In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, host and small business expert Ramon Ray tackles three urgent topics every entrepreneur should pay attention to: why Facebook advertising is still one of the most powerful tools for business growth, how to use platforms like Qwoted to get free publicity, and why learning AI isn’t optional for today’s business owners.

Key Takeaways

• Facebook ads remain one of the best ways to scale your business — when done right.
• Platforms like Qwoted can help you get free PR by connecting with journalists actively seeking expert quotes.
• Business owners must personally understand AI to stay competitive — don’t just delegate it to consultants.
• Bitdefender Small Business is a security solution Ramon recommends for business protection.
• Investing in media relationships and digital ads pays off—but only if you put in the work.

Why Business Owners Must Learn AI — Not Just Outsource It

Ramon shares insights from Alan Pence via the 21 Hats Morning Report, highlighting the urgency for entrepreneurs to personally understand artificial intelligence.

Too many business owners rely on others to “handle” AI for them — but that could be a costly mistake. Building a basic GPT or automating a workflow doesn’t take much time, and your competitors are already testing hundreds of variations. Ramon warns: if you’re not learning AI yourself, you’re falling behind. Even if you rely on platforms like Zoho, Salesforce, QuickBooks, or HubSpot — all of which are integrating AI — you still need to grasp what’s happening behind the curtain.

“Every day you don’t start is a day your competitor pulls farther ahead.” — Alan Pence via 21 Hats

The Media Hack: How to Use Qwoted for PR and Publicity

If you want free publicity, Qwoted (QWOTED) is a media tool worth exploring. Ramon explains how this platform lets you respond to real-time queries from journalists who are looking for quotes from experts like you. It’s part of a broader group of PR tools — like Help a Reporter Out (HARO), PR Newswire, and EIN Presswire — that can help small business owners get media mentions.

Qwoted lets you:

• Receive daily media opportunities
• Pitch reporters directly (limited on the free plan)
• Track media moves and press release placements

“You can’t just sign up. You have to actually do the work. Build relationships with journalists. Respond to pitches that are relevant.” — Ramon Ray

Qwoted isn’t magic, but Ramon makes it clear that with consistency and effort, it can become a strong arm of your PR and brand-building strategy.

The Case for Facebook Advertising in 2025

Despite new platforms gaining popularity, Facebook remains king when it comes to ad performance and audience reach. Ramon references Lamar Tyler’s advice — that if you really want to grow and scale your business, Facebook advertising is one of the best ways to do it.

The platform’s mature targeting options and integration with AI make it a powerful channel. While Facebook’s ad system can feel complicated, hiring a professional or getting trained is worth it.

“If all you’re doing is organic, you’ll get organic results. Want to grow? You’ve got to invest.” — Ramon Ray

Ayanna, a listener tuning into the live recording, even commented that her Facebook ad for a class was already drawing strong, engaged sign-ups — proof that the platform still delivers.

Bitdefender: Don’t Forget Your Digital Security

Before diving into these topics, Ramon gave a shoutout to Bitdefender Small Business, his cybersecurity partner. He emphasized that while we lock our homes and cars, too few of us think about protecting our businesses online. Small businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals, and Bitdefender offers real-time protection with minimal stress.

Final Thoughts: AI + Ads + Awareness = Growth

The thread that ties this episode together is simple: business growth in today’s world requires three things — smart use of AI, smart advertising, and smart visibility.

Whether you’re learning AI tools, diving into Facebook ads, or pitching journalists on Qwoted, what matters most is that you show up, invest in yourself, and execute consistently.

“You want to get to the next level? You’ve got to pay to play — or pitch to be featured.” — Ramon Ray

Ramon closes by inviting listeners to meet him at the Entrepreneur Level Up conference in Las Vegas, alongside names like Cody Sanchez and Robert Herjavec. If you want energy and actionable insights to grow your business, he’ll be there.

Stay tuned for more insights in the next episode of The Rundown with Ramon.