Ray Edwards Show

This week's episode was recorded Christmas morning, 2022. I wanted to have a comfortable, intimate setting to relay some positive thoughts and exercises for the new year, so I chose to record at my kitchen table. My premise is this: We can't be happy all the time, that's a delusion and an unrealistic expectation...BUT, we can have much less time being unhappy than we currently do - by a long shot. There are ways you can manage your emotions and get some control over what makes you joyful. As we head into 2023, I have an excellent journaling exercise that will help you do just that. [00:17] Intro - Planning my best year ever [00:58] Brain surgery update [01:18] Perception of problems [02:27] Being a rational optimist [03:14] Happiness from within [04:07] Realistic expectations [04:50] Be mindful of your thoughts [05:15] Your emotional "home base" [07:04] Get free of emotional addiction [07:32] The power of gratitude [08:37] Emotions are signals [10:32] Writing exercise [11:26] My Crisis of Confidence   Links Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt   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.   Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/601

OpenAI's ChatGPT software is producing such impressive, original copy, it has many copywriters concerned for their future.  I understand the concern, but that doesn't change the fact that it's here, and it's getting better every day. Earlier this week I taught a class on how copywriters can use this new technology to increase their productivity to levels never before possible...To easily add 10k a month to their bottom line by serving more clients.  This class was seen by some as promoting the very tool that is out to get them. They were not happy with me.  I hope they eventually (quickly) realize that this tech is here to stay, and it can be an incredible tool for writers. Either use it to better your business, or let it roll over you. This week's audio was taken directly from that class. It's a live demonstration of the power of ChatGTP. In it, I give copywriters 10 ways to use this tech to generate more revenue (easily 10k a month) for their business. Enjoy. [00:00] Intro - The Controversial Class [01:07] The Death of Copywriting, or The Start of the Gold Rush [02:58] Realtime demonstration [07:44] A.I. can be your ally [18:21] 10 ways to make 10k [18:28] #1 Write Faster [19:18] #2 Start an Agency [19:40] #3 Write Sales Pages [19:54] #4 Ghostwrite Books [20:39] #5 Write Email Copy [21:03] #6 Write and Publish on Medium or Substack [21:15] #7 Improve Websites [21:52] #8 Create Youtube and Podcast scripts [22:05] #9 Write SEO Copy [22:27] #10 Write a Newsletter Links ChatGPT - Get your free account and start using this tool. Ray's Holiday Bundle -Get access to my Copy Academy Coaching Program for a record low price. This price includes access to my new A.I. training course for copywriters, as well as beta access to my upcoming A.I. copywriting app, and VIP tickets to our live event in Nashville next year (Summer 2023) 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.   Get The Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/600

The entrepreneurial journey is full of highs and lows…and yes, I acknowledge that the same could be said of any job - BUT, it’s somehow different when you’re running the show. There is potential for higher highs, lower lows, and you're ultimately responsible for all of them. In this episode (taken from The Cliff Ravenscraft Show) Cliff and I discuss how to deal with this reality from the perspective of a business owner...How to achieve equanimity and maintain a positive attitude at least 99% of the time (nobody is perfect).   [00:18] Intro - Special episode with Cliff Ravenscraft [01:40] The messiness of the entrepreneurial journey - Avoiding burnout [05:59] A conversation with Cliff and Ray [09:22] Focusing on the right things [11:44] Entrepreneurial Isolation [12:42] Read this, or die [19:45] Have you ever felt your business wasn’t giving you the freedom you were looking for? [22:22] Where does joy come from [24:26] Cliff’s word of the day: Equanimity [33:08] Man’s search for meaning [36:00] Your mental “home base” [45:38] Handling the highs and lows [52:13] The cat comes out of the bag, live, online [55:52] The value of a coach [57:24] Cliff wraps it up   Links CliffRavenscraft.com - Cliff's home base Free The Dream Course - Cliff's flagship course that gives you the techniques, tools and strategies that will allow you to Live the Life of Your Dreams… TrainWithCliff.com - Find Cliff's commentary on Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search for Meaning, here. Man's Search For Meaning - Viktor Frankl's must-read masterpiece Order My New Book On Amazon - Read This or Die!: Persuading Yourself to a Better Life   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.   Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/599

Having to constantly chase down new leads is an exhausting and stressful way to keep revenue flowing. Wouldn't it be better to have new clients seek you out? To attract new business instead of chasing after it?  There are several ways to make this happen without a huge (or even a small) advertising budget.  This week's episode features a segment from 2013 entitled "How to Attract Business". It's been almost a decade since I first suggested these tactics and they're all still valid. In fact, I still use each and every one. Thanks to CDRC Bryan Switalski for suggesting that we revisit these powerful tactics. [00:19] Intro - Where this week's episode comes from [01:23] Your desperation stinks [03:16] Here's "the secret" [03:54] Step 1 - Create massive value [06:36] Step 2 - Positioning and Authority [09:50] Step 3 - The Hub and Spoke system [11:06] Step 4 - Traffic, lead, and conversion system [12:38] Step 5 - Create a Path [13:57] Recap and implementation ideas Links RayEdwards.com - While you're here, take a moment to check out the resources I've made available to you, and get signed up for my daily newsletter which is filled with "WEIRD COPYWRITING TIPS, TOOLS, And TACTICS That Will Bring You More Traffic, Conversions, And Sales..." 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. Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/598  

This week, I invite you to tune out the continual stream of fear mongering and "doom and gloom" stories, and consider this: By every measurable statistic, life on Earth is better now than it ever has been. Yes, we still have problems that need solving... No, we're not perfect...but we're better than ever. This week, I'm giving you 5 reasons why now is the best time to be alive. [00:22] My premise: Things are better, and can get better still. [04:35] Why pessimists are fools, and optimists have a better life [06:40]Reason 1: Things are better than ever [07:25]Reason 2: The internet [09:47]Reason 3: Anybody can do anything [12:40]Reason 4: We can change our peer group [15:15]Reason 5: You can no longer escape your past [16:55] So...What do we do now?  [18:42] The most profitable way to do business [20:24] Grow in the structure of good mental health [22:49] The 20:1 ratio (give 20x's more than you ask) [24:42] Use your modern brain [27:24] Have an intentional mindset Links Factfulness: 10 Reasons Why We're Wrong About The World by Hans Rosling Watch One of Hans Rosling's Ted Talks on YouTube   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. Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/597

This week, I'm covering 10 rules for living a richer life, whether you're a writer or not. A rich life is not limited to (but can certainly include) money. My goal is a "richer life" - as in, a more satisfying experience on this planet. These are thoughts which I have adopted as beliefs. They have served me well, and will continue to do so as I strive to be better at following them. Try them for yourself, and I am certain you will see positive changes and ultimately, a richer life. [00:00] Intro - The rich writer's life? [01:13] Rule #1: Know what you believe, and why [02:05] Rule #2: Keep promises to yourself, and then to others [02:36] Rule #3: Respect the value of time [03:05] Rule #4: Feel your feelings...but don't wallow in them [04:07] Rule #5: Speak only when your words improve upon silence [04:18] The Daily Ray email newsletter [05:08] Rule #6: Don't worry [05:34] Rule #7: Motion precedes motivation [06:22] Rule #8: Laugh at yourself...but not all the time [06:35] Rule #9: Live deep [07:22] Rule #10: Get your satisfaction from the process [09:01] Everyone should write [10:10] Resolutions? Why wait... [11:00] My personal guide [13:28] My personal creed [14:26] Get personal coaching every month Links ThisIsMarketingSchool.com - Each month, get coached by me, and my team of certified coaches. We'll pull back the curtain so you can see what's going on behind the scenes in my business, as well as some of our wold-class clients. We share the best practices, templates, funnels, and marketing methods that have brought us more than $500,000,000 in sales. We don't just hand them over...we show you how to put them to work for your business. Watch This Episode On YouTube 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.   Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/596

What do you do when your copy isn't converting the way you think it should? Trust me, the best copywriters in the world write the occasional dud...You put it out there, and it just falls flat. There are 5 common reasons your copy isn't converting, and on this week's episode, I'll explain how you can fix them all.   [00:52] Reason 1: Failure to understand the "P" in the P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework [02:01] Reason 2: Not doing enough research [02:46] Reason 3: Not dealing with competing solutions  [03:49] Reason 4: Your not getting the offer right [04:45] Reason 5: Not enough editing, revising and rewriting your copy RayEdwards.com  - We're making major updates to my main site. It not only looks great, but there are some valuable FREE resources waiting for you here. And, you are one step away from accessing the ONLY personal coaching that gives you the help you need to sharpen your copy skills and your grow your business. Get Coached EVERY MONTH By Me and My Certified Coaches. We will show you what to do in your market, for your product or services … to make more money and increase your profits. Here Is What You Get When You Enroll In the Copy Academy Coaching Membership RIGHT NOW! Individual Private Copy Coaching Every Month ​Monthly Group Mindset Coaching ​Monthly Group Copy Critiques ​Monthly Group Q&A Calls ​Monthly Marketing Templates with Video Tutorials ​ My Signature Copywriting Training Courses: Copywriting Academy & Sales Copy System ​Full Access to My Digital Vault and Archives (Value over $21,000!) ​Access to Our VERY ACTIVE Private Circle Community ​ BONUS: Two Free Tickets To Our Next Live Event in 2023 (Dates and Location TBD) 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.   Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/595

Now is not the time to hide in a bunker...waiting for the impending economic doom we hear about every day. What you should be doing is turning your knowledge and skills into a business built around your own personal brand. That's what we're talking about in this week's episode.  [00:00] Intro - Turning your knowledge, wisdom, and experience into a business [01:27] There's a storm coming...Batten down the hatches? [02:29] Being a personal brand [03:55] How we're transitioning at Ray Edwards International, Inc. [07:55] But if I build a personal brand, I can't scale, right? [08:46] 3 Reasons to build a personal brand [08:57] Reason 1: It's the fastest way to create income [10:31] Reason 2: You can build a citadel to protect your clients [11:20] Reason 3: Customer-funded acquisition of market share [14:09] Whats a brand? [15:50] Closing with a quote   Links https://rayedwards.com/ - Check out the brand new rayedwards.com. There are plenty of valuable resources, free for the taking.   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.   Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/594

A couple of weeks ago, we did an episode devoted to the copywriting purists in the audience...A copywriting Q&A. That episode generated a lot of positive feedback, so this week, we're doing another round of questions submitted by some of our listeners. If you are (or want to be) a copywriter, I think you'll find some worthwhile knowledge inside. If you have a question, leave a comment below. I'm not sure when the next Q&A episode will be, but it largely depends on the quality and quantity of questions we receive...so don't be shy! I read every comment here and on the socials. [00:50] Question 1: How do I deal with "scope creep" when working for local clients? [06:50] Questions 2: How do I know what to charge to do some "minor touchups" on someone's copy? [11:20] Question 3: What's your favorite ad campaign of all time? Links https://youtu.be/ua5VfCVsDYo Tony Robbins Vintage Infomercial https://youtu.be/L8nt94LCyqY The Most Interesting Man In The World The Man In The Hathaway Shirt - A highly successful campaign by the legendary David Ogilvy which perhaps inspired The Most Interesting Man In The World campaign. 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. Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/593

It was such a pleasure to welcome my son, Sean, back to the show. When the pandemic hit, it quickly became apparent that Sean would need to devote more time to our bricks and mortar coffee shop that we purchased together in 2017. In this weeks episode, I want Sean to explain what it was like to keep the business afloat amidst the shutdowns and restricted operations we faced here in the state of Washington. We both learned some valuable, life and mindset-altering lessons and I think some of those are universally beneficial to any business owner/leader. [00:00] Who is this Sean guy? [03:44] When the ship hit the sand [06:38] Restricted operations [07:51] A completely different point of view [09:02] What's the motivation? [12:07] Dealing with the politics and human nature [15:25] Differences for online vs. bricks and mortar businesses [20:47] What's changed at Revel? [27:45] As marketers, we ignore our customers... [29:05] These tactics work in the "real world", too [31:49] Spiritual transformation [32:41] The success bottleneck is here [34:01] Who's in control [38:46] Lessons from Desmond [43:46] If it doesn't work here... [45:21] Back to business Links A Rare (soon to be impossible) Opportunity To Work Directly With Ray Edwards - Click here to book a One-On-One with Ray 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. Get The Transcript https://rayedwards.com/592