That is the question that keeps coming up: “Is Ray retiring?” It’s my own fault. It’s because I said (in yesterday's email) that “this is your last chance to work with me personally.” For 98% of those reading this email that remains true, but I am absolutely not “retiring“. And I AM NOT shrinking the goals for my company. Quite the contrary, we have significantly increased our goals. My reasons for continued growth, and scaling up, are very different than they were three years ago, however. Listen to this week's episode to get the whole story, where you will discover… Why my team and I attended FunnelHacking Live (hint - it was only partly to receive our “2 Comma Club” Award - and even that not for the reasons you might suspect.) How you can get a copy of the exact Funnel through which we processed nearly $1.8 million in sales to earn that award. We will even help you customize it for your own business, if you qualify. Why today's economy makes it possible for you to achieve business growth in 12 months which took me 12 years. The two surprising “universal truths“ about all businesses (no matter what business you are in, or think you’re in). These two truths should change the way you approach everything about marketing your business. And the 5 Areas of Strategic Focus you must master … if you want to not only survive, but actually thrive in the coming economic meltdown. All this (and more) in today's podcast.   Links Work With Ray Edwards to Build Your Million Dollar Freedom Business Video A video version of this week's episode is available by Clicking Here 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/588

This week's entire episode is devoted to an incredible tool for copywriters (although, I'm quite certain it was not built exclusively for us) - Notion. Notion is one of those things I was "sort of" familiar with... I knew it was some sort of workspace management system, but I had no idea how much it could be tailored to copywriting and content creation until I got a look at how Cliff Ravenscraft was using it. I'm not easily impressed these days, and I certainly don't feel the need to learn a new app just because it's popular. This app, however, is worth some effort. I invited Cliff to share with us how he's using Notion to quickly create and manage incredible content that serves his listeners and clients. [00:00] Intro [01:17] A thousand hours so far [01:52] Not bad for an amateur [04:03] The value of journaling (they're not for posterity) [05:11] Don't trust your biological brain [06:41] How do you use Notion? [10:14] This sounds like a lot of work [11:33] Where do I tap? [12:11] How did you go from a Google Doc to Notion? [17:31] Let's see it work [22:32] Notion as a CRM [24:50] Ultimate email follow up [29:11] Copywriters: Pay attention [30:10] Client homework [33:35] Imagine the level of service you can provide [34:16] The learning curve... [36:40] Notion for speakers [39:46] Applying knowledge (not just collecting it) [41:03] A final demo (keeping things private) [42:37] You are a media empire [43:25] Okay, one final show off Links https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/ - Visit Cliff's site https://www.cliffravenscraft.com/podcast - Cliff's podcasts https://notion.so - Here's where to get started with Notion https://tinywow.com/ - Convert PDF's to JPG's (and much more) https://otter.ai - Transcription service 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/587

If you're not familiar with Jennifer Allwood, let me introduce her with this quote from her site, JenniferAllwood.com : I teach Christian women how to build a business online using social media, top-notch strategy and a proven framework all while keeping their faith and family top priority https://jenniferallwood.com I've admired Jennifer's work for some time now, so when I was asked to be a guest speaker in her private mastermind group, I was honored. For those who ask for episodes that are "all about copy", this fits the bill. Jennifer and her group asked some great questions and I think you'll find value in my answers. If you'd like to know more about Jennifer Allwood and her new program, Better Way, check out the Links section below.   [00:12] Intro [01:01] What is copywriting? [02:05] How did you get into this business? [04:00] Everything is copy [05:30] The P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework [17:19] Are women more prone to... [18:55] A heart-lead seller [20:20] Teach them long division...then sell them a calculator [23:04] How is it working for you? [23:23] The power of One-to-One selling [26:04] How does PASTOR work with social media? [30:04] Copy for Facebook...vs Copy for Instagram [30:30] Can I be an exceptional communicator...but a bad seller? [32:10] What should marketers not do [33:50] This is what you meant to say [35:35] Bio Copy [38:10] Writer's Bl*ck (we don't use that term) [41:25] Accidental copy [42:11] It's perfect enough! [43:09] Any trends? [46:51] When and how do I hire a copywriter? [49:34] Tell me about certification [52:48] Offering Risk Free Guarantees Links Which Revenue Stream Is Right For you? - This is Jennifer Allwood's quick and easy quiz to help you determine which of the 8 kinds of revenue streams she teaches will work best for you. 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/586

That is an intentionally provocative title, but I assure you it's not clickbait. Give me a quick 7 minutes and I'll explain why I believe the answer to that title question is an emphatic, "Yes!" A Note About This Episode: The audio from this week's podcast comes from a recently released YouTube video of the same title. If you prefer video, you'll find it here. [00:12] Intro ... Are you serious? [00:53] Do you own a business...or a job? [01:49] What's a true marketing system? [02:21] The simple fix [03:19] Discipline = Freedom [03:45] We all have challenges [04:31] One of these can change everything [05:24] Doctor's advice [05:35] The priorities have shifted...the goals have changed [06:27] A great next move Links Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Learn how and why to become a CDRC, AND Join me and my crew of Certified Writers in a sea of your perfect clients next month at Funnel Hacking Live. ClickFunnels - This is our primary revenue-driving machine. I highly recommend you check it out. 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/585

Listen to this week’s podcast to learn how Click Funnels (and the upcoming Funnel Hacking Live) actually saved me from brain surgery. My neurologist was telling me it was time to give in and have the brain surgery  … but my heart was telling me a different story. To go to the event, I had to say NO to brain surgery - and to do that, I had to actually get better.   [00:00] Intro - Is it true? [08:34] How does this relate to you? [10:14] Are you stuck in the loop? [12:11] Here's an example [12:41] You must be able to imagine it now [14:15] You probably have the answer already [14:42] Murphy's Law is a crock of $#!* [15:14] Ray's Law - think about it this way [15:28] A note about CDRC and FHL Links Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Learn how and why to become a CDRC, AND Join me and my crew of Certified Writers in a sea of your perfect clients next month at Funnel Hacking Live. ClickFunnels - This is our primary revenue-driving machine. I highly recommend you check it out. 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/584

Let's start this week's encouraging podcast with some discouraging facts from our friends at the Bureau of Labor Statistics: 22% of business startups fail in the first year 50% of new businesses fail within the first five years 97% of online businesses fail within the first five years Did you catch that last one? Ouch! I've been doing business online for nearly two decades. Is it just luck that I've beaten the nearly insurmountable odds? I don't think so. This week, I want to share 7 Power Beliefs for business owners that I believe are your ticket to the 3% club of successful, sustainable businesses. [00:00] Intro [03:57] There is a payback for doubling down on small habits that change your future [05:23] Scale your business by doing the unscalable (while you can) [06:56] It is important to invest in assets, attention, and people [09:58] There is less competition and more opportunity than ever before [12:41] There is free land right now and you should grab as much of it as you can [15:15] If you're creating and building during a recession, you're 2-5 years ahead of everybody else [15:42] Start now, with whatever you have Links Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Learn how and why to become a CDRC, AND Join me and my crew of Certified Writers in a sea of your perfect clients next month at Funnel Hacking Live. 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/583

If you're a new copywriter, or perhaps find yourself in a slump, your immediate question is likely: How do I get clients, now? This week, I'm sharing some methods that have consistently worked for me and I'm certain can work for you as well. Bonus - These client-getting methods are not exclusive to copywriting! [smart_track_player url="https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/rayedwards/REP582.mp3" artist="Ray Edwards", title="Get Clients Now" background="default"] [00:00] Intro [00:48] Method Number 1 : The Open Agenda Method [04:40] Method Number 2: The Life Light Method [07:37] Method Number 3: The Zero Resistance, Client Creation Process [09:06] Contact [09:30] Converse [10:27] Connection [11:10] Contribute [12:35] Confront & Coach [17:38] Collaborate [18:12] Commitment [19:38] The secret weapon of getting clients now [22:00] Funnel Hacking Live Links Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Learn how and why to become a CDRC, AND Join me and my crew of Certified Writers in a sea of your perfect clients next month at Funnel Hacking Live. 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 Click here for this week's transcript

When I say, "change your words, change your world", it isn't just for the sake of marketing - it's a fact. This week's episode is about the importance of language. From the way we express ourselves in person and online, to our most private internal dialogue, the words we choose are critical. They truly shape our view of reality. Quick note: Much of this content was inspired by an interview with Robin Arzón I heard on Rich Roll's podcast (linked below). I highly recommend you add it to your must-listen-to list. [00:00] Intro - Linguistic Alchemy / Dirt into wealth [02:48] See the world through a different set of eyes [03:11] Letting the world see my reality [05:02] If we can't trust each other... [05:28] What stops us from telling the truth? [06:13] Success is not hard - Here's the formula [07:25] My policy: Radical Honesty [07:54] Plateaus are launchpads (things I learned from Robin Arzon) [09:48] Turn your doubts into defiance [10:36] Turn your fear into fury [12:11] Own your voice - be fully you Links Rich Roll's Podcast - A very inspiring interview with Robin Arzon The Copy Academy - We put six figures on the books last month. Visit The Copy Academy to see exactly what we did. Not many people out there willing to share the real numbers, so take advantage while you can! 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/581

No matter how bad things get, there are almost always things you can do to improve yourself and your situation. This week, I'm giving you 14, easy to understand rules that will help you do exactly that. Disclaimer: "Easy to understand" doesn't always mean easy to follow, but my belief is that if you make the effort, you will be rewarded. If you attempt some or all of these rules, I would love to hear about your results. How has your life changed? I will read and respond to every comment, so please share.   [00:00] Intro - Let's define success [02:19] 14 Rules for Success in Tough Times [02:26] Commit to mastery of the most important skill: clear persuasive Communication (with self, then others) [04:25] Let your word be your bond [05:29] Don’t take anything personally [07:25] Don’t assume anything [10:27] Always do your best [11:14] Be skeptical, but listen and stay curious. Ask specific questions [14:13] Ask yourself daily “Is this who I really want to be?” [15:25] Eliminate small discomforts before they become too large to eliminate [16:10] Spend the most possible time with people who hold you to a higher standard [21:36] Ruthlessly avoid Time Vampires (and Emotional Vampires) [24:54] Remember you have EXACTLY what you’re willing to TOLERATE [26:55] Be certain that profound change CAN happen in an instant [28:12] Keep in mind the obstacle is not IN the way, the obstacle IS the way [29:39] Remember you are one decision away from changing your entire life [31:16] How to master rule number 1 Links The Copy Academy - We put six figures on the books last month. Visit The Copy Academy to see exactly what we did. Not many people out there willing to share the real numbers, so take advantage while you can! The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz 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/580

This week's podcast comes from a meeting I hosted recently entitled, "Ask Ray Anything". The original intent of this meeting was to answer questions related to my Accelerated Certification Program, but I made the last-minute decision to make it a complete free-for-all...A true, "Ask Ray Anything" meeting. The end result: A lot of great Q&A that I felt would benefit more people if I shared it here. [00:00] Intro / What is the purpose of this meeting? [02:58] Why the world NEEDS you right now [03:42] Lesson 1: Communicate Value [04:28] but...what about the recession [04:59] How I had one of my best times during one of the worst times [07:47] What to do right now [09:22] Yes, buying luxury items does help others [09:52] Want to give more? Earn more. [10:33] Prosperity with purpose [10:54] The ideal business [12:58] What is a CDRC and why should you be one? [17:26] Joe's CDRC experience [18:14] Why go to Funnel Hacking Live? [20:44] Q&A - How do you get affiliates to promote your stuff? [28:23] Q&A - P.A.S.T.O.R. formula for blogging [30:21] Q&A - What you SHOULD be asking me [37:23] Q&A - How do you amplify pain when you're selling a luxury item? [41:00] Q&A - Do pastors make good copywriters? [43:30] Q&A - How much is it? Links Become a Ray Edwards Certified Direct Response Copywriter - Apply now at https://rayedwards.com/sidehustle 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/579