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,...

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...

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 I must admit, I was pleased that none of this content is "outdated".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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

"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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

I can think of no more valuable skill than the one that conveys the importance, uniqueness, value, and necessity of everything else you have to offer - Copywriting. Feel free to try and convince me otherwise...but guess what skill you'll need to do that? Copywriting is fundamental to any business because it's how you communicate who you are and why people need you. Any transaction begins with communication, and the quality of that communication dictates everything that comes after. ...

This week we review the fundamental differences between marketing and selling, and how to properly execute both. Plus, I introduce you to two of my students, Jason and Melanie Crane. We'll talk about their entrepreneurial journey as a husband and wife team, they're challenges, and how you can achieve success without sacrificing your marriage. I'll also tell you how you can learn the same fundamental sales system that we use for each and every product and service we sell (Product Launch...