Ray Edwards Show

Imagine you have a disease that is consuming your mobility...your speech. All of the tools you're accustomed to using to communicate with others are taken from you. Perhaps only months ago you were known as a compelling storyteller...a charismatic figure who could light up the room with charming wit. Now a disease has reduced you to blinking once for yes and twice for no. It's a horrible thought, but for some it's an unstoppable reality.​​A.I. is changing this. It's on the verge of freeing many people from this isolation, and that is AMAZING!​​This week, Sean and I catch up on life in the coffee biz, discuss the importance of honesty and transparency, and highlight some of the former science fiction that AI is making possible.​​Incredible things are happening right now. Things that this nerdy kid who was raised on Star Trek never thought he'd live to see...but here we are. In the business world, AI is empowering entrepreneurs to achieve feats that traditionally require teams of high-dollar experts. Not anymore. The playing field is more level than it has ever been in modern times. It's not too late to be one of the "early adopters" who skyrockets to success by mastering a few tools. Don't get sucked into the Luddite, fear-mongering click bait. Focus on the positive impacts this new technology is making and learn how to use it to improve your life and the lives of others. FYI: That is exactly what the AI Accelerator Summit is all about - Successful entrepreneurs showing you how their businesses have been propelled by a few tools that are available to all of us. This is a FREE live event, not to be missed. You don't have to buy a seat,  but you do need to claim your free ticket: Click Here to grab a spot.    Key Insights  An update on Sean's business  Stuff you probably didn't know about coffee  Flavor descriptions…real or marketing?  Spiritual Foundations: Do not lie!  White lies are still lies  Try to not tell a single lie for an entire week  Whatever you achieve by lying, you can only keep by lying  Can you be honest without being brutal?  Be honest with your customers even if it costs you the sale  The "digital me" we're using in marketing (and disclosing that fact)  If you're using AI, be up front!  The "Cynicism Tax"  Consumer fears of AI deception  What AI is making possible for those of us with physical challenges  Neuralink - Incredible new AI-powered technology gives ALS patient his voice back  The AI Accelerator Summit - Free, 3-day event where you will learn from 14 incredible entrepreneurs how they are using AI to accelerate their business Links     The AI Accelerator Summit - April 15th-17th  Incredible Neuralink Technology allows ALS patient to speak again  AI Accelerator Summit Trailer featuring my Digital Clone How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.      

At some point in your life you've probably thought something like, "I wish there were two of me to get all of this done!" This week, I'm sharing some material I created for our upcoming AI Accelerator Summit. Why? Because even if you don't attend the summit (you absolutely should), this valuable little snippet will explain why you should be exploring this arena and putting these new tools to work, AND why you shouldn't be focusing on all the negative fear mongering, but instead think about the positive ways you can impact your life and the lives of those around you. Key Insights Don't miss the AI Accelerator Summit April 15th-17th Which AI? Surround yourself with like minded proponents of AI The BIG Change - This has simplified everything Use AI to create leverage (not more work!) The "trust recession" - Be AUTHENTIC and HONEST The "Human Spark" - AI never had it, never will Don't lose your voice AI is a powerful partner that can help you organize your thoughts Links The AI Accelerator Summit - April 15th-17th. 14 World-Class Experts for 3 Days That Could Change How You Work Forever How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Dear writing pros,Are you afraid that using AI is simply feeding the monster that will ultimately eat your career? This week, I'm looking to change your mind by reminding you of what you have that AI doesn't. By this time tomorrow, you can be more productive, 10x's faster, and a hero to your clients - All while staying irreplaceable.​Key Insights Kris's fears about AI: - AI might not be as good, but it can be good enough- "Brain atrophy" - But...there have always been people who don't want to think for themselves Courses - Why they're not dead and why YOU still matter Win 1: Use AI as your Research and Ideation Engine - Use AI to generate fresh ideas- Use AI to "stress test" those new ideas ("What's wrong with this plan? Where can it go wrong")- Use AI to study your competition Win 2: Use AI as your First Draft Accelerator - Three ways to protect your voice when using AI:     - Inject your stories and personal experiences    - Your specific opinions and convictions (especially the ones you're afraid to share)    - Inject your own phrases and vocabulary Win 3: Use AI as a content multiplier- This concept is so powerful, it's built in to our own custom AI - One content piece becomes 5+ pieces customized for the platforms where you're present. AI Summit: Incredible roster of successful entrepreneurs teaching you the ways they're using AI to save time and make more audio FREE - Starts April 15th Links ​AI Summit - Click Here to Join Us on April 15th (FREE) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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.Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

Despite my best efforts to prune the doom and gloom from my feed, the algorithm still serves me plenty of worst-case, "out there" scenarios regarding AI. No doubt many are concerned and perhaps discouraged by this fluff. So, how do you embrace the new stuff in a way that is useful and exciting? This week, I'm giving you three recommendations for AI-powered tools that will improve your business in ways you may not have considered. Key Takeaways Still "doom and gloom" in my feed despite my best efforts (If it bleeds it leads) "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle" - Ecclesiastes 11:6 "We suffer more in imagination than in reality," a principle from Stoic philosopher Seneca Anxiety is high (the news of the day) AI is changing the marketplace regardless of how you feel about it The repetitive work is drying up AI is *not* 100% reliable...and it may never be Are you a technological optimist? The three fastest, easiest, and most profitable ways to use AI in your business 1: AI Powered scheduling and coordinating 2: Automate followup and customer care 3: AI enhanced offers and sales copy What Ray is using (not affiliate links) Use Motion AI Scheduling Membership.io Kajabi Links AI Summit - This upcoming virtual summit features some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs on the planet. This is your chance to hear the real-world stories about how AI is being used to help grow their empires. Get the Full Lineup and Your Free Ticket Today! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Entrepreneurs are never in "total control" of their business. There are too many external factors that will dictate the tactics you employ. ​But there are 3 fundamental principles..."Levers" you can control that will increase your revenue. ​ ​This week, Sean and I are breaking down what these "levers" are, and how to pull them for rapid growth without an army of employees or a huge ad budget. ​ Key Insights   Sean's philosophical football commentary Spiritual Foundations: What does "prosperity" mean to you? The 3 Levers that Control Your Revenue You're never in full control of your business (remember government shutdowns?) Lever 1: More new customers New customers are expensive to acquire Get better ad targeting Referrals Joint ventures Content Marketing Check out TicToc's new "Hyper-Local Focus" Make sure your tactics match your brand Lever 2: Higher Frequency of Purchase Make special offers to your existing customers Find a retainer deal if it's a fit Shameless plug for Revel 77 coffee Lever 3: Higher Prices Higher ticket per customer Offer add ons A tiny Tangent about Super Sizing Offer more stuff related to what you're known for Using AI to push all 3 levers AI Summit coming soon: Learn from successful, ethical business owners who are using AI to grow their business (FREE!) Embrace the new tools, or go live in a shed in the woods Links AI Summit - How are some of the top entrepreneurs using AI in there business? How are they thriving while others are getting steamrolled? We have an incredible lineup of speakers ready to answer those questions. Click Here For The Lineup And Your Free Ticket Got a comment? - Click Here to record and send it to us! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

First off, I'm happy to announce Sean has returned! This week, we're talking about a framework can do the work (and produce the results) of a $30,000 per month agency. Make no mistake, this framework includes A.I., but it's not "just" a.i. It turns out the "new tech" works best when you marry it to some "old techniques"​. Spiritual Foundations - Let's talk about Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, ​ and he will give you the desires of your heart. ​Does this mean that the faithful followers get everything they want? Would truly taking delight in the Lord change your desires? Feature Presentation ​ AI's role in business Where to start with all of this new stuff What can it really do for you? (and, what you must still do for yourself) A simple, modern marketing framework that works for any business AIDA - Attention, interest, desire, action  The "infomercial" formula. Cheesy, but effective. How would it work for a coffee shop? What's on tap for next week How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

A.I. has many haters in the copywriting space. Anytime I do an episode related to using some of the many new tools available, I get some hateful DM's, texts, emails, etc...As if my not talking about it will make it all go away. ​ ​Well, here's the thing: I Don't Want It To Go Away! And neither should you. I am 60 years old and I'm producing better and more copy than I ever have. When I say "better", that's not an opinion. I see proof-of-performance metrics every week that prove it. QED. I win the argument. ​ ​ I think the haters out there just haven't figured out where they fit into this new, rapidly evolving world. They're like assembly-line workers watching as sections of the factory are being replaced by robotics...just waiting for the hammer to fall on them. ​ ​ This week, let me share 3 Keys that will ease your mind about the Rise of the Robots, and get you excited about the army YOU command with your own experience and wisdom. Key Insights ​Don't be worried, be excited! You're not too old, too non-savvy, or too anything else Key #1: Redefine Your Value - Your value isn't based on the number of hours you work. It comes down to one question: "How much would it cost to replace you?" If you're a good video editor and AI is enabling you to edit 5 times the amount of videos you could do a year ago, then logically it would take 5 mere mortals to replace you. AI cuts the workload, but your creative abilities and experience are at the helm, keeping it on course. Key #2: Multiply Your Output - This is where the pros and the wannabes get separated. Of course AI can multiply your output, but you can't delegate the task of quality control. That's your job. Your clients don't care how you get the job done or how long it took. They care about results. Use your own "secret sauce"...all of your experience and wisdom, to multiply your output while maintaining the quality your clients expect. Key #3: Master Anticipation and Adaptation - The #1 skill in the A.I. economy is being able to see what's coming and adapting quickly. That sounds intimidating if you're not the kind of person who keeps up with tech trends, but it's not hard to do. You don't have to be first. You just need to be somewhere in that first 20%. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

As Christian Entrepreneurs (or good people in general), how should we live our lives? I've been thinking about some of my childhood role models and measuring them by today's standards. Why did I gravitate towards these men, and do I still see their influence in my behavior? This week, I want to talk about goals, proper motivation, and how to share the success we achieve. ​ Key Insights Building meaningful communities and spreading the positive love of Jesus Christ creates more impact than voting—focus on helping people and making tangible difference in the world. I aim to foster, train, and mentor 1 million kingdom-focused millionaires by teaching people to believe in themselves and push through challenges. Entrepreneurship means helping people solve problems for profit, with freedom to use profits for giving back or personal enjoyment. AI as Tool, Not Creator AI-generated content lacks authenticity and human touch—being genuine and real is the antidote to AI competition fear, since AI polishes but cannot replicate human experience. Role models like Cary Grant, William Shatner, and David Carradine provide examples for young people to emulate qualities and discover life's meaning as they grow and learn. Role Models and Human Authenticity60+ and Living Forward in the Age of AI (How To) Links Words Into Wealth Challenge - Our next live challenge starts December 10th. Want to make last year's annual revenue be this years monthly revenue? Click Here for details. Video and Transcript How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

In this episode, Ray delves into the intersection of faith and financial security, exploring how Christian businesspeople can navigate economic uncertainties without fear. Drawing inspiration from the life of George Mueller, Ray shares insights on seeking God's guidance and maintaining peace amidst financial challenges. Discover how aligning your personal agenda with God's will can lead to a life of prosperity and peace, even in the face of adversity. Tune in for a transformative discussion on faith, hope, and financial resilience. Key Takeaways ​Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee - Isaiah 26:3 If our mind is on other things, we will not be at peace. Keep your mind stayed on the goodness of God and he will guard your peace Get your personal agenda off the table and keep your heart aligned with God's will Your heart is broken. Don't follow it. Acknowledge your feelings, don't disregard them, but don't let them be your guide  Do not separate the word and the spirit...you must have both Recognize the providential circumstances that demonstrate God's will Links GeorgeMuller.org - If you'd like to learn more about the incredible George Muller, this is an excellent place to start Show Notes and Transcript How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

In this conversation, I chat with Noelle and Bryan Switalski as we explore the various applications (and limitations) of AI, particularly in the context of personal and business use. We discuss the strange queries people have made to AI, the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, and how AI can assist in content creation, audience targeting, and marketing strategies. The conversation also highlights the significance of storytelling and maintaining a brand voice when using AI tools. Ultimately, wed emphasize the need for careful consideration and personalization when utilizing AI-generated content. Key Insights 00:00 Exploring AI's Quirks 03:21 Understanding AI's Limitations 04:57 The Nature of AI Intelligence 06:17 Using AI for Marketing 07:25 Creating Quality Content with AI 09:08 Best Practices for AI Copywriting 10:33 Building a Brand Guide with AI 15:02 Building Confidence Through Dance 16:22 Crafting Compelling Offers 17:24 Identifying Customer Pain Points 18:57 Creating a Compelling Offer Statement 20:31 The Importance of Customer Reviews 22:06 Understanding Your Audience 25:29 The Power of Audience Research 26:42 Utilizing a Story Bank 27:58 Fine-Tuning Your Brand Voice 30:37 Transforming Copywriting Efficiency 33:33 Accessing Clarity Scribe for Free CONNECT ON SOCIAL → instagram | http://instagram.com/rayedwards → facebook | http://facebook.com/rayedwardsonline → twitter | http://twitter.com/rayedwards → tiktok | http://tiktok.com/therayedwards → linkedin | http://linkedin.com/in/therayedwards Links My NEW book: Read This or Die! Persuade Yourself to a Better Life My COPYWRITING Book: How to Write Copy That Sells   Video And Transcript   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

In this conversation, Pat Flynn discusses his new book, which addresses the challenges of information overload and offers strategies for effective learning. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing learning, the role of community in skill acquisition, and the balance between persistence and pivoting in one's journey. Flynn introduces the concept of micromastery, which focuses on mastering small components of a skill, and shares insights from his experience with traditional publishing. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the broader implications of learning in a rapidly changing world. Takeaways Information overload is a significant challenge today. Action over information is crucial for success. Prioritize learning based on immediate needs. Community support enhances accountability and learning. Deciding to pivot is part of the growth process. Micromastery allows for accelerated skill acquisition. Traditional publishing offers valuable connections and insights. The book is aimed at anyone feeling overwhelmed by information. Love and human connection are essential in a tech-driven world. Learning faster is key to thriving in a competitive economy. Watch On Youtube https://youtu.be/pfZON-PGKTY How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, X, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

In this conversation, Ray interviews Dustin Stout, the founder of Magai, an all-in-one AI platform. They discuss the concept of building in public, the importance of transparency in growth metrics, and the challenges faced during the creation of Magai. Dustin shares insights on the advantages of universal AI tools over niche products, the features of Magai, and how it can be used for learning and research. They also explore the future of AI, the role of education, and the evolution of AI agents and multimodality in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Building in Public: The Journey Begins 06:29 The Power of AI: A New Era for Tools 11:43 From Darkness to Light: The Birth of Magi 17:47 The Importance of Feedback in Product Development 23:49 Magi: The All-in-One AI Solution 29:38 Unlocking Potential: Learning and Research with Magi 35:19 The Future of AI: Agents and Multimodality Links http://magai.co/ Watch on YouTube Click for Video 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.  

In this episode of the Ray Edwards Show, Ray and Bryan Switalski discuss how to transform content into a successful business without relying on paid ads or social media burnout. They share personal stories of their journeys, emphasizing the importance of clarity in marketing and the power of effective offers. Bryan introduces the MX Seven Creator Workshop, designed to help creators and entrepreneurs multiply their impact and income in just five weeks. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding your audience and creating irresistible offers that resonate with them.  Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/VBniKWcLVXM GET ON THE WAIT-LIST: https://www.mxltiplier.com/workshop-waitlist Chapters 00:00 Transforming Content into Business Success 02:10 Brian's Journey from $5 Sales to $10,000 Launches 07:15 The Power of Clarity in Marketing 09:43 Multiplying Impact Without Extra Effort 12:14 The Creator Economy and Upcoming Workshop 15:36 Identifying the Right Audience for the Workshop 17:03 Creating Irresistible Offers for Customers 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, X(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.

Can you mix your faith and your business? Should you bring Jesus to work? There are plenty of good Christians who believe those worlds should not mix (especially those good Christians with employees who may not hold the same beliefs). This week, I'd like to tackle this touchy topic with my son, Sean. Not only is he one of my favorite people to talk to, he's a fellow Christian, a fellow entrepreneur, and an employer with some insightful opinions on the separation of faith and business. Watch on Youtube ^^ Leave your comments there. I would love to hear your feedback. 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.

A "Stressless", "Fearless" life - Eliminating all fear and stress from life ain't gonna happen, BUT it is definitely possible to reduce the amounts of both...to "stress less", and "fear less". This week, I'm giving you the 5 keys to do just that…​ ​ Purpose What is your overall mission in life? What is the reason you're driven to get out of bed each day? If you don't know your purpose, that's okay. It will evolve and change over time, but defining a reason is important. Pick one. I believe our mission is to become the person God made us to be. Yours may of course be different, but will likely be some version of being the best you can - physically, spiritually, and financially. Gratitude Gratitude is a weapon! When you consciously acknowledge the things you're grateful for, you can overpower stress and fear. Gratitude is an incredibly powerful emotion and it's important to know the things you're grateful for so you can wield this weapon at will. Talk to Yourself More Than You Listen to YourselfOur thoughts can drift into territory that brings us down and can quickly spiral into catastrophic thinking if left unchecked. Be conscious of the thoughts you think…don't let them run on autopilot. Become the programmer - Don't run the program written by others. Growth and ContributionIn nature, you're either growing or dying…there's no middle ground. It is important to continue to grow as a human being and maintain a mindset (like the one described by Carol Dweck in the book, Mindset) that is conducive to that growth. According to Tony Robbins (and now accepted by many trained psychologists as truth), there are 6 basic needs that all humans must fulfil: Certainty: assurance you can avoid pain and gain pleasure Uncertainty/Variety: the need for the unknown, change, new stimuli Significance: feeling unique, important, special or needed Connection/Love: a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something Growth: an expansion of capacity, capability or understanding Contribution: a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others The Combined Fulfilment of the Need for Connection and LoveWhy these two? The needs that Tony laid out are "basic necessities"...one is no more important than the other, BUT I believe focusing on these two as your "go to" needs, will give you the most satisfaction, reward, and positivity. Video and Transcript https://rayedwards.com/669 Links Mindset: by Carol Dweck. An excellent book that I highly recommend (not an affiliate link...just a good book) The 6 Human Needs - Read more about them on Tony Robbins' official blog How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

As you may know, I am quite the tech nerd. I enjoy checking out the latest AI gizmos, searching for things that are actually useful, productivity boosters (which I really need after wasting so much time playing with said gizmos).  ​ ​One of the more interesting tools I've found is Google's NotebookLM. You feed it a document and it generates a "podcast" about the contents using two artificial hosts. Since Black Friday is coming up, I decided I would test it using a blog post I wrote a couple of years ago that encouraged service-based businesses to do a Black Friday promotion. Was it successful?  Listen and find out Key Insights This week's experiment The "Marketing Whiz" turns cringe into excitement Humans like Calendar Events (we have expectations) Smart marketers ride the wave Join the conversation that's already happening Online businesses have more flexibility than retail stores Your fans expect a deal on Black Friday...Let 'em have it Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/668 Links ​NotebookLM: Check out the tool I used to generate this content ​The Creator Economy: Here's the original content that I fed into the AI How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I know not everyone who listens to my podcast is over 50, but God willing, someday you will be, so stick with me. ​ ​50 doesn't seem old these days (depending on who you're asking), but for many of us, it's when our bodies begin to show a little wear and tear. In our twenties, we might pull a muscle if we lift something too heavy...In our 50's, that same injury could be caused by a sneeze. ​ ​My point is, some of the freedom we earn by being entrepreneurs becomes more of a necessity than a luxury. For instance, in the past few years, I have had a couple of surgeries that required substantial recovery time. I'm not sure how an employer could have accommodated my needs (not wishes...needs).  ​ ​There are some other advantages to this digital-business lifestyle (especially for the 50+ crowd) that I'll dive into in this week's episode.  Key Insights Has this come without challenges? Nope.​ ​Weather could interrupt my business, but not destroy it Monthly recurring revenue (the joy of not starting at $0 each month) All I need to do business is a laptop and access to the internet Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/667 Links ​Charity Navigator: Looking to donate to hurricane relief efforts? Check out what these organizations are doing to help victims of hurricane Helene How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Even with the often overwhelming amount of skills required to run a successful business, I still maintain that Writing is the one to rule them all...but, why? Before I answer, let me point out the fact that I'm calling this a "skill", not a "talent". Talents are innate, whereas skills can be learned. This is an important distinction to note because it is a common misconception that great writers are born, not made.  I do agree that this skill is easier to develop for some, tougher for others, but nonetheless, whatever your starting point, you can intentionally improve your ability to write persuasively, and THAT is an incredible skill to possess. Listen and I'll explain it all in less than 5 minutes. Key Insights ​Why am I sure that Writing is the most important skill? ​Writing is the engine that drives your business Robert Caro's book The Power Broker is an incredible example of writing skill (and care, and dedication) Having the "Gift of Gab", or ability to drop witty quips on social, is not the same as persuasive writing Share valuable information that intentionally leads people to your product or service Improve your skills next week (9/23) at the free Words Into Wealth Challenge Get people to pay you to help them by helping them first. Develop this skill and it will pay you back for the rest of your life VIP tickets for the challenge are available for only $47 - Click Here To Get Yours Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/666 Links The Words Into Wealth Challenge starts Monday, 9/23. I guarantee this will improve your ability to write persuasively, and I'll show you how to use AI to multiply your productivity while maintaining your creativity, personality, and voice (that's the part that nearly everyone is getting wrong). The Challenge is 100% Free, but I am offering a VIP upgrade for only $47. VIP's get an extra hour with me each day, live via Zoom, to get ALL of their specific questions answered. Even at this low price, I'm still offering a money-back guarantee. Details Here. ​The Power Broker: The amazing Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Robert Caro. Check it out Here How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

What would you do if you found yourself over $100 Million in debt at the age of 62? Would you just wait to die, and let the living deal with the aftermath...Or would you start digging yourself out of the hole? ​In this episode, I want to share the story of Karl Eller. It's a quick story with a powerful message about possibilities, and not giving up. It's also a great reminder about the thing we mostly see as a handicap, age, and how it can give us an incredible power - Experience. Key Insights Karl started work at an outdoor advertising company​ ​After learning and building for 16 years, he sold his company to Gannett - the company that owned USA Today He spent 3 years running Columbia Pictures While looking for something to do, Karl and a small group of investors decide to get into the convenient store business He built Circle K to be the 2nd biggest chain of convenient stores in the world, second only to 7-11 Circle K began losing money, eventually costing Karl his entire personal fortune (over $500m), and leaving him $100M in debt. Karl headed back to Arizona where he purchased a small outdoor advertising company In 5 years, he was able to sell that company to Clear Channel Communications for over a billion dollars Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/665 Links Karl Eller on Wikipedia How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I've known this week's guest for many years...Long enough to have seen her go from financial struggle, to now having a day's revenue that surpasses what used to be her annual income. How did she do it? One of the big "secrets" involves a struggle that I see in nearly every class I teach, or mastermind I participate in: Facing the fear of "high-ticket offers". Most people seem to have settled on an arbitrary number that defines the value of their product or service as they see it. Any significant amount above that number seems impossible. They'll sell products for less than a hundred bucks with the hopes of maybe selling something special for $500 (or whatever arbitrary number they have chosen). Anything higher than their magic number causes panic. I can almost hear the objections: "But Ray, I don't have anything that I could offer for more than $500. That's a primo price for me." That's what you have decided, but Anita has some ideas that may change your mind. Key Insights When a medical emergency put the primary earner out of commission, Anita had to make a change​ Understand the value ladder, prioritize high ticket offers, and focus on delivering results to attract high ticket clients and build a successful business (pretty much the inverse of what most people are doing) Hard work isn't the key to making more (thank God...we only have so many hours in a day) Understand the 4 levels of wealth Focus on level three and level four activities for wealth creation, create high ticket offers, have fun in business, and understand terminology in online communities to maximize success and avoid financial issues Focus on serving your past self, acknowledge progress, invest in self-education, surround yourself with high-level thinkers for personal and business growth Learn how to target millionaires, create high ticket offers, and attract the right buyers to build a successful business and attract clients with higher expectations. Learn how to use copywriting and entrepreneurial skills to create high ticket offers and virtual events Collaborate with partners to expand your audience Craft engaging content that leads to buying decisions. Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/664 Links Elite Entrepreneurs Events Masterclass - Come join Anita and me for this FREE masterclass and discover how to Unlock 6 & 7 Figure Months (and then days) with High-Ticket Offers & Virtual Events VIP Upgrade for Elite Entrepreneurs Events Masterclass - If you're joining us for the masterclass, I strongly suggest you upgrade to join us in the VIP room. This gives you the chance to interact, ask questions, and get answers! (only $47) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Some businesses seem to be stuck on the Struggle Bus. They putter along as far as they can go until...Poof. The ride is over. The business is no more.  ​ ​Why is this? How can it be so easy for some and seemingly impossible for others? ​ ​I believe there are 5 things you must recognize and control if you want to ditch the struggle and enjoy success - And that's what I'm sharing with you on this week's episode. 5 Momentum Makers That Move Mountains ​Mindset - This is not some new-aged hooey. Your mindset determines who you are, and who you are capable of becoming. You must nurture it if you want to be successful (and have the ability to enjoy that success) ​Mastery of a High Value Skill - Commit to the path of Mastery - Be hard to replace! Mechanism - What is the "tool set" you use to get the work done. Marketing - Marketing is NOT selling or promotion. Marketing is the act of intentionally influencing the beliefs of your niche through content that you create, that aligns with your offers Money - The result of amplifying the problem you solve for your people, and the pain you relieve. Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/663 Links ​Words Into Wealth Challenge: Discover How Words Create Wealth, Changing Your Words Can Change Your Income, and How Using AI the Right Way Can Help You Do It 100X Faster. This Challenge beings Monday, 7/29. Click Here for the full schedule and details. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I've certified many copywriters who hold degrees in professions not associated with writing – Physicians, attorneys, engineers... In fact, I've had relatively few students with any professional writing experience. If you've ever thought about trading your current career for a writing career, but the transition seemed impossible, my guest this week may inspire you to follow your heart. Camille Pardo abandoned her "draining" teaching career to pursue a profitable passion – Copywriting. Camille has had this passion for writing since childhood, but those around her encouraged her to choose a career that was more practical. That's understandable since the odds of your child being the next J. K. Rowling are slim to none. Why not point them in a direction that leads to a more practical and sustainable career?  Listen to Camille Pardo share the story of leaving her practical, sustainable teaching profession, and becoming a successful, work-from-anywhere, full-time copywriter.  Key Insights ​An early passion for writing was squelched for the sake of practicality ​Entering the respectable, dependable, and always-in-demand profession of teaching The book that changed her path (okay, it was probably more than the book, but I'll take partial credit) Leaving a career when you're in your 30's - What will your family and friends think? Can copywriting satisfy the desire to be a great storyteller, or is it all Open Rates and Clicks? Certification required work - was it worth it? Dealing with month one's discouraging, zero-dollar income How (and why) to Show up and Serve "There's something really cool about going all in." How Camille can help you improve your emails (link below) Video And Transcript  https://www.rayedwards.com/662 Links Become a Certified Copywriter - Ready to start your own writing journey? My accelerated Certification Program is the fastest way to a profitable new career in writing. Great copywriters are in demand! Learn how to properly use the latest AI tech to enhance your productivity. Plus, get a chance to experience my private Mastermind, live in Spokane, WA (details here) - This opportunity disappears 7/4/24, so don't wait! Camille's 7-Step Guide to Writing Better Emails - Want more opens? More clicks? Camille's guide is easy-to-follow and full of excellent advice. Grab it now! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.  

Who are you, and why are you here? That's the question my podcast guest, Graham Cochrane, is helping us answer today. "Most of us," Says Graham, "are living a life crafted by other people: family, social media, societal expectations, etc. We've conformed to the patterns of everyone around us without even meaning to." Graham shows how to truly create YOUR life of freedom, joy, and meaning—on your terms, not someone else's. During this conversation, he walks us through his simple five-part framework, and you will discover how to create the life you've always wanted. Key Insights Wake up from the world's sleepy autopilot way of living Leave behind a legacy that others will want to emulate Stick to a set of values as you navigate the big decisions in life Determine what your ideal life looks like (in your work, business, relationships, finances, health)--and chart a path to get there Dismantle harmful mental scripts and limiting beliefs that have kept you stuck (potentially for years) Figure out what your dreams really are (or perhaps dream for the first time) Video and Transcript Links Rebel: Find Yourself by Not Following the Crowd - The upcoming book from Graham Cochrane. Like I said, this guy is the real deal and I can't wait to get my hands on this book. There are some great reasons to preorder - Check Them Out Here How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Many technological advances come with a healthy dose of fear, and that has definitely been the case with AI - especially with writers and artists. "Why would someone pay me when they can just ask an AI to generate something for them at virtually no cost?" This week, I have an answer...one that gives me the right to gloat a bit. Since the beginning of the A.I. craze, I have maintained that A.I. is a tool...An extremely powerful tool that works best when wielded by a skilled artist. On this episode, you'll hear about an "A.I. Artist" who is making $1,500 an hour using this tool - and he's completely upfront about who (or what) is doing the heavy lifting. Key Insights ​​A.I. will help us, not hurt us (IF we use it correctly) ​My earlier email from the Daily Ray (details below) ​Use A.I. as your "Unfair Advantage" ​The article about the titular artist (linked below) ​Why didn't the company just use the same tools the artist used? ​"We don't care how he makes it. We only care that the end user enjoys our game." (let that soak in)​ ​Sign up for our upcoming free workshop about building your writing business  Transcript and Video https://www.rayedwards.com/660 Links ​Yahoo News Article: On which this episode was based ​Writing Business Roadmap: This FREE Online Class is hosted by Ray Edwards, who writes and creates marketing campaigns for top leaders like Michael Hyatt, Amy Porterfield, Stu McLaren, Donald Miller, Jeff Walker, Tony Robbins, and many more. Ray will "pull back the curtain" and reveal how to run your own writing business, based on the proven systems and tools that he uses himself. Register now and get a free BONUS report: 10 Copywriting Packages You Can Sell to Clients (and pricing strategy & suggestions) ​The Daily Ray: Every day, my goal is to send you something that you're glad you took the time to read. Subscribe at the bottom of this page (No spam...unsubscribe anytime if you're not a fan) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Economic "Tough Times" are here, but not yet fully here. What can you do to protect yourself and your business? I've got some wisdom to share from someone who's been through tough economic times before...Me. ​ This week, I'll give you the 7 moves you should make right now to not just survive, but thrive in this economy. ​ I make no claims to be a financial expert, and I'm not handing out any investment advice or the like. What I'm sharing today are 7 things that I'm doing to prepare for a tougher economy which seems to be looming ahead. Some of these are so simple that you may be tempted to skip them...don't. I'm doing everything I can to make sure that my business continues to thrive while weathering any storms that lie ahead, including each and every one of these steps: Recognize the season - For the world, for you, and for your business Check the Basics of your business - Know the state of your List, Traffic, Conversion, and Retention Gather Your Assets - Get an accurate read of what your assets really are​ Go Premium - Shift to premium offers for premium clients ​Be Essential - Put yourself in your client's shoes...could you live without you, or would you get cut? ​See the Opportunity in Adversity - Sounds bad, but it's not. People struggling need help. Provide them the help that you are able to render. ​Guard Your Mind - Disconnect from the news, the social sewers, and as much negativity as possible. Be conscious of what you're feeding your brain. Worry solves nothing. Click Here For The Video and Transcript Links The One Person, $1-Millon Virtual Workshop: Registration closes soon for this unique, three-day virtual workshop meticulously designed for coaches and consultants, online educators, membership owners, or budding entrepreneurs like you. We're here to guide you in scaling your business to a One-Person $1-Million per year operation, without the need for additional employees or stress.​ How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I want to talk to you about the incredible power of writing. The power of storytelling. And how it can help you connect with your divine purpose. Yes, even if the writing you do is marketing or sales copy. That's the subject of this week's podcast episode. In the podcast, I propose the idea that we writers are, in a sense, prophets. And as prophets, we are tasked with spreading a message of love, hope, and purpose to the world … through our work. I know it's a little "out there" - but it's short. Books that inspired me to become a writer (a storyteller) Writers create Worlds We should transport our readers, viewers, and listeners to somewhere good I literally copied people's work...but not to steal - to learn Regardless of the business you're in, you're telling a story Writing is not a job...it's a noble calling Whatever you're writing, do it as an act of devotion Your words have power Transcript and Video https://www.rayedwards.com/658 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Let me preface this by acknowledging that most people (myself included) cannot instantly, and completely "disconnect" for two weeks. In my case, I had a full two years of notice, and it still wasn't easy. ​ ​Back in 2022, my wife and I decided to actually take the trip we'd been talking about taking for decades: A trip to the Netherlands. We purchased a non-refundable, non-transferable, two-week package for the two of us. I was committed. No turning back.  ​ ​Like any driven entrepreneur, I had concerns about how well my business would run without me. 14 days of being off-the-radar...How could I possibly plan for every scenario? How could I deal with all of the "what if's" that were consuming my thoughts? Short answer...I couldn't. I had to trust that my business, my team, and my normal life, would all be waiting for me when I returned. And, guess what...I'm back, everything is intact, and I am much improved. ​ ​I (and probably you, to some degree) have an addiction to staying connected. For the first week of our trip, I had to stifle my little bouts of anxiety until I could completely let go, and be fully present with my wife, her family, the amazing people I met, and my unusual surroundings. My memories of this adventure are clear – unclouded by "doom scrolling", work check-ins, and phone calls.  ​ This internet-free clarity allowed me to jot down a few observations that I thought were worthy of sharing. That's what I have for you on this week's episode. 5 Things I Learned After Being Unplugged For 14 Days ​Endless striving does not produce more freedom - It produces more bondage ​The best, intentional marketing campaign is simply to help people ​The best way to get a bigger vision of the world is to "get out in it" ​Recreation re-creates us ​Writers will save the world Transcript of this Episode rayedwards.com/657 Listen to get the complete breakdown of each of these observations. I'll be back next week with another fresh episode. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's episode is Part 3 of my Writer's Rewind Series, and it's all about why your copy isn't performing the way you think it should. There's a reason it isn't converting, and most likely, it's one (or more) of the 5 reasons I'm about to give you. ​ Listen to learn what they are, and how to fix them. 5 Reasons Your Copy Is Failing Failure to understand the "P" in the P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework Not doing enough research Not dealing with competing solutions Your not getting the offer right Not enough editing, revising and rewriting your copy Transcript of This Episode: https://www.rayedwards.com/656 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This is part 2 of the "Writer's Rewind" series. I'm devoting this month to covering some of the fundamentals of great copy, and in the case of this week's episode, why copy itself is so fundamentally important to the success of your business, regardless of what that business is. ​ ​This episode was originally released almost a decade ago (the day I celebrated my 50th birthday). I must admit, I was pleased that none of this content is "outdated". All the reasons I gave  to support my claim are no less true today than they were then.  Five Reasons Why Copywriting is the Most Important Skill For Any Business ​ It costs nothing, but returns can be huge ​It can generate instant cash infusions ​Copy builds stabilized income streams ​Write once, profit indefinitely ​Copy provides strategic positioning Links ​The Membership Experience - Part 2 of Stu McLaren's once-a-year training workshop is happening later today (4/8/24). If you're seeing this on that day, count yourself lucky and grab your free seat. This is must-see training for anyone who is interested in creating recurring revenue for their business. It's live at 3 p.m. Eastern, and I highly recommend watching the live stream if possible. Stu typically has  "bonus content" that doesn't make the replay, but if the replay is all you can get, take it! Get the transcript for this episode How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week's podcast is a refresher on the core basics of writing persuasive copy (and everything is copy — it's not ONLY sales pages and emails).  If you can write effective sales copy, you can literally write your own paycheck. There really should be no such thing as a "broke copywriter". And there should be no such thing as a business owner or entrepreneur who is NOT a copywriter. By definition, good copywriters can create money out of thin air. So this leads to a very important question: why does copy so often fail? Fear not, Grasshopper. I have the answer… There are universal psychological triggers that help you sell more effectively. Certainly, there are universal principles to writing persuasive sales copy. After all, as John E. Kennedy taught us, copywriting is mere "salesmanship in print". You can hardly "swing a cat" these days without hitting a copywriter who has a "formula" for writing copy. Most of these formulas are actually quite good. BUT… The formula I'm going to share with you today is intentionally based on these universal principles (which many of the cocky young yellow belts in the copywriting dojo are not even aware of). Thus … back to you "PASTOR-ing" your customers. ​Most people associate the term "pastor" with the preacher at church. While this is certainly true in most cases, the original meaning of the word "pastor" was actually "to shepherd". And what does the shepherd do? He or she cares for, feeds, and protects the flock. Now, before we go any further, I should address the habit that some marketers have of referring to their customers as their "herd". It seems to paint an unflattering picture. That kind of imagery is not what I am invoking here. The actual role of a shepherd is a loving, caring, and protective one. In fact, Jesus, who called himself the "Good Shepherd", actually laid down his life for his flock. ​I am certainly not suggesting any religious overtones for your copy: what I am suggesting is that you adopt the same loving, caring, and protective role as you write copy for your prospects and customers. ​ ​And, as you might've guessed, P.A.S.T.O.R. is also an acronym for pieces of your copy. Here is the explanation: ​​​"P" is for PROBLEM ​"A" is for AMPLIFY ​"S" is for STORY and SOLUTION ​"T" is for TRANSFORMATION and TESTIMONY ​"O" is for OFFER ​"R" is for RESPONSE I'll promise you this: If you apply the mindset of being a shepherd to your readers, and you follow the sequence of the P.A.S.T.O.R formula, my prediction is you will experience more sales, more profits, and more happy customers… more often. Links Read This Or Die - Click to check out my new book, Read This Or Die, where I show you the sales letter I wrote to myself (that saved my life.)​ Complete Transcript - Visit the show notes page for a complete transcript of this episode How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Who else wants to reduce your financial stress and create a stable source of income from your business? This is the way: shift to a membership-based business model. I know what you might be thinking: "Geez, Uncle Ray… that sounds complicated, and anyways… ain't everybody sick of all the subscriptions?" My answers are: it doesn't have to be complicated, and I can prove it to you. And yes, we are all tired of subscriptions… except for the ones we love. The ones you will only cancel when someone pries them from your cold, dead fingers. Like my Chewy.com subscription (my pugs LOVE their Chewy.com treats)... or my Paramount+ (because.. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds). You and I need to wise up, and start building recurring revenue streams NOW - cause the coming year is gonna get all kinds of crazy. ​My guest this week is the world's #1 expert in creating recurring revenue for virtually ANY business, Stu McLaren. ​ ​Key Insights Why recurring revenue should be the goal of any business or entrepreneur (duh!) The "death" of TicToc in the US? What would happen to the nearly 7,000,000 businesses that depend on it? Every business has vulnerabilities - a membership with stable, recurring revenue gives you the ultimate insurance policy The 4 types of memberships - Product based (e.g. Dollar Shave Club). Service based (e.g. car washes, massage therapy) Knowledge based (helping people solve an ongoing problem, or master a skill. e.g. guitar training) Community based (uniting people with common interests) Two things that make your members stay: Consumption and Results ​If you think your business doesn't fit this model, it's time to shift your mindset. Ask yourself, "How can I continue to serve my customers?" Stu's live, once-a-year membership training starts April 4th. (Link below) Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/653 Links The Membership Experience: This is Stu McLaren's live, once-a-year training and it's absolutely free to attend. If recurring revenue is what you're after, but have no idea where to start - This is where to start! ​ How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

On last week's episode, I boldly declared, "Writing gets you everything you want." This week, I'm giving you some proof of how that has been true in my life. ​You may already be thinking, "But Ray, you're a writer...of course writing has been important in your career." The thing is, the proof I'm offering today has nothing to do with writing jobs. I wasn't hired to be a writer, but my writing is what got me hired, kept me working, got me promotions, and many other opportunities I would not have gotten otherwise. Okay, enough of the preamble, let's get to the proof... Key Insights Where I came from (and why I didn't want to stay there) ​My early marketing lessons - promoting family businesses ​Writing increased my value in the radio business - it made me less expendable ​Clients loved me because I wrote ads that made them money ​My pitch for a six-figure job was written with the same sales-letter tactics I use today ​My writing made me a sought-after talent in my industry ​My long (50+ pages) pitch for a job with Citadel Broadcasting made me more than a half million dollars in personal income (not bad for a non-writing job) ​My writing has allowed me to meet, learn from, and even teach many of my mentors ​Subscribe to The Daily Ray for valuable tips, interesting observations, and occasional offers Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/652 Links Subscribe to The Daily Ray   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.  

This week, I'm answering some of the most common questions I'm receiving from listeners, viewers, and readers. Since they keep coming up (some for many years), I feel that my answers will be helpful to more than just those who took the time to ask. ​ ​If I missed anything (or Heaven forbid, you disagree), feel free to leave a comment, or reach out to [email protected]. Key Insights ​What do I do in this economy? This question doesn't always end with "economy"...It could be any number of this's...this election year, this time of civil unrest, this whatever... Be aware of what's happening in the world around you, and make sure you're playing both the short-term and long-term game. Do the work you're being paid for today, and plant the seeds for the income you will reap in the future.  ​What if I don't like my business anymore? - Remember this: You should never make long-term, life-altering decisions based on a current "bad season" in your work. In other words, be sure you actually don't enjoy what you're doing, and you're not just reacting to some current, emotion-fueled unpleasantness. At the end of the day, you don't need anyone's permission to do something else (unless you have a spouse...then you probably want to bring them into the loop). ​How do I build my business the right way? - Life is not a flowchart. There is no step-by-step plan I can hand you for this. And yes, I teach people proven business plans, BUT, at the end of the day, the "right way" is "their way". That's why most of the time, I teach those plans in an interactive format (like my upcoming workshop) so I can answer the questions that help attendees translate what they learn into their plan. If you could only give me 1 piece of advice to guide me through building my own business, what would it be? - Writing is the way to get everything you want in life. I'm not exclusively talking about copywriting. Tune in for my complete breakdown of why that's my answer.   Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/651   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.​

You create content to build an audience...not the other way around! ​This week, I'm proposing that you create your content for an audience of one, and my guest, Jody Maberry, is living proof that this strategy works. ​ ​There are only two ingredients to this recipe: ​ Do content that you're passionate about. Show Up. ​It's as simple as that. And, if you have any doubts about your abilities or my advice, perhaps Jody's story will boost your confidence in both. ​ Key Insights You don't need a big audience to launch ​Jody started his podcast for park rangers with an audience of zero Read Kevin Kelly's book: 1,000 True Fans (linked below) Jody built another podcast literally for 1 specific person Do consistent production about content you're passionate about Don't concern yourself with audience size - be consistent. Show up! Youtube And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/650 Links ​1,000 True Fans: An excellent book by Kevin Kelly JodyMaberry.com: Visit to learn more about today's guest, Jody Maberry In The Front Row: Jody's podcast that was literally created for 1 person (his son) ​Dry Creek Wrangler on YouTube: A great example of how passionate content beats fancy production (even if he's not your cup of tea, check out his number of subscribers) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I very often get some form of this question: "Is 58 too late to ____?" The number is arbitrary, and this line of questioning can go on and on... Am I too old? Am I too fat? Am I too thin? Am I too shy? Am I too...whatever. ​This week, I'm giving you my best answer to all of those questions. Key Insights Many people are asking if it's "too late" What is your purpose? Purpose drives persistence​Raving fans beat satisfied customers​ Build your personal brand based on who you really are ​Not being everybody's cup of tea is the whole point ​Personal branding gives you the power to leave a lasting impact on others​ Personal branding allows you to be a category of one ​Use the Social Media Amplification Effect​ Personal branding brings you continuous growth ​Great platform from which you can start a coaching or membership program   Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/649   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Many Christians are culturally programmed to feel guilty about wealth, but is poverty God's plan for us? No! Today I propose that God wants you to prosper in all things that are good, including business (and I have the verses to prove it). We are engaged in a spiritual battle ​Poverty is spiritual warfare Read I Thessalonian's chapter 4, beginning with verse 9 "Brotherly Love" is a core concept of our faith Relationships based on love and unity create an environment where poverty dissipates We can overcome the chains of poverty and help free others as well Live with integrity and win trust These principles apply whether you're a Christian or not Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/648 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Uh oh...January 1 has come and gone. Is it too late to make plans for a better New Year? Of course not. ​ ​Regardless of how far along Earth may be in its journey around the sun, you are free to implement these 7 P's that will make for a more prosperous future. ​Prepare - physically, mentally, emotionally for the things you know are coming up in your life and in your business. You know what needs to be prepared, just do it. ​Propose - The more offers you make, the more money you make ​Promote - Your customer never knows as much about your products as you do - Promote what you're selling more often ​Prove - Have your clients be your preponderance of proof ​Promise - Promise the results you KNOW you can deliver ​Produce - Produce the results you promise ​Preeminence - Be so good at what you do that you become a category of one Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/647 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.

This week I'm giving you a simple, 5-step process to help make 2024 the best year your business has ever had. Of course, I said "simple"...not easy. The toughest pill for most business owners to swallow is this: You probably need to stop doing 20-50% of what you're doing right now. In other words, take a look at 2023 and figure out what things gave you the least ROI. What things took the most of your resources and returned anything less than "worth it". That's the prep work...Listen to get my 5-step plan. Key Insights ​Stop doing the things that don't produce a good return on your time and efforts ​Plan Your Year ​Plan your time off (commit!)   ​Plan for the things you can't control (holidays, etc.) ​Plan your content schedule ​Plan your promotional schedule ​Setup accountability and guidance for you as the leader (e.g. a coach or mentor) Links   The Copywriting Academy Live 2024 - As a listener of my podcast, you have earned a free invitation to experience my flagship training, live, with no investment other than your time and attention. The Copywriting Academy Live happens January 3-6, 2024. If that date has not yet passed, I strongly advise you check this out. Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/646 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

In this week's episode, I'm talking about a single, magic word that has the power to reduce your stress and give you more time to do the things that matter to you. What is this "Magic Word" ? "No" People seem to have no issue asking for our time, our attention, our money, etc. But for some reason, we often feel bad about saying no. It makes us feel like we're not doing our part, or being negative, or a bad person. "No" is just a response. It's neither good nor bad, but learning to use it can have a huge impact on your life. Key Insights ​Saying "no" doesn't mean you're a negative person with a negative attitude...it's just a response ​No need to make up excuses. This is a complete sentence: "No." ​Using the word "because" in your response can lead to less pushback ​Saying No to things you don't want to do gives you more time to say yes to the things you do want to do Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/645 Links ​The Copywriting Academy Live:  Kick off 2024 with radical change and massive progress. Join me for The Copywriting Academy Live virtual event, January 3-5. We'll get your copy finished and ready-for-launch, plus you'll master some incredible tools that will make you more productive than ever before. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

It's almost that time of year... Time to declare big changes for 2024! And then abandon those declarations in a few short weeks.  I'm not trying to be negative, but the reality is: It's hard to make significant changes in ourselves. Only 3% of people stick to their big resolutions. But why? That's what we'll take a look at in this week's episode. Change is possible...and it can be much easier than you think. Key Insights   ​ Change happens when the pain of not changing is greater than the difficulty of making the change. ​The fear of not changing is often overshadowed by immediate gratification, making it difficult for people to prioritize long-term consequences over short-term pleasure. ​To change, you need to make the future pain of not changing more real than the current pleasure. ​People don't change unless they associate significant pain with not changing and take ownership of their ability to change. ​Some people can learn to love pain through conscious choice and association with pleasure. ​Choose activities that you enjoy to make change easier. ​Enjoy the process of pushing yourself to achieve your goals, not just the end result. 5 Steps For Real Change Decide what it is you want to do Get clear on why it's important to you Figure out how you're going to get to the outcome Associate massive pleasure to the process of getting there Associate massive pain to not doing the process Links The Copywriting Academy Live - Kick off 2024 with radical change and massive progress. Join me for The Copywriting Academy Live virtual event, January 3-5. We'll get your copy finished and ready-for-launch, plus you'll master some incredible tools that will make you more productive than ever before. Video And Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/644 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

The P.A.S.T.O.R. Framework® is the formula I use to craft every piece of sales copy I write. It is also the most "borrowed" piece of knowledge that I've ever taught. I've seen it shared in countless blog posts, videos, and forums around the net (often without proper attribution, but that's okay...I guess). The thing is, to really use this formula effectively, you need to learn a little more than just what each letter of the acronym stands for. This week, I'm diving deeper into each step of the process with a P.A.S.T.O.R. "mini" Masterclass. Listen carefully, put these concepts to work, and you WILL sell more of your stuff. Key Insights ​A review of the PASTOR Framework® ​Diving Deeper ... Talk to your "Right-Fit" client ​KNOW Your Person as well as possible, then talk to THEM, not to a group - Describe THEIR problem ​Describe the Pain as they perceive it ​What's going to happen if the problem (the Pain) goes unsolved? ​Show them what's possible when the problem is solved ​Tell them the story of Why they should listen to ​Describe your experience...tell the story of how you discovered the solution ​Show the transformation that happened for you (AND share the stories of others when you have them) ​Paint the picture of possibility - What would their life look like once your product has solved their problem ​Always focus on the benefits - Even if the offer ​Reframe the objections as questions...and answer them ​What are the reasons they should act Right NOW? ​Explain the cost of waiting ​Don't forget to actually ASK for the Sale    Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/643   Links ​AI Marketing Academy Live - "Master the Power of AI to Multiply Your Income, Influence, and Impact … In 3 Short Days."   If you're looking at this prior to 1/3/24, you still have a chance to sign up.     How You Can Help   Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

I have previously claimed that Writer's Block does not exist. That was true for me at least...until recently. What happened? How could my seemingly endless well of ideas and words suddenly run dry?  This week I'm sharing the cause, and the cure. Key Insights ​Expressing my gratitude for you in this season of thanks ​Suddenly self-conscious ​Age is NOT a handicap in this arena. There is value in your wisdom ​Accept who you are and embrace your imperfections ​Be a source of positivity online and in the world ​Your influence and impact will live longer than you​ Links How To Write Copy That Sells - Get your FREE copy of my bestselling book (just pay shipping) YouTube and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/642 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Building your business and your brand requires a particular set of skills. I want to talk about those skills (one in particular), but also issue a reminder about your other brand...the one built by others. Your shadow brand. What is it, and how do you manage it? Key Insights ​ What's the best, must-have skill for creating cash flow and building wealth? ​AI has made it easier to build a business with less human help, but at a certain level you must start hiring people. ​The harder you work, the more money you make... Not True - That philosophy can destroy you ​To achieve true wealth, you must create assets that generate income ​You must learn to communicate strategically and influentially ​Use your writing to build your personal brand - Do not just hand this job over to AI...use AI as a helper, not an author ​How to take control of your Shadow Brand (make it intentional) ​Build a personal brand based on the Real You ​Embrace your Authentic Self - keep your quirks intact to build a personal brand that people connect with and recognize ​Copywriting is the number one skill when it comes to building your brand (Everything is copy) ​A.I. can help make you more productive, but you MUST understand the fundamental principles of good copy in order to use it correctly Links ​How To Write Copy That Sells - Get your free copy of my most popular, bestselling book (just pay shipping) Transcript and Video rayedwards.com/641 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

"People Pleasing" is NOT the way to build a brand. You might build a BIG list that way, but you won't build a QUALITY one. Your list, your followers, your subscribers...They need to know the real you if you want to build a meaningful connection. (You know, the kind that brings in revenue for your business.) Your message must align with your brand. My guest this week is known as "the People Displeaser" (a.k.a. Nick Pollard), and he has done exactly that. Nick and I will discuss his journey, and how being authentic with his audience has helped him build a list of actively engaged, loyal followers.  Key Insights ​Nick Pollard's recent video on TikTok has over 1.8 million views (and climbing)...but why "that" one? ​Don't worry about the size of your email list, focus on the depth of your relationship with your subscribers. ​Maintaining a high list engagement with a 50% open rate, even without marketing to them, shows the importance of having a targeted and interested audience. ​Nick's engagement with his audience's list is HUGE. That's a result of building a strong connection with his audience which paves the way for successful marketing. ​The key to building engagement with your audience is being honest and authentic from the start. ​Nick had rapid list growth, going from 1,500 to over 11,000 subscribers, thanks to a little bit of luck, and a viral video. ​The content that performs the best is when the creator is being authentic. ​Nick believes that high engagement on social media comes from sharing only what truly matters and resonates with the audience, rather than bombarding them with irrelevant content. (Don't force it!) Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/640 Links NickPollard.com - How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser, Quit Lying to Yourself About How Miserable You Are, And Finally Build a Life of Freedom Where You Don't Come In Last Place. ​CopyCrew.net - Unlimited Copywriting for online business. Fast, effective, and 100% Guaranteed. A copywriting subscription to grow your business. How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Check out this incredible conversation I had with my fellow word-nerd, Molly Rouse-DiCioccio. Molly has an amazing insight as to (as she puts it) "why people do stuff". Once you understand the psychology of your audience, the right words become obvious. And, of course, if you're a copywriter that can "connect", you can charge appropriately (6-figures in the case of the project we discussed), and are free to work from wherever. ​Molly's fascination with human behavior and psychology drives her passion for marketing and helping people with marketing psychology, influence, persuasion, and mental triggers ​​The importance of copywriting skills (and where to learn them) ​How Molly ​used the PASTOR formula to write a proposal that secured a $120,000 deal ​Language is powerful!  Mastering it is important not just in copywriting, but also in ALL communication​ ​ "It's better not to speak at all unless what you're going to say expresses compassion, inspiration, or mutual benefit." ​Mind your mental state: Don't write when you're angry​ ​AI is a powerful tool to give you a start, but human understanding of how words are perceived and the psychological impact is still crucial.   Links ​WhyPeopleDoStuff.com What makes people listen to you? To trust you? Buy from you? Contact you? What makes YOU stand out more than anyone else? - Check out Molly's site to answer those questions. ​Start Your Own Writing Business - Check out some free training, and a special offer from Ray.   Watch the Video and get the Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/638   How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments?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.

Amanda Foust is a shining example of someone who turned their passion into a profitable business. Her love of writing inspired her to learn a skill that she's used to build TWO successful businesses — Copywriting. She'll explain how important copywriting has been in BOTH of her businesses (including the one that has nothing to do with writing). Because, as she puts it, "I just don't know how you sell otherwise." Key Insights ​Thank God for teachers ​Understanding the importance of framing and presentation in copywriting is crucial for success ​Focus on finding "the whos" (the right people) to help, rather than getting caught up in the details. ​Amanda became a certified, high-performance coach after being inspired by receiving coaching in college. ​Give us some numbers...Amanda talks about the growth of her company, Homegrown, going from part-time work to achieving six-figure earnings and retiring their husband within five years ​Knowing how to write good copy (or partnering with someone who can) is crucial for success​ ​AI-generated copy still needs human help to be more than mediocre ​Coaches help people navigate imposter syndrome, loneliness, and lack of clarity by focusing on time management, productivity, and finding meaning in their work ​Creating a community for learning is more effective than just offering a course ​AI For Copywriters can help improve your marketing and learn to use AI as a tool to amplifiy your own voice, not replace it Links   Wake Up To Your Life - Want to learn more about Amanda's coaching and other services? Check out her brand new site Video and Transcript https://www.rayedwards.com/637 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Many entrepreneurs start their journey out of necessity. An unforeseen set of circumstances gives them the push, and then it's sink or swim. My guest this week was facing some major family and financial challenges. She fought through the fear and built a successful, 6-figure business in less than a year...That's a story worth paying attention to. Listen and learn from my conversation with Anita Anello. Key Insights Anita's career success and achievements left her feeling unfulfilled, questioning if there was more to life than just titles, money, and accolades, emphasizing the need for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. ​​Be impeccable with your word and build a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness. ​Everything Is Copy - Anita discovered the importance of copywriting through the idea that "everything that we say and do​ is all copy." ​Build your business around the deep desires in your heart and be rewarded with freedom.​ ​Anita's passion lies in helping other successful women of faith who have reached a pinnacle in their careers and have a God-sized idea inside of them, guiding them towards fulfilling their potential. ​Creating a movement of women who champion each other, meet each other where they're at, and have no tolerance for complainers or those who don't take responsibility for their lives. ​Anita and her husband were able to pay off over $40,000 of debt in just a four-month period, demonstrating their commitment to financial stability. ​Anita's journey of finding work-life balance and being present for her kids while still making money and pursuing her interests is inspiring. ​"Being a person of Integrity is one of my core values...whatever you say you're going to do, that's it because all I have are my words." ​Anita's list of necessities for her family's survival and thriving included not just financial aspects, but also time, health, and other non-monetary factors. ​Overcoming challenges and declaring one's accomplishments can empower individuals to walk confidently in their journey, leaving a ripple effect for generations to come. Links TheRippleAffect.net - The place to connect with Anita Anello, and "Turn Your Corporate Skills into a Consulting Business You Love" Video and Transcript rayedwards.com/636 How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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.

Ever have that dream of waking up and finding that your most recent video got hundreds of thousands of views while you were sleeping? I have. I have yet to experience this personally, but that's exactly what happened to my guest, Matt Wolfe. In this conversation with Matt, we'll talk about his sudden boom (9 years after launching his channel) - What caused it? How have things changed? What opportunities has it made possible? Matt is a passionate student of A.I. and it shows in his videos. We'll discuss the importance of creating the content you're passionate about, what role A.I. (and humans) play in the future of content creation, and why Matt thinks the human brain is not yet obsolete. [00:00] Matt and I discuss his popularity increase after chat GPT became public, his journey of creating videos, gaining traction, and finding success with AI-related content. ​Overnight success? Hardly. Matt started his YouTube channel in 2009, focusing on WordPress and teaching people how to build websites ​Matt discovered that his videos about AI gained more popularity than his marketing content, leading him to shift his channel's focus. One of his A.I videos has now hit 1.2 million views. ​[04:36] Matt shares his 14-year journey to success and how he is monetizing his business. ​​Matt created his website, futuretools.io, to organize and access useful tools he discovered. This site now serves as an A.I. resource for thousands of visitors each day. ​Lots of copycat sites have emerged since Matt's launch of futuretools.io, but that doesn't bother him. He originally built this site as a resource for himself and not as a business model. ​Matt sees himself as an enthusiastic user of AI technology rather than pretending to be an expert. He believes (and I agree) that has played an important role in his success. ​Matt's revenue streams include: affiliate links, featured listings, sponsorships, a weekly newsletter, a YouTube channel, and a podcast. ​[12:35]  Will A.I. take over content creation? Matt believes that real people creating content on YouTube will always win because the audience connects with a genuine creator. ​[19:46] Creating authentic and passionate content that resonates with you is more valuable than focusing on data-driven strategies, spammy content, or trying to please the algorithm or audience. ​Be real...Let your personality shine through in your content. Focus on creating content that excites and interests you. ​[22:56]  Use AI as a tool to enhance content creation ​Feedly is an AI-powered RSS feed reader that allows users to find and filter articles and news on specific topics. ​[27:54]  What about AI's  potential to create fake content and undermine the credibility of video and photographic evidence What does Matt think about AI replacing jobs? ​[33:19]  Do we still need people? Of course. But not for everything... AI will potentially replace manual labor jobs, but humans will adapt and find new ways to add value. ​[36:47]  Where to find Matt...and when do we get the new podcast? Links ​futuretools.io : Matt's site that "Collects & Organizes All The Best AI Tools So YOU Too Can Become Superhuman!" ​Matt's YouTube Channel : Definitely worth subbing and binging How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, 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. Questions or comments? 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 and Video https://www.rayedwards.com/635