STP 121 | How to Make People Lean In and Call You Back, With Ray Engan

How to Make People Lean In and Call You Back
(Featuring Ray Engan, Connection Coach and Humor Strategist)

This episode is for therapists, coaches, and helpers who feel like their emails are disappearing into the void or that no one is calling them back.
Ray Engan, a former stand-up comic turned connection coach, joins James to reveal why people don’t respond—and what to do about it.

If you’re tired of feeling ignored or disconnected, this conversation will show you how to spark curiosity, create genuine connections, and communicate without feeling “salesy.”

Top 3 Reasons to Listen:

• You’ll learn why questions can create distance—and what to do instead
• You’ll hear how to write emails that actually get responses
• You’ll walk away with a 7-word email that could generate thousands in sales

Timestamped Highlights:

• 01:06 – “Who ate my email?”—The pain of being ghosted
• 02:12 – Why asking questions too early builds walls, not trust
• 04:49 – Ray’s journey from stand-up comedy to connection coaching
• 08:03 – The #1 mistake people make when meeting someone new
• 10:05 – Curiosity, Relevance, Specificity—the “lean in” trifecta
• 13:01 – Why laughter signals trust—and how to use humor without being a comedian
• 15:00 – Why selling too soon kills your income
• 18:22 – The 7-word email that gets replies (and clients!)
• 23:13 – How introverts can stand out at networking events
• 25:00 – Why your “easy gift” is probably your most valuable offer
• 27:40 – The mindset shift that makes selling feel generous, not gross

Resources & Mentions:

• Connect with Ray: [e-mail]
• Visit Ray Online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipthroughlaughter/
• Website: www.leadershipthroughlaughter.com
• Weekly Livestream: Roadblock Removal for Speakers and Coaches (Wednesdays at 2 PM EST on LinkedIn)
• Upcoming Workshop: “Course Idea to Paycheck” on June 26th: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ideatopaycheck Use Code CCA for $10 off.

Send a Simple Email to Make a New Connection:

If this episode made you rethink how you connect and communicate, share it with someone else who’s ready to build genuine relationships, without feeling fake. And maybe… try that 7-word email today. Let us know how it goes.