Ray Edwards Show

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.    

Worry kills you slowly. It makes you sick. We know this. But how do we stop worrying so much? In this week's podcast episode: How to trick yourself into exercise Why worry is bad for you. Why this week's podcast is so late. 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 have a contest running in celebration of the upcoming 52nd episode of this podcast. Just make helpful, substantive comments on 10 posts (here on the blog), and you could win a free copy of my new book. More details here. And why the podcast is late. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week Trick yourself into exercising by combining it with something you love doing. A lunchtime conversation with a friend of mine led to a new attitude about exercise for me, and the tip of the week for you. Spiritual Foundations The spiritual effects of worry take a heavy toll. Heavy thoughts bring on physical maladies; when the soul is oppressed so is the body. ~Martin Luther There's no doubt about it. When we are sick, we are simply not capable of accomplishing as much as when we are well. Worry makes us sick. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 And here's one more thing to think about. Worry is the opposite of trusting God. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Feature Segment: When I was in the radio business I spent a year working in a city back East, at a job I hated. My boss was mentally ill-seriously. It was like working for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One day he was friendly and courteous, the next day he was an overbearing, abusive monster. I became a walking example of what it's like to live in anxiety all the time. I began having anxiety attacks. I went to the emergency room more than once, thinking I was having a heart attack. One morning, I woke up, and the left side of my face did not work. I tried brushing my teeth and water dribble down my chin onto my shirt. I thought I was having a stroke... And this lead to the strangest doctor's visit I have ever had. Listen to the audio for the full story. When we worry, we spend all of our energy focusing on the negative, and operating in fear. This closes our eyes to possibilities that lay all around us. The fact is, most of the stuff we worry about never happens anyway. But that is all philosophy. How about some practical tips on how you can just stop worrying so much? If you would like to spend less of your time worrying, and more of it accomplishing, here are 7 things you can most definitely cross off your “worry list”. Don't worry about things you can’t control. Don't worry about things you can control (since you control them, what is there to worry about?) Don't worry about what other people think of you (see number 1). Don't worry about the past (nothing you can do to change it). Don't worry about the future (see number 2). Don't worry about the unknown (um…  since you can’t know it… what are you worrying about?). Don't worry about how you might respond to any challenge (you’ll only know when you face it). 3 Tactics That Fight Worry Exercise Meditation Prayer. Worry replaced by prayer equals faith and peace. Listener Questions On this episode we heard from these listeners: JD Crouse has 3 questions - about our audio player, a podcasting course, and recorded webinars. I haven't been emphasizing the call in part of the show, but would love to field more listener questions and hear more of your success stories.

Worry kills you slowly. It makes you sick. We know this. But how do we stop worrying so much? In this week's podcast episode: How to trick yourself into exercise Why worry is bad for you. Why this week's podcast is so late. 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. Rollo (L) and Parker (R) We have a contest running in celebration of the upcoming 52nd episode of this podcast. Just make helpful, substantive comments on 10 posts (here on the blog), and you could win a free copy of my new book. More details here. And why the podcast is late. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week Trick yourself into exercising by combining it with something you love doing. A lunchtime conversation with a friend of mine led to a new attitude about exercise for me, and the tip of the week for you. Spiritual Foundations The spiritual effects of worry take a heavy toll. Heavy thoughts bring on physical maladies; when the soul is oppressed so is the body. ~Martin Luther There's no doubt about it. When we are sick, we are simply not capable of accomplishing as much as when we are well. Worry makes us sick. Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. Proverbs 12:25 And here's one more thing to think about. Worry is the opposite of trusting God. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Feature Segment: When I was in the radio business I spent a year working in a city back East, at a job I hated. My boss was mentally ill-seriously. It was like working for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One day he was friendly and courteous, the next day he was an overbearing, abusive monster. I became a walking example of what it's like to live in anxiety all the time. I began having anxiety attacks. I went to the emergency room more than once, thinking I was having a heart attack. One morning, I woke up, and the left side of my face did not work. I tried brushing my teeth and water dribble down my chin onto my shirt. I thought I was having a stroke… And this lead to the strangest doctor's visit I have ever had. Listen to the audio for the full story. When we worry, we spend all of our energy focusing on the negative, and operating in fear. This closes our eyes to possibilities that lay all around us. The fact is, most of the stuff we worry about never happens anyway. But that is all philosophy. How about some practical tips on how you can just stop worrying so much? If you would like to spend less of your time worrying, and more of it accomplishing, here are 7 things you can most definitely cross off your “worry list”. Don't worry about things you can’t control. Don't worry about things you can control (since you control them, what is there to worry about?) Don't worry about what other people think of you (see number 1). Don't worry about the past (nothing you can do to change it). Don't worry about the future (see number 2). Don't worry about the unknown (um…  since you can’t know it… what are you worrying about?). Don't worry about how you might respond to any challenge (you’ll only know when you face it). 3 Tactics That Fight Worry Exercise Meditation Prayer. Worry replaced by prayer equals faith and peace. Listener Questions On this episode we heard from these listeners: JD Crouse has 3 questions – about our audio player, a podcasting course, and recorded webinars. I haven't been emphasizing the call in part of the show, but would love to field more listener questions and hear more of your success stories. You can leave messages here through Speakpipe, or on our phone line at (509) 713-2679. Resources Mentioned Blubrry podcast player plugin. Learn How To Podcast and Podcasting A-Z by Cliff Ravenscraft Evergreen Business System 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 are some of your indispensable iPad apps, and how do you use them? Share your ideas and observations below in the comments.  

More and more, I find my iPad replacing other tools - like my computer, Kindle, and even my physical notebook. In this week's podcast episode: How to make money by goofing off. The secret of becoming a better, more successful person - on automatic pilot. And my recommended Top 10 iPad Apps For Idea Entrepreneurs. 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. Be sure you refer to my notes from the Platform Conference - one of the most value laden conferences I have ever attended. We have a contest running in celebration of the upcoming 52nd episode of this podcast. Just make helpful, substantive comments on 10 posts (here on the blog), and you could win a free copy of my new book. More details here. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week How to make money by goofing off? I must be joking, right? Not at all. It's proven that our best ideas, most resourceful states, and highest periods of creativity come when we are relaxed and in "the flow". The problem is we seldom experience this state as a conscious intention. Here's how to "goof off" productively. Spiritual Foundations The secret of becoming a better, more successful person - on automatic pilot. While I was at a conference a few weeks ago, the topic being taught was "speed to implementation". Surrounded by a group of born achiever types, I felt swept up in the momentum of getting things done quickly. I went to my hotel room that night and furiously worked on completing a book manuscript, and by the time morning arrived my initial draft was done. Why was it that I was suddenly able, or motivated, to get the book done so quickly? Did I suddenly have abilities that I didn't have before? No. I was being carried by the momentum of the people around me. Motivated, cajoled, provoked. I was, in short, persuaded by the power of peer pressure. The people we surround ourselves with influence who we become. The point I'm trying to make is not a new one. It is simply that we tend to adopt the mannerisms, behaviors, and values of the people we spend the most time with. Want to become a better person? Be more successful? Be more punctual? Spend time with people who are more successful, more punctual, and who are in general the kind of "better person" you would like to be. “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - Jim Rohn The interesting thing is, most of us do not consciously choose who those people are. What does the Bible say about this idea? Well we don't have to look far-in the book of wisdom known as The Proverbs, we find this… The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 What if you consciously engineered being around five people who lift you up, instead of being around five people who pull you down? Feature Segment: Top 10 iPad Apps For Idea Entrepreneurs This past Sunday in church, I did the unthinkable. During the pastor's sermon, I opened up my iPad and began doodling. Heads turned. Questioning looks appeared on the faces of the people around me. Some people try to pretend they didn't notice. My wife simply nudged our friends Jim and Diane, who were sitting next to us, and shrugged. As if to say, "Well, that's our Ray." But I wasn't ignoring the sermon or even being rude. I was taking notes in one of the top 10 apps that I use on a daily basis. My iPad has become such an indispensable tool that I even use it in church. Certainly, in my business as what I refer to as an "idea entrepreneur", my iPad is central to my workflow. So this weeks podcast feature segment is all about the top 10 iPad apps I use in my business, and that I recommend to other idea entrepreneurs. I won't just give you a list of the apps, however.

More and more, I find my iPad replacing other tools – like my computer, Kindle, and even my physical notebook.     In this week's podcast episode: How to make money by goofing off. The secret of becoming a better, more successful person – on automatic pilot. And my recommended Top 10 iPad Apps For Idea Entrepreneurs. 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. Be sure you refer to my notes from the Platform Conference – one of the most value laden conferences I have ever attended. We have a contest running in celebration of the upcoming 52nd episode of this podcast. Just make helpful, substantive comments on 10 posts (here on the blog), and you could win a free copy of my new book. More details here. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Tip Of The Week How to make money by goofing off? I must be joking, right? Not at all. It's proven that our best ideas, most resourceful states, and highest periods of creativity come when we are relaxed and in “the flow”. The problem is we seldom experience this state as a conscious intention. Here's how to “goof off” productively. Spiritual Foundations The secret of becoming a better, more successful person – on automatic pilot. While I was at a conference a few weeks ago, the topic being taught was “speed to implementation”. Surrounded by a group of born achiever types, I felt swept up in the momentum of getting things done quickly. I went to my hotel room that night and furiously worked on completing a book manuscript, and by the time morning arrived my initial draft was done. Why was it that I was suddenly able, or motivated, to get the book done so quickly? Did I suddenly have abilities that I didn't have before? No. I was being carried by the momentum of the people around me. Motivated, cajoled, provoked. I was, in short, persuaded by the power of peer pressure. The people we surround ourselves with influence who we become. The point I'm trying to make is not a new one. It is simply that we tend to adopt the mannerisms, behaviors, and values of the people we spend the most time with. Want to become a better person? Be more successful? Be more punctual? Spend time with people who are more successful, more punctual, and who are in general the kind of “better person” you would like to be. “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn The interesting thing is, most of us do not consciously choose who those people are. What does the Bible say about this idea? Well we don't have to look far-in the book of wisdom known as The Proverbs, we find this… The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 What if you consciously engineered being around five people who lift you up, instead of being around five people who pull you down? Feature Segment: Top 10 iPad Apps For Idea Entrepreneurs This past Sunday in church, I did the unthinkable. During the pastor's sermon, I opened up my iPad and began doodling. Heads turned. Questioning looks appeared on the faces of the people around me. Some people try to pretend they didn't notice. My wife simply nudged our friends Jim and Diane, who were sitting next to us, and shrugged. As if to say, “Well, that's our Ray.” But I wasn't ignoring the sermon or even being rude. I was taking notes in one of the top 10 apps that I use on a daily basis. My iPad has become such an indispensable tool that I even use it in church. Certainly, in my business as what I refer to as an “idea entrepreneur”, my iPad is central to my workflow. So this weeks podcast feature segment is all about the top 10 iPad apps I use in my business, and that I recommend to other idea entrepreneurs. I won't just give you a list of the apps, however. I'll also provide you with a description of how I use them, and even a few tips that may be helpful if you choose to use them as well. Omnifocus. This is my go to app for implementing GTD. It's expensive, but I still haven't found anything else I like better. And I've tried them all. Mail. This is simply the native app that comes with iOS. I've tried a few alternatives, but I really like the way Apple has implemented this app. Notifications turned off. Agenda. I find Apple's Calendar app disappointing, and learned about Agenda through Leo Laporte. I've been using it ever since, and I love it. Integrates with Google Calendar seamlessly. Mr. Reader. I track about 300 websites, mostly WordPress blogs. It's how I find new and interesting ideas, trends, and tidbits that I can share.This only takes me about 30 minutes a day, and that is all due to Mr. Reader. This app aggregates all those websites into one convenient place. Pocket. When I find something online that I want to save for later reference, I put it in Pocket. I may save notes or clippings for a blog post, a book chapter, or simply for my own reading pleasure. Evernote. Evernote is my universal filing cabinet, where I keep blog posts in progress, book outlines, swipe files, reference material, and more.It all synchronizes between my MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone. So all my stuff is available to meet anywhere, anytime. Indispensable tool. Penultimate. This is the app that left my moleskin notebook lonely and unused. It's a notetaking app, and it integrates with Evernote. Lose the paper, keep the handwriting, and remember everything. Kindle. I don't use my actual kindle device very much anymore. I carry around enough devices, and I use the Kindle app on my iPad to do most of my reading. I am considering trading my full-size iPad in for an  iPad Mini. Reason: the mini seems easier to hold for long periods of time when reading. It also takes up less room in a briefcase. Or a pocket. Downcast. I listen to a lot of podcasts, and this is the app I use to do it. I wish it had a happier name. But I couldn't be happier with the app itself. MindMeister. I mind map just about every piece of content I write, every project plan, and… well, everything.I went through most every mind-mapping app available, and there are some good ones. I finally settled on MindMeister.I like the ability to share maps, I like the  look and feel, and it exports to just about every other mind-map software format. So I can share my maps between MindMeister and MindManager (the app I use on my MacBook Pro). Bonus Apps: Olive Tree Bible Study App, Pages, Keynote. Listener Questions On this episode we heard from these listeners: Carey Green of ChristianHomeandFamily.com asked,”Are tags important to getting search engine traffic?” Beau Miles asked, “Will you be offering an audio version of your new book?” John Olson called in with a report on how he has been using my productivity tips from the podcast episode on getting a days work done in two hours, which was episode 43. I haven't been emphasizing the call in part of the show, but would love to field more listener questions and hear more of your success stories. You can leave messages here through Speakpipe, or on our phone line at (509) 713-2679. 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 are some of your indispensable iPad apps, and how do you use them? Share your ideas and observations below in the comments.  

If you'd like to know the easiest way to sell anything to anyone, you're going to love this weeks podcast. In this week's podcast episode: How your iPhone can help you achieve your goals. How to let your weaknesses, limitations, and problems propel you to greater success. And, Finally, the easiest way to sell anything to anyone. Tip Of The Week This is the modern equivalent of "accountability partners". The Lift App is a simple way to achieve any goal, track your progress, and get the support of your friends. Currently available only for iPhone, Android and Wieb versions are on the way soon. Spiritual Foundations Don't worry about weakness... What if there was a different way of understanding Paul's story about his "thorn", and a different way of understanding the phrase "my grace is sufficient"? Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.   Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10   Feature Segment: The Easiest Way To Sell Anything Understand the Scale of Awareness and "O.P.E.N. the Sale" In the movie "Jerry Maguire" Tom Cruise's character makes an impassioned speech to the girl he loves, trying to convince her how much he cares for her. She finally tells him, "You had me at hello…" Often, we do the same when trying to persuade or sell. Unaware of the feelings of our prospects or listeners, we prattle on far beyond the point that we need to. We say things that are irrelevant to the listener. Understanding "where they are" would spare us all that effort. The late, great copywriter Eugene Schwartz understood the power of the awareness level of your prospect. Knowing where they stand already is vital to knowing what to say to them. The fastest, easiest way to influence anyone is with what is already influencing them. Here is the scale of awareness that I use in writing copy to help me know how to talk to my reader: O - Oblivious P - Pondering E - Engaged N - Needing This powerful secret is easy to underestimate. Just try using it in your sales communications, and watch your persuasion power grow! Special Announcements My own conference, the 3-Day Live Intensive, is April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your early-bird ticket discount right now - click here. I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 What are some ways you have seen the "awareness scale" in action? Share your ideas and observations below in the comments.  

If you'd like to know the easiest way to sell anything to anyone, you're going to love this weeks podcast. In this week's podcast episode: How your iPhone can help you achieve your goals. How to let your weaknesses, limitations, and problems propel you to greater success. And, Finally, the easiest way to sell anything to anyone. Tip Of The Week This is the modern equivalent of “accountability partners”. The Lift App is a simple way to achieve any goal, track your progress, and get the support of your friends. Currently available only for iPhone, Android and Wieb versions are on the way soon. Spiritual Foundations Don't worry about weakness… What if there was a different way of understanding Paul's story about his “thorn”, and a different way of understanding the phrase “my grace is sufficient”? Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.   Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10   Feature Segment: The Easiest Way To Sell Anything Understand the Scale of Awareness and “O.P.E.N. the Sale” In the movie “Jerry Maguire” Tom Cruise's character makes an impassioned speech to the girl he loves, trying to convince her how much he cares for her. She finally tells him, “You had me at hello…” Often, we do the same when trying to persuade or sell. Unaware of the feelings of our prospects or listeners, we prattle on far beyond the point that we need to. We say things that are irrelevant to the listener. Understanding “where they are” would spare us all that effort. The late, great copywriter Eugene Schwartz understood the power of the awareness level of your prospect. Knowing where they stand already is vital to knowing what to say to them. The fastest, easiest way to influence anyone is with what is already influencing them. Here is the scale of awareness that I use in writing copy to help me know how to talk to my reader: O – Oblivious P – Pondering E – Engaged N – Needing This powerful secret is easy to underestimate. Just try using it in your sales communications, and watch your persuasion power grow! Special Announcements My own conference, the 3-Day Live Intensive, is April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your early-bird ticket discount right now – click here. I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 What are some ways you have seen the “awareness scale” in action? Share your ideas and observations below in the comments.  

When you attend a conference, you make an enormous investment in time, money, and energy. In this week'ss podcast, I give you a precise system for getting the most out of any conference. In this week's podcast episode: A powerful video e...

When you attend a conference, you make an enormous investment in time, money, and energy. In this week'ss podcast, I give you a precise system for getting the most out of any conference. In this week's podcast episode: A powerful video editing studio for your iPad. Why you were born for this entrepreneurial life. And, of course, how to get the most out of any conference. Tip Of The Week The Pinnacle Studio App for iPad is a remarkable video studio that cost less than $13. Some people complain about the cost of this app. These are people that have forgotten that the iPad and the app they hold in their hands gives them editing power that would've cost tens of thousands of dollars only a few years ago. It's truly remarkable what we have available to us for less then a lunch at McDonald's. Spiritual Foundations Seek Wisdom Seeking wisdom and knowledge is practical. In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 That was under the Old Covenant – and the Bible tells us we live under a “new and better covenant” (Hebrews 8:6). What is our promise under the New Covenant? Let's check what Jesus says:  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34 And don't start thinking you have to earn the Kingdom and Righteousness through your own efforts. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21   Feature Segment: How to Get The Most Out of Any Conference Before the Conference Preparation Is Key: This checklist will serve as a reminder of what you can do before attending a conference to increase the results you get from attending. You may want to customize, modify, or add to the checklist to make it more suitable to your needs. Know your purpose for attending this conference (learning, people to meet, get clients, meet JV Partners, etc.) Know your criteria for success (number of contacts to make, speakers to meet, deals to close, etc.). Have a list of goals you have for attending this conference; this way, when you leave you’ll know if you achieved success or not. Business cards, printed both sides, with an offer on the back that gets people back in contact with you and into your “marketing funnel”. Prepare your “elevator speech”. Study the background of the speakers; do your homework. Book your hotel room early; get a room “close to the action”. Book your airline ticket early for the best rate and most flexibility. When possible, set up meetings in advance. Arrive one day before the conference starts; leave the day after it ends. Digital camera, video camera, and audio recorder Computer Note cards and envelopes, pre-stamped with return addresses already on them (ready to fill in and mail from hotel before you leave). Notebook (Ray recommends Moleskine notebooks). Pens. Jacket (conference rooms are often kept cold!) Target list of people you want to meet. Target list of subjects you want to learn about from each speaker. A list of questions you want answered before you leave. During the Conference You’re Working! While you’re at a conference, you’re at work – this is not a weekend vacation. Make every moment as profitable as possible. Get checked in, put your “stuff” away, and set up your “temporary office”. Keep your room neat and organized in case you have a business meeting there. Meet and greet people in the bar the night before the conference starts. Never eat alone, and don’t eat with the same person twice. Get your picture taken with people (speakers and “regular people” too). Introduce people to one another; make connections between people. Arrive at the registration desk/conference room early each day. Meet and greet people. Use your “elevator speech” or “audio logo” to start conversations. Network between sessions; plan meetings between sessions. Eat small, light meals frequently to keep your energy level consistent. Keep breath fresh. Stinky breath does NOT win friends. Dress comfortably in business casual attire; wear comfortable shoes. Don’t carry too much “stuff” with you into the conference room. Do carry your business cards at all times, and your calendar (book, smartphone, etc.) Turn OFF your cell phone ringer; don’t take or make calls in the conference meeting room (!). Close doors quietly when leaving or entering the room during a session. Attend all networking events; get your photo taken with everyone. Take photos of other people together – send them a copy (get their contact info!). If appropriate, get audio or video testimonials from your clients. Give testimonials whenever you can; it’s good promotion for you. Start early, and keep going late; schedule a nap so you can do the late-night networking. After the Conference The Golden Mile! This is where most people really fall down – the “last mile”, or as we like to call it, “the Golden Mile”. It’s all about the follow-up and the follow-through. Organize all your notes, to-dos, and business cards. Write notes to all your key contacts on the note cards you brought; mail them from the hotel before you leave. Share a ride to the airport if possible; make it a networking opportunity. Use the time in the airport lounge or on the plane to write emails, follow-up notes, and make to-do lists. Send quick follow-up emails to everyone on the list you built at the conference. Upload digital photos of you with other people to a photo service; send a copy to them using a service like http://sendoutcards.com Post photos to your Facebook and Google+ account. Put to-dos into your planning system (Outlook, iPhone, GTD, etc.). Plug them in over the next 3 weeks so nothing falls through the cracks. When home, unpack and organize all your materials immediately.?Call every person you met at the conference. Calling on the phone sets you apart. Quickly fulfill any promises you made. Go through your notes from the conference (all neatly collected in your Moleskine notebook or other “idea capture device”, right?). Anything that can be done in 2 minutes or less (domain registration, emails, downloads, etc.) — just DO it. Anything that will take longer, SCHEDULE it in your planning system. Review your goals and criteria for success from the conference; evaluate how you did. Update these checklists with items you thought of that should be on them; constantly be refining your checklists and systems. Schedule the consumption of any Continuing Education products you purchased at the conference, so that you actually USE them. Special Announcements My own conference, the 3-Day Live Intensive, is April 5-7 in Phoenix. Get your early-bird ticket discount right now – click here. I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is probably sold out.  Get a ticket while you can! Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 Do you have any tips you would add? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.  

Just like anything worth doing, there is a way to market that just works. There are rules. Today's podcast shows you what they are. In this week's podcast episode: The disciplines of marketing. The "Secret Weapon" system for using GTD with Evernote. Are you trying too hard? Tip Of The Week The "Secret Weapon" system for using GTD with Evernote. Spiritual Foundations Let God Do the Work We often try to do ourselves what God has already done for us. ...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 Stop trying to do it on your own, and let God do what He wants! Feature Segment: Ray Edwards's 13 Natural Disciplines of Effective Online Marketing Almost all marketing is dreadfully weak and ineffective, unfocused, and irrelevant. Or it's hype-filled, pushy, and repulsive. Stop that. Learn to "market like water". The 13 Natural Disciplines: 1. Abandon branding as a primary outcome and seek response. Branding is inherent. 2. Always track everything with ruthless precision. 3. Within the context of your values - results rule. 4. Always make an offer. 5. Always seek a trackable, profitable response. 6. Always give a reason for immediate response. 7. Ask only for one response at a time. 8. Tell them exactly what to do next. 9. Use strong copy. It will sound like "junk mail". 10. Kill your darlings. 11. Always followup in the short term. 12. Always followup in the long term. 13. Keep detailed customer files and study them carefully. Special Announcements I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is nearly sold out.  Get a ticket while you can! I was written up by Eric T Wagner on Forbes.com recently. You can check out the article here. My new book is nearly ready - more to come! Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 Do you have any discplines you would add? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.  

Just like anything worth doing, there is a way to market that just works. There are rules. Today's podcast shows you what they are. In this week's podcast episode: The disciplines of marketing. The “Secret Weapon” system for using GTD with Evernote. Are you trying too hard? Tip Of The Week The “Secret Weapon” system for using GTD with Evernote. Spiritual Foundations Let God Do the Work We often try to do ourselves what God has already done for us. …for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 Stop trying to do it on your own, and let God do what He wants! Feature Segment: Ray Edwards's 13 Natural Disciplines of Effective Online Marketing Almost all marketing is dreadfully weak and ineffective, unfocused, and irrelevant. Or it's hype-filled, pushy, and repulsive. Stop that. Learn to “market like water”. The 13 Natural Disciplines: 1. Abandon branding as a primary outcome and seek response. Branding is inherent. 2. Always track everything with ruthless precision. 3. Within the context of your values – results rule. 4. Always make an offer. 5. Always seek a trackable, profitable response. 6. Always give a reason for immediate response. 7. Ask only for one response at a time. 8. Tell them exactly what to do next. 9. Use strong copy. It will sound like “junk mail”. 10. Kill your darlings. 11. Always followup in the short term. 12. Always followup in the long term. 13. Keep detailed customer files and study them carefully. Special Announcements I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is nearly sold out.  Get a ticket while you can! I was written up by Eric T Wagner on Forbes.com recently. You can check out the article here. My new book is nearly ready – more to come! Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 Do you have any discplines you would add? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.  

What if your marketing worked like a machine - automatic, tireless, regardless of whether you show up today or not, and with predictable results? Today's podcast shows you how. In this week's podcast episode: How to market like a machine. A "move it to the top of the stack" book recommendation. Is it okay for Christians to be rich? Tip Of The Week Move this book to the top of your reading stack. Work the System by Sam Carpenter. We must study the mechanical minutia of our tasks if we are to excel. This means observing: looking down and analyzing the sub-systems of our lives…to see our selves as mechanical devices that can be made to be super-efficient. The next step is to spend the majority of our time perfecting each of our sub-systems, one by one. Here’s a happy thought: Study and then perfect your systems as a main focus and you’ll find yourself in select company and therefore flying faster and higher than a huge percentage of the competition. Make More. Work Less. Lots of people work hard to become expert at what they do, but what great heights will be achieved by becoming expert at a flawed process? Sam Carpenter Spiritual Foundations Is it okay for Christians to be rich? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 Feature Segment: How to Market Like a Machine No business can survive without a systematic approach to marketing. "Systematic" means well-defined, carefully followed procedures that produce predictable results. A true Marketing System consists of the following things: predictable processes that produce large quantities of good prospects, clients, and customers for your business. Your marketing system must provide these prospects efficiently (without a lot of hands-on work from you) and affordably (as in, it costs less to get a customer than the revenue that customer produces). Violate any one of these rules and you're in trouble, one step away from the Taco Delmar Phenomena. Here are the components of a good Marketing System: 1. Product Success Formula: TG + CDP/HAS(YCS )+ THM + WTS 2. Media that is efficient, affordable, they already use 3. A compelling message 4. An irresistable free offer 5. Multi-step automated short-term follow up systems 6. Multi-step long term follow up 7. Tested conversion process Special Announcements I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is nearly sold out.  Get a ticket while you can! I was written up by Eric T Wagner on Forbes.com this week. You can check out the article here. My new book is nearly ready - more to come! Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 How strong is your marketing system? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.  

What if your marketing worked like a machine – automatic, tireless, regardless of whether you show up today or not, and with predictable results? Today's podcast shows you how. In this week's podcast episode: How to market like a machine. A “move it to the top of the stack” book recommendation. Is it okay for Christians to be rich? Tip Of The Week Move this book to the top of your reading stack. Work the System by Sam Carpenter. We must study the mechanical minutia of our tasks if we are to excel. This means observing: looking down and analyzing the sub-systems of our lives…to see our selves as mechanical devices that can be made to be super-efficient. The next step is to spend the majority of our time perfecting each of our sub-systems, one by one. Here’s a happy thought: Study and then perfect your systems as a main focus and you’ll find yourself in select company and therefore flying faster and higher than a huge percentage of the competition. Make More. Work Less. Lots of people work hard to become expert at what they do, but what great heights will be achieved by becoming expert at a flawed process? Sam Carpenter Spiritual Foundations Is it okay for Christians to be rich? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 Feature Segment: How to Market Like a Machine No business can survive without a systematic approach to marketing. “Systematic” means well-defined, carefully followed procedures that produce predictable results. A true Marketing System consists of the following things: predictable processes that produce large quantities of good prospects, clients, and customers for your business. Your marketing system must provide these prospects efficiently (without a lot of hands-on work from you) and affordably (as in, it costs less to get a customer than the revenue that customer produces). Violate any one of these rules and you're in trouble, one step away from the Taco Delmar Phenomena. Here are the components of a good Marketing System: 1. Product Success Formula: TG + CDP/HAS(YCS )+ THM + WTS 2. Media that is efficient, affordable, they already use 3. A compelling message 4. An irresistable free offer 5. Multi-step automated short-term follow up systems 6. Multi-step long term follow up 7. Tested conversion process Special Announcements I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is nearly sold out.  Get a ticket while you can! I was written up by Eric T Wagner on Forbes.com this week. You can check out the article here. My new book is nearly ready – more to come! Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 How strong is your marketing system? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.  

I recently wrote here on the blog about some new productivity "tweaks" with which I have been experimenting. Today's podcast is a report on the results. In this week's podcast episode: A "field report" on my latest productivity experiments. An alternative to mindmaps. How to get free of those "guilty feelings". Stu McLaren on hiring the right people. Tip Of The Week Not into mind mapping, but wish there was an easy way to outline your ideas? You have got to try Workflowy. It was made for the purpose. Spiritual Foundations Are you plagued by feelings of guilt, about regrets over what you should have done in a certain situation? Don't be... There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 When Jesus came and paid the price for sin, that included all of our sins. Past, present, and future. That means is far as he is concerned, we have nothing to regret. A "guilty conscience" is not the work of our father in heaven, but is the work of the enemy-the devil. See Hebrews 9:14. Lifestyle Business Stu McLaren has wisdom to share on the subject of hiring-and on not being cheap. Feature Segment: Results of My Productivity Experiments Recently, I wrote on my blog a post about a new plan for improved productivity in 2013. I thought it might be useful to share the results so far. Works and all. Here are the plans I wrote about, and a report on my observations Productivity Philosophy.  If you are not familiar with the GTD philosophy, I encourage you to read David Allen's seminal work on stress-free productivity. A great augmentation to the GTD material is one of my favorite new podcasts and websites, Erik Fisher's "Beyond the To-Do List". At this point, I would give myself a "brown belt" when it comes to GTD. My biggest challenge is keeping my inboxes to zero, and limiting those inboxes to the smallest number possible. Planning. In keeping with my adherence to GTD, my planning is fairly simple. I have a weekly review session on Fridays, during which I collect all the inputs that have accumulated over the past week, and one by one clear them from my inbox.  So far I've done a pretty good job of keeping on top of my weekly reviews. I'd say I am at about 90% on this one. Disciplined Tracking.  For business activities, I am developing a dashboard for my company in Excel to keep track of key metrics. Frankly, I've gotten so caught up in looking for the perfect dashboard, I haven't really started using one yet. That will change within the next three days, as I am forcing myself to pick some kind of tracking system. Even if it is  3 x 5 cards. Productivity Tools. In the past, I have been a "tool junkie". I have actually managed to not look at any new productivity tools since the beginning of the year. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but it's a big deal to me. Boundaries. This year, I am resolved to stick to my regimen of only answering email once a day, and the same for phone calls. I also intend to be "off the grid" three days a week for both email and phone calls. Still my biggest challenge. My name is Ray Edwards, and I am a recovering "yes man". Guarding My Heart and Mind. Toxic thoughts and emotions destroy us. Toxic thinking limits our potential for accomplishment. Toxic emotions limit our potential for happiness and fulfillment. In the new year, I will not allow negative thinking, language, images, or emotions to pierce the boundary of my sight or hearing. While I have improved in this area, I still have work today. Have watched a couple of things on television that, in retrospect, were a bit dark and cynical and viewpoint. It isn't possible to watch things like this and walk away unaffected. Task Batching. I perform best when I batch similar tasks together and do them all at once. This is going pretty well for me,

I recently wrote here on the blog about some new productivity “tweaks” with which I have been experimenting. Today's podcast is a report on the results. In this week's podcast episode: A “field report” on my latest productivity experiments. An alternative to mindmaps. How to get free of those “guilty feelings”. Stu McLaren on hiring the right people. Tip Of The Week Not into mind mapping, but wish there was an easy way to outline your ideas? You have got to try Workflowy. It was made for the purpose. Spiritual Foundations Are you plagued by feelings of guilt, about regrets over what you should have done in a certain situation? Don't be… There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 When Jesus came and paid the price for sin, that included all of our sins. Past, present, and future. That means is far as he is concerned, we have nothing to regret. A “guilty conscience” is not the work of our father in heaven, but is the work of the enemy-the devil. See Hebrews 9:14. Lifestyle Business Stu McLaren has wisdom to share on the subject of hiring-and on not being cheap. Feature Segment: Results of My Productivity Experiments Recently, I wrote on my blog a post about a new plan for improved productivity in 2013. I thought it might be useful to share the results so far. Works and all. Here are the plans I wrote about, and a report on my observations Productivity Philosophy.  If you are not familiar with the GTD philosophy, I encourage you to read David Allen's seminal work on stress-free productivity. A great augmentation to the GTD material is one of my favorite new podcasts and websites, Erik Fisher's “Beyond the To-Do List”. At this point, I would give myself a “brown belt” when it comes to GTD. My biggest challenge is keeping my inboxes to zero, and limiting those inboxes to the smallest number possible. Planning. In keeping with my adherence to GTD, my planning is fairly simple. I have a weekly review session on Fridays, during which I collect all the inputs that have accumulated over the past week, and one by one clear them from my inbox.  So far I've done a pretty good job of keeping on top of my weekly reviews. I'd say I am at about 90% on this one. Disciplined Tracking.  For business activities, I am developing a dashboard for my company in Excel to keep track of key metrics. Frankly, I've gotten so caught up in looking for the perfect dashboard, I haven't really started using one yet. That will change within the next three days, as I am forcing myself to pick some kind of tracking system. Even if it is  3 x 5 cards. Productivity Tools. In the past, I have been a “tool junkie”. I have actually managed to not look at any new productivity tools since the beginning of the year. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but it's a big deal to me. Boundaries. This year, I am resolved to stick to my regimen of only answering email once a day, and the same for phone calls. I also intend to be “off the grid” three days a week for both email and phone calls. Still my biggest challenge. My name is Ray Edwards, and I am a recovering “yes man”. Guarding My Heart and Mind. Toxic thoughts and emotions destroy us. Toxic thinking limits our potential for accomplishment. Toxic emotions limit our potential for happiness and fulfillment. In the new year, I will not allow negative thinking, language, images, or emotions to pierce the boundary of my sight or hearing. While I have improved in this area, I still have work today. Have watched a couple of things on television that, in retrospect, were a bit dark and cynical and viewpoint. It isn't possible to watch things like this and walk away unaffected. Task Batching. I perform best when I batch similar tasks together and do them all at once. This is going pretty well for me, because it is exit become a habit of mine over the last few years. Focus Blocks. “Focus blocks” are clearly defined blocks of time that I use to focus on one single task.  I can tell you this. It seems that making a declaration about a new habit is a surefire way to become a lightning rod for challenges and resistance to that habit. Digital Fasting. I am a digital junkie. I love Facebook, Twitter, Google+, email, RSS feeds… you get the idea. That's why it's important to me to completely unplug frequently. My goal is to be completely free of email, voice mail, and Internet consumption… 100% free… at least one day a week. I have done pretty well, but frankly no where near 100%. This Sunday, I'm shooting for 100%. Sabbath. One day each week, my intention is to be at complete rest. Same answer as the previous section. The Positive No. I mentioned earlier that it is difficult for me to say “no” to people. This year, my default response to every request made of me will be, at least initially, “no”. I had a few chances to practice this, but I still wouldn't counted as one of my core disciplines. Yet. Income Producing Activity Hours. I have identified the activities which are most likely to result in producing revenue for my company: speaking, writing, marketing and advertising, and creating new material or trainings. There are a few other income-producing activities, such as networking, sales calls, and developing JV relationships. I am creating carefully protected and intricately planned “focus blocks” for these activities. These are among the first activities to be scheduled in my calendar. This one has worked out surprisingly well so far. Writing Time. This is in my top tier of income producing activities. It is also in my top tier of spiritually fulfilling activities. Therefore, this is one of my very highest priorities, and will be one of my most protected assets in the new year. 30 Day Challenges. I love new ideas, and I love trying them out. So much so, that I have tended, in the past, to try out many different ideas in a single week. Therefore, in the new year, each month I plan to adopt one “30 Day Challenge”. A single new habit, activity, or discipline. I will post each month's 30 day challenge publicly, and at the end of the 30 days report on my experience. . Hardest one of all for me to keep. My Challenge this month was to journal daily. We're on day 16 of the month, and I've written in my journal four days My plan going forward is to become more disciplined about my new habits, and not to simply give up. That's the mistake I think most people make when it comes to resolutions, or adopting any new discipline. Special Announcements I’m attending the Platform Conference in Nashville. It is nearly sold out. The purpose of the conference: to help you “get noticed in a noisy world.” It’s being put on by Michael Hyatt and Ken Davis. My friends Stu McLaren and Carrie Wilkerson are speaking. I’m also looking forward to meeting  Jeff Goins, Cliff Ravenscraft, Pat Flynn, John Saddington, Michele Cushatt, and Andrew Buckman. Unlike most conferences, there’s not a single speaker I’m not excited to hear and to meet. Get a ticket while you can! I was written up by Eric T Wagner on Forbes.com this week. You can check out the article here. Would you like to have me speak at your event? Click here to visit my speaking page and get details on my availability. Your Feedback Do you have an idea for a podcast you would like to hear? Do you have a question that you like to ask me? Please send me an email. And if you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the podcast. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher. Call in your questions or comments to our new, fancy “request line” at (509) 713-2679 What Are you doing to be more productive in the new year? And how are your New Year's resolutions coming along? Share your ideas and tactics below in the comments.