The Rundown with Ramon - small business growth podcast for entrepreneurs

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray takes you behind the scenes of five major events in five weeks—sharing real lessons from the stage, backstage, and everywhere in between. From hosting high-profile conferences to stepping into the unseen role of an “armor bearer,” Ramon unpacks what it really means to lead, serve, and grow in your zone of genius. Thi...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon shares a powerful, real-time reflection after returning from Social Media Marketing World and speaking at the inaugural My Small Business Conference. But this isn’t about tactics or marketing hacks—it’s about something deeper: the courage to start before you’re ready. Ramon breaks down the behind-the-scenes reality of launching something new—the ex...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , I talk with Judy Name, head of LinkedIn Small Business, about how entrepreneurs can simplify growth by leveraging smarter tools, better outreach strategies, and consistent visibility. We break down how to save time, build real relationships, and use AI without losing your authenticity. Entrepreneurs are overwhelmed—simplification is the new growth strate...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, I sit down with Brian Eisenberg, a digital marketing pioneer and recent Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, to uncover what really drives business success today. While many entrepreneurs focus on going viral and scaling online, Brian shares a powerful reminder: real growth often comes from local relationships, consistent presence, and servant leadershi...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray (ZoneofGenius.com) interviews Brad Gage, Head of TV and Video at Entrepreneur Media, for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to deliver a memorable, high-stakes presentation. Brad pulls back the curtain on producing major shows like Elevator Pitch - now heading into its 14th season - and shares how entrepreneurs get just 60 seconds t...

There's one BIG similarity between Pinky Cole (Slutty Vegan) and Chris Kempczinski (McDonald's CEO), they both are resilient and don't let "negative" comments pull them down. Such a powerful lesson for ALL leaders! This is The Rundown with Ramon Show, powered by Bitdefender small business security and Genius Talks Events * In this episode of *The Rundown with Ramon*, Ramon Ra...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, Ramon Ray sits down with entrepreneur and Syllaby.io CEO Austin Armstrong to unpack what actually works in modern content marketing. They dive into virality, consistency, AI tools, content funnels, team building, and how entrepreneurs can grow without burning out. If you're a creator, coach, consultant, or small business owner trying to make content a...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, I sit down with a cybersecurity expert to break down why small businesses are no longer flying under the radar—and why that mindset could cost you everything. We dive into how AI is changing the threat landscape, why awareness matters more than fear, and the simple steps every business owner can take to stay protected. This is a must-watch conversation fo...

AI is changing everything—but not in the way you think. In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, I speak with with Stefan Weitz, former Microsoft executive and cofounder of HumanX, to break down the real impact of AI on business, leadership, and productivity. We dive into how AI is turning everyday professionals into “10x performers,” why most leaders are thinking about technology the wrong way,...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon Show , Ramon Ray delivers a powerful mindset shift for entrepreneurs and business leaders: stop chasing customers—and start serving them. Too many business owners fall into the trap of constantly asking for the sale. Ramon breaks down why that approach creates resistance and what to do instead to build trust, relationships, and long-term revenue. Along the...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon dives into a powerful and honest conversation about why not every opportunity is worth saying yes to. Inspired by Dave Chappelle walking away from a $50 million deal, Ramon unpacks the importance of alignment, purpose, and knowing when to walk away—even when the money looks good. Along the way, Ramon also shares insights on entrepreneurship fatigue...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon Show , Ramon dives into a powerful truth many entrepreneurs ignore: being busy is not the same as being productive. Inspired by leadership insights and real-world business stories—from corporate layoffs to brand crises—Ramon unpacks why saying “no” more often is essential for growth, clarity, and success. He also explores how to protect your time, leverage...

Stop waiting for someone to pick you. Pick yourself. Stop waiting for one day, make today day ONE. Ramon shares about the pairing of YOU knocking on the door of opportunity. Also - Netflix raises prices and why that's a good thing (lessons for your business!) Welcome to The Rundown with Ramon sponsored by Bitdefender small business security. The Rundown with Ramon is your daily show helping yo...

Here's Ramon's top 10 list for how to MAXIMIZE your attendance at your next business event! Plus how Amazon is building trust and more! 1. Connect with venue staff. 2. Find the best seat for your goals - towards the front, near the Q&A mic or near someone you want to meet 3. Meet and connect with other attendees in line 4. Offer to help the event host 5. Bring good business cards 6. As...

Ramon attended a high-level event yesterday on the 57th floor of a NYC skyscraper. How did he make an impact in that room? Where you sit, how you speak, who you connect with and MORE makes all the difference! Welcome to The Rundown with Ramon sponsored by Bitdefender small business security. The Rundown with Ramon is your daily show helping you start or grow your business or live your best life. H...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray shares a powerful reminder that sometimes the very thing that breaks you is the thing that builds you. From a broken suitcase to building Genius Talks into a growing ecosystem, Ramon unpacks why setbacks aren’t the end—they’re often the beginning of something better. He also dives into insights from Seth Godin on choosing yourself, building for...

How we show up in social media and search engine search results are so important. However, what's MORE important is how are we showing up in the SEARCH OF LIFE. We focus on traditional search so much more. However, did you know in LIFE, people also are searching on you in LIFE. The search results come from your wife, husband, children, peers at work, church members, and more. How can we ensure...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray dives into a powerful truth every entrepreneur must face: selling cheap is not a winning strategy . While large companies can survive on volume and thin margins, small business owners must shift their mindset toward delivering value and earning premium pricing. Ramon also explores key business lessons from OpenAI, Tesla, and real-world conversa...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray dives into one of the most important skills for entrepreneurs and leaders today—building real human connections in a digital-first world. While technology, AI, and scale continue to grow, Ramon reminds us that success still comes down to relationships. From personal reflections to practical strategies, he shares how showing up, caring deeply, a...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray explores a powerful mindset shift for entrepreneurs: the difference between asking for support and asking for a sale. Ramon also discusses the reality of “pretty privilege” in business and how the way we present ourselves—our appearance, attitude, and energy—can influence opportunities. The episode closes with practical insights on how leaders...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon broadcasts live from Atlanta while attending Brent Leary’s CRM Players event and preparing to host a Genius Talks gathering later that evening. Ramon shares insights on AI’s impact on work habits, McDonald’s strategy of doubling down on value pricing, and a powerful entrepreneurial question: How do you know when to keep pushing forward versus when...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon shares practical insights for entrepreneurs about protecting their business, building trust in uncertain times, and understanding the true value of attention. Drawing on ideas from thought leaders like Seth Godin and Mark Schaefer, Ramon explores how entrepreneurs can avoid problematic clients, strengthen trust with their audience, and decide wheth...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray explores what entrepreneurs can learn from a surprising place— Trader Joe’s . After visiting a store for the first time in a while, Ramon breaks down the powerful customer experience lessons that every small business owner can apply. He also discusses several business headlines including layoffs at the Washington Post, Uber’s new women-driver s...

In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon , Ramon Ray shares a practical lesson about entrepreneurship sparked by a simple experience getting his car’s oil changed. The story becomes a powerful reminder that there is no single formula for success in business. Ramon also shares candid insights about speaking on stages, building your own platform, and the danger of complacency after success. The epi...

In this conversation, Ramon Ray interviews Jessica Johnson-Cope about stepping into the leadership of her family business during a difficult time and guiding it toward sustainable growth. They discuss the power of relationships, process, and showing up consistently to create opportunities. Jessica also reflects on balancing family, faith, and leadership while building a company designed to serve f...