***Guest Appearance
Credits to:
https://www.youtube.com/@Kevin98270
“MDR Podcast #356 – Jay Conner”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD6wnmVYLp4&t=4s
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, we’re often told that success is a solo journey fueled by hustle, strategy, and a pinch of luck. But as we’re reminded in the recent episode of the Million Dollar Relationships podcast featuring Jay Conner and host Kevin Thompson, the true secret sauce lies in real, authentic connections and staying true to who you are.
Starting with Authenticity
Right from the outset, Jay Conner sets the tone by sharing his core values — not shying away from his faith or his deep belief in authenticity. He laughs at the old speaker’s school advice to “never talk politics or religion.” For Jay, the most valuable relationships are built on truth and transparency. “Be who you are,” he says, not just for audience approval, but to build bonds with people who share your values.
Jay’s journey was influenced early on by his father, Wallace Conner, who told him, “Don’t try to be your dad. You be your person.” That lesson only truly clicked for Jay when, in his twenties, trying to mimic others didn’t deliver results. Authenticity, he realized, is magnetic — it opens doors and forges lasting connections.
The Power of Asking ‘Who Do You Know?’
The heart of Jay’s entrepreneurial story is a pivotal crisis in 2009. After building a thriving real estate business by relying on traditional bank funding, his credit line was abruptly cut off during the global financial crisis. Instead of throwing in the towel or feeling victimized, Jay asked himself a powerful question: “Who do you know that can help fix your problem?”
That question led him to a friend, which led to learning about private money lending from Ron LeGrand — a move that fundamentally transformed both his business and his ability to serve others. In less than 90 days, Jay raised over $2 million in private money, more than double what he’d been able to borrow from the bank before. What began as a setback blossomed into a new opportunity, all because of his relationships and willingness to seek help.
Paying It Forward: Building Impact
Jay’s story doesn’t stop at personal gain. Inspired by his success and a bit of entrepreneurial boredom, he reached out to his mentor, Ron LeGrand, for advice on what to do next. Ron pushed Jay to start teaching others, which launched his own coaching and information business focused on helping real estate investors raise private capital. This new direction not only satisfied his creative drive but also led him to impact thousands of investors — and by extension, the families and communities they support.
As Jay and Kevin note, their mutual connections with industry giants like Ron LeGrand, Joe Polish, and Dan Kennedy show that every success story is interwoven with others. Sharing wisdom, offering opportunities, and supporting each other creates a multiplying effect of impact.
From Success to Significance
Both Jay and Kevin stress the importance of moving from “success” — personal achievement and financial gain — to “significance,” which is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As entrepreneur Zig Ziglar famously said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” It’s a philosophy Jay lives by daily, whether through one-on-one mentorship or his highly-rated “Raising Private Money” podcast.
Final Takeaways: Start What’s Stirring in Your Heart
Jay ends with a compelling challenge: “What is stirring in your heart to start?” Whether you’re facing a setback, feeling unfulfilled, or looking for your next move, the answer may lie not in another tactic, but in deepening your relationships and being willing to leap into something new for the first time.
If you want to dive deeper, Jay offers a free copy of his bestselling book “Where to Get the Money Now” and regular insights on his podcast “Raising Private Money.”
In a world of shortcuts and hacks, Jay and Kevin’s stories are a reminder: Authenticity and relationships aren’t just nice to have — they’re the foundation of real, lasting success.
10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:
- Jay Conner emphasizes the importance of authenticity and staying true to your core values. How do you think authenticity impacts business relationships and success?
- Jay’s father advised him to “be your own person.” How has this advice influenced Jay’s entrepreneurial journey, and have you ever received similar guidance in your life?
- Jay encountered a pivotal setback when his bank cut off his credit. How did his approach to problem-solving in that moment reflect a growth mindset, and how do you typically handle unexpected obstacles?
- The question, “Who do you know that can help fix your problem?” played a major role in Jay’s story. How do relationships and networking influence business breakthroughs in your experience?
- Jay talks about learning from mentors like Ron LeGrand and Jack Canfield. Can you share a time when a mentor had a transformative impact on your career or personal growth?
- Jay describes automating his real estate business to the point of boredom, which led him to pursue coaching and education. How do you recognize when it’s time for a new challenge, and what steps do you take to keep growing?
- The formula Jay references from Jack Canfield, E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome), refutes the “victim mentality.” How can you apply this concept in your own life, particularly in the face of setbacks?
- Jay and Kevin both highlight the ripple effect of helping others, impacting not just direct clients but their families and communities. What are some ways your work has had a wider positive impact than you initially realized?
- Throughout the episode, there’s an emphasis on significance over applause. How do you measure the true impact of your work, beyond accolades or recognition?
- Jay ends with the question: “What is stirring in your heart to start?” What’s something new that you feel drawn to begin, and what would it take to take the first step?
Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:
- Jay Conner’s First Private Lender Came from Bible Study: Jay’s journey into private money lending began unusually—his very first private lender was someone he chatted with after a Wednesday night Bible study, proving that your everyday connections could open major financial doors!
- Retired School Teachers Invest Big: Among Jay’s private lenders are two retired school teachers who, together, have invested over $1.25 million in his real estate deals. Private lending isn’t just for high-powered financiers—everyday people from all walks of life can get involved.
- A Sudden Bank Shutdown Boosted His Success: Jay’s path dramatically changed when his bank suddenly shut down his line of credit in the middle of his real estate career. Instead of giving up, he learned about creative financing through private money, and within a few months, raised over $2 million from new private lenders without ever having to beg, chase, or even ask directly for funds.
Timestamps:
00:01 Raising Private Money Without Asking For It
03:26 Authenticity Over Convention
08:38 Credit Line Shutdown: Financial Crisis Impact
11:22 Discovering Private Money for Real Estate
15:14 Choosing Response Determines Outcome
17:27 Transformative Networking Experience
21:55 Starting a Coaching Business Journey
24:10 Ron LeGrand’s Impact on Success
26:45 Zig Ziglar on Significance
32:44 Appreciation for Jay’s Impact
34:06 Raising Private Money Guide
36:39 Gratitude and Excitement Expressed
Private Money Academy Conference:
Free Report:
https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport
Join the Private Money Academy:
https://www.JayConner.com/trial/
Have you read Jay’s new book, Where to Get the Money Now?
It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at
https://www.JayConner.com/Book
What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner
https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast
Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.
What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner
Apple Podcasts:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing
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