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Podcast Interview with EAG Group and Jeff Randolph

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Happy Saturday everyone!

I recently was interviewed on EAG’s podcast here in Kansas City.

EAG’s website is https://eagadv.com/ and their specialty is marketing and advertising to small business firms.

They can help with strategic services, creative creation, website development, content creation, and digital and traditional marketing services, among other things.

I’ve known their CEO, Michele Markham, and staff members, Brenda Heffron and Jeff Randolph for quite some time.

Here’s the link to the podcast and less than 20 minutes long! Enjoy!

Ep. 62: Connecting with Hard-to-Reach Prospects

 

 

 

Happy Veteran’s Day!

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Happy Labor Day!

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Happy Birthday, USA!

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Patti Mbachu: Senior BDR Extraordinaire since 2010!

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Happy Sunday!

I met Patti initially sometime in 2010 and I interviewed her in person at Panera Bread.

She was my FIRST employee back then and has been with me for the most part since.

There are a couple of breaks here and there but she’s been with Connect 5000 most of the time.

Patti used to live in the Kansas City metro but moved to Omaha to be near her kids and grandkids.

I drove up to Omaha last week to celebrate Patti, her upcoming birthday, and her wonderful 14 years with us.

Cheers Patti!

 

Happy 14th Birthday, Connect 5000!

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Happy March everyone!

In March 2010, 14 year long years ago, Connect 5000 was created.

Previously, from 2006 to 2010, I was the co-owner of IT Lead Source, a lead gen firm. My partner owned 51% and I owned the rest.

We worked together for 4 years and then I broke off and launched my firm.

It’s been a wonderful ride and I love it thoroughly.

I’m grateful for the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment it provides me.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful people along the way.

Here’s an article that sums up why I own my company: https://prosperitythinkers.com/prosperity/entrepreneurs-rule-world/

My family and I recently went to San Diego, CA for spring break to get away from cold Kansas weather and to disconnect a bit.

I highly recommend everyone, especially business owners and entrepreneurs to get away, unplug and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your work will still be there when you return.

Pictured here is my family and I at the beach! Cheers!

I’m Ray Ruecker with Connect 5000.

Greetings from Trimble’s SKO in Atlanta!

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Happy Hump Day everyone!

Trimble has been a client of ours throughout the years.

Currently, we have 8 BDR reps assigned there to help with top-of-the-funnel acceleration.

Our team was invited to Trimble’s yearly SKO in Atlanta, Georgia.

Over 900+ employees attended from 35+ countries.

I hadn’t met my key contacts previously in person before this event. Wonderful to have face-to-face time with these great people!

Thank you for the invitation, Trimble!

Pictured here: (Rachel Woodyard, Ray Ruecker, Katelynn Hadjopoulos, Alexa Wolforth, Chelsie Turnbough-Cook)

Greetings from Bahston!

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Happy January everyone!

I was invited to join a tech firm’s Sales Kick-Off in Woburn, MA to accelerate their pipeline in mid-January.

Other than the weather and being delayed a day coming home, it was a wonderful trip and time spent with the sales team.

Here’s what the Chief Marketing Officer said afterward:

“We invited Ray to our 2024 sales kickoff to help train our AE’s on how to build pipeline using his sound techniques and best practices. There is a big difference between cold calling and strategic prospecting, and Ray did a fantastic job of explaining what to do, how to do it, when to do it and most importantly he explained the “why” behind everything. His book was an excellent resource for prepping before the training. I would recommend Ray to anyone who needs fresh ideas and a blueprint on how to build pipelines and accelerate deals.” – Adam

So whether it’s a sales kick-off or a training seminar refresher on outbound outreach brass tactics, don’t hesitate to reach out.

I’m Ray Ruecker with Connect 5000.

 

 

 

Podcast Appearance with the Corporate Couch

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Happy New Year everyone!

I was honored to be a guest on Jeff Pelaccio’s podcast, The Corporate Couch”.

Here’s HIS description:

You were born and then what happened?

Join me for an incredible conversation with Ray Ruecker, the founder and CEO of Connect 5000, on The Corporate Couch podcast! Ray’s journey, from being left at the steps of an orphanage to lessons learned from being fired 7 times, is a captivating exploration of resilience and success. In this episode, we delve into:

🏞️ Starting at the Steps of an Orphanage – Ray’s remarkable journey from the end of the Vietnam War.
✈️ Almost Tragic Twist of Fate – The plane to the US meant for Ray’s adoption crashed, altering his life’s trajectory.
📖 Journaling Every Day – Ray’s daily habit for the past 23 years and its impact on his introspective leadership.
📘 “How to Score from First Base! (In Sales)” – Insights from Ray’s book (it is one of the best tactical sales prospecting books you will ever read).

Ray’s interview is filled with tales of adventure, introspection, and valuable lessons.

🎧 Listen to this insightful and fun episode on all major podcast platforms: See the link in the comments 👂

Don’t miss the chance to hear Ray’s inspiring story and glean wisdom from his experiences. This episode is a blend of adventure, resilience, and tactical sales insights that you won’t want to miss! Thank you to Mic Johnson for the introduction to Ray.

Here’s the link:

https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=67ch5-1534b12-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3ab278

 

Greetings from Tampa Bay, Florida!

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Happy Sunday!

How do you create and maintain a fun culture when everyone works remotely? Well, you plan in-person get-togethers and combine work and pleasure!

I am proud to work with talented people like Ashton Jarrell, Rachel Woodyard, Chelsie Turnbough-Cook, LucyAnn Ferguson, and Brittany Owens!

Thursday night we grabbed a group dinner at Kobe Japanese Steak House in Clearwater.

Friday morning was team breakfast meetings and training.

Over the noon hour, Ashton, LucyAnn, and I met with a current client for lunch and were happy to meet them finally in person.

Friday evening was Texas de Brazil and we stuffed ourselves silly and had the meat sweats!

Always good to spend time with your team in person and get to know them better.

I’m Ray Ruecker with Connect 5000. Cheers!

PS: Tampa, Florida is warmer than Kansas City! I went from 85 and sunny to 40 and rainy and cold!

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