things you can control, stop it...and fix the thing that you're complaining about.) "Victiming" (It might give you some quick pain relief, but this fixes nothing) Comparison vs. Creation (Don't worry about who's doing it better, keep creating! The more you create, the better you will get) Procrastinate vs. Publish (You're not perfect. You're content will not be perfect. Don't let striving for perfection lead you to producing nothing.) 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. Truebill - No more forgotten free-trials or hidden subscriptions. Track them all and cancel with a click. 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.