Last week we focused on writing powerful, persuasive copy. This week I'm bringing you an interview with a leader in the direct response marketing world – and the guy who has hired almost all the great living direct response copywriters. This is a rare interview with Brian Kurtz of Boardroom, Inc. Announcements: If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes . I'm speaking at the Platform Conference in November. Register using this link...
Jul 16, 2014•56 min•Ep. 122
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 great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes . This helps new people discover the show. A big thanks to Camilla-NoMoreHamsterWheel, and DayneDad, for giving us a review on iTunes ...
Jul 09, 2014•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 121
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 wil...
Jul 02, 2014•46 min•Ep. 120
"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 p...
Jun 25, 2014•44 min•Ep. 119
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,...
Jun 18, 2014•21 min•Ep. 118
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,...
Jun 13, 2014•31 min•Ep. 117
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...
Jun 04, 2014•51 min•Ep. 116
When I was 14 years old, I was inspired to get into radio because I loved listening to "American Top 40". It was a countdown show of the 40 most popular songs on the radio each week, hosted by Casey Casum. This week, I'm sharing the top 40 podcasts I listen to, with a little explanation of why you might want to check them out. I will also identify the podcasts I absolutely do not miss, ever. And I'll share the 3 very popular podcasts I instantly did NOT like. Plus, here are some additional reaso...
May 28, 2014•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 115
What if you could automate success? What if you would set a few things in motion that, if not guaranteeing your success, would automatically increase the likelihood of success … in all areas of your life? In today's episode I share how controlling 5 "environments" greatly increases the odds of your success. Plus, here are some additional reasons to keep listening… A proven way to turn your blog into a business, and a powerful strategy for writing posts that go viral. What do we do when God seems...
May 21, 2014•42 min•Ep. 114
We entrepreneurial types tend to be graded starting things and leaving other people to clean up the details. Our staff, virtual assistants, and colleagues may find it difficult to deal with us. There's nothing wrong with you, you just need to realize what you're good at, what other people are good at, and how to negotiate the handling of tasks so that both of you are operating in your "zone". So today, I'll explain to you how to work with other people without driving them crazy. Plus, here are s...
May 14, 2014•21 min•Ep. 113
Many a professional, and many a freelancer, find themselves asking, "How can I get more clients?" May I suggest this is the wrong question? in fact, it is precisely the wrong question. A better question to ask would be, "how can I build a business where clients come looking for me?" We will explore the construction of such a scenario in today's episode. Plus, here are some additional reasons to keep listening… The greatest headset I've ever used for doing tele-seminars. The very first thing you ...
May 07, 2014•21 min•Ep. 112
Recently I was working with a client on an advertising campaign. We had been running a particular ad in a variety of online media (mainly solo mailings to email newsletters), and the ad was barely breaking even. We decided to test different subject lines. Basically, we changed seven words. Immediately upon our next mailing, our "Return on Ad Spend" or ROAS Went from around 80% to a startling 150%. Seven words. There's a saying in the direct response marketing business: "tiny hinges swing big doo...
Apr 30, 2014•30 min•Ep. 111
Recently, my life fell apart. At least that's how it felt emotionally. From the outside, everything looked great. I was an in demand speaker, making lots of money, with a lot of projects in the works, and the field of possibility ahead of me. The truth was another matter. My calendar was overscheduled, my time was overcommitted, I had agreed to too many meetings and too many projects, and my health deteriorated dramatically. Somehow, I had managed to get off track. Way off track. Then I had an e...
Apr 23, 2014•39 min•Ep. 110
I was recently on the phone with someone, and they were talking. Something they said sparked a reaction in me, and I began thinking about how is going to respond. As they continue to talk, I constructed an elegant argument in my head to counter what they had just told me. Then they spoke words that struck fear into my heart: "Do you think I should've done that?" I had no idea what they were talking about. You might think the skills and I'm urging you to master is listening. That is an effect of ...
Apr 17, 2014•32 min•Ep. 109
It occurred to me recently I often run my business from a backpack. In my backpack I carry my Nikon, some lenses, my iPad, and my MacBook air. If I can find an Internet connection, that's about all I need to run my business from virtually anywhere. In this episode, you get five essential keys to running a backpack business. Plus, here are some additional reasons to keep listening… I will share a seldom used function on your iPhone that can change your life. Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Busines...
Apr 09, 2014•38 min•Ep. 108
Ever reach the end of a workday, and wonder where the hours went? Sometimes it seems there's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it all. In this episode, I'll share 5 "tricks" that will help you get more done in less time. Plus, here are some additional reasons to keep listening… I will share an app that helps you make great-looking portraits on your iPhone. Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Business Report. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left a review of...
Apr 02, 2014•33 min•Ep. 107
Sometimes it seems difficult to keep creating content, doesn't it? And for a lot of people it's difficult to even get started. In today's show, I will show you how to D.A.R.E. to create great content that sells. Also coming up… The app for recording great audio on your iPhone. Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Business Report. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left a review of the Ray Edwards Show in iTunes . Including Mike Kim, Christy Largent, and Mike Skiff! For mor...
Mar 25, 2014•27 min•Ep. 106
One week from today, Social Media Marketing World opens in San Diego. It's the biggest physical event in the Social Media Marketing space, and I am privileged to be one of the speakers. In today's show, I will share what I expect from the event… and what I expect from any conference I attend. Also coming up… The coach that lives on your iPad. Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Business Report. A free video training series for you. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left ...
Mar 19, 2014•38 min•Ep. 105
Two years ago this week, I did the very first episode of this podcast. I didn't realize I was making a commitment to cranking out show every week, but that's what happened. It hasn't always been easy. I took this photo with my new Nikon D5200. In this episode, I am taking some time to review the lessons I've learned after doing 104 episodes, week after week. I will also talk about a very important decision I've made-whether to continue doing the show or not. Also coming up… The best way to get c...
Mar 12, 2014•59 min•Ep. 104
Ever feel like you just need to get more stuff done? I think we all feel that way at some point. In this episode, I interview Robert Plank on getting things done. Also coming up… The app that prevents long-windedness. Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Business Report. The one-word Copywriting shift you can make today Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left a review of the Ray Edwards Show in iTunes . Including Ray Massie, Joshua Rivers, Lisa R, Stever, Robert Pieto! For...
Mar 05, 2014•59 min•Ep. 103
My "one word" for this year is: simplify . Why did I choose that word, and what does it mean to you? In this episode, I will share five good reasons why you should consider simplifying, too. Also coming up… How to write like Hemingway . Stu McLaren with the Lifestyle Business Report. The One Copywriting Rule That You Must Follow. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left a review of the Ray Edwards Show in iTunes . For more info about the one-day mastermind with me and...
Feb 26, 2014•40 min•Ep. 102
I believe the way you start your day determines how it will end; productive and happy, or frustrated and fruitless. That's why I put so much focus on my morning routine, which is the foundation of my personal "Productivity Protocol". My morning routine is an intentional set of activities designed to set me up for the best possible day. With the right routine in place, I believe we can make our best days better, and perhaps even salvage what might have been a "bad day." If you are familiar with m...
Feb 19, 2014•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 101
This is episode 100… 100 weeks in a row, we've cranked out a new show. While Episode 104 will mark the 2-year anniversary of the show, I felt we had to do something special for #100… so that's what we're doing. And on today's episode I'm going to do our usual segments, but the feature presentation segment will be exclusively your questions. Also coming up… How to know what your market wants. How to not waste your life. One of the most powerful copy secrets I know. Now let's get on with it… Annou...
Feb 12, 2014•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 100
I'm pleased to have Michael Stelzner as my guest on today's show. If you don't know who Michael is… well in the words of Ron Burgundy, he's "kind of a big deal." Don't act like you're not impressed. The Networking Party that kicks off this year's Social Media Marketing World in San Diego will happen on the deck of the USS Midway! We'll get to Michael's interview in a few minutes, but first I want to tell you about the upcoming celebration, and a few other reasons to keep listening, such as… The ...
Feb 05, 2014•1 hr•Ep. 99
Do you have a message you'd like to get out the world, and you wonder if it's possible to get paid for it? It is possible, and it does take work, but not as much as you might think. And on today's episode I'm going to show you seven simple steps to monetizing your message. Also coming up… A travel app that I consider must-have. How to know who is a real follower of Jesus, and who is not. How to write blockbuster copy in 45 minutes. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have ...
Jan 29, 2014•49 min•Ep. 98
Have you broken your New Year's resolutions yet? Most people have-my estimate is that over 90% have. So what do you do now? I'd say it's time to get serious about planning your year. And on today's episode I'm going to show you how to do it in less than one hour. Also coming up… My top three productivity apps for 2014. Why what you say has spiritual power. Your invitation to a one-day mastermind with me. Now let's get on with it… Announcements: Thanks to all who have left a review of the podcast...
Jan 22, 2014•28 min•Ep. 97
This week we will continue with listener questions. As you may remember, we just completed our first ever Annual Reader/Listener Survey for this site (and podcast). We got some interesting and surprising results in that survey… and lots of feedback, comments, and questions. We will answer more questions and comment on more comments. Also on today's episode… Tip of the Week I address the overreaction to my comments about "radical grace". Would you like to be in a mastermind with me? And the alway...
Jan 15, 2014•49 min•Ep. 96
I promised this week would be about the most important subject I've ever covered. That subject is… you. We just completed our first ever Annual Reader/Listener Survey for this site (and podcast). Boy, did we get some interesting and surprising results in that survey… and it's all about you. I also received a ton of comments and questions. Many of them flattering, some of them not so much. On this weeks podcast I'm sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Also on today's episode… December's comme...
Jan 09, 2014•48 min•Ep. 95
Michael Hyatt is my guest on the first podcast of 2014, and we discuss how to set effective goals for the new year. What To Do Now Click here to get Michael's Goal-Setting Videos, and I will invite you to a small, private, "Mastermind call." 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. Question: What goals will you set for the New Year? Click her...
Jan 02, 2014•33 min•Ep. 94
Stephen King. He is the Charles Dickens of this century. People either love him or hate him. My churchgoing friends are often shocked to learn that I read his work, and admire it. In today's show I share some business lessons I have learned from King. Also on today's episode… Are you a Madman? Or a Madwoman? Copywriters wanted. And the always award-winning, much much more. Announcements: I am updating my copywriting course… I will announce our winners next week. Next week's show will be about wh...
Dec 26, 2013•16 min•Ep. 93
