Ray Edwards Show

When I am interviewed, one question that comes up regularly is: "Ray, if you are starting your business today how would you do it?"  I think the implication is things are different today than when I started, and thus a different approach is required. But is that true? In this week's episode I'll answer the question, how would I start over today?

Announcements:

Conferences where I will be attending and/or speaking:

• JV Alert, July 26-28
• NAMS Conference, August 9-11
• SCORRE Conference, October 14-17
• Platform Conference, November 3-5

Want To Be On Next Week's Show?

My topic for next week's show is "How To Get Clarity And Focus". If you have a question on that topic, you can ask by visiting my voicemail page (just click here to leave a message). This is a great way to promote your own website. First, make sure you have a great question, and then start off by saying your name and your website. If your question is used on the show, we will even include a link back to your site in the show notes.

Your Feedback

Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please contact me.

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679 or click here to leave a message on my Voicemail Page

And 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 podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

Tip Of The Week

Changing things up a bit, this week's Tip of the week is actually a hat tip to three of my favorite podcasts.

• This Is Your Life by Michael Hyatt
• Podcast Answer Man by Cliff Ravenscraft
• 48 Days by Dan Miller

Lifestyle Business Segment

Featuring Stu McLaren of Wishlist Products and Rhino Support. this week: the value of taking risks.

Spiritual Foundations

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17

Who are you, and why are you here? These are big questions, but the answers are vital to building a sustainable business on a firm foundation.

1. You are a child of God.
2. You are here to establish his will "on earth, as it is in heaven."
3. Once you are in submission  to the great commission, you can understand your mission.

Feature Segment: How I Would Start Over Today

1. Discover my own unique ability.
2. Find the intersection of my unique ability, the desires of my marketplace, and what they're willing to pay for.
3. Build a platform and a listening station.
4. Create a unique solution for an identifiable group of people with money.
5. Build a marketing system to bring that offer to my people.

Question: how would you start over today? What questions do you have about starting up for the first time? Click here to leave your comments.

 

When I am interviewed, one question that comes up regularly is: “Ray, if you are starting your business today how would you do it?”  I think the implication is things are different today than when I started, and thus a different approach is required. But is that true? In this week's episode I'll answer the […]

Just yesterday I was on the phone with a client. She had just finished describing her business to me. She wants to sell a product that teaches women how to help their husbands break an addiction to pornography. "I guess what I'm wondering," she said, "is this a ministry or business? Is there really a way to make money doing this?"

In other words, she was asking if it's possible to monetize her particular message. This is a common question. Almost everybody wonders about it at some point, and almost everybody thinks their businesses "different". If you're listening to the show, I believe it is definitely possible for you to monetize your message. To do well while doing good. And today I will tell you exactly what you need to do for that to happen.

Announcements:

• JV Alert, July 26-28
• NAMS Conference, August 9-11
• SCORRE Conference, October 14-17
• Platform Conference, November 3-5

Tip Of The Week

This weeks tip explains how I use the Kindle reader app on my iPad, plus Evernote, to do research for my books and articles.

Spiritual Foundations

This weekend like to share something written by Kris Vallotton.  It's about the importance of setting boundaries. This is a crucial skill needed by anyone in this business of ours.

"It's really important to set boundaries with people. If you don't learn to set boundaries in your life, other people will superimpose their priorities and values on you. The people who hate the fact that you're setting boundaries are the very ones who need them the most! Some people view boundaries as unloving or harsh. They think that you should run to every emergency, let people violate your values, and never say no to anyone or else you are not being loving. Jesus loved people and yet he had no problem confronting them. Personally, I'm tired of marshmallow Believers. Doormat Don and Molly meek need to get some courage and leave the powerless, victim camp of spineless Christianity."

"It's funny, when I share things like this on my Facebook page people think I'm venting or I'm in a bad mood. I don't need to be in a bad mood to set boundaries, I've had to learn to live with them or die without them. No public figure could survive very long without setting boundaries. For example, it's common for people to talk to me while I'm in a bathroom stall or even slide a book under the stall for me to autograph. Often people will follow me out to my car after a 12 hour day of ministry to take a picture with me. All these people mean well, and it is really nice to be loved. But it takes a toll on you and soon you find yourself exhausted; not wanting to be around people. So you finally learn to set boundaries and risk being misunderstood. But it's better to be misunderstood and fruitful, than to be burnout, broke down, and useless."

I urge you to take some time this week to think about what your boundaries are, and perhaps identify places in your life where a lack of boundaries is depleting your personal  resources.  You can't help anyone else if you're in the process of drowning.

Feature Segment: How To Monetize Your Message

How can you monetize any message? It's actually fairly simple.

First, in order to monetize your message, you must become the message your mission deserves.

Second, there are four strategic components to the monetization process:

1. Big Mission
2. Big Idea
3. Big Invitation
4. Big Offer

Third, in the Big Offer phase of your monetization plan, there are four subcomponents that must be present:

1. Community
2. Copy
3. Content
4. Call to Action

Want To Be On Next Week's Show?

My topic for next week's show is "How Would Ray Start Today?". If you have a question on that topic, you can ask by visiting my voicemail page (just click here to leave a message). This is a great way to promote your own website. First, make sure you have a great question, and then start off by saying your name and your website. If your question is used on the show, will even include a link back to your site in the show notes.

Your Feedback

Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please contact me.

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679 or click here to leave a message on my Voicemail Page

And 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 podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

 

Just yesterday I was on the phone with a client. She had just finished describing her business to me. She wants to sell a product that teaches women how to help their husbands break an addiction to pornography. “I guess what I'm wondering,” she said, “is this a ministry or business? Is there really a […]

One of the most common questions I get is this: "Ray, how do you create your podcast each week?" In this week's episode, I'll give the most complete answer ever. And I'll walk you through my workflow for creating this podcast.

The official "studio" of the Ray Edwards Show.

 

Announcements:

• JV Alert, July 26-28
• NAMS Conference, August 9-11
• SCORRE Conference, October 14-17
• Platform Conference, November 3-5

Tip Of The Week

The Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 is my new carry-on, along with Eagle Creek Pack It Cubes. Allows me to travel with just one bag for a 3-day conference. Thanks to Chris Brogan and Michael Hyatt for the tip.

Packing Pro. This app is my new method of choice for a packing checklist.

Spiritual Foundations

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

A few nights ago, I had serious trouble sleeping. I lay awake staring at the ceiling, reviewing the many responsibilities and tasks that lay before me the next day. Although I was weary, I could not rest. Finally, I spoke aloud to Jesus, and gave him my list of things I was worried about. He took my list, and I fell asleep.

Sometimes we just need to take the promises of the Bible at face value. We don't need to understand the Greek, or have an exegetical analysis performed by a trained theologian.

If you know Jesus, he has promised to give you rest. Whatever you're dealing with, whether it's financial, emotional, physical, or anything else, he sees you. He's already promised to give you rest. To take over your heavy burden. You can just ask. He will give you peace.

Feature Segment: How I Create My Podcast

First things first. Just about everything I learned about podcasting, I learned from Cliff Ravenscraft. He is the Podcast Answer Man. I will share how I create my podcast, but for the detailed tutorials and instruction you need on the subject, I recommend Cliff's material without reservation.

Ray's  Podcast Gear

• Mixer: Behringer Xenix X1222 USB
• Microphone: Heil PR40
• Digital audio recorder: Zoom Handy Recorder H2
• Digital hybrid: JK Audio Innkeeper 1X
• Audio processor: Multicom Pro-XL MDX4600
• Headphones: Audio Technica ATH – M30
• Magic bullet: iMic USB audio interface
• Website platform: WordPress
• Podcasting plug-in: Blubrry Powerpress
• Software: Adobe Audition, Creative Cloud; ID3 Editor; SoundByte
• Media server: Libsyn
• Computer: MacBook Air, 13 inch, 500 GB SSD
• Odds and ends: many different cables, Brother labeler for cables, great degree of patience, Cliff Ravenscraft podcast training to remove need for patience

Ray's Podcast Workflow

1. Decide on topic
2. Fill in SCORRE template
3. Fill-in podcast Show Prep template
4. Assemble audio clips
5. Records show "live" to digital audio recorder
6. Transfer show from SD card to MacBook Air
7. Process audio using Adobe audition
8. Export audio of show to MP3 format
9. Use ID3 tag software to tag MP3 file
10. Upload MP3 file to Libsyn
11. Add media link to post
12. Preview post and double check all links, copy, and the audio file
13. Schedule show for publication

Want To Be On Next Week's Show?

My topic for next week's show is "Monetizing Your Message". If you have a question on that topic, you can ask by visiting my voicemail page (just click here to leave a message). This is a great way to promote your own website. First, make sure you have a great question, and then start off by saying your name and your website. If your question is used on the show, will even include a link back to your site in the show notes.

Your Feedback

Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please contact me.

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679 or click here to leave a message on my Voicemail Page

And 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 podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

 

One of the most common questions I get is this: “Ray, how do you create your podcast each week?” In this week's episode, I'll give the most complete answer ever. And I'll walk you through my workflow for creating this podcast.   Announcements: JV Alert, July 26-28 NAMS Conference, August 9-11 SCORRE Conference, October 14-17 […]

This week I'm going to pull back the curtain and share what I believe have been my seven against business mistakes, and what you can learn from them.

 

Announcements:

• JV Alert, July 26-28
• NAMS Conference, August 9-11
• SCORRE Conference, October 14-17
• Platform Conference, November 3-5

Tip Of The Week

Apple Voice Memos is a fantastic recording studio in your pocket.

Spiritual Foundations

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6

Sometimes when trials come our way, we think God is giving us a test. Or that he is "shaping our character". I have heard people say things like, "It wasn't until I got cancer that my family came together. So I know that was God's plan for my life." Often, people in these situations will cite the book of Job as support for this position. Let me be clear: God is not the author of evil. And cancer is evil.

Many will point to the book of Job, or other places in the Old Testament, and say, "See, this is where God was judging a person… sending a spirit of sickness on a person… causing evil things to happen to a person or nation." And then they will quote Scripture to say that God is "the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow."

Such thinking misses the point. Yes, God is the same. But his covenant has changed. God has always been merciful. He has always been good. He has always been the healer, the restorer, the protector. The old covenant was given because God's people demanded it. It is not what he wanted for the, but they stood their ground in the desert and demanded that Moses go up and bring them back the law.

The book of Job is a book of bad theology, presented as bad theology. Job's friends, the ones who sat around and speculated about why God sent tragedy Job's way (as punishment for sin, to shape his character, etc.) got it wrong. God himself said so in the book.

Jesus, Scripture tells us, is the perfect mirror representation of the Father. Anything that you think about the Father, but which contradicts what you see demonstrated in the life of Jesus, is simply wrong. Jesus healed every person who came to him. He was merciful. He was joyful. And he never once imparted cancer, poverty, divorce, tragedy, or accidents to anyone in order to teach them a lesson. Does God make all things work together for good? Yes. Can he use any situation in our lives as an opportunity for us to learn and grow? Yes.

And keep in mind that he clearly promises us, among other things, divine health, divine wealth, peace… In fact he promises us that we will "prosper in all things, even as your soul prospers."

Feature Segment: My Biggest Business Mistakes

Many business coaches and mentors are happy to tell you about their successes. Most are not so quick to share stories of their failures, because they worry that this will diminish their positioning in your eyes. The problem is: it's from failure that we may learn some of our most valuable lessons. Today, I'm going to share what I consider to be seven of my biggest business mistakes, what I learned from them, and what I feel you can take away from them as well.

   Ray's Seven Biggest Business Mistakes

1. Not starting soon enough. How I hesitated to strike out on my own.
2. Going into debt. The borrower is slave to the lender.
3. Accepting clients I knew were a bad fit. The "Client Who Ate My Calendar" story
4. Failing to establish clear boundaries. "No, I can't take your call at 11pm on Saturday/"
5. Moving too slowly. Ideas lose fire as the clock ticks.
6. Failure to focus. Dispersing your forces weakens your impact.
7. Lacking simultaneous execution. Just so I can contradict #6…

Want To Be On Next Week's Show?

My topic for next week's show is "How I Create My Podcast". If you have a question on that topic, you can ask by visiting my voicemail page (just click here to leave a message). This is a great way to promote your own website. First, make sure you have a great question, and then start off by saying your name and your website. If your question is used on the show, will even include a link back to your site in the show notes.

Your Feedback

Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please contact me.

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679 or click here to leave a message on my Voicemail Page

And 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 podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

 

This week I'm going to pull back the curtain and share what I believe have been my seven against business mistakes, and what you can learn from them.   Announcements: JV Alert, July 26-28 NAMS Conference, August 9-11 SCORRE Conference, October 14-17 Platform Conference, November 3-5 Tip Of The Week Apple Voice Memos is a […]

What if you could run a company with no office, no staff, no inventory and no overhead? You can, and that is what this week's show is about.

 

Announcements:

• Wisdom Thesis Workshop coming up, June 25-28
• JV Alert, July 26-28
• NAMS Conference, August 9-11
• SCORRE Conference, October 14-17
• Platform Conference, November 3-5

Tip Of The Week

NextIssue.com features a nap that allows you to read all your favorite magazines on your iPad for just $14.99 a month.

Genius Scan turns your iPhone into a pocket scanner. It enables you to quickly scan documents on the go and email the scans as JPEG or PDF.

Spiritual Foundations

And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
John 1:16

If you are in a place where you feel the demands made on you are too much, I've got good news. You can stop working so hard, and watch God step in and supply everything you need. I frequently feel the demands of life. There are many expectations from clients, readers, listeners, and that's just on the business side of my life. If I let myself get caught up in thinking about the demands placed on me, it can feel like a heavy load. It's in these times that I turn to Jesus and simply tell him, "this is now your problem." I know that sounds crass. But hear me out.

Recently, I returned from about three weeks of continuous air travel, conference speaking, and intense activity. The day after I got back home, I was scheduled to meet with a small group of entrepreneurs that I mentor in our church. As I drove to the meeting, really unprepared, I said to the Lord, "God, I can't do this. I have nothing for them. I surrender this to you, and I can't wait to see how you're going to handle it."

As always, God showed up. He gave me just the right words to say, and more importantly he gave me just the right heart to hear what was on the minds of the people at the meeting. We had deeply rewarding time together. I was just as much nourished and refreshed as anyone else at the meeting. That's the kind of thing that happens when you set down the burden and leave it up to the Lord to carry it.

When we are able to receive the abundance of God's grace, to give up on all of the work were trying to do, and simply rest in God's favor… The weight of demand is lifted from our shoulders and we are carried on the river of God's unlimited supply.

Feature Segment: How to Run a Virtual Company

Today, it is  stopno longer necessary to make a huge capital investment to run a company. There are many startups and even established businesses that generate millions of dollars in revenue each year-without having a building, employees, or even inventory. How do you run such a "virtual company"? And if the idea intrigues you, how do you transition from being a traditional business to "going virtual"?

  The Virtual Company 10 Point Plan

1. Run an "8020 analysis" on your business
2. Get rid of the building
3. Eliminate your employees
4. Build a business system
5. Own nothing, control everything
6. Use proven tools: base camp, Google apps, GoToMeeting, Skype,  etc.
7. Use off-the-shelf software solutions
8. Realize you are an information marketing business
9. Focus on direct response marketing only
10. Commit to becoming a business owner and not just an operator.

 "Great business owners get rich. Great business operators just get tired."
Keith Cunningham

Want To Be On Next Week's Show?

My topic for next week's show is "My Biggest Business Mistakes and What You Can Learn From Them". If you have a question on that topic, you can ask by visiting my voicemail page (just click here to leave a message). This is a great way to promote your own website. First, make sure you have a great question, and then start off by saying your name and your website. If your question is used on the show, will even include a link back to your site in the show notes.

Your Feedback

Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please contact me.

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679 or click here to leave a message on my Voicemail Page

And 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 podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

 

What if you could run a company with no office, no staff, no inventory and no overhead? You can, and that is what this week's show is about.   Announcements: Wisdom Thesis Workshop coming up, June 25-28 JV Alert, July 26-28 NAMS Conference, August 9-11 SCORRE Conference, October 14-17 Platform Conference, November 3-5 Tip Of […]