Ray Brehm's Blog, page 20

A victim of a Freebie Hit and Run

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

One of my random and fairly frequent rituals is to look at the most recent five to ten opt-ins on my email list.

In my CRM (Kartra), you can hover your mouse over each email address and see the tags assigned. It is a nice, quick, easy way to do a spot check on what people are reading and what brought them into my world.

Occasionally, I will see a red dot next to the name.

That can signify one of a few things, like the email bounced and is undeliverable, or Gmail is saying the email doesn’t exist.

Sometimes it means someone reported my email as spam.

You can see that quickly as well, with a simple hover over the red dot.

In this case, the red dot was a spam complaint.

That is going to happen, especially the larger you build your list (which can make it a frequent occurrence).

But I clicked on the lead to see the details…

Oddly, this person, AJ, if that is his real name, downloaded one of my free books and then, when he received the next email from me, reported it as spam.

Aside from the obvious gratitude and scarcity mindset issues this person has, a simple opt-out of the list would do. The very definition of Spam is receiving an email you did not give permission to send to you. Yet he gave me permission the day before.

I am not complaining, though, because this is the exact opposite of the person I want on my list.

This is the equivalent of a Freebie Hit and Run:

* Get the free book. * Try to do some damage (mark email as spam). * And then get away scot free.

My emails aren’t for everyone, although he will never know.

The irony is, marking spam for something you opted-in for probably does him far more damage than it does me.

The CRMs nowadays track emails that do that, and share that information across many platforms.

When you email frequently, which I do, you see it all the time.

I have people who opt in for a summit, or something else, and then tell me they never got the confirmation email.

That is because most platforms have already marked their email as “undeliverable” or “spam complainer” and they don’t even know it.

Email reputation works both ways (so does Karma).

The further irony of the timing of this minor event was that I just taught a section in my Summit Lab Pilot course about the need to get on other people’s lists as the beginning of getting to know them.

That lesson is the exact opposite of AJ who is out there permanently burning bridges (some he doesn’t even know about yet, because of his email opt-in reputation and most influencers can look people up in there system).

The internet never forgets. Nor do influencers.

But for every AJ, there are thousands upon thousands of abundance-minded readers waiting for your next email.

They will tell you that, and it is very rewarding.

That is why I recommend you build your email list asap.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. This month’s Youru.tv framework is EMAIL FOR AUTHORS, a simple framework and mindset for creating and running your email list.

If you are intimidated about starting a list and sending emails, this might be for you.

If you are an AJ, it probably isn’t.

https://www.youru.tv [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/ejI8cgC0...]

“Oh… FFFFFudge.” Only, I didn’t say fudge.

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

The classic 1983 film, _A Christmas Story_, features Ralphie, a kid growing up in Cleveland of the 1940s.

He dreams of getting one particular Christmas gift:

_An official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass._

To which he is always told, _“You’ll shoot your eye out”._

If you have seen the movie, then you knew instantly what I was talking about in the subject line of this email.

At one point in the film, the family is driving home after purchasing their Christmas Tree and their car gets a flat tire.

Ralphie’s dad didn’t mind having to change the tire.

He likes the challenge and believes he can do it in less than 4 minutes.

Ralphie went out to help his dad, a proud first for him. His dad gave him the task of holding all the lug nuts in the hubcap, when all of the sudden, his dad knocked them all out and they went flying into the air.

That was the moment he uttered the fudge word, _but he didn’t say fudge._

I wonder how many millions of people use that phrase now when something doesn’t quite go their way?

I know I do.

Take an interview I did with Honorée Corder. She is a top tier expert in book publishing.

The interview was going fine until she made a comment about some secrets to making your self-published book polished like a professional publishing house.

I asked her to give a couple of examples. The two she gave, I had not done myself (on any of my 20 odd books I have published).

Using my inner monologue, I pulled a Ralphie.

I said the famous phrase in my head,_ “Aw FFFFudge. Only I didn’t say fudge.”_

I tried to admit to her that I was not doing those things during the conversation, without looking like a complete fool.

I don’t think it worked.

But the upside is, if you are always in learning mode, you are going to get something good from everyone you meet.

And you don’t need to shout out _fudge_ to do it.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S.

You can hear about those two things I was not doing and am now implementing in the latest episode of the Book Profit Secrets Podcast.

https://ray.fm/17 [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/DvIAk5Sw...]

And if you want some advanced info on building a business out of your book, tune in to her free Empire Builders Summit. There are just a few days left. It is specifically for authors.

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/YvUQaIzo...]

I woke up to my daughter speaking a foreign language

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

The trend in our household over the summer is that the kids wake up first.

A major reason is that the summer sunrise is around 5 am in Arizona and once light hits their faces, they are up.

I know it is fall in a lot of places, but in Arizona it is still essentially summer.

This particular morning started normally. I got out of bed and went out to the living room where they play most of the time.

As usual, Little Ray said, “Hi” as soon as I saw him.

Also, as usual, Isabella (7) was too distracted playing to notice me.

So I made eye contact and waved hello.

Her response was a greeting not found in any dialects I am familiar with.

At first I thought it might be Latin.

Because they just began studying Latin in homeschool.

Then I realized what it was.

Her face was expressionless.

It wasn’t a foreign language. IT WAS A COMMAND!

I replayed her morning greeting in my head, and it was indeed English.

It was one word.

“OATMEAL.”

Picture a young lady saying “oatmeal” in a deep monotone voice with an extremely serious face.

For some odd reason, she believes I make the “best” oatmeal. Or perhaps she only insinuates that so that she will receive her breakfast earlier.

Regardless, I understood my station in the household, and went to the kitchen to honor the request.

That is the beauty of knowing someone well.

I knew at that moment, it would make a great story for the relatives.

I would also joke with her about it later (for which she showed no remorse).

And that is why I focus all my attention these days on warm audiences.

It is just more fun being introduced to people, rather than meeting them cold.

And usually, there is no cooking involved.

Come meet some of my new friends at the Empire Builders Summit.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. The summit started Monday, but you can still catch most of the sessions. You can watch a looping livestream (be careful, it is addicting) or any individual session on-demand.

You can register. Once you do you will be offered the premium pass, but you can also click the link below the button to go immediately to the sessions page and see the entire schedule with buttons to the daily video pages:

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/jud7eJ1h...]

I still recommend the premium pass so you aren’t rushed.

My 5 Point Checklist for Disposing of Trolls

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

Who are Trolls?

Generally, they are people who need to project their own perceived shortcomings on others. They can be distracting, harmful and hurtful, if you let them.

So here are 5 quotes I love that I use to make sure trolls don’t make any headway in my mind.

> * _“Don’t let someone in the cheap seats have an expensive > opinion in your life.”_ – RACHEL HOLLIS > * “The weak have one weapon: the errors of those who are > strong”. – GEORGES BIDAULT > * “If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on > occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback.” – > BRENÉ BROWN > * “In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very > little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and > their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which > is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must > face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of > junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it > so.” – ANTON EGO, FROM DISNEY PIXAR’S ‘RATATOUILLE’ > * “Being attacked is a sign that you are important enough to be a > target.” – ROBERT GREENE, FROM THE 33 STRATEGIES OF WAR (JOOST > ELFFERS BOOKS)

Using the above as a basis, I look at every troll in this way now…

THEY HAVE SELF-IDENTIFIED AS SOMEONE WHO HAS NO BUSINESS BEING IN MY LIFE, AND THEY INFORMED ME … FREE OF CHARGE

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. Most of the quotes above I have learned by surrounding myself with good, positive, effort-making achievers.

Those are the type of people who are sharing next week at the Empire Builders Summit.

You can register free here:

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/sTIwktjO...]

Why following Critical Rates Theory is bound to backfire

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

If you have published anything; a blog, a podcast, a book, a course, a YouTube video…

You most definitely have run into this type of person…

Those who believe in CRITICAL RATES THEORY.

They believe they elevate their own status by trying to bring down others.

They do this through bad ratings on books, exaggerated and/or personalized critical reviews, nastygram emails, etc.

Not all bad reviews fit this category, per se. I am not talking about constructive criticism.

But you can always tell by the tone of the “critique.”

“Bad energy” is hard to disguise.

And usually these people are just projecting their own perceived shortcomings onto the work you have published for the world.

Now, though they should simply follow the old saying…

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it…

because it is all about being nice and having good karma and all that.

There is also more to it than that.

Besides not really doing anything to elevate one’s own status, this acting out against others is a form of self-sabotage.

Not only will the recipient of critical or trolling comments never consider a partnership with the offender.

Most others who see it won’t either.

Yes, some people troll anonymously, but they have already altered their mindset at that point.

It is hard to come back from.

The opposite, of course, is being positive, having gratitude and sharing that with those who create.

Positive reviews, testimonials and grateful emails work.

Surrounding yourself with role models works very well.

A few short years ago, I started attending virtual summits and sending people thank you’s for their content.

Not with any long-term agenda in mind, but simply because I was thankful for what they shared.

The results for me have been amazing.

That is why I make it a point to attend, speak at, and host as many virtual summits as possible.

It is who you surround yourself with that counts.

There will always be those who support the flawed logic of Critical Rates Theory, and hopefully someday they will change their ways.

Until then, you will find Empire Builders sharing gratitude and making a positive impact on the world.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. Build your empire and grow your income. The Empire Builders Summit is starting next week.

You can register free here:

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/NUCE7Q32...]

Odin caused a typo in the story of Ragnar Lothbrok

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

Indeed, Ragnar Lothbrok was imperfect, as is your email storyteller (yours truly).

The story I sent out earlier today was confused by a typo that must have been the will of the Gods (Odin I presume).

My story should have started with…

_Ragnar begins as a farmer, and then becomes a Viking who desires to raid to the WEST._

Thanks to Arthur for pointing that out.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY “RAGNAR” BREHM

P.S. But don’t forget to register for the free summit, that was not a typo.

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/MxZ1HWkL...]

The Man who wants to make you the Ragnar Lothbrok of your world

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

I am currently watching the series _VIKINGS_ on Amazon Prime.

The hero of the story is Ragnar Lothbrok.

Ragnar begins as a farmer, and then becomes a Viking who desires to raid to the East.

England in particular.

At the time the series begins, the Vikings only raided the East, believing nothing existed to the West of them.

But Ragnar had met a wanderer who told him about the West, and riches in England.

Ragnar went against the local Earl’s orders and indeed raided to the West.

He and his band came back with wealth and fame.

Fame was arguably more important than wealth to the Vikings.

As the series progresses, Ragnar increases his fame and reputation.

He is also different from many other Vikings.

He is unpredictable, and in many astonishing situations, is also kind and loyal.

He is beloved, even ironically, by those who want to kill him.

As his fame grows, it takes on a life of its own.

At one point (in season 4), a wagon driver he meets tells him they expected him to be six feet tall.

And that is what happens when the word spreads.

When I was just starting out, I met an incredible guy named Nick Nanton.

His primary goal in life is helping entrepreneurs get noticed.

You could say that he helps people get that Ragnar Lothbrok notoriety.

I bought many of his high-ticket products, and they were incredibly beneficial to me.

Specifically, he helped me become a published author, and get featured in USA Today, Fox News, CNN, and CNBC.

He also hosted a mastermind and got us access to tour Google and Tesla privately.

And now, about 6 years later, I am speaking alongside him at the EMPIRE BUILDERS SUMMIT.

It feels so cool…

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/Kynu1fp2...]

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY “RAGNAR” BREHM

P.S. There are many other “Ragnar makers” on this summit as well. Check out the registration page and see if any of them interest you.

The summit is free to attend and watch. You can also buy lifetime access for a nominal fee.

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/Kynu1fp2...]

Are you prepared for your Copernicus Moment?

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

> “We revolve around the Sun like any other planet.” > > —Nicolaus Copernicus

In the year 1515, Copernicus, a Polish Priest, proposed that the earth was not the center of the universe, but that it was a planet, and all planets circled the sun. He did not publish this theory for nearly 30 years, right before his death.

Galileo, nearly 100 years later (in 1610), confirmed this theory by observing the moons around Jupiter and also the phases of Venus.

Most people did not accept these theories for quite some time (arguably until 1687 when Newton explained gravity).

Fast forward to Christmas Day, 2015, when my first solo book, _Author Your Success_ hit the Amazon Bestseller list.

I couldn’t believe it._ _

_I finally made it. _

_I wrote my first book and it was a bestseller._

_Passive income, fame and financial independence were only a matter of time now. _

I had followed one of many gurus, who had alluded that there was substantial money to follow.

About three weeks later, I realized the truth.

I would probably make about $20 a month in royalties on that book (if I left things the way they were).

That was my Copernicus Moment.

That was when I realized my book was not the center of my business universe.

At least, not from the income perspective.

Your book can contribute to the bottom line.

But it won’t be anywhere near your top earner.

Your online universe revolves around you (and your audience).

And once you realize that, even if it bothers you at first that the book won’t do it on its own, that universe can thrive.

Think of that universe as your empire, to craft the way you want.

You just need some ideas for building your empire now…

That is where my friend Honorée Corder comes in.

She is an empire builder with more than a dozen six- and seven-figure income streams. She’s an executive and strategic book coach, TEDx speaker, and author of over 50 books (including _You Must Write a Book_) with over 4 million books sold worldwide.

And…

she has just opened registration to her amazing EMPIRE BUILDERS SUMMIT.

The Empire Builders Summit is SPECIFICALLY FOR AUTHORS who want to do more with their book and build a business.

It’s free to attend.

And she has assembled an inspiring list of thoughtleaders to help you BUILD YOUR EMPIRE AND GROW YOUR INCOME. People like Rory Vaden, Rachel Richards, Nick Nanton, Brandon Straza — plus many more!

They will share ideas and strategies like:

* Finding Your Uniqueness with Rory Vaden * Using Creative Collaborations with Nick Nanton * Small Businesses Build Big Empires with Helen Bullen * How to Grow Your Empire Utilizing Virtual Summits with Ray Brehm (that’s me) * The Only Business Shortcut You Need To Know with Dani Whitestone * Plus much, much more!

You can check it out here:

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/dT3wUS6y...]

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. Your Copernicus Moment should not be one of sorrow, but of the realization that you have abundant opportunity in front of you.

https://ray.fm/empire [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/dT3wUS6y...]

Last Day for $200 off Audiobooks Made Easy

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

Just a quick heads up, last call for Derek Doepker’s Audiobooks Made Easy course.

Use this link, and it should autofill the $200 coupon, but if it doesn’t, the coupon code is “ray”. This reduces the course from $497 to $297.

https://audiobooksmadeeasy.com/ray [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/CsGaoyci...]

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. The discount code expires at midnight. I have the course myself, and it is one of the best I have ever taken. It is succinct, no fluff, and helps you get those audiobooks out there (which adds another buy button to your portfolio).

Former Rocker Dispels Myths About Audiobooks

*** For More: Check out our podcast https://ray.fm ***

Hi Blog,

It is always easier to let someone else do the hard work of figuring something out.

For instance, when it comes to data, keywords and Amazon, I could test things myself and spend years on it, or just go read Dave Chesson’s blog (Kindlepreneur).

When it comes to audiobooks, the general consensus is that it is too costly and/or complicated to get them done.

The complexity comes in when you look at ACX (Amazon’s audiobook arm) requirements.

Files need to:

* contain only one chapter/section per file, with the section header read aloud * have a running time no longer than 120 minutes * have room tone at the beginning and end and be free of extraneous sounds * Measure between -23dB and -18dB RMS and have a -3dB peak values and a maximum -60dB noise floor * be a 192kbps or higher MP3, Constant Bit Rate (CBR) at 44.1 khz

Derek Doepker shared the above requirements on Thursday during his audiobook training.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I have zero interest in figuring out how to do all that.

I would rather have a rocker who has a degree in music composition figure it all out for me.

That is why I love Derek’s_ Audiobooks for Every Author_ free training from Thursday.

He also has an easy-to-use course that shows you all of those exact settings above, so you don’t have to worry about it.

All you have to do is set it up in the software and hit record.

Let the rocker worry about bit rates and all that other jazz… er, I mean rock.

_Leap. Love. Grow._

RAY BREHM

P.S. There is a replay for Derek’s audiobook training in case you missed it. I will be there until Sunday.

https://bestsellersecrets.com/audiobooksreplayray [https://raybrehm.krtra.com/c/e5oAfMHK...]