Ray Edwards Show

One of the most important skills you can develop is the skill of writing persuasive copy. Copy that sells products and services. There is a formula for writing such copy, and in today's episode, I will share it. You can start using it today.. Announcements: If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a […]

Most small businesses will fail. According to StatisticBrain.com, 25% of businesses will fail in year one, by year five the failure rate is 55%, by year ten it's 71%. Why does this happen? There are many explanations being offered, from industry changes to economic environment.

My strong belief is that most of these so-called reasons are excuses. And when we get right down to the real reasons most businesses fail, it turns out the top 10 reasons are all within your control. In this episode I will explain what the 10 true reasons are, and how to control them and increase your odds of success.

Announcements:

• If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Phil Conrad, Chris Michalowski, Kent Julian, for giving us a review on iTunes in the last last week.
• I'm speaking at the Platform Conference in November. Register using this link, and as you check out enter the promo code RAY to save $100 on your ticket.

Tip Of The Week 

Did  you ever sit squirming in the movie theater, because you needed to run to the restroom but didn't want to miss an important scene?

Now there's an app to help you out. It's called RunPee! RunPee lets you call up the movie you're watching and the app will tell you when is a good time to go to the restroom, how long you have, and even tell you what happens while you're gone.

It has silent alarms you can set up, letting you know when it's safe to go to the bathroom, so you don't have to take out your phone in the dark theater.

The best part is… it's free!

Click here to get the RunPee app.

 

Spiritual Foundations

Following Jesus can be confusing sometimes. First of all, Jesus himself said some of the most puzzling things. And now, 2,000 years after he rose from the dead, there are many conflicting opinions about what he said and did.

How do you know who is telling the truth? Who really represents the Spirit of god, and who is a false teacher or false prophet? I think there are 5 distinguishing characteristics that should be warning signals of false teachers or doctrines. (For further reading, see 1 John.)

1. Claims to be the "one true way".
2. Promotes an "us against them" mindset.
3. Sets up one person as the "ultimate authority" who must be blindly obeyed.
4. Over-emphasizes one doctrine or scripture in a weird way.
5. Uses fear and manipulation to control followers.

Remember what Jesus himself said: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

Feature Segment: The 10 True Real Reasons Your Business Will Probably Fail

Most businesses do not close because of competition, the economy, regulation, or any of the other excuses businesses owners use to explain their failure. Most businesses that fail do so because of preventable mistakes on the part of the business owner. The most common reasons are:

1. Mediocre product, customer service.
2. No employee training system.
3. No marketing system.
4. No investment in business/staff improvement.
5. No clear objectives.
6. No testing and tracking.
7. Inefficiency.
8. Laziness.
9. No advisors.
10. No cash.

In the audio, I explore each of these in depth, and provide solutions to each of these problems.

What To Do Now

Steps you can take to put this week's episode content to work for you:

1. Get your business or web site promoted on my show by givings us a review in iTunes!
2. Review the list of the 10 reasons businesses fail and ask yourself: could I improve in any of these areas?
3. Do what it takes to correct any of the mistakes you or your company might be making right now.

Get The Transcript

Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.

Question: What action will you take this week to strengthen your own business? Click here to leave your comments.

Most small businesses will fail. According to StatisticBrain.com, 25% of businesses will fail in year one, by year five the failure rate is 55%, by year ten it's 71%. Why does this happen? There are many explanations being offered, from industry changes to economic environment. My strong belief is that most of these so-called reasons […]

"How do I really start my own online business?" This is a question I hear pretty often. Recently I found myself saying, "Well, it's pretty simple. You just need to…" and then I heard myself spewing out a long list of stuff that was anything but simple.

Clearly I needed a simpler, more cohesive answer to this question. That's what this episode is all about.

Announcements:

• If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Ben Wally and Matt McWilliams for giving us a review on iTunes last week.
• I'm speaking at the Platform Conference in November. Register using this link, and as you check out enter the promo code RAY to save $100 on your ticket.

Tip Of The Week 

This week I'm recommending another book, Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle Is The Way. 

In life we are often frustrated by the obstacles we face. Throughout history, there has been a different way of viewing obstacles. A way that was familiar to John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. A belief that the obstacle is not in the way, but that it is the way.

The philosophy behind this belief was articulated by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who struggled to define the way of excellence in any circumstance. In this book, Holiday spells out in simple language that very philosophy.

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." — Marcus Aurelius

 

Spiritual Foundations

What do you trust God with? Over the last few weeks, my life has been deeply impacted by an insight I received from my wife Lynn. In this section of the show, I explain the insight and how to put it to work in your own life.

Feature Segment: How To Really Build An Online Business

1. The Right Mindset. This is the crucial foundation you must build on if you want a sustainable business.
2. Something To Say Or Sell (Book & Speech). You must find your own Unique Wisdom Message, and distill that into a Signature Book, Signature Speech, and Signature Product Line.
3. "Platform" Website. These days we don't wait to be invited to the platform, we build our own.
4. Email List. Your most important asset is your email list, and the relationship you cultivate with those people.
5. Social Media System. It's crucial to find a way to market with Social Media without allowing it to consume your time.
6. Content. The currency of marketplace preeminence is the creation and distribution of valuable content that solves a problem people actually have.
7. Traffic. A store with no people in the door is a store that soon will be no more.
8. Conversion. You must convert browsers into buyers if you want to produce profits.
9. Cash Register. The simple but vital matter of how you will be paid.

In the audio, I explore each of these in depth, and provide the actual resources I use and recommend for each part of the system.

Here are links to the products and services I mentioned in this episode.

Content Creation and Other Training

• Rapid Writing System. Our training program that teaches you how to write and publish your book in 30 days or less.
• How to Profit From What You Already Know. Our comprehensive course on building a business based on your knowledge, experience, and wisdom.
• 3-Day Live Intensive. Our 3-day seminar where I share the very latest tactics and tool that are working right now, today.
• Dreamstorm Workshop. Currently our most exclusive training, where I personally help you discover your Unique Wisdom Message, and turn that into a book, speech, and integrated product suite. (Limited seats available for the July 8-10 event, click here to apply. Acceptance not guaranteed.)
• Platform. The book by Michael Hyatt that is a must-read.
• Platform University. A highly recommended membership community.

Website Building

• WordPress. Framework for building your web site. Just use it.
• Bluehost. This is our recommended hosting company.
• Get Noticed! Theme. The WordPress theme I currently use and recommend.
• Studiopress. Very reliable, highly recommended themes for WordPress.

Email Marketing

• Aweber. Email marketing software service.
• Mailchimp. Email marketing software service, free for the first 2,000 subscribers.
• InfusionSoft. Handles your email marketing, customer relationship management, and commerce (shopping cart).

Conversion and Cash Register

• Rapid Copywriting. Our course that teaches how to write sales copy fast & easy, including templates.
• Writing Riches. My book about sales copy.
• Wishlist. Plugin that turns your WordPress site into a members download area, or full-fledged membership site.
• LeadPages. Easy software for making landing pages of all kinds.
• Paypal. Take payments online.
• PowerPay. Accept credit cards directly on your site.

Other Recommended Sites

• Michael Hyatt
• Amy Porterfield
• Cliff Ravenscraft
• Stu McLaren

What To Do Now

Here are some steps you can take to put this week's episode content to work for you:

1. Review my 9-item checklist for building your online business and determine what you're still missing.
2. Decide what the next logical step is you can take to fill in your first gap – and take that action immediately.
3. Schedule the remaining actions over the next 90 days.

Get The Transcript

Click here to get the transcript. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.

Question: What part of the system do you still need to fill in to make your business complete? Click here to leave your comments.

“How do I really start my own online business?” This is a question I hear pretty often. Recently I found myself saying, “Well, it's pretty simple. You just need to…” and then I heard myself spewing out a long list of stuff that was anything but simple. Clearly I needed a simpler, more cohesive answer to […]

Have you ever noticed that over the years, you tend to do pretty much the same things? What I mean is, if you're a reader you remain one, if you're a writer you tend to write, if you're a procrastinator you tend to keep procrastinating, and so forth. The key to being productive, profitable, and happy is not in changing your nature. It's in learning to turn your nature to your advantage.

In this week's episode, I'll share some ideas on how to do just that.

Announcements:

• If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Brian Holmes, Nick Alexander, Tim, Rick Stevens, and John Stolpe  for giving us a review on iTunes this week.

Tip Of The Week 

Essentialism by Greg McKeown. This book is a great clarifying breath of fresh air. In an age where we are continually sold the idea that more is better, McKeown recommends "the disciplined pursuit of less." From the book:

The Way of the Essentialist isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done.  It is not  a time management strategy, or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter.  

By forcing us to apply a more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy – instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us.

Essentialism is not one more thing – it's a whole new way of doing everything. It's about doing less, but better, in every area of our lives. "

Spiritual Foundations

There should be no such thing as a Christian who is perpetually unhappy.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 Feature Segment: How To Be Productive, Profitable, and Happy

I think one of the real tricks of success is to simply recognize these things you tend to do, and then find ways to make these tendencies support your success. In fact, I think most people are miserable because they fail to do just that. Instead of working with their tendencies in order to succeed (almost effortlessly), they identify their tendencies as the problem and vow to change.

That, my friend, is called swimming against the river. And while you may get credit for working your tail off while doing it, you're not going to make much progress relative to the shoreline.

Case in point: for the longest time I was worried about my information "addiction".

Just this morning, I read an entire business book. Read part of a novel. Checked out a few hundred new items in Feedly.  And later I will sort through some 200 emails waiting for me.

I have dozens of PDFs in my "To Read" folder on my Macbook Air. I have dozens more videos and audios to go through in my "To Listen" and "To Watch" folders.

And once upon a time I thought something was wrong with me because of this kind of behavior. So I struggled against it. I read books about it. I read articles about it. I listened to self-help material about it. Is anyone other than me seeing the irony yet?

One day I stumbled across an article by Dan Kennedy in which he detailed his working habits… and I was shocked to discover they were nearly identical to mine (at least when it came to info-consumption)! And Dan saw it not as a weakness to be changed… but rather as a strength to be nurtured.

That was life-changing for me.

It gave me a way to stop struggling against my natural tendencies, and to embrace the way God made me. That tendency to process large quantities of unrelated information allows me to form connections between ideas, concepts, and methods that I would not possess if I limited my information intake. So now I structure my work and my routine in such a way that my behavior in this regard in strengthened, reinforced, and nurtured — and then put to profitable use in my writing.

I look for ways to channel that stream of information so that it's not wasted.

So what does this all mean to you?

In my experience, it means that if you find yourself fighting the same old battles (chronic lateness, procrastination, forgetfullness), you've probably unwittingly been holding yourself back by resisting your own gifts.

If you have trouble with authority, why work in a job when it's clear you'd be happier as an entrepreneur?

If you are always late for appointments — why not just stop making appointments (Arnold Shwarzenneger reportedly refuses to make appointments with anyone, and he seems to be doing okay running the state of California).

And if you have tendencies that are frowned upon by others — for instance, sleeping during the day and staying up all night — why not look for a way to turn the tendency into an asset (for instance, by working via Internet with clients or companies in a different time zone… where suddenly YOU are the early riser!)?

Just because certain tendencies, behaviors and attitudes are not "acceptable" in one context does not mean those qualities are "bad". It simply means — at least in my experience — you need to find a different context! And that decision — how you live your life — is (for most of us) entirely a choice.

(And to ward off the inevitable objections to my premise: yes, I recognize that there are behaviors and "tendencies" that are illegal, immoral, and unethical. That's not what we're talking about here, okay? Anything that falls into those three categories should be jettisoned from your life. 'Nuff said on that.)

Now take a moment to think about this…

In what ways could your "limiting tendencies" become strengths?

How could your re-arrange your life to make it so?

If you can find positive, proactive ways to answer those questions, you just might find yourself more productive, profitable, and happy.

What To Do Now

Here are some steps you can take to put this week's episode content to work for you:

1. Get the book, Essentialism.
2. Journal some ideas on what parts of your nature you have sought to suppress that might actually be a strength,.
3. Brainstorm some ideas on how you might channel your natural tendencies in a way that is more beneficial, and hat might even be an asset..

Get The Transcript

The transcript for this show will be available soon. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed. Question: What natural tendency do you have that some view as a weakness or liability, but you have turned into a strength or asset? Click here to leave your comments.

Have you ever noticed that over the years, you tend to do pretty much the same things? What I mean is, if you’re a reader you remain one, if you’re a writer you tend to write, if you’re a procrastinator you tend to keep procrastinating, and so forth. The key to being productive, profitable, and […]

There's a saying: "The customer is always right." But what about customers who are abusive, dishonest, and bullying? Are they always right? I think not. And you must protect yourself and your staff from these bullies.

In this week's episode, I share 7 tips for handling abusive or "problem" customers.

Announcements:

• If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Dr. Brad Miller, jself93, Chris Pilon, Roger Carr, Astanc, Clean Colleen, and Chef52,  for giving us a review on iTunes this week.
• We're holding a contest this month. FIRST… everyone who gives us a review in iTunes will get a FREE copy of two of my books – MoneyWords and Just Get Started! Then, out of all the entries, we will draw one winner at random of our $797 training we just completed called, "How to Profit From What You Already Know". To enter, you need to (1) subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and (2) give us an honest rating. Be sure you either put your website URL in your review, so we can contact you… or email us AFTER you have published your rating. That way if we draw your name we can contact you and let you know you won. You can also enter by leaving us a voicemail (at the bottom of this post, or click here.) We will have the drawing on June 15th.

Tip Of The Week 

I really like a habit tracking app called Habit List. From their website: "Habit List includes everything you need to reach your goals, wrapped in a beautiful and intuitive interface. It motivates you, helps you stay focused, and keeps you on track. It's for all the little things that make a big difference." I like that you can track streaks, be reminded what is due today, and track your trends.

Spiritual Foundations

Our job as Christians is not to hide out in the church building – it's to launch out into the world.

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Feature Segment: How To Deal With Abusive Customers

Sometimes customers are dishonest, abusive, and even psychopathic bullies. You need to protect yourself and your staff from these people. Here are 7 tips for dealing with abusive customers.

1. Have clear policies in place regarding the most common questions your customers may have.
2. Establish a procedure for processing feedback.
3. Respond quickly and decisively.
4. Identify bullies quickly, and disengage politely and quickly.
5. Know when to fire a customer, and do it sooner rather than later.
6. Realize that sometimes the relationship is just not right, and end it.
7. Never engage in a public debate with a customer.

By the way, not all customer complaints are bullying or abusive. Most complaints are poorly communicated requests. When you make a mistake, admit it and correct it immediately.

As hard as it may be, don't let the crazy antics of a few troublemakers distort your perception of your customers, or yourself. If you get 99% positive feedback, and 1% irrational criticism, recognize that the problem is likely not on your end.

What To Do Now

Here are some steps you can take to put this week's episode content to work for you:

1. Ask yourself how, as a follower of Christ, you can exert more influence for his Kingdom in your so-called ordinary life.
2. Review the list of actions for dealing with abusive customers, and start putting this into place immediately.
3. Review your customer records and ask yourself if there are a few stinkers you need to get rid of.

Get The Transcript

Get the transcript for this show by clicking here. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.

Question: Have you ever had to deal with a "crazy customer"? How did you handle it? (NO NAMES, PLEASE!) Click here to leave your comments.

 

There's a saying: “The customer is always right.” But what about customers who are abusive, dishonest, and bullying? Are they always right? I think not. And you must protect yourself and your staff from these bullies. In this week's episode, I share 7 tips for handling abusive or “problem” customers. Announcements: If you enjoy the podcast, I […]

There is one online business teacher whose students have created over half a BILLION dollars in sales, using his methods. He also happens to be one of the most graceful people I know. Now, he has written a book that distills down the core elements of his training, and it's just been released.

In this week's episode, I spend some time talking with my friend Jeff Walker about his new book, Launch (as of this writing, if you click here you can get the book for free… no joke.)

Announcements:

• If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Barak Strickland, Jself93, WaterForShepherds, Nathan Hale, Darin Sargent, Sponz, and lahokie,  for giving us a review on iTunes this week.
• We're holding a contest this month. FIRST… everyone who gives us a review in iTunes will get a FREE copy of two of my books – MoneyWords and Just Get Started! Then, out of all the entries, we will draw one winner at random of our $797 training we just completed called, "How to Profit From What You Already Know". To enter, you need to (1) subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and (2) give us an honest rating. Be sure you either put your website URL in your review, so we can contact you… or email us AFTER you have published your rating. That way if we draw your name we can contact you and let you know you won. You can also enter by leaving us a voicemail (at the bottom of this post, or click here.) We will have the drawing on June 15th.

Tip Of The Week 

I just got a new strap for my Nikon D5200 camera. It's actually a sling, called the BlackRapid RS-5.

It attaches to the bottom of the camera, by screwing into the tripod mount. This makes for an easier way to carry the camera. I really like this strap so far, for the following reasons:

• Fits over the shoulder, instead of looped around the back of your neck. This makes it more secure.
• It's easier on my back and shoulders.
• It helps me protect the lens from being accidentally banged into something.
• The camera is ready to shoot in a split second.

Spiritual Foundations

Last year I was at a healing conference in Redding, California. Ironically I was in extraordinary levels of back pain. At one point in the conference, people began praying for one another, and I admitted to those around me I was in a great deal of pain. As they spoke God's word over my back, specifically "by His strips we are healed", my back pain miraculously dranied away. I was healed!

A couple of years before that a friend of mine called to tell me goodbye. He had cancer and his doctor told him to say his goodbyes! I spoke God's grace and healing word over that situation, as did many others. My friend's cancer was healed!

When you speak God's word over your life and your situation, the entire universe bends to bring it about.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11

If the words you confess are God's words – and you confess them in faith – God will move to bring His word to pass! Sometimes we even forget words we confesses in faith long ago. But God does not forget!

Feature Segment:  Jeff Walker, Product Launch Formula, And A Life Of Grace

This week's show is an interview with Jeff Walker, author of the new book, Launch.

Resources mentioned in the interview with Jeff:

RelaxMelodies.com

The Alchemist, by Paolo Coehlo

Launch, by Jeff Walker

What To Do Now

Here are some steps you can take to put this week's episode content to work for you:

1. Click here to request your copy of Jeff Walker's new book, Launch, for free..
2. Rate and review the show on iTunes to have a chance at winning our $797 training for free.

Get The Transcript

Click here to get the transcript of this show. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.

Question: What do you most want to know about launching a business online? Click here to leave your comments.