The Rundown with Ramon - Ramon Ray - small business podcast for entrepreneurs

Ramon asks a big question for entrepreneurs: Are we called to show up for others—even when we don’t feel like it? He shares a simple two-minute strength routine plus a 30-minute power walk, unpacks Airbnb’s new group messaging for Experiences and what it means for building community, and highlights AI updates that are eliminating busywork so you can focus on the human stuff. Plus, a quick security checklist to keep your business safe. Tune in, level up, and make your presence count.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray shares fast, practical wins for entrepreneurs: using AI for everyday tasks that save hours, building real redundancy so outages don’t derail your revenue, and applying the “questions before the questions” to make better strategic choices. He also offers a mindset reset—trade complaints for gratitude—and a reminder to secure your business like you secure your home. Perfect for founders who want sharper decisions, tighter operations, and more momentum—starting today.

Ramon Ray tackles the hot question: should you hire your spouse—and if so, how do you do it right? In this episode, Ramon covers the unseen cost of last-minute cancellations, the compounding power of proximity, why strategic vulnerability builds trust, and why more seasoned founders are winning with simple tech and deep networks. You’ll hear real-world perspectives from the community and get a practical framework for working with your spouse—from clear roles and KPIs to pacing, compensation, and conflict rules. A must-listen for entrepreneurs who want stronger relationships and stronger results.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray broadcasts from Orlando and breaks down why entrepreneurs must get back to real-world connections. He shares the power of small in-person meetups, explains why your social media reach is stronger than it looks, and explores how AI is reshaping how we buy — from Walmart’s ChatGPT checkout to smarter collaborations like Spotify x Netflix. Tune in for insights to grow your business both online and in person.

Entrepreneurs: stop building in a bubble. In this episode, Ramon breaks down when to hire a coach vs. a consultant, how to vet programs (before you spend $5K–$30K), and the exact steps to get ROI—define outcomes, do the work, and choose a coach with real receipts. He also shares his own investments (including a $30K year-long program) and why guided accountability accelerates growth. Plus, a quick reminder to secure your business like you secure your home and car—with Bitdefender protecting your hard-won momentum. See the full article here - https://zoneofgenius.com/how-to-hire-the-right-business-coach-to-help-your-business-grow/

Ramon Ray shares the real “unstoppable habits” behind consistent, visible success—show up more than most, self-promote with integrity, and protect your energy by saying no and resting. Then he pulls bite-sized lessons from brand headlines: Disney’s pricing power, Netflix’s stickiness play with living-room games, Bed Bath & Beyond’s franchise reboot, and Google’s AI-infused Pixel lineup—each with a fast takeaway for small business growth. Plus, a quick reminder to lock your digital doors and keep your brand secure. Perfect for founders, coaches, and creators who want momentum without burnout. Tune in, take notes, and ship something bold today.

Live from Newark Airport at 4:35 a.m., Ramon Ray shares a high-energy mini-masterclass on creating your own luck. From a powerful conversation with a Ukrainian Uber driver to practical “show up” systems, this episode equips entrepreneurs to turn everyday moments into growth: engage first, enrich others, and make contact exchange frictionless. You’ll walk away with simple scripts, repeatable habits, and a reminder that opportunity favors those who raise their hands and say “hi.”

Show Up When You Don’t Feel Like It: Free Upgrades, Founder Grit, and Turning Lows Into LaunchpadsOn today’s Rundown, Ramon gets real about pushing through the “blah” days, explains how free upgrades convert existing trust into recurring revenue, and shares why your past is context—not a cage. Plus, a founder spotlight on GigSalad’s Mark Steiner and practical steps to protect your growing brand. If you’ve got proof that customers buy, this episode helps you get more of them—on purpose.Target listeners: entrepreneurs, creators, small-business owners, and personal-brand builders who want consistent growth without the drama.

In this inspiring episode, Ramon Ray sits down with Mark Steiner, the cofounder of GigSalad, to unpack how a small idea turned into one of the internet’s most trusted marketplaces for performers and event pros.Mark opens up about his adoption story, early years in theater and film, and how he went from managing talent to building a tech company that stayed profitable—without outside funding. He shares real lessons on leadership, bootstrapping, faith, and why slow, steady, and kind business still wins.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or performer, this conversation will help you rethink success, focus on purpose, and play the long game.In this episode:How GigSalad grew from a simple directory to a national marketplaceLessons from 20 years of entrepreneurship and stewardshipMark’s adoption story and how it shaped his leadershipThe power of doing business with empathy and purposePractical tips for performers and creators on GigSalad🎧 Listen, learn, and get inspired to build a business—and a life—that truly matters.👉 Follow Ramon Ray at ZoneofGenius.com👉 Learn more about GigSalad at GigSalad.com#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #GigSalad #RamonRay #ZoneOfGenius #StartupStories #MarketplaceBusiness #FaithInBusiness #Bootstrapping #CreatorEconomy

Ramon Ray breaks down why a TikTok sale won’t change your growth strategy, how to trim AI tool bloat, and why most founders should chase customers—not investors. We dive into Lucy Guo’s momentum mindset, Carnival’s premium-pricing playbook, Walmart’s AI-plus-talent model, and a quick cybersecurity gut-check for SMBs.You’ll learn: how to prioritize owned media, when to raise prices (and earn it), where AI agents fit in your workflow, and five concrete steps to execute this week. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want practical wins—fast.

On this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray explores what it really means to create value in business. From Seth Godin’s wisdom on value creation to Zoho’s event production lessons, Ramon unpacks how to shift how you show up as a leader, build business flywheels, and protect yourself from scams. Plus, insights from OpenAI’s monetization move and why events are about people, not just logistics.You’ll learn:How to shift your energy and leadership style when neededWhy events succeed when they create experiences, not just logisticsSeth Godin’s rule of value creation and scarcityThe importance of monetizing free products and servicesHow to recognize and avoid sophisticated scamsHow to build repeatable flywheels that drive long-term business growth

On today’s Rundown, Ramon tackles the AI actor debate (hello, Tilly) and why entrepreneurs must compete on value, not sympathy. He breaks down how a Shark Tank rejection became a $2.5M success—and the systems, culture, and hiring discipline that make growth real. Plus, a timely reminder to pre-book life: cruises, family time, and memory-making on purpose. Perfect for founders who want both revenue and a truly fulfilled life. Don't miss out - www.ZoneofGenius.com

Are AI glasses really the next must-have tool for entrepreneurs? How do you “network up” without being awkward? When is the right time to pivot your business? Plus—why choosing the right kind of “better” matters, and what chronic lateness might say about your leadership. Don't miss out - www.ZoneofGenius.comIn this episode, Ramon Ray breaks down 5 big ideas every entrepreneur should know:✅ Subscribe for more daily insights on business, branding, and entrepreneurship.✅ Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs it.Sponsored by Bitdefender – helping small businesses stay secure so you can focus on growth - www.Bitdefender.com/ramon

The Rundown with Ramon — Today’s episode breaks the money “rat race,” shows how to win in an AI-rewritten job market, and urges you to act now (without rushing). Ramon unpacks Cody Sanchez’s first-principles money playbook, why AI will reshape every role (and how small teams can use it to grow), Seth Godin’s “start where you are” challenge, and Jason Fried’s protect-the-floor advice for entrepreneurs after a big exit. Plus: practical brand-security moves every small business should implement this week.Entrepreneur-focused. Fast. Actionable. Press play and build smarter.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon shares how a simple “good morning” led to an unexpected chat with the former CEO of Hyundai USA—and why staying open to serendipity is a real business strategy. He examines Amex’s Platinum fee hike to spotlight premium pricing for small businesses, breaks down why SEO still matters as AI search rises, and lays out practical steps to spot voice deepfakes and avoid job scams. Brought to you by Bitdefender, this episode is a fast, founder-focused playbook you can act on today.You’ll learn:How to network naturally (even at 30,000 feet) without being “that person”A practical framework for premium pricing and value designThe content and platform mix that wins in both SEO and AI searchVerification habits that shut down scammers before they get paid

Live from San Diego at 4:30 a.m., Ramon Ray explores how to sharpen your “business brain,” why social media can create mental flab, and what entrepreneurs can do today to harden their cybersecurity. He unpacks five compounding habits (inspired by Cody Sanchez)—take risks, sell daily, rise early, cut distractions, and keep your word—and debates whether Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses help or hijack your focus. Plus: a field story on being the thermostat (not the thermometer) in every room you enter. Sponsored by Bitdefender.

In this fast-hit episode, Ramon pulls three levers you can use today: timeless business lessons from Martha Stewart’s documentary, how to escape the “single-axis fallacy” and design for both/and (family and fitness, profit and growth), and a tiny systems upgrade that can make your computer—and your workday—fly. Plus, why AI app rankings don’t matter as much as your daily AI habits. Brought to you by Bitdefender, the small-business cybersecurity that just works.What you’ll learn:The simple hardware swap that speeds up your workflowHow consistency and reinvention power long-term brand valueA practical framework to avoid false tradeoffsReal-world ways to use AI every day—without overthinking itPerfect for: founders, creators, and small business leaders who want practical wins they can deploy this week.

On this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray explores the “silent stories” that shape how entrepreneurs lead, why soft skills now outperform technical skills, and the latest YouTube creator tools you should be using. He also shares his experience using GigSalad for lead generation and a powerful lesson from Zoho’s Ali Shabdar on why scaling down makes your business stronger and more resilient. Plus, a reminder that cybersecurity is part of your brand promise—and why leaders must be thermostats, not thermometers.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome & Bitdefender sponsor note02:40 Silent stories shaping your business06:30 YouTube updates and creator tools10:45 Soft skills that fuel success15:00 GigSalad as a gig pipeline16:20 Scaling down with Zoho’s Ali Shabdar18:40 Cybersecurity as brand trust19:50 Be the thermostat in your leadershipPerfect For: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creators who want sharper storytelling, stronger pipelines, and a crisis-ready business.

Ramon Ray talks with Ali Shabdar of Zoho about why small and mid-sized businesses must be ready to scale down as well as scale up. They cover cash flow triage, technology elasticity, and how to prepare for downturns without living in fear. Ali shares practical frameworks for scenario planning, vendor and employee communication, and the role of SaaS and AI in keeping businesses flexible. See the full article here - https://zoneofgenius.com/scaling-down-to-stay-strong-how-entrepreneurs-build-elastic-crisis-ready-companies/What you’ll learn:How to stabilize cash flow in a downturnThe difference between fear and preparednessWhy tech elasticity matters for SMB survivalCommunication strategies that strengthen resilienceThis conversation is a masterclass in building an elastic, crisis-ready business.

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, host Ramon Ray talks with Ashish Gupta, founder of ScaleUpExec, about what it really takes to scale a small or mid-sized business to eight and nine figures.Ashish explains why scaling isn’t for everyone, how business growth happens in steps, and why founders must sometimes step aside to let the right leaders take the company forward. He also shares his own entrepreneurial journey — from a startup acquired by Qualcomm, to senior leadership at Apple, to building ScaleUpExec.What you’ll learn in this episode:The mindset shift required for serious scaling.How fractional COOs can unlock growth in traditional industries.Creative financing strategies to fund expansion.Why scaling is often about life goals, not just revenue.This episode is brought to you by Bitdefender, keeping your business secure so you can grow with confidence.