Ray Edwards Show

I became aware of Jeff Goins through my friends Michael Hyatt and Stu McLaren.

Jeff Goins has come "out of nowhere", and over the last 18 months has taken the blogging world by storm. His blog readership has grown at an incredibly fast pace, and he landed a book deal with a major publisher. How did he do it? That's what we discuss in this week's interview on the podcast. And here's a clue: one of Jeff's favorite sayings is, "Stop waiting to be picked. Pick yourself."

It gets better:  Stu McLaren returns to the podcast this week, sharing with us  on the art of  "lifestyle business". Want to know a surefire way to grow your business like crazy? You want to hear this segment.

Tip Of The Week and Spiritual Foundations

This week's tip is a book recommendation, and I have to be right upfront about this: the book was written by my son, Sean Edwards. And it is awesome. Of course, I would say that. But it's a very good book nonetheless.

The book is called The End Of Days, and it explains what the Bible actually says about the so-called "last days". Surprise: what the Bible says is not what you find in the popular "Left Behind" novels and movies. Many Christians seem to think that believers are supposed to "hunker down" and wait for Jesus to come snatch them out of "the world", which is going to "hell in a handbasket". This kind of thinking leads Christians to become disengaged from the rest of the world. That's not what Jesus had in mind at all, and this book explains why the "left behind" view of the "end times" is not scriptural.

John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known scripture in history. Interestingly, the next verse, John 3:17, is hardly ever quoted along with verse 16. Here's what  the entire passage says:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (emphasis added)
John 3:16-17

What if our job as Christians is not to judge the world, but rather to make it better? I recommend you buy this book and read it right away.

Interview With Jeff Goins

This is an interview filled with insights from writer Jeff Goins. I think you'll find it inspirational, informative, and educational. And you should buy Jeff's book, Wrecked – it's a book worth reading, in a sea of books that aren't.

The Lifestyle Business

Stu McLaren returns as our "lifestyle business correspondent". He got a fancy new mic, so he sounds like a million bucks.

Special Announcements

I will be speaking in Denver, Colorado, November 9-11 at the next JV Alert Live. I'll be sharing the stage with  great marketers including my friends Joel Comm, Rick Butts, Debbie Bermont, and others. You can register for the event using this link, and I would love to connect with you in Denver. If you do register using my link, please let me know. I am thinking about having a special get together just for people I have invited to the event. I would like to get a sense of how many people that may be.

Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability.

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 send me an email.

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 find the podcast on Stitcher by clicking the logo:

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679

Question: In what ways will you stop waiting, and just "pick yourself"? You can leave a comment below.

 

I became aware of Jeff Goins through my friends Michael Hyatt and Stu McLaren. Jeff Goins has come “out of nowhere”, and over the last 18 months has taken the blogging world by storm. His blog readership has grown at an incredibly fast pace, and he landed a book deal with a major publisher. How did […]

I just got back from speaking at Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula LIVE! event in Phoenix.

It was an amazing event, and I learned something While I was there that I must share with you. It's the secret enemy that is stealing your success right out from under you. This is the reason you keep trying and failing. The reason you keep missing the mark with your projects.And I'm going to show you a useful way of clearing the path ahead of you once and for all.

Tip Of The Week

One of the hardest parts of writing good, persuasive copy is knowing how to start. It's called "writing the lead". And most copywriting experts agree, 80% of the pulling power of any campaign or promotion is contained in the lead. So getting that right is crucial. I just read a great little book that I enthusiastically recommend on this subject, called Great Leads: The Six Easiest Ways to Start Any Sales Message

Spiritual Foundations

There is a right way to be persuasive.

Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers.

Proverbs 25:15

Here's What's Holding You Back

Want to know the secret force that's holding you back? Take a good long look in the mirror.

I was sitting in the audience at Jeff Walker's event this past weekend, when my good friend Don Crowther gave a presentation. Part of his talk was about what blocks us from success. And he said the most astounding thing…

"There is no one but you keeping you from becoming who you want to be."-Don Crowther

And then Don shared an exercise that I found very helpful. I don't think he really had a name for it, but I'm going to call it the "Seven Day Challenge". I walk you through the exercise in the podcast (so you'll need to listen to the audio).

Special Announcements

I will be speaking in Denver, Colorado, November 9-11 at the next JV Alert Live. I'll be sharing the stage with  great marketers including my friends Joel Comm, Rick Butts, Debbie Bermont, and others. You can register for the event using this link, and I would love to connect with you in Denver. If you do register using my link, please let me know. I am thinking about having a special get together just for people I have invited to the event. I would like to get a sense of how many people that may be.

Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability.

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 send me an email.

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 find the podcast on Stitcher by clicking the logo:

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679

Question: What is your 7 Day Challenge? You can leave a comment below.

 

I just got back from speaking at Jeff Walker‘s Product Launch Formula LIVE! event in Phoenix. It was an amazing event, and I learned something While I was there that I must share with you. It's the secret enemy that is stealing your success right out from under you. This is the reason you keep […]

Copywriting can be tricky.

As a copywriter, you work hard to follow the proven formulas and structures.

You probably do a great job with that. It's not that tough.

And yet, sometimes, we can do everything right and the copy still falls flat. Yes, it is even happens to me. It happens all copywriters. Regardless of what they tell you. More on this later in the podcast!

Tip Of The Week

I was about this close to buying a brand-new MacBook Pro only a week and a half ago.  But then, I decided to try something else instead. No-not a PC!Instead of buying a new computer, I bought extra RAM, and a solid-state drive to replace my computer's original  hard drive.  The results were interesting, and I explain what happened in the podcast episode (so Yep, You have to listen to the audio to get the full story!)

I bought my RAM from crucial.com

This is the solid-state drive I recommend; everyone seems to agree it's the best.

Spiritual Foundations

God has engineered so that the best (and really the only) way to accumulate great wealth is being willing to give it away.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.
 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.

Proverbs 11:24-25

The 21 Reasons People Buy From You

Even though people by based on emotion, it is also correct to say they have reasons for buying. The reasons themselves are based in emotion.

An understanding of the driving reasons people buy a particular product or service can be key in writing copy that has the desired result (sales.)

It is crucial that you understand the reasons why people buy from you-and specify, clarify, amplify, those reasons in your copy.

1. Need
2. Competition
3. Sex
4. Meaning
5. Mission
6. Greed
7. Comfort
8. Experience
9. Pain
10. Fear
11. Significance
12. Connection
13. Love
14. Contribution
15. Control
16. Conformity
17. Loneliness
18. Anger
19. Prevention
20. Addiction
21. Power

I am not suggesting you purposefully use these reasons as a way to manipulate your customers and prospects. I am, however, asserting that understanding the motivations that already exist is key to your sales process

Special Announcements

I am JAZZED to be attending Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula Live event in Scottsdale, Arizona this weekend. The event is sold out. If you are attending, please make sure and contact me so we can connect at while we're there.

I will be speaking in Denver, Colorado, next month at the next JV Alert Live. I'll be sharing the stage with  great marketers including my friends Joel Comm, Rick Butts, Debbie Bermont, and others. You can register for the event using this link, and I would love to connect with you in Denver. If you do register using my link, please let me know. I am thinking about having a special get together just for people I have invited to the event. I would like to get a sense of how many people that may be.

Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability.

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 send me an email.

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 find the podcast on Stitcher by clicking the logo:

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679

Question: What are the reasons your customers buy from you? You can leave a comment below.

 

Copywriting can be tricky. As a copywriter, you work hard to follow the proven formulas and structures. You probably do a great job with that. It's not that tough. And yet, sometimes, we can do everything right and the copy still falls flat. Yes, it is even happens to me. It happens all copywriters. Regardless […]

If your copywriting is not selling enough, maybe it's because you have failed to P.A.S.T.O.R. And I'm not talking about preaching…

Copywriting: The Key To Wealth Generation

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".

By definition, good copywriters can create money out of thin air. So why does copy so often fail?

Copywriting Fails When You Ignore Universal Principles

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" without hitting a copywriter who has a "formula" for writing copy. Most of these formulas are actually quite good. The one I'm going to share with you today, though, is intentionally based on these universal principles.

To Sell More, P.A.S.T.O.R. 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. This 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

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.

Spiritual Foundations

When we pray, something always happens. The key is to look for what's happening.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6

Special Announcements

I am very excited to be attending Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula Live event in Scottsdale, Arizona next week. The event is sold out. If you are attending, please make sure and contact me so we can connect at while we're there.

I will be speaking in Denver, Colorado, next month at the next JV Alert Live. I am very pleased to be sharing the stage with other great marketers including my friend Joel Comm and Rick Butts, Debbie Bermont, and others. This is a wonderful event at which to meet like-minded people, network, and find joint venture partners. You can register for the event using this link, and I would love to connect with you in Denver. If you do register using my link, please let me know. I am thinking about having a special get together just for people I have invited to the event. I would like to get a sense of how many people that may be.

Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability.

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 send me an email.

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 find the podcast on Stitcher by clicking the logo:

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679

Question: How will you apply the PASTOR formula this week? You can leave a comment below.

 

If your copywriting is not selling enough, maybe it's because you have failed to P.A.S.T.O.R. And I'm not talking about preaching… Copywriting: The Key To Wealth Generation If you can write effective sales copy, you can literally write your own paycheck. There really should be no such thing as a “broke copywriterr”. By definition, good […]

You don't have enough money, and I'm going to show you how to get it from the most unlikely place-your own brain! That's right, there is money inside your brain. The trick is knowing how to get it out of there.

There are two "games" you have to master if you want your brain to start producing money for you. Those two games are:

1. The "inner game" of money-getting
2. The "outer game" of money-getting

This may sound ridiculously obvious, but it is very important to master both of these games if you want to put an end to your cashflow quandary.

Let's tackle them one at a time.

The "Inner Game" of Money-Getting

The "inner game" refers to your core beliefs, attitudes, and emotions about the subject of money. This can go deeper than you think. Specifically, you want to examine:

• Your beliefs about money and it's nature
• Your beliefs about your own worthiness
• "Incantations" you may use to reinforce your beliefs
• Emotions tied to money

This "inner game", when taken as a whole, serves as a kind of "thermostat" for your economic condition at any given time. We each have a "money setpoint". It operates just like a thermostat. Go over the setpoint, and you will subconsciously adjust your income back to the setpoint. Dip below the setpoint, and you will begin to subconsciously do things that will bring your income back up to that level. The question you need to ponder: can I consciously readjust just my setpoint?

The "Outer Game" of Money-Getting

Once you have your "inner game" in order, and you're no longer driving with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brakes, you can begin to pay attention to the "outer game". This refers to the external actions you must take to bring more money to your life.

The getting of money is a skill, and like any skill it can be acquired, improved, and refined. Most people spend about zero time doing any of these things.

There are so many ways to get money that the biggest problem in teaching you how to do it is choosing just one.

Information Marketing As a Money-Getting Method

Selling information, as I have proposed elsewhere, is absolutely the best business you can be in. It requires little to no capital expenditure to start a business selling information, there is little or no overhead, no employees required, and very little risk. Let's run with this idea.

The process, grossly simplified, for taking an idea (something inside your brain), externalizing it, and turning it into money, is something like this:

• Identify a "market" (a specific group of people, similar in nature, who share a common set of needs, wants, and problems).
• Identify a "pain point" shared by a large number of those people.
• Match the "pain point" with information, talent, or skill that you already possess or can easily acquire.
• Having acquired the information that relieves the pain your market is experiencing, turn that information into a salable form: audio, video, book, e-book, etc.
• Create a website (using WordPress) that magnetically draws people to its front doorstep, compels them to surrender their contact information for free resources, and then markets to them on a sequential basis until they buy your information.
• Spread the word about your fancy new website using search engine optimization, social media marketing, and yes -gasp! – even paid advertising.
• Test relentlessly, improve ruthlessly, repeat endlessly.

It really is that simple.

Yes, there are details that perhaps you're unfamiliar with. Allowing yourself to get stuck in such questions as, "How do I identify the market? How do I do WordPress? What are social media marketing methods?" etc. is a dead-end and an excuse to avoid doing the actual work.

All that stuff is merely details. It can be figured out. It has been figured out by lesser people than you. Refuse to get mired in details. True entrepreneurs don't get stuck in that place. People who like to pretend they are entrepreneurs do.

If the previous statement upsets you, don't feel condemned or convicted by it. Merely change your behavior to match the outcome you really want.

The 30 Day Brain Money Challenge

I invite you to accept a challenge. The challenge is simple: in the next 30 days, starting today, do what is necessary to take an idea from your brain and turn it into money.

The challenge is no more complicated than that.

It is simple.

Of course, simple does not mean synonymous with "easy".

But what if you did set your intention to get money out of your brain in the next 30 days? If you are already in the information marketing business, and you are already making a profit, what if you challenged your brain to produce more money than it ever has before? What might be the outcome of excepting such a challenge?

Spiritual Foundations

Be careful what you focus on – and especially avoid fear, anger, and confusion.

"…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

Special Announcements

I am very excited to be attending Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula Live event in Scottsdale, Arizona at the end of this month. The event will likely be sold out by the time this podcast is published. If you are attending, please make sure and contact me so we can connect at the event. I would really love to meet you there, and spend some time getting to know you.

I will also be speaking in Denver, Colorado, next month at the next JV Alert Live. I am very pleased to be sharing the stage with other great marketers including my friend Joel Comm and Rick Butts, Debbie Bermont, and others. This is a wonderful event at which to meet like-minded people, network, and find joint venture partners. You can register for the event using this link, and I would love to connect with you in Denver. If you do register using my link, please let me know. I am thinking about having a special get together just for people I have invited to the event. I would like to get a sense of how many people that may be.

Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability.

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 send me an email.

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 find the podcast on Stitcher by clicking the logo:

Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy "request line" at (509) 713-2679

Question: What is your action plan for getting money from your brain in the next 30 days? You can leave a comment below.

 

You don't have enough money, and I'm going to show you how to get it from the most unlikely place-your own brain! That's right, there is money inside your brain. The trick is knowing how to get it out of there. There are two “games” you have to master if you want your brain to […]