Ray Edwards Show

What if you could consult with God himself about your business? What if you could ask him questions, and get divinely inspired answers? What if you could ask God to introduce you to key people, or even to send you business? I believe all these things are possible, and in fact I practice them in my own business. And today, I'm going to show you exactly how you can do the same. I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. Here are some other reasons to keep listening to this week's podcast episode:  An update on the “five things” productivity tactic (hint: five is too many).  An alternative to BaseCamp that works. Plus, our feature presentation… How to Consult With God Tip Of The Week Update on “5 Things”… it's now “1 Thing”. From The ONE Thing by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan… “What’s the ONE Thing you can do this week such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary?” While I do love (and use) BaseCamp, I am trying out a new tool for managing projects that could be even simpler. Meet BizPad. Spiritual Foundations If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 Sometimes we think God is only interested in “spiritual things”. That he has no interest in the material world, and neither should we. This is not a Judeo-Christian idea. It is an idea that sprouts from Greek thinking, and specifically is at the root of a heresy known as Gnosticism. The Gnostics believed, among many things, that the material world was evil and that only the spiritual world could be pure and unsullied. This led them to believing that Jesus was a ghost, and not an actual man. The truth is from the beginning God wanted to partner with human beings to comp is his purposes. This is why Adam and Eve were put in charge of the garden. They were given assignment, and this was before the fall. So work, and the material world, are not evil, and are not results of the fall. What's my point? When God created the world, he looked at his creation and said it was good. We should relax and enjoy the fact that we can have fun while working, that we are interested in what we do, and celebrate the fact that God made us the way he did. I think he enjoys what we enjoy. And thus, I think he's interested in every aspect of our lives. That he longs to give input, supply answers, and help us out. Just as we long to do the same for our own children.  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 Feature Segment: How to Consult With God If you separate God from any part of your life, you are not having the full experience of God, nor of that part of your life. Business is no exception. These days, if I am asked if I personally have a consultant for my business, my answer is yes. I have the very best consultant available. God. Now, most people probably assume that I mean I run my business according to godly principles. Principles that I find in Scripture, or that I am taught by pastors and teachers. While this is true (to the best of my ability, and as God enables me), this is not really what I mean. Or rather, it is not all that I mean. I mean that I consult with my father in heaven every day about my business. I’m in constant dialogue with him about what things to work on, what to write, even how to solve specific challenges and problems I encounter along the way. So how do you do it? How do you ask God for answers? How do you ask him for help? Here are five steps I have found useful Know that God is interested, willing, and able. From Scripture we know that he has even counted the number of hairs on your head. We know that one man came to Jesus with the problem and said Jesus could heal him “if he was willing”… And another man came to Jesus and asked for help, “if you are able”… And the answer Jesus gave to both was yes. He was willing, he was able. He healed everyone who came to him. Realize that you are qualified for God’s help. Jesus stepped into the gap between us and God. He solved the “sin problem” once and for all. So just place your faith in him, and know that you don’t have to “clean up your act” or “make amends” before he will be willing to help you. Be intentional about what you are asking. If you are asking for an answer, be specific in your question. If you are asking for help, be specific in your request. I suggest writing down what you are asking for. Offer thanks immediately. In Philippians we are told to make our requests known to God, with “prayer and thanksgiving”. Notice how many times Jesus thanked his father… before the miracle happened. There is a unique opportunity to thank God after your request has been made and before you've seen the answer with your eyes. Expect and look for the answer. Whether you have asked God for an idea, a connection with a person, or just a miraculous infusion of money, so you can meet payroll… be looking for the answer. Have hope. What if God doesn’t answer? Or what if he says no? First, I think the number of times God says “no” is much lower than we believe it is. For instance, when we pray for physical healing, it is clear from reading Scripture that it is always God’s will for us to be healed. He paid a high price so that this could be the case. So if the healing doesn’t come, there is some answer other than the one that puts God in the position of being a liar. I believe that when we pray, something always happens. Always. Maybe we don’t see it, maybe we don’t see it yet, or maybe it comes in a form that we don’t recognize. It’s helpful to remember that God’s delays are not necessarily his denials. A useful question that has helped me navigate these waters is one I learned from Graham Cook. When faced with a difficult situation, and no apparent answer from God, I ask him, “Who does God want to be for me in this situation?” I have received some of the deepest answers to my own prayers by asking God that question. You can ask for God’s help, for answers, and even for direct assistance. And he will answer you. Try it. Listener Questions We heard from these listeners this week: Sonya Ramsey asks  how to avoid making your business into an idol. Anette Bone wants to know how we can be sure we are in God's will. Summer Alexander asks if the changes she made to her business were really God-inspired. Mary Rose Macguire wonders if she's really hearing God's voice, or her own. Pam McCall has a great testimony of God's provision for one of her clients. Laura Viviana when you ask God for something, but it hasn't come yet, how do you deal with it? Rich Bradfield  asks how we keep ourselves an alignment with what God is doing. Tony Policci  asks how we pose a question to God and get a specific answer. Laura McClellan  wonders how we know when we are motivated by profit, as opposed to being motivated by the spirit. Ilene Saidel asks for my favorite scripture to pray for new customers. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17) 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.  The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. (Proverbs 11:24-26)   Want To Be On Next Week's Show? My topic for next week's show is “How to Attract Business”. 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.  

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

Hosting your own live event can be risky. I posted about this recently, and I posted my reasons for hosting live events anyway. Now, I'm offering five crucial steps you must be aware of if you want to successfully market your own live event. Ignoring the steps could mean the loss of a lot of money, sleep, and peace of mind. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: The “five things” approach to productivity. The Word that heals. Plus, our feature presentation… 5 Crucial Steps To Marketing Live Events Tip Of The Week The curious case of Dr. Canoe, props to Alex and Robert, and the simplest productivity tool I know. Spiritual Foundations He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Psalm 107:20 As Christians, we sometimes fall into using the Bible as a talisman. We hold it like a good luck charm. We pull it out in times of trouble. The power of the Bible-God's word-is released only when you receive it as truth, and then speak it out loud. When God wanted to save the world what did he do? He sent the word. When God wanted to heal his people, the Bible says he sent his word. There is no “your part” that you need to do to receive God's goodness, except this: you must receive it. We help ourselves receive it when we confess it out loud. Feature Segment: 5 Crucial Steps To Marketing Live Events The biggest risk you take when you sponsor a live event is the most obvious one: the risk that nobody will show up. The next biggest risk is not so obvious, but perhaps more commonplace. This is the risk that people will show up, the event will be great, and you will lose money like crazy. Here are five crucial steps you can take to ensure against both of these problems. Be intentional about the model. Identify your attendees carefully. Remember the 5P's. Watch them chickens. Market early, market often, and market using different media. 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.  

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

Maybe the best way to grow your business if to do less. I'm not encouraging laziness, but rather suggesting something very different. It's time to speed up… by slowing down. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: Scrivener is my new writing tool of choice. The value of comrades in arms. Stu McLaren is back from a dog sled adventure with a talk on sprinting. Plus, our feature presentation… 5 Ways To Simplify Your Business Tip Of The Week Scrivener is a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents. While it gives you complete control of the formatting, its focus is on helping you get to the end of that awkward first draft. Spiritual Foundations But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God… For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:12,14 It's about time we stopped confessing our sins. Why are we so caught up in the idea that we need to remind God of something he has said he has forgotten? You don't need to become more conscious of your sin. You already know when you sin. What we need to become conscious of is our righteousness. Being conscious of how imperfect we are is not humility. It's a failure to understand what Christ has extra done for us. In fact, the Bible tells us that being conscious of our sins means we haven't “evil conscience” (Hebrews 10:22). God sees us without spot, without imperfection, and he sees us wearing his own robes of righteousness. We are righteous, not because of anything we have done, but because of what he has done. Lifestyle Business Segment Stu McLaren,  superstar entrepreneur from WishList Products And RhinoSupport, brings us our Lifestyle Business Segment. This week, Stu tackles the subject of sprinters vs. marathoners. Feature Segment: 5 Ways To Simplify Your Business From last week's podcast, here are 3 good reasons to simplifying your business. Simplifying helps you to focus more on the most profitable elements of your business. Simplifying helps you get paid more for what you sell. Simplifying helps your customers feel as if they are clear on what you do. The question this raised was, how do we do that? Here are five ways to simplify your business. Eliminate 80% of what you are doing. Renegotiate your agreements. Increase output, decrease input. Build intentional constraints into your schedule. Ruthlessly practice “The Art of No”. 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.  

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

Who are “Internet Marketers”, and how do they get it wrong? There is a very distinct group of online entrepreneurs that are referred to as “Internet Marketers”, as opposed to the general online population of business people who do marketing. And within this distinct group, there are some common practices that will lead you to disaster… in this episode, I'll show you how to avoid that problem. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: The app that made me a journal keeper… against my will.  Is there a time to stop crying out to God? Stu McLaren is back with advice on living well. Plus, our feature presentation… 5 Traps “Internet Marketers” Fall Into. Special Announcements This weekend is the 3-Day Live Intensive,  April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your ticket right now – click here. Would you like to have me speak at your event or church? I am accepting a limited number of engagements for 2013.  Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week If you've ever wanted to keep it journal, but just never been able to stick with it, you might want to try DayOne. Spiritual Foundations Is there ever a time to stop “crying out to God” and start taking some action? Consider this story from Exodus: The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.” Exodus 14:15-16 God gave Moses authority. That's what the staff in his hand represented. So when Moses had the people crying out to God, the Lord asked Moses why. And then God told him to have the people go forward, and exercise his authority. As partakers in the new covenant, we also have authority. It comes to us in the name of Jesus Christ. If you feel that you're caught between “the devil and the deep blue sea”, perhaps it's time to stop crying out to God, and start exercising your authority as a royal priest, and in the name of Jesus Christ. Lifestyle Business Segment Stu McLaren,  superstar entrepreneur from WishList Products And RhinoSupport, brings us our Lifestyle Business Segment. This week, Stu tackles the subject of living well. Feature Segment: 5 Traps “Internet Marketers” Get Caught In When I use the term “Internet Marketers” in this particular episode, I'm referring to that curious group of folks who can be described like this: marketers who sell marketing stuff to marketers, who then sell marketing stuff to marketers, who sell… you get the idea. Now I am not saying that Internet Marketers are bad people, or that there is anything wrong with this particular niche. In fact, I believe quite the contrary. I do believe there are some common pitfalls that many people in this niche encounter. And today, I'm going to outline five traps Internet Marketers get caught in. I think you can en joy great success either as an Internet Marketer yourself, or by learning from Internet Marketing experts… if you avoid these five traps. The Internet Marketing MLM Trap. Please don't flame me, I'm not criticizing multilevel marketing companies that sell on the Internet. But within that industry (the MLM industry) there are many scams. Most of them are some version of “selling the dream to people who then sell the dream to other people”… And nobody is selling any actual product. The same happens in Internet marketing. The Copycat Trap. This is the bane of “how to” content creation. If all you are teaching is “how to” it quickly becomes indistinguishable from “me too”. The antidote is moving beyond mere knowledge, and producing Wisdom. The Hamster Wheel Trap. Instead of creating foundational products, and building a marketing system, entrepreneurs stuck in this trap are having to produce the “product of the week”. Always a new pitch. Always a new topic. Very tiring. The Hyperbolic Intensifier Trap. We get the word “height” from the word “hyperbole”. When you are creating commodity products and information, the only way to fight the competition war is by exaggerating the benefits of your own product. You have to intensify your hyperbole until eventually, you're just telling lies. The Spirit of Mammon Trap. Call it greed. Call it avarice. Jesus called it Mammon. This comes from a Greek word that seems to imply the personification of a spiritual force behind the worship of money. “Do not love the money and use people. Instead, use money to love people.”-Joseph Prince These traps can sneak up on you. Keep your eyes open, stay well away from these, and enjoy more success and fulfillment. Not to mention sounder sleep. 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. 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.  

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

If you have ever felt the pressure of multiple converging deadlines, or simply too much to do and not enough time to do it all… I've got good news! There is a way to get out of overwhelm and into stress-free productivity. In this week's episode, I will help you implement a three-step process to get out of overwhelm and into action. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: The secret to recording your iPad or iPhone screen.  Is God willing to help you with your problem? Finally, the return of Stu McLaren and the Lifestyle Business segment. Plus, our feature presentation… A Three-Step Process to Get Out Of Overwhelm. Special Announcements Time is almost up on the 3-Day Live Intensive,  April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your ticket right now – click here. Special paid webinar next Tuesday, called “2 Hour Copy”. Learn more here. Would you like to have me speak at your event or church? I am accepting a limited number of engagements for 2013.  Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week ReflectorApp lets you “AirPlay mirror your iPhone 4S, iPad 2 or the new iPad to any Mac or PC, wirelessly.” In other words, you can record your iPhone or iPad screen! It's just $12.99 Spiritual Foundations You probably believe God can do anything… but do you believe He will? Or that He is willing? How about this story… And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:2–3 Jesus showed that He was not only willing, but did the most amazing thing – he touched the leper. This points out the Lord's compassion, of course, and also the difference between the Old and New Covenants. In the Old Covenant, if you touched the leper, you became unclean. In the New Covenant, Jesus touches the leper and the leper becomes clean. Jesus was wiling – but is He willing in your case? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Whatever your need, Jesus is willing. Be certain of that. And don't feel you are disqualified because of things you worry make you unclean. When Jesus touches you, you are made clean! Lifestyle Business Segment It's the return of Stu McLaren! This week Stu answers the question: what is the value of connecting, really? Feature Segment: A Three-Step Process to Get Out Of Overwhelm It happens to all of us. We get into a situation where it feels as though we’re faced with multiple deadlines, crisis situations, and a calendar that is jam-packed… And it just feels impossible to meet all the demands. How do you get out of a situation like that? Of course, I am speaking from personal experience. As I am writing this, I am facing one of the busiest seasons of my life. I have a conference that I am hosting coming up in less than two weeks, I have a couple of crucial client projects I’m working on, a client and friend I am partnering with on a very important project, three books in development, this blog, the weekly podcast, and multiple commitments in my church and ministry. Many of these activities have deadlines that have, through one series of events or another, coalesced to come due at the same time. Let me start by saying that I’m not complaining. The time pressure that I’m experiencing is almost exclusively brought on by fantastic opportunities that I am extremely grateful for. Nevertheless, I feel the stress of thinking that I’m going to let someone down. So what do I do in a situation like this? And more importantly, and the reason you are most likely reading this post, what do you do in a situation like this? I actually have a strategy that works. I’ve already applied it to my situation, and I can tell you that if you will follow the steps I’m about to outline for you, you’ll discover that you can relieve the pressure, meet your obligations, and be at peace. Get Clear about Your Commitments. This step alone will bring you some psychological relief. I tell you this because many of us are reluctant to go through the step of defining our commitments, afraid of what will find. Trust me when I tell you that knowing what you’re committed to is much less stressful than having a vague, nagging suspicion that some things are falling through the cracks.I recommend getting a clean legal pad, a pen you enjoy writing with, and some sort of timer (I just use the timer on my iPhone).Pile up every piece of paper, note card, scratch pad, mail item, everything in your inbox… All of the “stuff” that carries any sort of potential commitment. Just put it in a pile. Make sure you have access to your email inbox. You also need to have your calendar, whether that is a Franklin planner, your iPhone, or whatever calendaring system you use.Now, starting with the physical stuff, pick up the first item on top of the pile and decide what to do with it, either do it (if it takes two minutes or less), defer it (schedule it for later, writing into your calendar), delegate it (and it off to someone else and make a note in your calendar about when to check back in with them on this particular issue), or delete it (throw it away). When you’re finished going through your physical stuff, there should be no that left.Anything you need to keep for reference should be filed quickly and without lingering over. This is the reason for the timer-you’ve got to make this step quick. Do not get distracted on the rabbit trails. Don’t give yourself more than an hour total for this entire exercise. Next, move to your email inbox and go through the same process. As you go through this entire exercise, things will spring to mind that you need to do. Note them on your legal pad. The goal of going through this is that you clear all the physical “stuff” off your desk, you clear your inbox to zero, and you track all your commitments either on your calendar or your legal pad. Now you have a good idea of what you are actually committed to. Breathe a sigh of relief. Assign a Priority To Everything You Are Committed to. This is where David Allen and I part company. He is not a fan of the ABC prioritization system. But I have found that in situations where deadlines are crowded and crucial, prioritization is necessary. Only assign an “A” priority to items that are both urgent and important-things that must be done, and they must be done by a date that is getting close.Items that are important but not urgent (in other words, the date is not closing in on you like a freight train) get a “B” priority. I will warn you that this category is the one that will sneak up on you. By which I mean you’ll be tempted to load everything else on your list into the “B” category. I advise you in the strongest possible terms not to do that. Only put items in this category that are truly important. This is going to leave you with some “C” items… And these are the things that are neither urgent nor important. Consider just scratching them off your list altogether. If they are not urgent, and they are not important, why on earth are you committed to them? If you find items on this list that you just can’t let go of, put them on a “maybe” list. That way you will know you haven’t lost them, that you can always refer back to them, and you can admit that you may never do them. Mark Your Impending Deadlines on the Calendar. Identify which project or task comes up first on your physical calendar, and start working on that item first. Don’t work on anything else-and I do mean anything else-until this item is complete or until you hit a stopping point.I define a stopping point as any point at which you can no longer make progress until something happens that you are not in control of. Maybe you are waiting for data from a colleague, perhaps there is a phone call that is scheduled and you can’t proceed until after that call, etc. Once you have either finished this first task or project, or you can no longer make forward progress on it, move to the next item that shows up as a deadline on your calendar. Avoid the temptation to even look at your “B” list. Two Key Pieces of Advice Fight the Resistance As If Your Life Depended on It. “The resistance” is the force that tries to distract you, too stop you from getting work done, or otherwise stand in the way of your accomplishing your goals.Steven Pressfield wrote about this in his wonderful book, The War of Art. My friend Michael Hyatt has written extensively about “the resistance”p on his blog.The Resistance is what convinces you that even though you have an important project you need to work on, now would be a good time to go get your hair cut. Or go to the post office. Or clean your desk. Or workout. Or do anything except the one thing you know you absolutely should be doing. If you want to get out of the feeling of stress and overwhelm you must not only fight the resistance, you must wrestle it to the ground and choke the life out of it. I know that sounds graphic, I know it sounds dramatic, but this is the real test. Can you defeat the resistance. Can you avoid distraction and procrastination. Can you exercise integrity in the moment and remain committed to the goals and tasks to which you have stated your committed. Resistance is the devil… and if you resist the devil, he will flee. Keep Cranking until You’re Ahead of the Curve.  This phase is really the test of whether or not you will get out of overwhelm. If you are willing to run the marathon, and keep at it until all of your “A” items are taking care of, and you begin to make process on the “B” items, you can quite quickly pull yourself out of overwhelm.A quick note here about the word “no”. During seasons where you feel overwhelmed, the skillful use of the word “no” is more important than at any other time in your life. You must, as Harvey Mackay is famous for saying, learn to smile and say “no” until your lips bleed. This can be especially difficult when the things you are saying “no” to are actually good things. As God has continued to bless me in my business, I have found that having his favor on my life has opened a multitude of doors for me. And it is at these times that I must remember that just because the doors are open is not mean I’m supposed to pass through them. In fact, I cannot pass through all of them.I am a firm believer in boundaries, especially around your time. I have times when I’m completely off the clock and do not do any work. Both times are part of my commitment to myself, my God, and my family. I also recognize that there are seasons in my life (and please note that I said “seasons”-not “epochs”) where I will temporarily move the boundaries. I’m currently in such a season. I’m working longer hours, spending more time on work projects the normal, and maintaining intense focus on my business. These seasons can be compared to the harvest on the farm. I have planted many seeds over the last couple of years, and the crop is coming in. I can either suspend all other activities and get to work on the harvest, or watch all my hard work rot in the field. As for me and my house, we are working the harvest until all the crops are in the barn. Following these steps has brought me out of that desperate feeling of being overwhelmed, and into the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. I believe that if you will follow them, they will do the same for you. 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 also find the podcast on Stitcher.  

Copywriter & Marketing Consultant Ray Edwards hosts this weekly show about Internet Business and Supernatural Success. Ray is a world-renowned copywriter and communications strategist, writing for some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business. His clients include New York Times bestselling authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Robert Allen, and Tony Robbins. The podcast features insights on the art of persuasive writing, direct sales, product launches, internet marketing strategies, and the spiritual foundations of business success.

How much money do you need to make in order to be comfortable? How much money would it take for you to finally realize your dream of working for yourself, and quitting your job. That number will be different for each person, but after talking to many online entrepreneurs (and those who want to be) I am amazed at how often the answer is the same: $5000. In this week's episode, I will show you five different ways you can reach that $5K goal. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: The secret to great high definition video from your laptop.  How to have peace in any storm. Plus, our feature presentation… 5 ways to $5K. Special Announcements The clock is running out on the 3-Day Live Intensive,  April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your ticket right now – click here. Would you like to have me speak at your event or church? I am accepting a limited number of engagements for 2013.  Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week Thanks to advice from Michael Hyatt, I recently upgraded my Skype video interview tool box. The problem with doing Skype video interview recordings is really twofold: getting crisp looking video, and getting great sound. One solution to both is the Logitech c920 HDpro WebCam. This WebCam costs around $120 and delivers 1080p HD video for Skype. You can also use it for other video applications, such as making tutorial or teaching videos. The picture quality is extraordinary, and the stereo sound is fantastic. One concern you may run into is that, according to the documentation, this camera does not work with a Mac. You can safely ignore that information. I plugged the camera into my MacBook Air, which instantly recognized the camera. Now, Logitech does not support Mac users, which is a shame, but there is a solution. If you want to use the full capabilities of the camera (such as pan and tilt, zoom, autofocus, and aperture control) you just need the Webcam Settings App. It is only $7.99. Spiritual Foundations Is it possible to be at peace, even when the storm is raging around you? “Storm” in this case might be an actual storm, it might be a storm in your finances, your health, your family, or at work. Here's what it says in Psalm 91: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. Psalm 91:1-2, 5-6 It doesn't matter what's going on all around you, you don't have to be afraid, even in the middle of a violent storm. God is able to willing to give you peace, safety, and protection. Sometimes, God's rescue doesn't look the way we thought it would-but he never fails us, and he always keeps his word. And just remember this: God's delays are not God's denials. If you are a follower of Jesus, all these promises are yours. And don't fall for the deception that says if you are not perfect in your behavior that you somehow disqualify yourself for his favor. Remember that he forgave all of your sins, and that is forever. Don't worry that you might have messed up by some sinew committed today her yesterday or last week. You didn't do anything to gain his protection… And you can't do anything to lose it. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are already resting in the secret place… And you are already dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty. Feature Segment: 5 Ways to $5K I was speaking at a seminar in the Midwest, and afterward was answering questions from people in the audience. As we stood around talking, Jake shuffled forward, cleared his throat and said, “I have a question.” His question is the genesis for this weeks episode. “I am a professional airline pilot,” Jake said. “I really want to create a business doesn't require me to be away from home so much, yet I'm very nervous about. I need to make at least $3000 a month.” I stood there looking at him, shocked. That was all? Here is a man who commandeers jumbo jets for a living, and he was doubtful about being able to generate $3000 a month online? I told Jake that his goal was easy, and he needed to set his sights higher. And spent the next half hour so giving him some of the ideas am about to share with you. Is $5K  the Magic Number? Visit any popular online marketing form, and you'll find a similar theme: many people chasing after that elusive goal of making somewhere between three and $5000 per month. That's why I've decided to focus this week's podcast on giving a boost to anyone who knows it's possible to make $5000 a month online, but so far just hasn't achieve that goal. And I'm not going to stop at just one plan, instead I'm going to give you five proven ways to make $5000 a month online. And, since I love alliteration, each one is going to start with the letter F (for “five”). Let's get right to it. Five Ways To 5K 1. Fulfill the need for information. This is probably the way you are most familiar with-creating and selling your own information products. Most people don't realize the value of what they already know. There is money to be made in the subjects about which you know a lot, and others know very little. Choose your topic carefully, and you could easily become wealthy. Think about the topic areas that have already created fortunes for information marketers: How to make money How to save money How to save time How to lose weight How to gain muscle … I think you get the idea. So how do you pursue this particular method of making $5000 per month? Just start brainstorming your own interests, talents, and gifts. You're looking for a topic that has three “intersection points”: Your talent, skill, or knowledge What other people are interested in What other people will pay money for Once you have zeroed in on a topic, here are the steps to take to get your online information marketing business set up: Research the viability of your product. Scope out your competition and create the premier product in the topic. Create your product. Set up your website. (At the very least, you need four pages: the value invitation page, the value delivery page, sales page, and the product delivery page) Set up your follow-up system. 2. Find great bargains and resell them. This is one of the fastest ways to make money online, most people overlook it. That's because it's not glamorous. But if you can find great bargains on physical items, you can resell them on eBay or craigslist at a substantial markup. There are many, many people who make much more than $5000 a month selling boring items on eBay. 3. Focus on providing a service. In my opinion, this is the fastest and easiest way to start making money online. Figure out what skill comes easily to you (copywriting, Web design, technical stuff like setting up blogs, etc.) and offer those services to other people. This is the online version of a lawnmowing business. There are plenty of people who have more money than time, or more money than skill, and they are willing to pay very good fees to people who can do this kind of work for them. This is a great way to get started. 4. Fix and flip existing websites. This can be a lot of fun, and the concept is pretty easy to understand. Just like the TV show, “Flip This House”, you are simply looking for property that is undervalued. You want to find a website that offers a good product, but does a poor job presenting their product. A website that, with a few tweaks to the look and feel, and the sales copy, you can improve significantly. Then you can either choose to continue raking in the money from that website, or you can sell it to someone else at huge profit. 5. Finish old projects. Many marketers and entrepreneurs I know have a lot of “partially done” or even “mostly done” products or websites languishing on their hard drive. What if you just picked a week, blocked out your schedule, and vowed to finish those projects? Get that last 10 to 20% of the work done, and get them online? For many people, simply finishing the projects you've already started can automatically push you over the $5000 per month income level. There Are More Possibilities These are only five ways to make $5000 per month. There are dozens upon dozens of other ways to do it. These may not even be the top five ways (although I did try to select them based on the criteria). Certainly, different people will have a different way of deciding what the “top five ways” might be. My point in doing this week's podcast was really not to convince you to use a specific method, but rather to open your eyes to the possibilities that are already there. Are You Stepping Over Money? Sometimes I feel as though people are walking around, crunching under their feet a three-foot layer of silver dollars, and whining about not having any money. My whole purpose is to get you to look down, see the money on the ground, and start scooping it up. Think about Jake. A supremely qualified professional, who every day has dozens of people, perhaps hundreds of people, placed their lives in his hands with total trust… Yet he could not envision himself making $3000 a month. I think we can agree his challenge was not in a lack of skill, it was in the lack of belief and direction. Hopefully, you now have both. Now go change the world Listener Calls We heard from these  listeners this week. 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 also find the podcast on Stitcher.    

What if I told you there is a power source you can tap into that would make you unbeatable? Undefeatable? Invincible to the problems that confront you in your daily life? What if I revealed that "secret power source" to you in this very podcast… Ful...

What if I told you there is a power source you can tap into that would make you unbeatable? Undefeatable? Invincible to the problems that confront you in your daily life? What if I revealed that “secret power source” to you in this very podcast… Fully and completely… And you were never the same again? That is my goal for our 52nd episode of the Ray Edwards Show. Here's what else is up in this week's podcast episode: $460 device now available on your iPhone for 99 cents. Why your problem – whatever it is – is never about the problem. Podcast birthday wishes and surprises. Plus, our feature presentation… The Unbeatable You. Special Announcements My  conference, the 3-Day Live Intensive, is April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your early-bird ticket discount right now – click here. What happened to Spiritual Foundations Podcast? Get your questions (and plugs) in for next week's episode using the voicemail tab on the website or the phone at  (509) 713-2679. Would you like to have me speak at your event or church? I am accepting a limited number of engagements for 2013.  Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week Large LED countdown clocks are a staple of the broadcast industry. They're also useful for live events. The best deal I've found is this clock for $460. But recently I discovered an app for my iPhone and iPad that does the same thing for 99 cents. Check out the Timer On Fire app. Spiritual Foundations In the Princess Bride, our hero Iniga Montoya faced a big problem. The dread pirate Roberts, aka “Wesley”, whose help he desperately needed, was dead. So Inigo turned to the one guy who might have a solution, Miracle Max. When Inigo  explained the problem, Max's response was a dramatic shift in perspective (listen to the audio to hear the full story). Whenever my wife and I are sending one another off to go tackle the day, we sometimes use the same words that Max gave the guys… “Have fun storming the castle!” Miracle Max saw a completely different problem. But, you might say, that is a movie. What about real life? So here's another example. I used to suffer from something commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder. At least that is what I told myself. I even had a solution figured out – move! Only the weather wasn't really my problem. A key strategy to facing difficulties in life-whether those difficulties are with your physical health, your relationships, money, or anything else-is to realize the problem is never really about the problem. “It's never about the weather.” ~ Lynn Edwards Depression and despair, or joy and happiness are a choice. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 I do recognize that there are clinical conditions that cause depression and anxiety, as well as other mental disturbances. I am not suggesting that anyone for grow appropriate medical care. I am saying that God providesHealing, even in those situations. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Feature Segment: The Unbeatable You The key to being unbeatable is really rather simple: it's understanding your identity and everything flows out of that. In fact, terms like “mission”, “vision”, and “purpose”Get thrown around carelessly as if they were synonymous with one another. They are not. The key to being unbeatable is not that you never suffer a setback or problem. It's that you have an effective strategy for snatching victory out of the jaws of defeat.  In my view, there are three ingredients to achieving this: 1. Set up the game so you cannot lose. 2. Understand and be able to articulate your identity, purpose, mission, vision, values, and goals. 3. Decide in advance how you will handle adversity. Set up the Game so You Cannot Lose How is this even possible? You use the same approach Captain Kirk used when he faced the Kobayashi Maru simulation. You change the rules. My rule that makes every scenario a no-lose scenario is: There are no failures, there are only results. But I do with the results is up to me. Know Your “Big Reason Why” It has been said that if you have a big enough “why”, you will always discover the answer to “how”. Most people have nowhere near enough clarity about their own beliefs and values. And herein lies the key to being unbeatable. You need to understand, and be able to articulate the following: your identity, purpose, mission, vision, values, and goals. Let's use my own answers as examples… Identity. Who are you? My answer: One who follows Jesus; a royal priest. Purpose. Why are you here? My answer: To bring about God's will on earth, as it is in heaven. Mission. What is your specific assignment? (Strategy) My answer: Business for the Glory of God. Vision. What does the accomplishment of your mission look like? (Tactics) My answer: To teach and empower people to claim their own Divine Destiny and live a life of Freedom, Joy, and Love through Jesus Christ. We do this by providing quality services (including books, audio and visual programs, home study materials, speeches, seminars, trainings, coaching and consulting delivered with love, excellence and integrity in Christ). Values. What qualities, characteristics, and states do you value most? (Compass) My answer… A commitment to the following spiritual, ethical, and corporate values: Faithfulness to Jesus Christ. “His will, on earth as it is in Heaven”. With God all things are possible. Passion for our work, dedicated to the Lord. Love and acceptance of others and of ourselves. Christ-like responses to all situations, events and people. Truth and honesty in all things. Continued spiritual growth. Clarity of purpose and communication. Speaking only that which imparts Grace to the listener. Impeccability in our actions and the quality of our work. Accountability. Harmony. Continuous and never-ending improvement. Profitability. Generosity of heart and spirit. Fun. Joy. Gratitude. Goals. What are your specific objectives (both strategic and tactical), and what is your timeline for accomplishing them? State your goals in the positive/affirmative, present tense, connected to an emotion, and anchored to a date and time. Some examples: I am enjoying the satisfaction of having added 100,000 new subscribers to our email list by 5pm, December 1, 2013. I am relishing the stress-free systematized business that permits me to work only 20 hours per week by 12 Noon, November 1, 2013. I am enjoying my healthy weight of 185 pounds, which I achieved on or before 9am October 1, 2013. These should be articulated on paper. Take some time and write them out. Invest yourself in this process. Decide in Advance How You Will Handle Adversity This is a condensed summary of an entire podcast, from episode 007. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond – and what we believe about the setback. Knowing how to face trials proactively is one of the top skills in business… and in life. Here are 10 steps to transform setbacks into comebacks.  See it for what it is. Remember God’s plan for you (Jer 29:11 and Romans 8:28) Ask good questions – questions that lead to helpful answers. Be careful what you think, see, and say. Notice what works; do more of that. Notice what doesn’t work; stop doing that. Live in the now. Avoid depression and anxiety. Move your body every day. Put good fuel in the machine. Fill your eyes with solutions. Remember that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. (Matthew 6:34) Listener Calls We heard from lots of listeners this week. 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 also find the podcast on Stitcher.    

Are you getting the most out of your business? Today's podcast interview will help you think about that question in  new ways. It's the optimization episode! In this week's podcast episode: Free training opportunity. Is it Biblical to squeeze more profit from your business? Where in the world is Stu McLaren? Special Announcements My  conference, the 3-Day Live Intensive, is April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your early-bird ticket discount right now - click here. We still have a contest running in celebration of next week's 52nd episode of this podcast.  More details here. What happened to Stu McLaren? What happened to Spiritual Foundations Podcast? Get your questions (and plugs) in for next week's episode using the voicemail tab on the website or the phone at  (509) 713-2679. Every caller wins a prize next week! Free webinar training on sales copy tomorrow night. Would you like to have me speak at your event or church? I am accepting a limited number of engagements for 2013.  Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week Use commenting - and particularly podcast comments - to bring traffic to your own site. Spiritual Foundations What does the Bible say about "optimization"? A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 That seems like common sense. Does it say more? The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. Proverbs 13:4 And here's one more ... Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, 24 for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? 25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, 26 the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. 27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls. Proverbs 27:23-27 Feature Segment: Our feature segment this week is an interview with Melanie Benson Strick. You can get the free gift Melanie offered on the interview by clicking here. 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 also find the podcast on Stitcher.