John Ray Archives - Page 27 of 68

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

April 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

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Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 761)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Pam Santoro, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties. Pam shares her journey from a computer science background to a successful 20-year career in real estate, highlighting her expertise in the North Fulton region. The discussion covers current market dynamics, including the effects of low supply and high demand, interest rates, and the importance of strategic property upgrades for sellers. Pam also shares insights on the aging population’s real estate needs, including aging in place, and introduces her book on the subject. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of home staging, the “three P’s” of property marketing, and personal success stories that underscore Pam’s dedication to her clients.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Pam Santoro’s passion for people, homes, and business sparked her career in real estate. Originating from a family that moved from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area to Kansas City, Missouri, and then to Alpharetta, Georgia, Pam understands the emotional journey of relocation firsthand. She recalls a poignant moment during their first move when her daughter inquired if the family would need to find new relatives along with new friends. This personal experience deeply informs her empathetic approach to helping families find their ideal homes. Santoro is a seasoned real estate agent within the Luxury Collection at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business from Robert Morris University.

Currently, she is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors, and she has earned designations such as Luxury Specialist, Accredited Relocation Specialist, and 55+ Realty Advisor Specialist. She is also involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Alpharetta Business Association.

Santoro’s professional achievements are numerous and include receiving the Five Star Award continuously from 2000 to 2024 and being named North Fulton’s Best Realtor by Family Life Publications in 2021 and 2019. In 2018 and 2014, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce named her Ambassador of the Year, and in 2023, she received the Community Builder Award. In 2015, she was inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway Honor Society. Her leadership roles have included serving as President of the American Business Women’s Crabapple Chapter from 2011 to 2013, where she was also recognized as the Woman of the Year in 2011, and as the WCR Member of the Year in 2010.

Beyond her awards, Pam is deeply involved in her community through her roles as chair for her church’s Married Couples Group, coordinator for Aging Well Workshops, originator and coordinator for the Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta, a member of the National Aging in Place Council, and a co-author of Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say. Her comprehensive involvement and contributions underscore her dedication to her profession and community.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:26 Introducing Pam Santoro: A Journey from Computer Science to Real Estate
01:37 The Art of Real Estate: Pam’s Approach and Market Insights
08:27 Aging in Place: Insights and Safety Tips
14:31 Staging Homes for Seniors: Maximizing Value with Minimal Investment
17:35 Marketing Mastery: The Three P’s of Property Sales
18:32 Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market
22:46 A Heartwarming Success Story: Helping Stanley
26:14 Closing Remarks and Resources

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

April 10, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

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Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 760)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio featured guests Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from the North Fulton Improvement Network. Jack and Nancy joined host John Ray to discuss the pressing issue of workforce housing, namely, affordable housing for essential workers, in North Fulton. The North Fulton Improvement Network started its work as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force, and evolved its focus towards addressing the broader economic development issue of accessible housing for those earning middle incomes, including teachers, nurses, and public officers. The dialogue also touched upon how this housing crisis impacts local schools, healthcare, and the overall economic development of North Fulton. Jack and Nancy emphasized the importance of community awareness, the role of government, private sector, and non-profit collaboration in addressing the issue, as well as potential solutions like changes in zoning laws and engaging the faith community in housing projects. The episode is a call to action for North Fulton residents and businesses to acknowledge and work on solutions for the workforce housing shortage.

To view the Future First: North Fulton Summit held on February 20, 2024, mentioned during the show, follow this link.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

North Fulton Improvement Network

In 2014, a group of nonprofit and community leaders joined forces as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force to focus on raising awareness for the needs of those living and working in the community who experience financial vulnerability. However, as our research demonstrated that living in our region is challenging at multiple income levels — including those well above poverty — we renamed our organization the North Fulton Improvement Network. Now, we are a think tank that gathers research, resources, and perspectives on the interconnected issues impacting our community.

The North Fulton Improvement Network serves as a platform to provide education on the reality of living in North Fulton County and to bring together resources that currently address financial vulnerability. We are a network made up of the whole community — businesses, stakeholders, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, political leaders, and the general public. With a central belief that we need all hands on deck to address these systemic issues, NFIN works to make North Fulton a thriving, equitable, and affordable community.

NFIN serves the six cities that comprise Georgia’s North Fulton region: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. We center our work on five main areas— 1) workforce housing, (2) income and employment, (3) transportation, (4) child well-being, and (5) food insecurity. All of these aspects of community both impact and are impacted by financial vulnerability. By supporting innovative private and public solutions that address one or more of these fields, we believe that we can build a North Fulton that is thriving and prosperous for all community members.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct profession for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack currently is national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from the UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service, and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:23 Introducing Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from North Fulton Improvement Network
01:56 The Mission of North Fulton Improvement Network: Addressing Workforce Housing
03:02 From Poverty Task Force to Housing Focus: The Evolution of the North Fulton Improvement Network
04:17 The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing
06:11 Understanding Affordable Housing: Definitions and Implications
07:50 Why Workforce Housing Matters to North Fulton
08:50 Challenges and Solutions in Affordable Housing
11:20 The Role of Government and Economic Development in Housing
18:42 Private Enterprise and Housing Solutions
20:46 The Impact of Housing on Schools and Communities
22:37 Exploring the Shift in Neighborhood Dynamics
23:21 The Housing Industry Disruption and Generational Preferences
24:38 Addressing Teacher Housing Challenges
25:56 Collaborative Solutions for Housing and Community Improvement
35:02 The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Affordable Housing
37:09 Engaging Businesses and Communities in Housing Solutions
41:48 Closing Remarks and Resources for Further Engagement

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Should You Discount Your Services When You’re Starting Out?

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Should You Discount Your Services When You're Starting Out?

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Should You Discount Your Services When You’re Starting Out?

John Ray discusses a common mistake solopreneurs make when starting out: discounting their services. John explains that such a decision attracts non-ideal clients and creates problems with value perception due to anchoring bias. He uses an example from his own buying experience of how initial pricing can anchor client expectations of price and value, making it hard to adjust perceptions of value later. Ray advocates engaging in value conversations with clients before discussing pricing and positioning services as an investment with a return.

This episode was adapted from the August 17, 2023 edition of John’s newsletter, The Price and Value Journey.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Embarking on the Price and Value Journey
00:05 The Pitfalls of Discount Pricing for New Businesses
01:17 Understanding the Anchoring Effect in Pricing
02:18 A Real-Life Example of Anchoring: The Athletic
03:52 Navigating Business Challenges with Value Conversations
06:04 Crafting Service Options and Setting Prices
06:58 Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Business Success
07:28 Exploring Further: The Generosity Mindset Book

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of "The Price and Value Journey" — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a Show Host and Producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) studio of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 750 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s Book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 National Bestselling Author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to those clients. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver great value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Strategies for Effective Digital Marketing and Brand Storytelling, with Stephen Wilson, WSI

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Strategies for Effective Digital Marketing and Brand Storytelling, with Stephen Wilson, WSI

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Strategies for Effective Digital Marketing and Brand Storytelling, with Stephen Wilson, WSI (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 759)

Host John Ray welcomed Stephen Wilson, Owner and Principal Consultant with WSI, to this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. Stephen shared his journey from the restaurant business through environmental engineering to digital marketing, highlighting his deep understanding and passion for helping businesses enhance their online presence. He elaborated on the unique, bespoke approach WSI takes to assist businesses in leveraging their untapped potential through digital marketing strategies. The interview covers vital topics such as the importance of storytelling, brand development, local marketing strategies, and the common pitfalls in digital asset management. Stephen emphasizes the significance of forming an emotional connection with potential customers and the challenges businesses face when trying to manage digital marketing efforts independently.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Stephen Wilson, Owner & Principal Consultant, WSI

Stephen Wilson, WSI

Stephen Wilson is the Principal Digital Marketing Consultant with WSI in Roswell, GA. Utilizing his 30+ years of business experience in hospitality and environmental engineering and leveraging WSI’s expertise in digital marketing, Stephen helps his clients with all their online marketing needs.

Prior to his role at WSI, Stephen worked in business development and operations and played a pivotal role in turning a business services startup into a thriving, multi-location operation. He has firsthand knowledge of the difficulties faced by small, expanding businesses and uses his expertise to provide affordable solutions that produce quantifiable outcomes and long-term growth.

Stephen is passionate about communicating the stories of his clients in a meaningful way that helps each client connect with their customers. Leveraging his extensive experience, Stephen offers cost-effective, results-driven solutions, ensuring measurable outcomes and fostering long-term growth for the businesses he partners with.

WSI is a global leader in digital marketing solutions, offering businesses innovative strategies to enhance their online presence and achieve growth. Their team of experts specializes in a comprehensive range of services for every marketing goal. Website design, brand development, online advertising, social media management, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing strategy.

WSI doesn’t believe in the “one-size-fits-all” approach to digital marketing. Instead, they take the time to understand your organization and customers, so they can recommend a strategy based on your individual business needs.

Working with WSI means your business will partner with one of the most stable and experienced digital marketing companies out there. Their clients benefit from over 25 years of global experience, support, and stability. WSI has supported over 150,000 brands across multiple industries to help them effectively embrace digital across their business operations.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:36 Introducing Stephen Wilson from WSI Digital Marketing
02:26 Stephen Wilson’s Unique Journey to Digital Marketing
05:07 The Essence of Digital Marketing for Businesses
07:06 The Power of Storytelling in Branding
09:38 Going Local: Tailoring Your Digital Marketing Strategy
11:23 Addressing Common Digital Marketing Challenges
15:03 Crafting a Compelling Digital Presence: Strategy and Execution
20:28 The Importance of a Well-Designed Website
22:23 How to Connect with Stephen Wilson and WSI Digital Marketing
23:30 Closing Remarks and Resources for Business Success

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

Cori McDougald, Meat and Potatoes Organizing

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Radio

From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

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From Chaos to Professionally Organized Calm, with Cori McDougald, Meat & Potatoes Organizing (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, Episode 41)

On this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner of Meat and Potatoes Organizing. Cori shares her unique journey, from being an Olympic weightlifter to discovering her passion for professional organizing. She talks about the importance of creating functional and peaceful living spaces for busy individuals and families, highlighting how her personal experiences with her child’s sensory needs inspired her to start her business. Cori explains the comprehensive process of professional organizing, from consultation to project completion, emphasizing decluttering and optimizing spaces based on individual preferences. She also discusses the spectrum of clients she serves, from those who need one-time projects to others who benefit from ongoing support. Cori shares memorable projects, the geographical areas her team covers, and her goal to help more people transform their lives by decluttering and organizing their spaces.

The host for this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio was John Ray. The show is produced virtually by the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®.

Cori McDougald, Founder and Owner, Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Cori started Meat & Potatoes Organizing because she wanted to help people get down to the basics in life—the meat & potatoes. Personally, she found so much freedom in downsizing, decluttering, and creating organization systems in her own life and she loves sharing this experience with others.

Call her crazy, but her favorite organization projects are garages & basements. (She also loves organizing all other parts of the home.) She grew up competing in Olympic weightlifting, and she absolutely LOVES lifting heavy objects and doing physical work. Anytime she can move and sweat, she is happy!

In her non-organizing time, she loves to hang out with her two boys, Thor & Magnus. Her husband Damon does security consulting (mostly from home now, thanks to Covid) and they enjoy skiing and snowboarding together in the winter. Her happy and licky dog, Jellybean, is her only little girl and by little, she means BIG, sweet, Doberman!

Meat & Potatoes Organizing

Meat & Potatoes Organizing is a women-owned and operated professional organizing company based in the Twin Cities Metro Area and has recently grown into the locations of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Brainerd, Minnesota; and Rochester, Minnesota. They are currently the largest team of experienced organizers in the Midwest and pride themselves on efficiency, honesty, integrity, and just plain ‘ole gettin’ sh!t done!

Their sole purpose is to partner with individuals, businesses, and government agencies to create functional and beautiful spaces. With a proven system for decluttering and organizing, Meat & Potatoes Organizing clients are guaranteed an organized space that will simplify their daily lives and reduce stress.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio
00:23 Meet Cori McDougald: From Olympic Weightlifter to Professional Organizer
00:42 The Philosophy Behind Meat and Potatoes Organizing
01:37 The Journey from Fitness to Organizing: A Personal Story
04:37 The Impact of Organizing on Mental Health and Performance
07:55 Exploring the World of Professional Organizing
14:38 The Transformative Power of Organizing: Client Stories
29:52 How to Get Started with Meat and Potatoes Organizing
31:43 Closing Thoughts and Resources

About Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio and host John Ray

John Ray was the host for this episode of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio. The show was produced virtually from the Minneapolis St. Paul studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps.

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Positioning From the Client’s Perspective

April 1, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Positioning From the Client's Perspective

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Positioning From the Client’s Perspective

John Ray discusses a misconception held by some solopreneurs and small firm professional services providers: that their value and positioning start with their credentials. Through a storytelling approach involving a conversation with a leadership coach, Ray illustrates the importance of framing one’s value from the client’s perspective rather than merely showcasing certifications. He emphasizes that clients seek value based on their own perceptions and challenges. Effective positioning should thus focus on understanding and articulating how one’s services address specific client issues. Positioning in this manner leads to better pricing and client satisfaction.

This episode was adapted from the February 1, 2024 edition of John’s newsletter, The Price and Value Journey.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
00:05 The Misconception of Positioning in Professional Services
00:22 A Real-World Example: A Leadership Coach
01:41 The Importance of Value from the Client’s Perspective
02:24 Shifting the Conversation: From Certification to Solving Problems
03:05 The Power of Client-Centric Positioning
04:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John’s Book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 National Bestselling Author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned

March 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned

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Empowering Lives Through Unforgettable Journeys, with Christina Menkemeller, Being Positioned (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 757)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio features an inspiring and truly unforgettable conversation with Christina Menkemeller, founder and executive director of Being Positioned. Her organization provides unforgettable travel experiences for people with rare genetic disorders. Christina shares her personal journey of navigating life with neurofibromatosis type two (NF2), a rare genetic condition, and how it led her to create Being Positioned. The organization, akin to Make-A-Wish, aims to empower individuals with rare genetic disorders by breaking the cycle of depression through the joy and freedom of travel. Christina discusses the transformative impact of these travel experiences on recipients, including stories of regained confidence and new life perspectives. She also touches on the challenges of running the nonprofit amidst her own health battles. The episode captures the essence of how Being Positioned is not just offering trips but is deeply involved in changing lives by fostering community, hope, courage, and a sense of adventure among those facing difficult diagnoses.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Christina Menkemeller, Founder & Executive Director, Being Positioned

Christina Menkemeller, driven by a deep desire to help others, initially pursued a career in therapy. However, her life changed when she was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors. Her condition, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), causes progressive hearing loss, leading her to question the feasibility of a counseling career.

After graduating with a master’s degree in social work, she received an unexpected job offer from her neurooncologist. She was hired as a social worker at the same cancer center where she was receiving chemotherapy. The job felt like a miracle and gave Christina the opportunity to meet the needs of her fellow patients, while learning how to navigate being a patient herself.

But after working there for a year, her doctor decided to give her a break from treatment. So, Christina and her husband quit their jobs to travel the world for 14-months! These transformative experiences led her to establish Being Positioned, a nonprofit providing unforgettable travel adventures for people with rare genetic disorders. Christina combines her unique perspective as a patient and her passion for people to inspire meaningful change through their journey experiences.

Being Positioned is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower and improve the lives of individuals living with rare genetic disorders. Their mission is to help each person discover purpose through traveling, building community, and creating memorable experiences.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:30 Introducing Christina Menkemeller from Being Positioned
01:59 The Mission of Being Positioned: Travel Dreams for Those with Rare Genetic Disorders
02:25 Understanding Rare Genetic Disorders
05:42 Christina’s Personal Journey with Neurofibromatosis Type 2
07:53 The Life-Altering Diagnosis and Its Impact
12:15 From Social Worker to Nonprofit Founder: The Birth of Being Positioned
14:38 A World Tour with a Purpose
18:00 The Formation of the Nonprofit, Being Positioned
19:47 Navigating Challenges and the Power of Travel
23:34 Empowering Through Adventure: Real-Life Impact Stories
26:50 The Ripple Effect: Gratitude and Personal Growth
28:29 Fueling the Mission: Fundraising and Community Support
29:44 A Unique Fundraiser: Cereal de Mayo
33:43 Facing the Future: Plans and Personal Challenges
37:50 Closing Thoughts

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

March 27, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

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Hiring a Ghostwriter to Write Your Book, with Hal Clifford, Hal Clifford Associates

On this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray welcomes Hal Clifford, a seasoned ghostwriter with four decades of experience, to discuss hiring a ghostwriter to write the book you’ve always dreamed about. Hal shared insights into the ghostwriting process, the importance of a good writer-client relationship, and the strategic benefits of publishing a book for business professionals. With a rich background in editing and developing bestsellers, Hal delves into his journey from magazine editing to ghostwriting, the distinctions between ghostwriting, editing, and coaching, and offers practical advice for selecting a ghostwriter. The discussion covers the emotional journey of book writing, the process from interviews to publication, and the business case for professionals to publish, emphasizing that the return on investment largely comes from enhanced credibility and client engagement rather than book sales themselves.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Hal Clifford, Hall Clifford Associates

Hal Clifford has dedicated over four decades to the craft of writing and editing, leaving a significant mark in the literary world. He has played a pivotal role in editing New York Times bestseller David Goggins’ books Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished. His expertise also extends to developing multiple Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestsellers, such as Joe Mechlinski’s Shift the Work and Krister Ungerböck’s 22 Talk Shifts. Clifford’s editorial acumen has been recognized in book reviews by the New York Times, including works like Ginger Strand’s Killer on the Road and Inventing Niagara, as well as James Prosek’s Eels.

Clifford is also the author of the upcoming title Blackout Punch, highlighting the fastest-growing, most notorious beverage in America. Having written three published nonfiction books under his own name, he deeply understands the immersive process of living with a subject for extended periods of time. His career milestones include serving as the Editor in Chief at Scribe Media, an independent publishing company, up until early 2023. He left Scribe Media to establish his own venture, Hal Clifford Associates, focusing on ghostwriting, editing, and publishing.

His previous role as the Executive Editor at Orion magazine saw Clifford edit stories that were finalists for the National Magazine Award for Best Essay and pieces included in Best American Science and Nature Writing. The magazine’s receipt of the Utne General Excellence Award distinguished his tenure at Orion. Clifford’s collaborative efforts with renowned writers such as Wendell Berry, Barry Lopez, Rebecca Solnit, Terry Tempest Williams, Bill McKibben, and many other talented individuals, underscore his significant contributions to literature and the broader publishing industry.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to The Price and Value Journey with John Ray
00:04 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book
01:01 Introducing Hal Clifford: A Master Ghostwriter
02:36 Hal Clifford’s Ghostwriting Journey and Philosophy
04:16 Understanding the Roles: Ghostwriter, Editor, and Book Coach
06:58 Choosing the Right Path for Your Book
08:27 Evaluating and Hiring the Right Ghostwriter
19:16 The Ghostwriting Process: From Interviews to Manuscript
23:14 The Ghostwriting Process: From Draft to Publication
24:24 Adapting to the Author’s Style and Utilizing Existing Content
25:27 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Writing a Book
27:36 The Challenges of Revisions and Editing
29:06 Personal Stories: The Power and Peril of Vulnerability
32:50 The Timeline and Accountability in Book Publishing
36:07 The True Value of Publishing a Business Book
42:29 Connecting with the Author and Final Thoughts

About The Price and Value Journey

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John’s Book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 National Bestselling Author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

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The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

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The Paradox of The Generosity Mindset™

John Ray discusses the seeming paradox of The Generosity Mindset™, noting that it’s easy to understand why some might think that achieving better pricing in your business and acting from a mindset of generosity might be at odds. Referencing ideas expressed in his book, The Generosity Mindset, John emphasizes how focusing on others’ needs leads to trust, goodwill, and building a reputation as a professional of value. He advocates for a business approach that balances generosity with financial health, enabling professionals to create sustainable businesses that contribute to their communities and to their own personal fulfillment.

This episode was adapted from the February 15, 2024 edition of John’s newsletter, The Price and Value Journey.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the Price and Value Journey
00:07 The Counterintuitive Nature of Generosity in Pricing
00:34 The Paradox of Charging for Service
01:12 The Importance of Business Sustainability
02:16 Introducing the Generosity Mindset
03:11 The Power of Listening and Understanding
03:43 The Paradox and Power of Generosity
04:24 Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Trust and Prosperity
05:01 The Impact of Generosity on Professional Growth
05:31 Sustainability and Community Contribution
06:04 Conclusion and Invitation

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional services providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.