I recently joined a handful of other writers to apprentice with master copywriter Ray Edwards. We gathered in Spokane, WA for an intensive 72-hour bootcamp dubbed the “Copywriter’s Breakthrough.” (Don’t you love when the title says it all?)
You’re probably not in the copywriting biz so I won’t bore you with what I learned … as great as it was.
Rather, I thought to share why I invested to see Ray. Some of the principles — especially in mentorship and personal development — might hit home. Or, it may convince you I’m crazy. Either way, here goes:
1. Sometimes God brings one person into your life for a specific reason or season.
I’m not the wisest person, so one thing I’ve always done is to seek mentors for each season of life. That doesn’t mean you should wait to find “one person.” For most of my life I learned from a mix of people who contributed to me in unique ways.
But once in awhile someone comes along that you click with on many levels. When you do, chase that person down.
About a year ago, I attended the Platform Conference where Ray was speaking. I planned my networking strategy and made connecting with Ray my number one priority. We had dinner twice, hit it off immediately, and even got a bit misty-eyed at times — especially when I told him how his book Writing Riches helped me pen letters to raise money for churches bombed in Pakistan.
At the time, I was in love with marketing. I just wasn’t sure which trade to specialize in. Meeting Ray turned the proverbial “light bulb” into a “laser” — and I knew copywriting was my sweet spot. Keep an eye out for people God brings into your life, and take action.
2. The investment market is rigged in your favor.
To go to the next level, you must invest in yourself beyond what you’re comfortable with. Spend the time and money to do it. There are too many people trying to grow big with seeds that cost them nothing.
This isn’t just about the dollars spent. Yeah, I spent a lot — the money alone was worth 2 months of mortgage payments! But I also had to arrange for days off, burn an extra two days vacation because of the cross-country travel, and had to go into the office the same day I flew back. There were times in my youth that I spend all I had to just attend a conference, or meet with a mentor or leader.
I’m also married, so these trips aren’t solo endeavors. My wife has always been 100% supportive because we view these as investments, not expenses. Investments entail risk. Investments can be scary. But investing in the right soil can reap huge returns. Good news: when you invest in yourself, you dictate the returns — because you are the soil! The market is fixed!
Squeeze the juice out of every investment you make. You have the power to make it worth it.
3. Information teaches, but impartation transforms.
They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. The good news: it’s possible to tip the scales and manipulate the averages.
I went to Spokane to spend time with Ray in person. You can learn a lot from someone through resources (he gave us USB “key” to his private files which itself is worth thousands), but true transformation takes place when things are “caught, not taught.” Ray thinks big. He has an abundance mindset. He saw me in a different way that changed my own perceived value, because he also got to know me. That was invaluable.
When you get around people further down the road than you, soak up their spirit, personality, and mindset like a sponge.
The bottom line results (yes, I already have some) …
- While I was with Ray, I locked in one paid consulting client and two new prospects. I made more than half of my expenses back before I even left Spokane.
- To my surprise, my company offered to reimburse my airfare and hotel, which was over $1,000. I never requested this. They contacted me while I was on the trip, out-of-the-blue. I guess they’re making an investment in me!
- I made 3 new copywriting friends, Marshall Bone, Ed Hanada, and Brian Oschner — which is awesome because I don’t know anyone in my circles that nerds out about copywriting as much as I do. I now have 4, including Ray.
Friend, I share this to encourage you to take a risk and invest … in yourself. The cost, time, and sacrifice might seem high, but if you strategize and work hard, the returns will be enormous.
P.S. – If you’ve ever considered taking Ray Edwards up on one of these small group bootcamps, it’s worth more than the money spent … if you’re willing to work.
Do you have any questions about Ray, or investing in yourself? Leave a comment below and I’ll respond.
3 Powerful Questions Ray Edwards Asked Me … and One Life-Changing Realization [Bonus Download]
My time with Ray was absolutely transformational. To share everything I learned would require a book, but I’ve packaged a few powerful questions he asked me into an interactive PDF. Click below and they’ll be instantly emailed to you.
I plan to share my answers to the questions above on a future post or podcast episode. For now, dig in yourself!
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