The single most important thing you can do to boost your social media engagement is right better headlines. If you don't get the click, you certainly don't get engagement. Old-fashioned headline templates are no longer enough. You need a smarter, stickier strategy. In today's episode I give you a sample from our brand-new copywriting course-I'll share five amazing tricks for perfect social media headlines. Tip Of the Week COPYWRITING COURSE NOTE: You may be wondering, “Hey Ray, where's that link...
May 13, 2015•23 min•Ep. 165
Want to know the secret to writing well? Write a lot. Want to know the secret to writing a lot? Write fast. Not only does writing fast help you write better, it also allows you to make more money (if your income is dependent upon your writing). In this episode… The O.D.E.S.S.A. Secret To Writing 10X Faster (And Better) Tip Of the Week Today we are releasing the first in a free video series called, “Magic Words That Make You Rich” (hat tip to Ted Nicholas). You can watch the first video by clicki...
May 06, 2015•23 min•Ep. 164
Have you ever written a blog post, one you thought was going to be brilliant, only to read it afterward and realize it falls flat? Have you ever gone back through your library of past posts, and occasionally wondered, “How did I write something this boring? If so, don't despair. I think all of us who write experience this phenomenon. The good news is you can resurrect “dead” blog posts. In this episode, I will describe 5 quick ways you can jumpstart  a dead blog post. Tip Of the Week The Gromm...
Apr 29, 2015•28 min•Ep. 163
On March 27, my friend Michael Hyatt started a firestorm with a blog post entitled, How Much Business Is Your Profanity Costing You? Â One of the most heated debates I've witnessed online ensued. Many people offered the rationale that their profanity was either a way of bonding with their audience, or of using an NLP technique known as a “pattern interrupt” (allegedly getting immediate attention and thus making communication more effective). I think most of the discussion missed Michael's most i...
Apr 22, 2015•27 min•Ep. 162
We often hear success stories of people who go from “rags to riches”. We usually hear about the struggles they had when they started. What is uncommon is to hear about the struggles they still endure, and how they are overcoming them in the present moment. I'm very excited about today's show, which is mostly a recording of a conversation between me and my friend Cliff Ravenscraft , also known as The Podcast AnswerMan . During this totally unscripted, off-the-cuff interview, you'll discover: How ...
Apr 15, 2015•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 161
You're smart. You never believed the people who said “there's no money in Social Media”. You thought the people who said Social was all about “pictures of what people had for lunch” or “videos about cats” were missing the point. Yes, those things are popular on Social Media… and it's also true that Social Media is a vital marketing medium that can bring big rewards, monetary and otherwise when done right. Just ask Taylor Swift, Oreo, the folks behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, or even Preside...
Apr 07, 2015•34 min•Ep. 160
Cash is the oxygen that lets your business breathe. And just like oxygen, when there is none available it's all you can think about because you need it to survive. Sometimes your business just needs a fast infusion of cash, and today I'll show you 3 ways to get cash quick. Best of all, they are legal, moral, and ethical! Tip Of the Week I have a new friend, and I love him. His name is Edgar . Let me explain. Most of our social media updates go to waste. They’re only seen by a fraction of our tot...
Apr 01, 2015•25 min•Ep. 159
Many people struggle with getting their online business rolling because they never get around to creating their product. They think it has to be hard and take a long time. But I don't think either of those things are true. In fact, today I'll share 3 easy ways you can create products fast! Tip Of the Week How to read an extra book each month – audiobooks! I use Audible.com to read an extra book a month – some months two books! 3 reasons why this is a good idea: It makes use of what tony Robbins ...
Mar 25, 2015•25 min•Ep. 158
It can be hard to find time to build your business, especially if you have a full-time job. “Moonlighting” to build your business can lead to burnout, problems with your current employer, or the failure of your spare-time startup. I found I had to make five specific trade-offs to make it work. I believe anyone who is leaving a full-time job to pursue their own business can do the same, if you’re willing to make these same five trade-offs. Tip Of the Week The easiest way to develop a new habit is...
Mar 18, 2015•51 min•Ep. 157
I have written quite a bit about productivity, and done more than a few podcasts on the subject of getting things done. Today, I am taking a departure from the normal recommendations about being productive-including my own. On today's show, I will share five surprising productivity “hacks”- shortcuts that make you more productive. But shortcuts you may be shocked to hear coming from me. Tip of the Week This week's tip I actually picked up from my good friend Pat Flynn. Recently, I was listening ...
Mar 11, 2015•26 min•Ep. 156
Does this sound like you? You hear people talk about “finding their passion” and “discovering your calling”, but you don't seem to be able to find yours. You want to do work that matters, and enjoy the process – but you don't know how. The secret, as suggested by Jeff Goins in his new book The Art of Work is to find the intersection between what you care about and the needs of the world. (And, by the way, you can get a free copy of The Art of Work for a limited time here .) Today's podcast is a ...
Mar 04, 2015•37 min•Ep. 155
The time comes for all of us when we have to make big life transitions. In fact, it comes many times over the years… going off to college, getting married, starting a family, starting a business or new job. And there are other big transitions, too, the ones we don't enjoy so much. These can include serious illness, broken marriages, the death of a loved one – and many more unpleasant challenges we'd rather not face. In today's episode, I share surprising conversation with Brian Holmes about how ...
Feb 24, 2015•31 min•Ep. 154
I think we can all agree, if you get your writing published on Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, or Entrepreneur.com, that would probably be a good thing, yes? It turns out it may not be all that hard to do… In today's episode, I interview the Amazing Kimanzi Constable , and that's just one of the many fascinating lessons you will learn. Spiritual Foundations: How to Get God to Bless Your Work Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 Whatever you do, ...
Feb 17, 2015•51 min•Ep. 153
Study entrepreneurs, and you'll find some great behaviors to emulate. Just as useful: study the things they don't do! In today's episode, I'll share 10 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Don't Do. Other Reasons To Keep Listening How to learn a language for free. No, God is not punishing you for some sin! How to get a great design for your website – a conversation with my designer. That's all coming up in today's episode… Tip of the Week: DuoLingo is the way to learn a language for free. Snarky Noma...
Feb 10, 2015•45 min•Ep. 152
Donald Miller is one of the most influential Christian writers of our day. His books evoke strong reactions, and for many they strike a chord like no work before. His new book, Scary Close , is available today, and in this interview we discuss how he came to write it, and why the message of this book is so important. Get the book and other neat stuff at Donald Miller's website. You can also buy it at Amazon . How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Peopl...
Feb 03, 2015•27 min•Ep. 151
Now that you are marketing your products and services online, you have instant global reach. But there's one problem: your marketing now stands shoulder to shoulder with Coke, Ford, the NFL, Oprah, and every other major brand that's online. How do you compete? In this session I'm sharing a conversation with Marshall Wayne, who is breaking new ground for Platform-Builders and Solo Pros… using something I like to think of as “Cinematic Marketing”. And the good news is, it doesn't have to cost a fo...
Jan 28, 2015•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 150
How do you start a company with just an idea, a few volunteers, and no budget… and in less than 5 years have a web media property with 15 million readers? That's what Michael Stelzner did with Social Media Examiner, and in today's episode we'll share a conversation with Michael about how he did it. And how you could, too! In this conversation, we'll discover together: Why the smartest promotional strategy might be not promoting. The best way to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Micha...
Jan 20, 2015•49 min•Ep. 149
I listen to lots of podcasts. And while I have a few core podcasts I don't ever miss, I am constantly trying new shows out, looking for fresh voices I can put into my listening rotation. In today's episode, I'll share my listening strategy: how I selected my “A” shows, which I never miss, how I select my “B” shows, which I selectively listen to, and how I decide what new shows to sample. And of course I will give you my list of 10 fresh new shows you should check out. Other Reasons To Keep Liste...
Jan 14, 2015•40 min•Ep. 148
A young woman has quit smoking, been promoted at work, and run a marathon. An untested CEO takes over one of America's biggest companies and focuses on just one behavior pattern in the company, and very soon Alcoa is at the top of the Dow Jones. A marketer at Procter & Gamble notices a seemingly insignificant pattern while studying videos of how people make their beds. As a result, the company makes a small shift in advertising and Febreze goes from being one of the company's biggest flops t...
Jan 07, 2015•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 147
As we begin a new year, it's popular for many bloggers and podcasters to make “predictions” about the new year. I prefer not making predictions (unless I feel inspired to do so), but I will point out 7 crucial trends to watch for in 2015. I believe these trends represent some fundamental shifts in the way business is done online, and the way you will continue to build your platform in the new year Other Reasons To Keep Listening I will reveal one of the apps I'm using to help me meet my financia...
Dec 31, 2014•59 min•Ep. 146
Have you ever suffered from depression or anxiety? Depression is a major problem in the world today. By the year 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression will be the number two cause of “lost years of healthy life” worldwide. This time of year feelings of depression are common. Most people suffer in silence. And in this episode I will share my own battle with depression, and give you my recipe for defeating this debilitating and deadly disease. Tip of the Week: Moodtra...
Dec 23, 2014•37 min•Ep. 145
We often treat the future as if it's a mystery. As if we don't have a say in it, or any control if it. And while there is some truth in that, there is a deeper truth also. We get to choose how we see the future, and the choice we make has a profound influence over the outcome we experience. This episode shows you 5 powerful ways to see the road ahead. Tip of the Week: I may have finally found an app to replace Cardmunch – the iPhone app I previously used to process business cards I received at c...
Dec 16, 2014•31 min•Ep. 144
This is a special episode where I'm taking the time to answer a ton of questions from listeners and readers. I really enjoy these kinds of shows, and this one is no exception. By the way, I am looking for success stories to start sharing on every episode. If you have a success story to share, click here and record it using Speakpipe. Keep your success story short and powerful (2 minutes or less is best). We're looking for ways you've been blessed by this show, whether is was financially, in your...
Dec 12, 2014•39 min•Ep. 143
It's the time of year when we all start to think about making resolutions and setting goals for the new year… and we're either happy about it, or cynical. This week Michael Hyatt is my guest, and he offers a fresh perspective on setting goals. By the way, if you haven't seen the fabulous free video training Michael is giving away on how to make 2015 “your best year ever”, click here right now and get access to those videos! Tip of the Week: Blinkist is a great little app that lets you access con...
Dec 04, 2014•45 min•Ep. 142
Some people think “copywriting” – the art and science of writing sales copy – is dead and gone. Killed by social media. The truth is copywriting is alive and well. and more important than ever to you and your business. You must master this. Tip of the Week: For a long time, I stopped taking handwritten notes. I found it tedious, and I found I seldom referred to them again. Plus I was so worried about catching every little detail, just taking t he notes was a stressful experience. Then I discover...
Nov 26, 2014•18 min•Ep. 141
Is it possible there is one “Master Skill” that trumps all others when it comes to business success? I believe it's not only possible, but that it's absolutely the truth. In today's episode, I'll reveal what that “master skill” is, and how you can acquire it for yourself. Tip of the Week: The CoSchedule app for your blog. It's a “content marketing editorial calendar”… and so much more. Spiritual Foundations: It's Not About Your Faith “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live...
Nov 19, 2014•24 min•Ep. 140
You've probably heard it so much that you may even tune it out: writing and publishing a book is a good thing. But do you know why? In today's episode, I'll give you 7 good reasons why you should write a book, even if you think you're “not a writer”. Tip of the Week: Speed up video to save time Speed up video up to 5 times faster with perfect clarity Zip through Flash and HTML5 videos online Save time and enjoy more with no audio distortion or “chipmunking” Works for lectures, seminars, training...
Nov 12, 2014•27 min•Ep. 139
What if, in 2015, you could give yourself the “Ultimate Advantage” in every area of your life – faith, physical, emotional, and financial? In today's episode, I'll share some foundational elements and practical advice on how to do just that. Announcements Here are a couple of immediate advantages you can give yourself in the area of learning, growing, and connections: In just a few days from now the Platform Conference in Colorado Springs , will be in full swing, starting November 9th. If t here...
Nov 05, 2014•35 min•Ep. 138
I'm still in the mode of preparing my plans for 2015. I have some pretty big ideas about what I want to accomplish next year, and I'm sure you do as well. In today's episode, the theme is “how to own your life”. It includes an interview with one of my favorite people, Chris Brogan . It also includes an opportunity to work closely with me in 2015. Keep listening for details. Announcements In a little over a week, I will be gathering with all the other folks who are attending the Platform Conferen...
Oct 29, 2014•38 min•Ep. 137
It's not too early to start getting ready for 2015. In fact right now is the perfect time to assess how this year has gone, and what you'd like to see happen in 2015. In my case, 2014 started off a little “bloated” – both physically and mentally. I want 2015 to be lean & mean (in the most fun sense of that word). That's what today's episode is all about: how to set yourself up for a lean, mean 2015. Announcements I am getting excited about the upcoming Platform Conference in Colorado Springs , s...
Oct 22, 2014•34 min•Ep. 136
