Ray Edwards Show

Everybody knows that to succeed online you need to build your emails list. Email is still the most effective selling tool online. Videos, webinars, and "the socials" don't work without email. But building an email list is hard. Unless you know the secrets in today's podcast episode. We're going to share exactly how to build and email list fast. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations The first act of business is service to others. Profit is the result of service. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.  1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) Tip of the Week Focus at Will concentration app. Focus@will is a new music service based on human neuroscience. It helps you focus, reduce distractions, maintain your productivity and retain information when working, studying, writing and reading. The scientifically tested technology behind focus@will has been shown to alter brain activity toward a state that is more conducive to productivity. Feature Presentation: "How To Build an Email List Fast" How to Build an Email List Fast Identify your core idea Create your core content Publish Find a problem you can solve Offer a quick fix Continue publishing Go fish where the fish are Snippets  (0:00) The "Independence Day" Question. Why zombies are better than aliens. (2:13) Why profit is the result of service.(4:54) A powerful tool that helps you increase your focus and productivity. (5:23) How you can have 1-million people on your email list, and why you shouldn't do this. (9:03) The perfect people you want on your email list, and how to make that happen. (10:28) What lawn darts have to do with email lists (making our point). (11:23) The one thing you must never stop doing if you want your email list to grow. (15:10) How to get to 1,000 subscribers by doing nothing. (15:46) Are you sitting on a gold mine? (20:07) Facebook secrets for list building. (22:05) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Focus@Will How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript. 

If you want to build an online business, or if you want to go online to promote your local, real-world business, you face the same challenge. There are a bajillion websites out there, so how do you stand out in a Sea of Sameness? It's easy to wast time, money, and effort and get nothing in return. There is one ingredient that can change all that. It's not magic, but it is required. CONTENT. But how do you create enough good content to matter? This week we're going to show you a simple way to create 10 pieces of content across 5 major platforms in about an hour. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations I love this particular scripture from Deuteronomy 8:18, "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day." For those of you who get all freaked out when we talk about God getting involved in wealth creation…not only is He for it, He gave you the power to get it. You need confidence and you need to be able to recognize your own power, but also to remember who granted that power to you. Respect the creation, but worship only the Creator. Tip of the Week You know you've arrived as a content creator when people just start sending you stuff out of the blue. Now let me clear, I'm not opposed to people sending me their products to try in the hopes that I'll talk about it on my podcast. If it's quality stuff and makes my life better, I don't mind talking about it. That's exactly what happened recently when I was contacted by Aaron at Arkon Mounts. They have the largest assortment of professional-grade mounts, holders, tripods, and stands for tablets, phones, cameras, GPS, and live streaming. We've put a link in the resources section for all the cool stuff I received. If you want to see me unboxing and assembling these items you can check out my recent vlog entitled Do The Hard Things. I know you're going to be blown away by the quality of these products.  They are all backed by a 2-year standard warranty. Use our affiliate coupon code "RayEdwards" which saves you 20% at arkon.com. Feature Presentation: "How To Create Content Fast" Creating a large amount of high-quality content in a short period of time is easier than you think. Here is my 9-point system for creating content fast: Have an idea. Make an outline and talk about your ideausing your smartphone Publish the video on Facebook and Youtube. Strip out the audio Publish the audio as a podcast Have the audio transcribed. Edit the transcript into a blog post. Edit the blog post into posts for Facebook, LinkedIn, Google +. Pull at least 3 tweest from the text So in one hour you would have created: One Youtube Video One Podcast One Transcript One Blog Post One Facebook Post One LinkedIn article One Google + post Three Tweets Thats 10 pieces of content, on 5 major platforms in sixty minutes…not to shabby. To find out more about how to do this yourself, and to discover how to use this content to launch multiple streams of income join us inside this week's episode. In the meantime, here are some snippets from our conversation: The oak begins as an acorn – How to harness one great idea (9:16) Begin with the end in mind – How to use your smartphone to make a point and make a difference (9:56) The Charlie Chaplin Approach – Why silence is more than golden, it's also very profitable (10:49) There's an app for that – How to change the world and watch your business grow (11:12) Your digital soapbox – Putting the social in social media (11:48) Rinse and Repeat – How duplication turns into multiplication (13:35) The power of persistence – Discover the key to dominating the digital landscape (14:08) The Lego Method – Why a modular approach is the cornerstone of strategic thinking (14:31) Don't outsource your voice – Here's what you should do yourself, and how to find the right people to do everything else (16:03) Sean's Rant of the Week – The simple cure to keep your soul from dying (17:41) It's bigger than you – How a single idea can create a global impact (19:26) Little is the new big – Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world (24:05) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Arkon Mounts TW Broadcaster – Dual Phone/Tablet Stand Selfie Ring Light Fold-Up Tablet Stand (Great for Travel) Deluxe 11" Phone Tripod Sonic Shutter Ultrasonic Remote 11" Camera Tripod How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript.

Do you have a list of things that need to get done, but for some reason you never seem to get around to doing them? Sometimes it appears that everyone around you seems like a productivity genius…while you struggle to remember to feed the cat. Fear not intrepid listener, you don't have to keep staring at that same to-do list as it bullies you and taunts you with feelings of failure. In this episode we're going to reveal the 5 Reasons You Don't Get Things Done…and how to kick those reasons to the curb forever. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations This week's Scripture seems appropriate to our topic. Check out what Jesus had to say in Matthew 25:29, "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." Ouch. That doesn't sound like Gentle Jesus. This Scripture comes from the Parable of the Talents. In this parable boldness is rewarded and timidity is reprimanded. In fact, Jesus actually calls the timid person a "wicked and evil servant." Double ouch. Have you ever wondered why the most productive servant was richly rewarded while the timid servant had everything taken from him? The answer lies within this episode. Tip of the Week Imagine that you have a bunch of charges on your debit card every month, and some of them are a total mystery to you. Or worse, you haven't looked at your statement in a while and you realize you've been paying a monthly charge for something you stopped using long ago. If these scenarios sound familiar, I have a radical solution for you…just call in and get another debit card. Why would I make such a suggestion? In this week's episode I'll tell you the story of what happened to me, and how you can learn from my mistake. Feature Presentation: "5 Reasons You Don't Get Things Done…And How to Change" There are 5 main reasons you don't get things done:  You don't know WHAT needs to be done. You don't know HOW to do what needs to be done. You don't know WHY it needs to be done. You don't have the time, energy, or resources you NEED to do what needs to be done. You don't have the COURAGE to do what needs to be done. This week I'm going to give you the tools to change and start your journey to becoming a productivity master. Here are some snippets from our conversation… Sean's Rant of the Week: Jesus talks about cold, hard cash (4:52) Two strategic errors rolled into one – why what you believe makes all the difference (14:22) Start with, Why? – the one question that lights the pathway forward (16:14) Why are we doing this? – The Story of Bob and the Ultimate Consulting Question (16:44) Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic – How to stop doing stuff that doesn't matter (18:01) The next logical step – Rediscovering The Lost Art of Thinking and Task Management (19:35) The Missing Link – How what you don't know really can hurt you (21:54) Making Socrates proud – The 3 questions you must ask yourself before learning a new skill (23:27) An excuse masquerading as a reason – The one thing you do all the time that needs to stop NOW (25:44) The uncomfortable experiment – You're not as busy as you think you are (27:15) This may hurt a little – How to follow your own yellow brick road and go from coward to conqueror (31:33) How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript. 

Are you looking for a way to grow your tribe and build a business around your passion? Have you ever considered starting a podcast, but your concerns about the expense, the work, and the commitment it takes to start and maintain a successful podcast make you wonder if it's worth it? Will this still work, or has podcasting had its day? In this interview, we probe the mind of The Podcast Answer Man, Cliff Ravenscraft. He has helped launch some of the most successful podcasters – including Michael Hyatt, Dan Miller, John Lee Dumas, Amy Porterfield, Pat Flynn… and yes, Ray Edwards. Together we'll uncover whether podcasting is the right move for you and your business. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Feature Presentation: "Build a Business Around a Podcast: An Interview with Cliff Ravenscraft" In this animated conversation, Cliff shares the story of how he came to be The Podcast Answer Man. We also get into why he believes almost anyone can start a podcast around something they love… and build a business from that foundation. Cliff Ravenscraft is first and foremost a podcast producer who has produced more than 30 of his own podcast shows with over 3,600 of his very own podcast episodes devoted to Business, Technology, Entertainment, Family, and Faith. In December 2006, Cliff launched PodcastAnswerMan.com where he has since helped tens of thousands of individuals and organizations successfully launch a podcast through: one-on-one coaching, his Podcasting A to Z online group coaching course, and his digital training tutorials. If you were to look at the top 100 podcasts in the business category of iTunes, more than 50 of these shows were created by clients who worked with Cliff. The man knows what he is talking about.  Here are some snippets from our conversation… Why some people will spend dozens of hours listening to every word you say (and what that means to you). (2:57) Why podcasting is an unparalleled method for exerting influence and building your business. (4:28) How a pursuing you passion can be the foundation of a business – even if your passion is watching TV. (6:45) To get a "lift" from the "Big Boys', you have to be in the right place at the right time (8:58) How to make the "podcast pivot", and go from passion to profit (12:54) Your podcast content can give your listeners the power to become the "King or Queen of the Water Cooler" (17:01) How Kim's Email opened Cliff's mind, and helped him take his first step into a larger world. (18:28) Bad Christian! How a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown. (20:57) How spiritual manipulation led to a positive change for the Ravenscraft clan (25:56) The day Cliff quit podcasting, and the deep dark hole he got sucked into as a result (27:51) How to know when it's time to take stand, and the freedom it can lead to. (29:39) How a podcast becomes a business – pay attention to what people are asking you for. (32:57) Do what you love for a living is more than just a bumper sticker – here's how to make it work. (35:55) Why work is indeed "happy wonderful fun time" – and why garbage collectors are not millionaires. (36:56) A powerful thought experiment that can help you find your "calling" (38:26) The Entrepreneurial Awakening, and how to experience it yourself. (40:45) The very bad, horrible day that wore Cliff down. What his wife said that changed his life. (41:54) The difficult conversation that wasn't – the moment Cliff "came to life." (43:20) Here's what selling really means – and how most people get it wrong (47:22) Don't despise the day of small beginnings – what Cliff's first year in business looked like (50:06) Timing + Positioning + Hard Work = Luck – How to set-up your brand for success (51:50) How to become the go-to authority for your listeners – it's easier than you think! (54:09) How demonstrating your value can put getting new customers on autopilot (56:46) The quick self-test that will let you know if podcasting is right for you (58:31) Resources Mentioned in This Episode The Podcast Answer Man Podcasting A to Z Podcasting Digital Tutorials Ravenscraft.org The Lost Podcast Podcast Answer Man 500th Episode Extravaganza Cliff Ravenscraft's Free Best of the Best Newsletter How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript. 

True or False: You can't be a real artist and make money. Most other professions are more reliable and stable than any kind of art. A lower percentage of artists make a stable, livable income than other For art to be pure, the artist should not do it for the money. The only way for an artist to "make it" they must "sell out." If you answered TRUE to ANY of those statements, you need some de-programming. In this week's episode Jeff Goins will help set you straight. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Our word for this episode comes from Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." We all know what happens if your computer gets a corrupted hard drive. It's been infected and is no longer capable of properly performing the task it was assigned. The same is true for the words you speak. If they are infected with negative and hurtful attitudes they are no longer capable of performing the task they were given from God. What is that task? Your words were designed to edify, uplift, and encourage those around you…and yourself. Selah. Tip of the Week Our tip of the week, not surprisingly, is connected to our guest Jeff Goins and his new book, "Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age." One of the things I love most about this book is that it debunks the myth of the starving artist. As a side note, be sure to listen to the interview before you buy the book because he has a link that will hook you up with a couple hundred dollar's-worth of free bonuses! Feature Presentation: "Real Artists Don't Starve: An Interview with Jeff Goins" In this episode, bestselling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is, in fact, a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Here are some highlights from our conversation: Starvation is a choice (5:06) Be like Mike…Michelangelo that is (6:56) The myth of the starving artist (10:18) How to become a thriving artist (10:55) The New Renaissance (12:04) The legacy of Henri Murger (12:15) Why Santa Claus is so powerful (14:08) Stop feeding the beast (16:03) The edge of acceptable (19:04) Are you an artist? (19:38) Mindset, Market, and Money (21:06) What story are you telling yourself? (23:13) The Two-Story Exercise (25:33) Connect your art with an audience (26:30) Believe it until you become it (27:25) Eat your vegetables (29:12) Debunking the idea of luck (30:33) Ernest Hemingway's version of luck (32:20) Strategy vs Hustle (33:48) Steal your way to success (35:23) Standing on the shoulders of giants (40:20) Practice in public (41:08) Share something today (45:31) George Lucas, Pixar, and profits (48:10) Your responsibility as an artist (54:45) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Jeff Goins Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck–Why Some Thrive Despite Them All How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript.

Here's the problem: you want to build a business, an organization, a church, or a body of work. Something that has long-term significance and impact. Yet it often feels like you're forced to focus on short-term gains. In this episode, we'll introduce you to a way of leadership that is simpler, more elegant, less stressful… and more effective. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations This week I want to talk about the promises made to Abraham and how they still belong to believers today. God promised Abraham that he would be blessed to be a blessing. Some people argue that this just applies to "spiritual" blessings, but in this week's episode I'll propose to you that we are, in fact, "heirs of the world" – according to "the promise". Tip of the Week I've discovered a new meditation app that is worth checking out, it's called Headspace. The cool thing about it is that it comes with little cartoon movies that demonstrate the principles of meditation and they are narrated by a guy with a fantastic British accent. They offer a free 10-day trial, so it's worth giving it a try. Student Success Story Our first student success story focuses on Jen Gordon. She is a talented landing page designer, marketer, and in her words…"a darn good listener." Jen used her creativity and her copy skills to create Hope Decks, a collection of 60 inspirational Bible verse postcards with custom artwork on every card. If you're looking for a meaningful gift of encouragement, you can't go wrong with Hope Decks. Feature Presentation: "Catch and Release Leadership: How to Start a Movement" Recently a friend of mine asked me about my goal of fostering a movement on one million Kingdom-minded millionaires…he then reminded me of the book The Master Plan of Evangelism. It's a manual for growing any type of organization. It's a small, but powerful book, and the basis for today's episode. Here are some highlights from our discussion… Sean's Rant of the Week – Special Edition (7:58) How to get your message everywhere (29:15) The selection process (30:50) The value of the inner circle (31:45) Success from apparent failure (33:05) The most successful movement in history (34:03) Hang around time (34:48) The Apprentice (35:09) Transfer your skills (35:43) Watch me (36:08) Radical delegation (37:12) Giving the right answer (38:01) Caked in dust (38:40) Putting it all together (39:45) The stunning power of duplication (43:44) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Headspace Meditation App Jen Gordon Hope Decks The Master Plan of Evangelism by Dr. Robert E. Coleman How To Help Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts 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 mention you on this show. Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript. 

Too often we go through life bouncing from one random event to the next, always reacting to our circumstances and allowing them to dictate our lives. If you're ever going to take control of your destiny, you have to be able to learn to adjust to circumstances using your own personal grit, determination, and the ability to focus on significance instead of success. Today's guest, Aaron Walker, can help you do just that. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Proverbs 27:17 tells us that, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." But what does that look like in our day-to-day life? It's not just about getting another person's opinion, it's a process that sometimes generates heat and friction…it's not always easy or pleasant, but it is always profitable. Tip of the Week I've been doing a lot of video lately, and I've discovered something really fun and promising for those who don't want to spend a lot of time learning the intricacies of Adobe Premiere. Adobe Spark makes it easy for everyone to transform their ideas into stunning visual stories. It allows you to create professional quality graphics, web pages, and animated videos for blogs and more…and the best part is no design experience is necessary. Feature Presentation: "The View from the Top with Aaron Walker: Living a Life of Significance" Aaron Walker is a veteran entrepreneur who has started, bought, and sold twelve successful companies over the past 38 years. He has a strong desire for personal development and meets regularly with such luminaries as Dave Ramsey, Dan Miller, and Ken Abraham. Aaron enjoys a 37-year marriage to his beautiful wife, Robin, and today he invests the majority of his time helping others grow in success and significance as President and Founder of View from The Top, a premier life and business coaching company. Here are some snippets from our conversation: Swami Ray makes a prediction (9:45) Transformed lives matter (10:35) Blindsided by tragedy (12:40) You can't handle the truth! (13:30) Prioritize your priorities (14:03) Pessimist vs Realist (15:40) Been there, done that (16:20) Get off the mat (17:10) Can't couldn't do it… (17:12) The MasterMind Transformation (18:06) The counsel of the multitudes (20:15) Who are your 5 people? (21:18) How to start from zero (21:54) You aren't owed anything (24:32) The fast track to a changed life (26:57) Take out the garbage (30:41) Telling the truth in love (31:36) Is it okay to be significant? (34:17) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Adobe Spark Thinkific View from the Top Bonuses How To Help Subscribe to the show through 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 mention you on this show. PLEASE USE THE APPLE PODCAST APP! Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript. 

You are the pioneer. The entrepreneur. The explorer. The risk-taker. But you find yourself married to, or in business with, a settler. A homesteader. A risk-avoider. In this episode, our very special guest is going to blow your mind with her insights about how to harmonize these polar opposites, and prove that they are better together than apart. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Our verse this week is from Psalm 18:22…"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." That has certainly been the case with me as you'll discover later in this episode. Tip of the Week Word of Warning: My tip this week won't work for people who are paranoid about being tracked by their phone. I have fallen in love with an app called Life Cycle. This app automatically tracks your life and presents it to you in a way that lets you see what you're doing with your time. If you're looking to make changes about the ways you spend your time, this may just be the app for you. Feature Presentation: "Married To The Business: The Pioneer and the Settler" In this episode I'm having a conversation with a very wise woman…my wife Lynn. She is the most authentic and honest person I know, and she has a totally contagious laugh. Here are some snippets from our conversation: The origin of the Pioneer and the Settler (4:35) Not for women only (5:05) Wagons Ho! (5:28) The shooting gallery (6:01) On a gravy train with biscuit wheels (6:26) An unethical dilemma (7:44) What a freak-out feels like (8:04) Be the conductor of your own train (8:45) Asking the awkward question (9:44) Genesis and the kitchen table (11:18) The recipe for a great husband and father (12:05) Ray gets busted (13:03) The dilemma of letting go (13:29) Clash of the Titans (15:05) The value of a Safe Space (15:28) Doing the brave thing (16:18) Same song…48th verse (17:09) Know the other person's heart (18:15) How to stay married (19:17) The foundation of faith (21:40) What to say to your younger self (23:05) Don't sweat the small stuff (24:03) Lynn's message to the younger Ray (24:24) The sexy snort (25:12) Escaping the performance trap (25:45) Proper care and feeding of Settlers (26:04) Lynn drops a Truth Bomb (26:28) The 3-Sentence Rule (27:48) Mansplaining (29:50) Essential meaningful purpose (30:22) Stay in your lane (31:12) Rapid fire bonus questions (33:36) Has the journey been worth it? (35:13) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Life Cycle Sleep Cycle Brave Communication by Dan Farrelly Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, Redding, California Stuart Saves His Family How To Help Subscribe to the show through 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 mention you on this show. PLEASE USE THE APPLE PODCAST APP! Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript.

You hear so many people saying you should write a book. Your business may be struggling, and it's tempting to buy into the idea that writing a book will give your business that boost you need. The credibility and authority a book would give you are huge. Your book can get you interviews, speaking gigs, and sell more of your products, services and programs. But is writing a book the move for you? Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations The Bible has some interesting advice for us…"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." James 3:1 (NKJV) I think that's another way of saying, "With great power comes great responsibility." So if you choose to become a teacher, or an author, be prepared to take it seriously and grow some rhinoceros skin because people will take a poke at you. Tip of the Week I've noticed that most people grossly underestimate the time it takes to do things. I use Nozbe to help me overcome that challenge. It has helped me become a productivity ninja. It helps me deal with my incoming tasks, prioritize them, manage them within projects and get them done quickly and effectively…and that is a beautiful thing. Feature Presentation: Should I Write a Book? 5 Reasons to Write a Book A good book can build your reputation, authority, and credibility. A good book will be a legacy that lives on after you are gone. A book causes you to test, clarify, and strengthen your thinking. A book can get you interviews, speaking engagements, and sales. While you probably won't make a fortune by publishing a book, you can make one explaining the book. 5 Reasons Not to Write a Book A bad book can ruin your reputation. A book never goes away – copies will always exist. You will never be happy with it. It's hard to do. Authors rarely make any money from writing a book. And…you guessed it…some snippets from our conversation: They "wrote the book" on that (13:27) Get out of my head! (14:27) Anger is an energy (16:01) The pathway to the stage (17:15) The hub of your business (18:07) Express yourself! (19:45) The toothpaste is out of the tube (21:27) You can run, but you can't hide (22:10) Satisfaction NOT guaranteed (22:34) You get out what you put in (23:13) If you write it, they may not buy it (24:31) Tell me about your platform (26:38) Do you have a plan? (27:09) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Nozbe David Allen's Getting Things Done Michael Hyatt's Free To Focus Awaken The Giant Within How To Help Subscribe to the show through 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 mention you on this show. PLEASE USE THE APPLE PODCAST APP! Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript.

You have customers but they are cheap, complain a lot, and are a pain to deal with. If they aren't controlled, corralled, and completely ejected they can eat your time, your cash flow, and your business alive. This week we're going to show you how to fix that problem and prevent it from ever happening again…so you only deal with cool people that you like. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Is there a scriptural foundation for only working with good clients who appreciate your work and pay you what you're worth? I'm so glad you asked. Check this out: "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 1 Timothy 5:18 (NKJV) In this week's episode Sean and I give you some additional insight on this verse that I think you'll find valuable. Tip of the Week This week's tip is the wonderful and magnificent service known as Amazon Subscribe & Save. You can set up regularly scheduled deliveries and earn savings on everything from diapers to toothpaste to dog treats…literally thousands of everyday products from Amazon and Amazon Marketplace. My ambition in life is to never run another errand again, and this service may just make that possible. Feature Presentation: How Do I Attract Better Customers? A 10-Step Plan That Works I finally got relief from my dire situation when I fired the clients who were the big trouble-makers and got really clear about who I WANTED to work with. You can do this too, by simply following this 10-step plan: Set the Criteria for Being a "Good" Client. Define the qualities of your ideal customer. Be on the lookout for these unicorns. Set the Criteria for Being a "Bad" Client. Define the qualities that make you miserable or stressed with clients. Swear that you will never take another client, nor keep a client, who has ANY of these qualities, Purge the Scourge. Examine your existing client base and get rid of any stinkers. Preach the "Good Client Gospel." Publish your "Do's and Don'ts" clearly, frequently and boldly. Develop a "Bad Client Mythology." Tell client horror stories and make them part of your Company Mythology – so your prospective clients know how you identify "bad apples" – and let them know what happens to bad apples. Develop a keen sense of discernment about people. Every time I have taken on a bad client, I always had a nagging feeling deep inside that I had ignored. Trust your sensors. Make them work for it. If they really want to work with you, make them prove it. Put some hurdles in place. Weed out the clients who ignore, break, or try to circumvent the rules of being accepted as your client. Be Expensive. While his alone can be a good filter, it is not 100% effective. There are some nasty, needy, broken, and/or crazy people who have lots of money. Listen to Your Team. Be completely unreasonable. While it will help you screen out the "problem children," it will also cause the Good Clients to want you even more. And…you guessed it…some snippets from our conversation: For vegetarians only (9:10) Sean "sparkly" rant (9:35) The Force is strong with this one (12:15) Ray & Sean tackle The Great Unicorn Debate (12:27) Are you willing to take the oath? (13:23) The Bad Client Story (14:03) Make it known throughout the land (15:24) Only gather ripe apples (16:21) Trust your gut, not your wallet (17:13) The Edwin Moses Strategy (18:37) Be a Rolex, not a Timex (19:22) Trust your team (20:42) Take a look in the mirror (21:39) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Amazon Subscribe & Save Squatty Potty How To Help Subscribe to the show through 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 mention you on this show. PLEASE USE THE APPLE PODCAST APP! Get The Transcript Right-Click and "Save As" to Get the PDF Transcript.