The Private Money Authority: Jay Conner’s Branding, Funnel, and Mastermind Approach

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@MeganJHuber         

“How to Keep Customers Longer feat. Jay 'the private money guy' Conner”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzZyaQFOOxg 

If you’ve ever wondered how top coaches create programs that stand the test of time, look no further than Jay Conner. In a recent conversation with Megan Huber, Jay peeled back the curtain on his 14-year journey as a real estate investing coach. What emerged was a masterclass not just in raising private money, but in building a business designed for legacy.

From Real Estate Investor to Private Money Authority

Jay’s entrepreneurial story began long before he was a coach. After decades working in real estate—condominiums, shopping centers, and primarily single-family homes—Jay and his wife, Carol Joy, hit a major bump in 2009. Their local bank shut down his line of credit overnight. “I knew I had to find a better and quicker way and a more reliable way to fund my deals,” Jay recalls. Enter private money lending—a concept he’d never heard of until fate (or, as Jay says, “God’s way of staying anonymous”) intervened. Within 90 days, he raised a couple of million dollars from private individuals.

It was the perfect storm: the 2009 real estate crash offered up foreclosures to anyone who could pay cash. With his private lenders, Jay’s business tripled. But something else happened—he discovered a passion for teaching and empowering others, not just chasing deals.

Building a Coaching Business That Lasts

When Jay admits, “If I could choose just one thing…without being a member that’s actively involved in a mastermind group of fellow-minded people, I just can’t imagine being in this business on an island by myself,” it gives insight into his approach. Community and learning drive him forward.

His coaching business launched in 2011 after a phone call to his mentor, Ron Legrand. Jay was successful but bored; Ron advised him to teach what he was best at—raising private money. That simple advice became Jay’s focus. Today, he’s known as “The Private Money Guy.” His entire go-to-market strategy, as Megan emphasizes, is built around a single message: helping investors raise and leverage private money, no matter their level of experience.

Why Focus Is the Key to Branding—and Trust

Jay’s longevity comes down to unwavering focus. “You can't be everything to everybody,” he says. His marketing, courses, podcast, and seminars—they all carry the same banner. The “Private Money Success System” is his flagship program, and his podcast is literally called “Raising Private Money.” This consistency builds trust and recognition over time.

Megan points out an industry-wide mistake: experts try to cram every bit of their knowledge into one program. The result? Overwhelmed and confused clients. Jay’s method ensures his audience always knows what he stands for. As Megan says, “Anytime soon a third party hears a friend or colleague say, ‘I need help with raising private money,’ I want them to say one name.” For real estate coaching, that name is Jay Conner.

Crafting a Client Journey that Builds Relationships

Jay’s funnel strategy is a lesson for any coach:

1. Lead Magnet: Most new clients enter Jay’s world through a free “Money Guide” ebook.
2. High Engagement Offers: From the ebook, prospects are invited to a seven-day “Private Money Challenge,” then presented with additional training and offers.
3. Membership & Events: His “Private Money Academy” builds trust through regular Zoom calls, while his live “Private Money Conference” is the centerpiece of his client journey.
4. High-Ticket Coaching: At live events, Jay offers coaching programs and mastermind memberships.

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