Ray Edwards Show

For many business owners, cash-flow can be a huge problem. Most businesses that fail do so because of this one problem…they run out of money. Cash-flow is the lifeblood of a business, and in this episode we're going to give you several ways to solve this problem before THEY come and take your stuff. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Here's a little encouragement for the week ahead: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) So ask yourself. "How rich is God?" Your needs will be supplied according to His riches, not yours. I would rather have His standard of measure…how about you? Selah. Tip of the Week This week's tip comes from our good friend Ernie "The Attorney" Svenson…and it may upset some people in the legal community. If you're looking for a premium DIY solution for the most common legal situations then you'll love this app called ShakeLaw. If you're a freelancer, for example, you can generate agreements straight out of this app. There are a bunch of options included with ShakeLaw and I think it's worth checking out. Feature Presentation: How Do I Solve a Cash-Flow Problem? You can beef up cash-flow with these 7 short-term solutions: Reach out to past and present customers Ask for referrals Personal services Consulting/Coaching Affiliate Sales Get a temporary job Direct selling And…as always…some snippets from our conversation: Sean's rant of the week (9:40) Why this advice is unpopular (10:45) Reach out and touch someone (11:34) Rusty's Wisdom (12:15) Ask and ye shall receive (13:44) Ray's Way of mining for referral gold (14:20) Skills to pay the bills (15:46) What comes easily to you? (16:29) Try selling OPS (17:42) Embrace the Stop-Gap (19:25) What do you really value? (21:45) Sean's rant of the week – Part 2 (22:13) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Ernie "The Attorney" Svenson ShakeLaw 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. 

Are you getting the results you want from your sales and marketing efforts? Maybe you've heard you should use stories to sell, perhaps you've even tried it, but how do you consistently make it work? Successfully telling stories is the key to selling your products and services like crazy…and having your customers thank you for it. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, one thing we can all agree on is that the teachings of Jesus have permeated the world's population over the ages. How did He do that? Check this out… "Jesus used stories when he spoke to the people. In fact, he did not tell them anything without using stories." Matthew 13:34 (CEV) So it seems to me that storytelling might be a good way to spread your message. Tip Of The Week A couple of weeks ago we had a company meeting about the importance of securing our information. It may seem more labor intensive, but I feel strongly that you should consider activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in your life and business. If you use: iCloud iTunes Dropbox Gmail Google Drive All these services and many others offer the option of Two-Factor Authentication. It may be a bit of a hassle, but it helps keep the bad guys at bay. Isn't your security worth a little extra effort? Feature Segment: "How Do I Sell Using Stories?" You can sell using stories in the following 7 ways: To develop the KLT (Know, Like, Trust) Factor. To establish the "dopamine flow." To instill values and beliefs in your customers. To train your customers in proper behavior. To provide examples of how your product changes people and organizations. To prove that your premise or your promise is true and reliable. To condition for the listen. And…as always…some snippets from our conversation: There's no money in the middle (12:05) Embrace the chocolatey goodness (12:50) The Edwards Apple Nerd-Fest (13:44) The Stephen King Surge (14:53) Call forth your audience! (15:08) Don't act like that (15:52) The Story of Jack (17:03) Spandau Ballet had it right (19:04) From story to six-figures (19:53) 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 a message, a product, or a service and you want to spread the message far and wide. But despite your best efforts, you don't seem to be getting any traction. In this episode we'll show you how to be like your heroes and make money while making an impact. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations I believe there are principles behind scripture that can apply to more than one situation. Now before the scripture police get all up in arms over that statement, I recommend you listen to this section of the show for greater clarity. In Galatians Chapter 6 verse nine, the Apostle Paul teaches us to "not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." In the context of this episode, I believe the lesson here is that if you're worried about building a bigger audience and too feel like its too difficult, be encouraged to not grow weary. You're doing good and in due season you will reap if you don't lose heart. Selah. Tip Of The Week Michael Hyatt introduced me to this week's tip, and I immediately knew that I needed one. What is it you ask? It's the Spine Book Tower. It allows me to house about 70 books in a lot less space than a traditional book shelf, and its an almost magical way to display your written works of art. Feature Segment: "How Do I Get A Bigger Audience?" You can grow your audience simply by writing according to these 5 Steps Narrow Your Focus – the riches are in the niches Find Your Hook – are you my kind of weird? Create Your Manifesto – here we stand Recruit True Believers – can I get an amen? And an email address? Build Your Media Empire – the everywhere effect And…you guessed it…some snippets from our conversation: And now…the end of the story (10:55) The worst place to draw a line (11:30) The Secret of Getting a Bigger Audience (13:19) The myth of self-discipline (14:45) Aim small…miss small (15:39) You talkin to me? (16:45) Embrace your inner misfit (17:20) Scratch that niche (18:35) Nobody wants to hear that…do they? (19:40) The Weirdness Magnet (20:32) This should scare you (22:59) Your most valuable asset (24:48) Ray's Rant of the Week (26:14) Barbarians at the Gate (27:07) The Secret of the 5-Steps (28:45) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Spine Book Tower You Everywhere Now 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.

Early in my copywriting business I was doing client work for 80-100 hours per week, I was killing myself. Two mentors intervened and got me out of that madness. Almost every business success story I can name has a mentor – or several. Today we'll talk about why you need a mentor and how to find one. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Running a business, especially as a spiritually-oriented person presents us with a lot of challenges, and most of those challenges are ones we never expected. There will be days when you want to just quit and give up, but God will always be there to catch you and uphold you. He even says so…"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37: 23-24 NIV) Selah. Tip Of The Week The big trend these days is traveling light, but this week I'm going to show my contrarian side. I've tried to travel light, and for me it doesn't work so well. If I travel with a small bag and just a few things, I always seem to wind up buying a bunch of stuff I need at my destination. It kind of defeats the purpose…and it can become expensive really fast. So I've embraced the opposite approach to travel. I take a big hard-sided case where I place my delicate gadgets (in smaller hard cases), which yes, I have to check, but it beats the hassle of competing for overhead space with all my fellow passengers. I comfortably board the aircraft and enjoy the journey…and isn't that what life's all about? Feature Segment: "Why You Need A Mentor (And How To Find One)" I believe there are five reasons you need a mentor, and here they are: You can't read the label if you're inside the bottle. Wisdom protects from pitfalls Wisdom helps yo recognize opportunities A true mentor will call you on your bone-headed moves or attitudes You need someone looking at your situation who is not emotionally invested in the outcome …Plus I'll show you how to find the right mentor. And…as always…some snippets from our conversation: The superpower to see the unseen (8:58) Ears to hear (9:31) The "Acres of Diamonds" Syndrome(10:24) That's just stupid (10:43) Can you hear me now? (11:33) Mentorship has nothing to do with age (12:37) Surgeons don't work on their own family (12:46) How to ask for help (13:58) Be the best student (15:02) Engineer your discovery (16:09) Two heads are better than one (16:43) Low-hanging fruit is delicious (16:52) Embrace the unconventional (17:31) Keep your eyes open (18:35) Mentors don't need to be alive (19:37) Resources Mentioned in This Episode Acres of Diamonds Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin John Adams Alexander Hamilton Plato: The Complete Works The Basic Works of Aristotle Seneca Six Pack The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius 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. 

If you've listened to this show for any length of time, you know that our intro music is a catchy little ditty about changing the world and watching your business grow. This week we're going to introduce you to the five influences you exert as a business person, and how these influences empower you to change the world. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations This week it's all about giving you an encouraging word (as it is most weeks). "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." – Psalm 5:3 (NIV) As inspired business leaders, this is how we should begin our day. The result is a more peaceful and productive day, regardless of the challenges we may face. Tip Of The Week This week's tip comes straight from renowned coffee connoisseur Sean Edwards himself. Enjoy a highbrow coffee experience and drink your coffee from a ceramic mug – not from paper cups. It tastes better and it's better for you. This is a real thing…your tastebuds will thank you. Feature Segment: "How to Change the World  (And Watch Your Business Grow)" As an entrepreneur, you exert 5 Influences that create world-change, and business growth. You exert Influence in these ares: Your Self Your Team Your Customers Your Community Your Competitors And…you guessed it…some snippets from our conversation: Drop the stone in the pond (10:08) The Butterfly Effect (10:27) Don't skip this step (11:12) Sean channels his inner Tony Robbins (12:32) How to multiply your time and influence (14:12) Set the bar and receive the love (16:09) The key to virtual influence (17:27) Get fanatical about this one thing (19:33) Take the Ray Challenge (21:28) 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 know you need great copy to sell your stuff, and you're thinking of hiring a copywriter, but how can you make sure you don't get ripped off? In this episode we'll show you how to successfully navigate these waters and arrive safely on the shores of copywriting bliss. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Are facing challenges in your life right now? I have excellent news for you. No matter what is happening in your life, God is completely on your side! That, my friends, is called the Divine Advantage. In Romans 8:31 God says, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" No matter what life throws at you, take courage because you're on the winning side! Tip Of The Week If you use a Mac user and you're a productivity geek I highly recommend you get the most out of your Apple technology by checking out the Mac Power Users Podcast with David Sparks and Katie Floyd. In addition, David Sparks has his own blog called MacSparky.com where he has created free screencasts that show you how to get the most out of your productivity apps. He also has a series of Field Guides you can purchase on a variety of subjects that will make you want to hug your Mac. Prepare to feel the Apple love. Feature Segment: "10 Commandments of Hiring a Copywriter" Maybe you've tried to hire a copywriter in the past, but you had a bad experience with The 7 Deadly Copywriter Sins: The copy was just plain bad (too hypey, too weak, or "info-only") The copy sounded like everyone else (the Sea of Sameness, Mired in the Muck of Mediocrity) Your copywriter took the money and ran Your copywriter never communicated with you…ever. The copy was late. They never asked for your feedback, so the final product was miles off target. They Found You, Fooled You, and Forgot You You'd like to hire a pro, but you can't afford the fees of an "A-List Copywriter" (Ray's current minimum is $250,000 up-front, plus a percentage of sales, for a "Private Client Launch Package".) Yikes! You're frustrated because it seems like the biggest "X-Factor" in your product launch is the copy, and you are afraid neither you nor your team is good enough to get it right. The 10 Commandments of Hiring a Copywriter i. Scope: Thy copywriter shalt help you determine exactly what type of copy you'll need, and how much copy you'll need to bring you the results you seek. ii. Voice: Thy copywriter shalt spend time with you and your material to learn your unique voice, and then infuse that voice into your copy. Your voice is what differentiates you from the crowd. iii. Deadline: Thy copywriter shalt deliver your copy on time…every time. If he doth not, woe unto them, and they shalt be cast into outer darkness. iv. Milestones: Thy copywriter shalt set up mile markers along the way during your project so that you can be consistently confident that your project is receiving the loving care it deserves. v. Communication: Thy copywriter shalt check in with you throughout the process to get your input and make absolutely certain that you're thrilled with the hand-crafted copy thou receiveth. vi. Revisions: Thy copywriter shalt continue to work with you until thou art thrilled. vii. Proofreading: Thy copywriter shalt have thy copy proofread, and ensure the text is error-fee. viii. Review: Thy copywriter shalt put thy copy under the watchful eye of a mentor or other senior copywriter. ix. Results: Thy copywriter shalt have a track record of results. x. Followup: Thy copywriter shalt NOT just hand off your project and wish you luck. Thy copywriter shalt be there if things go sideways ready to swoop in and save the day! And…you guessed it…here are some snippets from our conversation: Oops I did it again (8:03) The Stepford Copywriter (8:40) Visit your money in Mexico (9:28) Can you hear me now? (9:44) Don't be tardy for the party (10:50) Have we met? (11:46) Avoid the One Night Stand (12:11) Have map…will travel (13:31) Hire a chameleon (13:55) Better bring a flashlight (14:37) Give your copy a hug (15:15) Artisan copywriting (16:41) The value of sweat equity (17:46) That copy sure is pretty (18:58) Four eyes are better than two (19:57) Win…and win often (20:54) Copywriting Superhero! (21:25) Resources Mentioned In This Episode MacSparky Blog MacSparky Field Guides Mac Power Users Podcast 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 asked…we answered. In this episode we're going to answer seven of the most common questions we get about copywriting. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:19 Another story from our friend Andy Mason of HeavenInBusiness.com: A business owner of a small insurance (brokerage) agency has been sharing with his employees about how good Father God is and how He likes to love, help, and bless people. One of the staff, who has been professing to be an atheist for, comes to the boss and says, "Will you pray for a good quote on this account? We really need a miracle." The owner says, "You want me to contact Heaven and get a good quote rather than the insurance company?" She says, "Yes." There was only one insurance company (underwriter) left who hadn't declined or offered unreasonable terms. This was their only hope. Later that day they received an outstanding quote, better than they expected, from this insurance company. The proposal was presented and they wrote the new business. This new account will represent almost 20% of the "atheist'" salesperson's annual target! How about that…God even cares about atheists. Tip Of The Week For a limited time I'm making available my free copywriting course entitled "Ray's Short Course on Copywriting: Selling Without Sleazing" plus a free ebook about the $2 Billion Sales Letter You've Never Heard Of. Inside this free course you'll find the answers on how to sell without feeling sleazy, and I'll walk you through the most successful sales letter ever written, and show to how to apply it to your product or service. Feature Segment: "The 5 Readers You Either Benefit Or Betray" Here are some of the most common questions we get about copywriting: What is copywriting? What is a sales letter? Why is copy so hypey/cheesy/pushy? Will this work for my business? My business is different. Does long copy actually work? Should I learn copy or just hire a writer? Isn't copy manipulative? Isn't that wrong? And…you guessed it…some snippets from our conversation: Do I need a lawyer for this? (9:40) Sean's rant of the week (10:20) Words that move the world (12:55) How not to gracefully exit a packed room (13:38) The world before the internet (15:16) The Bottle Cap Incident (16:08) The Father of the Sales Page (17:10) Hold the cheese (18:04) The Dark Side of Jedi Mind Tricks (20:13) Trickless Marketing (21:01) You are, but you aren't (21:28) B2B or B2C…it's ATS (24:58) Are you boring? (25:24) Do I really need to learn this? (28:14) Aristotle was a great copywriter (30:58) Resources Mentioned In This Episode Heaven in Business "Ray's Short Course on Copywriting: Selling Without Sleazing" 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.

When you write, whether it's copy, essays, or words of any nature, you're making a much bigger impact than you think. Almost without fail more people will read what you write than you believe. In a very real sense you're setting waves into motion. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations I believe we often don't see God's miraculous intervention in our lives because we don't believe he'll do it…and we don't ask. We believe God for little, vague things that don't put our faith to the test. Pray that God will relieve our back pain? No problem. Pray that God will heal a killer disease like cancer? Somehow we think that is harder for God. Yet God says in His word, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" Just know that whatever you're facing, God has what you need and He's ready, willing, and able to supply you with it. In this episode I'll share some astounding examples that prove once and for all that nothing is too hard for God. Tip Of The Week For a limited time I'm making available my free copywriting course entitled "Ray's Short Course on Copywriting: Selling Without Sleazing" plus a free ebook about the $2 Billion Sales Letter You've Never Heard Of. Inside this free course you'll find the answers on how to sell without feeling sleazy, and I'll walk you through the most successful sales letter ever written, and show to how to apply it to your product or service. Feature Segment: "The 5 Readers You Either Benefit Or Betray" The 5 Readers You Either Benefit or Betray When you write something, I think you should take it seriously. You have more readers who are affected in deeper ways than you realize. Here are the readers you either benefit or betray with your words: You Team Family Tribe Competitors Here are some snippets from our conversation: Your first, and most important, reader (11:50) Gymnastic Thinking (12:40) The hobgoblin of little minds (13:50) There is no "I" in T-E-A-M (15:12) The philosophy of existence (15:50) When in doubt, write it out (17:00) Don't send me an email about this (18:05) The dirty bag of water (18:47) The obscure reference rewards program (19:37) Why things matter (20:25) Be sure to leave this for your family (22:19) The psychology of fandom (23:17) How to think for yourself (23:57) It doesn't feel good, it feels necessary (25:02) One of us is unnecessary (26:04) Why you want the other side to win (26:32) Sharing is caring (29:14) Creating value out of thin air (30:14) Resources Mentioned In This Episode "Ray's Short Course on Copywriting: Selling Without Sleazing" 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 know copywriting is used to sell stuff… but today we’re about to show you how it’s not just for sales pages any more. As a matter of fact, when consciously employed, copywriting becomes the “quantifiable multiplier†for every part of your business and your life. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations What you say has power – huge power. You can wreck your life be repeating things that empower destructive forces in your life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.†â€"Proverbs 18:21 Line up your words with the experiences you want to see. Tip Of The Week More books I’ve just finished and highly recommend: Making Sense of God, Timothy Keller Daring Greatly, Brene Brown Tools of Titans, Tim Ferris Feature Segment: "Seven Weird Ways to Use Copy" Copy is not just for sales pages. If you think the ability to craft transformational copy is limited only to sales letters and the like…you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Here are some examples we cover on this episode: About pages Blog posts Podcasts Speeches Converstations Subject lines Social Media Here are some snippets from our conversation: The Secret to Persuasive Copy (10:27) Your favorite radio station (11:05) The formula for successful blog posts (11:44) How you say anything is how you say everything (12:52) Why you should Zig when everyone zags (13:10) How to write a speech in 5 minutes (14:35) Sway, Steer, or Stir-up (15:06) Grab ‘em by the eyeballs (15:38) Copywriting Kumbaya (16:05) Sean’s special bonus use for copywriting (17:34) Resources Mentioned In This Episode Making Sense of God, Timothy Keller Daring Greatly, Brene Brown Tools of Titans, Tim Ferris The P.A.S.T.O.R. Formula Zig Ziglar Free Resource: The Two-Billion Dollar Sales Letter You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 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 may feel like the world is spinning out of control, but regardless of which side of the political spectrum you happen to be on, or who is President, I think we can all agree it’s better to not just survive…but thrive. In today’s episode we will explain how to make your business President-Proof. The skill we will share is like a combination of “shields up†and “engage warp drive†for your business…and your life. So set your phasers to stun, and let’s dive right in… Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations Your physical presence has power, case in point…Jesus’ spit healed a blind man. Remember also that Peter’s shadow healed the sick. Your body bears fruit – and it’s not just your children. Indeed, God said, “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body…â€, and also “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body…†â€" Deuteronomy 28:4 If this is true, shouldn’t we expect everything associated with our bodies to be of the highest quality? This would include things like your health, intelligence, and even your relationship with your spouse. Jesus paid the priceâ€"His body was scourged and pierced for you…He got what we deserved, so we could receive what only HE deserves! Tip Of The Week Books I’ve just finished and highly recommend: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Crone The Revenge of Analog by David Sax The Sleep Revolution by Ariana Huffington Deep Work by Cal Newport Feature Segment: "How to Make Your Business President-Proof" How to Make Your Business President-Proof Let me be clear, this episode is not any type of political statement, but I believe there is a skill you can learn that makes your business impervious to the whims of external circumstances. This Master Skill can make you the author of your own destiny. What is powerful tool? Copywriting. But in this episode we’re going to take a different view of copy. You’ll see things like… What copywriting isn’t (12:35) Four ways to re-frame your business (12:53) Do you know who you are? (13:23) Embrace your inner Luke Skywalker (14:35) Change your view, change your life (15:38) Ray’s Law of Conservation of Supply and Demand (16:10) Are you selling the right thing? (17:17) It’s just a copy problem (17:35) The benefits of mastering copywriting (18:31) The best type of flood (18:42) The difference between profit and cashflow (20:45) Ride the meteor (21:05) Not everyone likes rollercoasters (21:53) How to write a swimming pool (22:35) Resources Mentioned In This Episode The Road Back to You The Revenge of Analog The Sleep Revolution Deep Work How to Write Copy That Sells: The Step-By-Step System for More Sales, to More Customers, More Often Free Resource: "Ray's Short Course on Copywriting: Sell Without Sleaze†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.