The Rundown with Ramon - small business growth podcast for entrepreneurs

Ramon Ray tackles the hot question: should you hire your spouse—and if so, how do you do it right? In this episode, Ramon covers the unseen cost of last-minute cancellations, the compounding power of proximity, why strategic vulnerability builds trust, and why more seasoned founders are winning with simple tech and deep networks. You’ll hear real-world perspectives from the community and get a practical framework for working with your spouse—from clear roles and KPIs to pacing, compensation, and conflict rules. A must-listen for entrepreneurs who want stronger relationships and stronger results.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray broadcasts from Orlando and breaks down why entrepreneurs must get back to real-world connections. He shares the power of small in-person meetups, explains why your social media reach is stronger than it looks, and explores how AI is reshaping how we buy — from Walmart’s ChatGPT checkout to smarter collaborations like Spotify x Netflix. Tune in for insights to grow your business both online and in person.

Entrepreneurs: stop building in a bubble. In this episode, Ramon breaks down when to hire a coach vs. a consultant, how to vet programs (before you spend $5K–$30K), and the exact steps to get ROI—define outcomes, do the work, and choose a coach with real receipts. He also shares his own investments (including a $30K year-long program) and why guided accountability accelerates growth. Plus, a quick reminder to secure your business like you secure your home and car—with Bitdefender protecting your hard-won momentum. See the full article here - https://zoneofgenius.com/how-to-hire-the-right-business-coach-to-help-your-business-grow/

Ramon Ray shares the real “unstoppable habits” behind consistent, visible success—show up more than most, self-promote with integrity, and protect your energy by saying no and resting. Then he pulls bite-sized lessons from brand headlines: Disney’s pricing power, Netflix’s stickiness play with living-room games, Bed Bath & Beyond’s franchise reboot, and Google’s AI-infused Pixel lineup—each with a fast takeaway for small business growth. Plus, a quick reminder to lock your digital doors and keep your brand secure. Perfect for founders, coaches, and creators who want momentum without burnout. Tune in, take notes, and ship something bold today.

Live from Newark Airport at 4:35 a.m., Ramon Ray shares a high-energy mini-masterclass on creating your own luck. From a powerful conversation with a Ukrainian Uber driver to practical “show up” systems, this episode equips entrepreneurs to turn everyday moments into growth: engage first, enrich others, and make contact exchange frictionless. You’ll walk away with simple scripts, repeatable habits, and a reminder that opportunity favors those who raise their hands and say “hi.”

Show Up When You Don’t Feel Like It: Free Upgrades, Founder Grit, and Turning Lows Into Launchpads
On today’s Rundown, Ramon gets real about pushing through the “blah” days, explains how free upgrades convert existing trust into recurring revenue, and shares why your past is context—not a cage. Plus, a founder spotlight on GigSalad’s Mark Steiner and practical steps to protect your growing brand. If you’ve got proof that customers buy, this episode helps you get more of them—on purpose.

Target listeners: entrepreneurs, creators, small-business owners, and personal-brand builders who want consistent growth without the drama.

In this inspiring episode, Ramon Ray sits down with Mark Steiner, the cofounder of GigSalad, to unpack how a small idea turned into one of the internet’s most trusted marketplaces for performers and event pros.

Mark opens up about his adoption story, early years in theater and film, and how he went from managing talent to building a tech company that stayed profitable—without outside funding. He shares real lessons on leadership, bootstrapping, faith, and why slow, steady, and kind business still wins.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or performer, this conversation will help you rethink success, focus on purpose, and play the long game.

In this episode:

• How GigSalad grew from a simple directory to a national marketplace

• Lessons from 20 years of entrepreneurship and stewardship

• Mark’s adoption story and how it shaped his leadership

• The power of doing business with empathy and purpose

• Practical tips for performers and creators on GigSalad

🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired to build a business—and a life—that truly matters.

👉 Follow Ramon Ray at ZoneofGenius.com
👉 Learn more about GigSalad at GigSalad.com

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Ramon Ray breaks down why a TikTok sale won’t change your growth strategy, how to trim AI tool bloat, and why most founders should chase customers—not investors. We dive into Lucy Guo’s momentum mindset, Carnival’s premium-pricing playbook, Walmart’s AI-plus-talent model, and a quick cybersecurity gut-check for SMBs.
You’ll learn: how to prioritize owned media, when to raise prices (and earn it), where AI agents fit in your workflow, and five concrete steps to execute this week. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want practical wins—fast.

On this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray explores what it really means to create value in business. From Seth Godin’s wisdom on value creation to Zoho’s event production lessons, Ramon unpacks how to shift how you show up as a leader, build business flywheels, and protect yourself from scams. Plus, insights from OpenAI’s monetization move and why events are about people, not just logistics.

You’ll learn:

• How to shift your energy and leadership style when needed

• Why events succeed when they create experiences, not just logistics

• Seth Godin’s rule of value creation and scarcity

• The importance of monetizing free products and services

• How to recognize and avoid sophisticated scams

• How to build repeatable flywheels that drive long-term business growth

On today’s Rundown, Ramon tackles the AI actor debate (hello, Tilly) and why entrepreneurs must compete on value, not sympathy. He breaks down how a Shark Tank rejection became a $2.5M success—and the systems, culture, and hiring discipline that make growth real. Plus, a timely reminder to pre-book life: cruises, family time, and memory-making on purpose. Perfect for founders who want both revenue and a truly fulfilled life. Don't miss out - www.ZoneofGenius.com