The $100 MBA Show

For new and small businesses, every cent you spend on employee compensation counts. So are you getting more bang for your buck when you hire part-time, or full-time? The answer — as is often the case in business — depends.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping a listener with a growing business spend his payroll dollars wisely. They know they need to build a team in order to reach the next level, but the budget requires some tough choices. Where’s the most value for money?Hint: it has more to do with how the employee works than how much. Learn what factors you should consider when choosing between full and part-time hires. As a company that’s hired both — and had good and bad results both ways — we know what can go right (and wrong) with each. Tune in, hear what’s worked for us, and make the choice that best serves your business. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stress is like an anchor. It weighs you down, and holds you back. It does the same to your business, as stress makes you a less effective and efficient leader. So what can you do about it?And by the way, we’re not talking about big stress, like you get in response to a rare crisis or major catastrophe. We’re talking about the basic, everyday stresses that any entrepreneur experiences, no matter how well their business does. It’s simply unavoidable: things will not always go your way. With the stakes high, that means basic stress management isn’t a luxury. It’s a priority.Today, we share the most common forms of everyday business stress — and how to deal with each.Learn what most often induces low-grade stress, and the simple practices that help you get better at navigating it. Developing resilience is like developing strength or stamina or any other ability. You have to put in a little work every day. Fortunately, everyday stress will give you that opportunity. Learn how to take advantage of it, and become a better emotionally equipped entrepreneur. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you need proof that a self-funded, bootstrapping startup can make it big — with no special advantages or even extraordinary luck — this is the episode for you. Creator-focused email marketing software ConvertKit is the company. College dropout Nathan Barry is the founder. And his story will erase any doubts you have about your own business potential. Omar and Nathan go way back, to a time before both had achieved real escape velocity with their SaaS products. In today’s extended conversation, they reflect on the journey from there to here, and what allowed Nathan to turn a side project into a multi-million dollar company.From his rural home-schooled childhood to his early exit (for good reasons) from higher education, Nathan learned very early how much our destinies are really within our control. Because of that, he was able to take his own, much shorter path to success. It’s enough to make you wonder why everyone doesn’t cut their own path — until you hear how challenging the independent road can be. Learn how the freedom of entrepreneurship is a double-edged sword, and what it takes to make it on your own. This interview is full of priceless lessons for anyone wondering what’s truly possible. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s time to start hiring. Every once in a while, the stars align to make great talent more available and accessible to small businesses. And you don’t need the world’s biggest budget to get the best hires.Sometimes, it’s all about timing.A few forces have come to bear on the jobs market. Yes, unemployment is low — but it’s not in the freefall it’s been in since 2010 or so. Yes, we just went through the “Great Resignation” — but many who resigned didn’t land the job of their dreams (or any job at all). Yes, there’s inflation — but salary really isn’t everything.Today, we explain why this year is a golden moment for picking up new team members. If your company offers the right mix of decent pay, positive culture, flexibility, and work/life balance, there are probably some ace hires out there waiting for someone like you. Whether the jobs market actually contracts in the near term isn’t clear — but there is un-and-under-employed talent out there.Learn how to seize the day, and build the team that’ll take your business to its next level. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As they say, “Success leaves clues.” And few companies have left more clues behind than Apple — even for small businesses. You don’t have to be a giant to make these moves. You just have to dare.After all, Apple was a startup once, too.Today, we break down a few key things that Apple has always done well. From the way they create their products to the way they market, Apple cut a new path through tech. Their strategies aren’t just for fancy phones, though!No matter what you sell, the bedrock principles that Apple follows apply. There’s no reason not to study what works, and modify it to suit your specific needs. Today, we aim to help you do exactly that.Learn what made Apple such a breakthrough company, and how its approach to entrepreneurship has never stopped working. Whether you’re selling t-shirts, software, or your own skills, you can be the Steve Jobs of your niche (but with your own personality, of course). Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Setting your first price for your first product can feel…scary. But most new entrepreneurs err on the wrong side of the equation, undervaluing their product or service in a way that can backfire — badly.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a new software product. But what should it cost?A common misconception is that the lowest price will attract the most customers. However, this strategy isn’t sustainable in the long run, because it limits the revenue you can invest in making your product even more awesome.The question isn’t “What are consumers willing to part with?” It’s “How valuable are the benefits my product provides?” Put a number on that, and don’t sell yourself (or your company) short!Ultimately, setting the right price requires some research and analysis of how much money, time, and effort you’re saving the customer. But just as importantly, it requires the right attitude. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth! Hear our advice, and consider it next time you look at your own price tags. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A personal touch can set your business apart — even when there’s no chance you’ll be able to do it for everyone. So why do new businesses avoid strategies that don’t scale…even while they’re still small?Sometimes, there’s a such thing as being too efficient, even in business.It’s the inverse of the old saying, “What got you here won’t get you there.” Of course you’ll have to evolve your strategies when your business gets bigger — but while it’s still young, you can afford to go above and beyond, even if it’s just for a few people. …and the results are worth it.Today, we discuss a few things you can do as a small business that don’t multiply well. However, the impact of these meaningful (but highly inefficient) moves can be monumental, and position your company to grow. Worry about scaling when it’s time to scale. While you’re still making a name for yourself, go the extra mile. It’ll pay off, and set you up to worry about how to get “there” when the time is right. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes, it’s not the brand that’s the star of the show — it’s the community. As today’s special guest explains, an intentionally fostered community can be as valuable an asset as your product!Yes, you read that right.When it comes to everything from marketing to your company’s valuation, a well-planned and managed community can be worth its weight in gold. But too many entrepreneurs simply open an online space and then…hope people engage on their own. That won’t do the trick.In this special extended conversation with Tom Ross (founder of DesignCuts and learn.community), learn how to actively cultivate the kind of community that can turbocharge growth, and sustain your business for years to come.Create and protect the space for your audience to truly, collaboratively engage, and they’ll reward you over and over. Click Play!The Community Manual by Tom RossSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder how we make your favorite bite-sized business podcast? Wonder no more! Today, we share the exact setup in our home “studio” where we record almost every episode.That’s right — we record this professional-quality podcast at home. And so can you.We’ll share the tools we use to get consistent quality of sound, including how the setup of the room itself affects the recording. You don’t need a full-blown professional studio, or even expensive equipment, to produce a podcast. But you do need to sound professional enough to be taken seriously.Seriously, anyone can copy our setup.We’re asked this question so often, we felt compelled to share the details. Hear what we do to make sure this and every episode sounds crisp, clear, and worth listening to. Then, set up your own recording space for top-notch podcasting. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Firing people is never fun, unless you’re the kind of boss who someone is better off not working for. But firing people is almost inevitable, especially as your team and business grows. Better to be prepared!Today, we take a hard look at this hard — but necessary — task.Besides the obvious cringe-worthiness of taking someone’s living away, firing people is uncomfortable because it’s not just about their failure. If you hired this person, it means you messed up too, miscalculating whether they’d be a good fit. Plus, people tend not to take getting fired very well.That said, you can prepare. You can take an approach to parting ways that’s healthy, respectful, and defensible — even to yourself. It’s your job to put the business first, even over an individual employee who’s not working out. And it’s your right to say goodbye when the time is right.Learn a few strategies for making a difficult conversation a little easier, and a lot more constructive. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To borrow a quote from a book title, “What got you here won’t get you there.” It’s normal for new businesses to hit a plateau after a period of initial growth. But how do you…y’know, move past it?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with exactly that problem.Plateaus can happen for any number of reasons. Market saturation, changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, competition — the list goes on. When it happens, get your lab coat on! Because the best thing you can do is experiment.Think of it like starting your business all over again, but with more knowledge.To keep growing and stay competitive, businesses have to be ready to pivot to new ways of earning customers. This means being open to new marketing techniques, exploring new sales channels, and even rethinking products or services. As the business scales, you might have to redesign all kinds of processes or look at new tools.Again, you have to experiment.Ultimately, the key to (continued) success is to be flexible and adaptable. Learn more about all that, and hear our advice — Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Yikes. The collapse of SVB is one of the biggest stories in business, as depositors, investors, and investees react to what can only be described as a full-blown disaster. But what can you learn from it?You don’t have to be in Silicon Valley to take a lesson from all this.We won’t be analyzing the specific causes of SVB’s faceplant. But we will explore how SVB broke some of the most basic rules of business, with predictable results. The same thing can happen to any business that doesn’t actively safeguard their assets — and their market’s trust. Silver lining: SVB gave us a dramatic lesson in what not to do.Learn how to put guardrails in place so that your business (even if it’s much, much smaller than SVB) can avoid stepping on a rake. Take care of the key pillars of your business, but most of all, take care of your reputation as a business that delivers what it promises.Mistakes happen. Failures happen. But they’re only really disasters when we fail to learn from them. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we’re sharing an episode of The Hustle Daily Show — a daily dose of irreverent, offbeat, and informative takes on business & tech news. In this episode, they take a look at how getting stuff for “free” affects consumer behavior.Why do we care so much when a crummy t-shirt gets shot out of a cannon at a sporting event? It's all about the power of "free," a price point that makes us feel high and act so irrationally that we forget that even free stuff comes with a cost.And to really get at the heart of the story here, Hustle writers Zachary Crockett and Mark Dent focus on 3 wildly different areas: free grocery store samples, free shipping, and free online content.If you like what you hear, search for The Hustle Daily Show in your favorite podcast app. Like the one you’re using right now ;)SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve learned a ton about business in Japan, and how the country offers incredible opportunities for small business (including Western ones). Now, it’s time to take the first concrete steps. So what do we do?Today, we put our Ja-plan into action. We’re making a few small — but important — moves to introduce ourselves and our company to the country. You won’t see a new $100 MBA Show or WebinarNinja headquarters in Tokyo, but we’re making connections and developing ways to offer our content and services to this under-tapped market.We don’t know exactly where this will lead. But in business, the most important part is getting started!Of course, we’ll share how you can take the same steps in your business. Learn how to introduce yourself and your company to a vibrant, potentially underserved market. It’s easier than you might think — Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“What got you here won’t get you there,” as the saying goes. And while a good blog is still a powerful marketing tool, one thing we can finally put to bed forever is the Comments section. Today, we explain why — and what you can do instead.We all remember the early days of blogging, when a lively Comments section could breed an active, engaged community of potential followers or customers. Comments sections were like a million little niche town squares, and helped launch more than a few businesses. Those days are over. Now, the comments section isn’t just useless. It’s downright predatory.In this episode, we’ll explore the downfall of the Comments section, and share how you can leverage great blog content more constructively. Your blog can still be the gateway to a strong, monetizable community. You just have to harness that energy in better ways. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you buy someone a gift, what does that buy you? Do customers, partners, and others see it as an investment in your relationship, or an unasked-for transaction? Or worse, an attempted bribe?It all depends on how you give.Today, we discuss the art of the business gift. If it’s overly transactional, or impersonal, or simply has the wrong objective behind it, a gift can backfire. But if you do it the right way — which is also the way with the least predictable results — it can lead to incredible things.So how should you give?Based on conversations with an expert in business gift-giving, we’ll explore the “do’s” and “don’ts” of dropping presents on people. Learn how to give tactfully, and what to realistically expect as a result. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Times are tough. Inflation, continuing supply chain issues, and price gouging are on the rise. Recessions are natural and inevitable — but should you wait them out before starting your own business?Spoiler alert: no.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a great business idea. But they’re worried about the timing. Is it smart to get into business when businesses (and consumers) are struggling? Is it better to wait a year or more and get started when people are spending more?Again…no.Today, we explain why it’s not only ok to start a business in a recession, it’s smart! Recessions aren’t pretty. But like every crisis, they present unique opportunities. And the longer you wait to start a business, the more time you’ve lost to develop it.We’ll explain in detail in the episode. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The customer is always right — except when they’re not. It’s time to stop clinging to customers who aren’t serving your business, just like they’d quit your business if it wasn’t working for them.Seriously.As providers of products and services, we’re often primed to bend over backwards for our customers. But when a customer starts costing you more than they’re making you, a line’s been crossed. Today, we explore what that looks like, and how to know when it’s time to say goodbye.At some point in your business, you will have a customer like this.It’s a simple matter of defining the limits of customer satisfaction. And there are limits! You have to protect your business, your team, and yourself from the kinds of customers that deplete rather than energize you, and who derail your overall mission.Learn how to figure out which customers need “firing,” and don’t lose a second’s sleep over it. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve been hanging out in Japan, learning a whole new perspective on business. Now, it’s time to explore how you can get in on the action — by actually doing business with or inside Japan.Yes, this is possible. And it’s a very good idea.Today, we explore various ways non-Japanese businesses have forged ties with Japanese entities and professionals. We’ll also get into digital nomad options in Japan, which has become much more outsider-friendly in the last few years.From infrastructure to supplies to labor to the place itself, Japan is rich with assets you can take advantage of!When the deeply rooted, time-honored cultural and business practices of Japan merge with the Western entrepreneurial spirit, the result can be successful on a global scale. Learn what possibilities Japan might offer you, and how to get started.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The wrong approach: “I should do my best to make sure there’s always enough of my product/service for everyone who wants to buy it.” The right approach: “I should run out of stuff. Often.”Yes, this is tough to wrap your head around, especially if you’re new to business.But remember that value is defined by one thing: scarcity. That’s why people line up for new Jordans — because there will never be that many of them. Creating scarcity is a tried-and-true way to increase the value of whatever you sell, and the urgency to make a purchase.That said, you should never create scarcity at the expense of trust.In other words, you have to sell out genuinely, not in some falsified or contrived way. Today, we explain how the selling out approach works, why it’s so effective, and how to execute it honestly and ethically. Less is more! Learn how losing a few sales is the best way to gain more sales down the road. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s cut to the chase: what’s the best way to get people to buy your thing? Today, we offer 3 answers, based on our experience. These funnels work best for us — and they might for you, too.We’ll lay out exactly how to build and manage each of these funnels, with our own products as an example. There’s no single “best” funnel for every business. But by studying the way various funnels work — and trying them out for yourself — you can find the one that moves the most of your product or service. It takes a little time, but it’s an investment worth making.Plus, you may not have considered one or more of our “Top 3” before. Learn how these powerful funnels work, and decide which ones are worth experimenting with. Let our experience be your guide — Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can’t sell your product or service if you can’t sell yourself. Confidence in branding is everything. But does that mean you have to be…full of yourself? Can you persuade without playing the peacock?After all, in a noisy market, the loudest voice often wins.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener learn how to market without being a total tool. There is a way to showcase everything that makes you awesome in a way that doesn’t seem egocentric or irritating. In fact, the best marketers do it every day.It’s all about focusing on the audience and what they need, rather than yourself and why you’re a big deal.Learn how to stay on the right side of the line between flexing and inspiring trust and confidence. Let the world see what you have to offer, without offering everyone a heaping helping of your own thirstiness. It can be done — Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Goals are hard. A goal, however, is more attainable. So how can you narrow your focus to something big and all-encompassing that’ll have the greatest impact on your business? And should you?It all comes down to a single number.There’s no shortage of business metrics you can track (and no shortage of products and services designed to help you track them). If you’re not careful, you can get lost in a sea of analytics — without actually accomplishing anything meaningful.That’s why it’s critical to pick one, just one, metric that makes the biggest difference.So which number are we talking about? Well, that’s the tricky part. Today, we share examples of the single-number strategy, including from our own business. Once you hear a few real-life cases, you’ll have a better idea of what number you should put your chips on. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So how exactly did a cartoon kitten take over the world? And why does Japan consistently produce products that are almost dangerously cute? It’s no accident — it’s a business strategy.Kawaii is a catch-all term for a specific aesthetic, something Japanese businesses purposely cultivate. Loosely translated, it means “cuteness.” But kawaii is no child’s play. It’s a cultural vein that Japanese companies tap into in order to reach their target markets. By understanding what makes people go gaga for Pikachu and Hello Kitty, these businesses give themselves a serious edge — nothing “cute” about it.So what can Western entrepreneurs learn from the kawaii principle?In a word, presentation. Today, we explore the concept of kawaii, how it’s applied in Japanese business, and why the way your product looks and feels can be your greatest marketing asset. That’s not to say you abandon substance!Instead, you learn to embrace the feelings you can induce by presenting your products in certain ways. When you put care, thought, and a deep understanding of your audience into the aesthetic, it speaks louder than any ad can. Learn how to inject a little kawaii into your strategy. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Don’t leave home without these — and we’re not talking about hardware. You can’t put these items in your bag, but if you’re working on the road, each and every one is a potential lifesaver.Not to mention…a trip-saver.Wherever you go, you can’t predict exactly what the situation will be re: Internet, security, and your ability to communicate with the rest of your team. For that reason, it’s important to build in some fail-safes so that whatever happens, you can get the job done from wherever you are.Today, we share the 4 most critical “things,” so to speak, that come on the road with us.This isn’t only applicable to working trips. If you’re a full-time digital nomad, or even if you have a global remote team, this stuff makes your business truly location independent. Find out what we use and why, and start “packing” (again, so to speak) for your next adventure.Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s not as simple as “make stuff, sell stuff.” Of course it can be, but there are other ways to make money on your own. Before you start your first (or next) business, listen to this episode.Our intrepid host Omar has started several businesses in his day. And he’s learned how critical it is to choose the right model — regardless of the industry or niche.These days it’s SaaS (Software as a Service), as in our webinar platform. It’s also course creation and coaching, aka selling content and services. But Omar’s also done everything from affiliate marketing to arbitrage to e-commerce. Along the way, he learned which models are a good fit — and which are not. So which model is right for you?Today, we explore the concept of business models, run through a few examples, and outline a strategy for picking the model that you’ll excel with. You may know what business you want to be in, but it’s crucial to think about how you want to be in it, and where you expect your money to come from.Get into a business that suits your talents and preferences. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writers rule the Internet, but videographers are the gatekeepers. So what’s the best way to use video to support a blog? Today, we weigh the two biggest options: YouTube and the ‘Gram.If you could only focus on one, which is the most effective?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a travel blog. The good stuff is in the articles, but this savvy blogger knows that people find their way into content via visual media these days. The plan: dump some time and resources into YouTube or Instagram, and funnel the followers to the blog.Each platform has its ups and downs, of course.Today, we break down what you can expect to gain from a following on both of these platforms, and examine which one is most likely to support a blog-based business best. Each platform is built for a certain kind of video content, so it’s best to choose a focus and stick with it.Get the details on what each platform wants from you, and what each can do for you — with a special focus on converting watchers to readers. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When we think coaching, we think live calls. But it’s not the only way. Yes, you can coach via email (you heard that right). Today, we explore why you should, and how it works.It’s really pretty ingenious.Because it’s asynchronous, you can coach people whose schedules don’t align with yours. Because it’s written, you can reach people who aren’t comfortable with live video. Because it’s email, you can keep the whole program focused only on what matters most with greater efficiency. In fact, good ol’ Omar runs an email-based coaching program himself.In this episode, Omar shares what he’s learned as an email coach, and why it’s something every coach should consider. It doesn’t have to replace other kinds of coaching; it can simply be a powerful supplement. But the bang for your buck (in both directions) is undeniable. Learn what the advantages of email coaching are, and how to build your own program. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Japan does business differently. Today kicks off a 4-part series on the Japanese approach to everything from product development to customer service — and why it all just…works.We begin with Part 1, an exploration of the cultural attitudes and values that position Japanese entrepreneurs to succeed wildly.…and no, you don’t have to be Japanese to do some of this yourself.It’s all rooted in a different notion of what “success” actually means. For Westerners, the endgame is the primary focus, and everything you do on your way is a means to an end. But in Japan, the means is just as important — perhaps more so — than the end.How does that translate into better business? Because consistency in your day-to-day efforts adds up over time, to something more than the sum of its parts.Join us as Omar travels the Land of the Rising Sun, and shares the lessons he’s picking up along the way. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The best email campaign in the world won’t help your business if no one reads it. So how can you make sure people actually see what you’re saying (without misleading subject lines, that is)?Today, we offer a few very specific answers.In both of our businesses, we’ve had ups and downs in our open rates. Along the way, we’ve discovered some moves that work. In this episode, we’ll share 4 things that reliably moved the needle for us. The best part? It’s not the elaborate or overly technical stuff that does the trick. It’s the simple, best-practice, tried-and-true methods that get results. From copywriting without sounding like a copywriter, to basic list hygiene, to storytelling, you don’t need a PhD in email to be heard.Learn what you can do to get real, useful engagement with your emails — and watch your leads and sales grow as a result. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

YouTube: it’s one heckuva revenue-generator for anyone making video content. But how much can you really expect to bring in? And how can you optimize your approach to earn the most?Today, we unpack how to monetize your YouTube channel.Yes, we’ll discuss the ad revenue model — but it’s not the only way to get paid for YouTubing. In this episode, we’ll explore a few ways to turn videos into profit, and how some of the best YouTubers out there make their living.We’ll dive deep into exactly how popular your videos need to be before they can really generate income, and why YouTube is such a gold mine, especially compared to other content platforms like blogs and social media. …assuming, of course, that you’re doing it right.We did the research, you get the strategies. Learn how to approach YouTube with profit in mind, and get the most out of the content you put so much work into. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Customer Support should never be a secondary concern — it’s a selling point, and key to fighting churn. But a listener wants to know: how much Support can you expect your team to offer? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and our listener has more Support requests than the current (single) Support agent can handle. Is it because there are more requests than any one person can deal with? Or is it because this one person isn’t measuring up?And how the heck can you tell, either way?Fortunately, we’ve got a lot of experience in this arena. We’ve always prioritized Support in our own software company. It was our theory from the start that quickly resolving hiccups would create more customer loyalty than anything else. Today, we discuss what can reasonably be expected of a Customer Support agent, how to measure their performance, and what to do if someone on the team isn’t making the grade. We share a formula for calculating the number of requests or tickets each agent should be able to tackle in a day, and offer remedial actions you can take before looking for a replacement. Learn how to make your Support Team one of your most valuable assets — Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Urgency sells. But nothing turns people off like fake urgency (y’know, like those furniture stores that’ve been “going out of business” for the last 20 years). So how can you get folks to “buy now” without sounding full of it?The answer: deadline funnels.Deadline funnels are an automated way to create individualized timed special offers — emphasis on “timed.” The lead engages with your content, and the clock starts ticking. If they don’t buy…they really do miss out on the offer.At best, it helps you make a sale, and gets your new customer the best deal. At worst, it shows your audience that “last chance” really means “last chance.” Today, we discuss what deadline funnels are, how they work, and what tools help you set them up. We’ll share examples from our own business — which has benefited immensely from deadline funnels. Learn all you need to know about this incredible sales strategy. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Don’t settle for success. Build a business you’re over the moon about! Today, we sit down with someone who did exactly that: Majik Media’s Bradley T. Morris.Bradley built the life of his dreams — which mostly involves adventures, night golf, and co-creating products with Majik Kids with his 6-year-old son — by staying true to what really made him tick (and ditching the rest). He even gave up social media, just because it’s not a good vibe. And that decision has in no way harmed his considerable success.In this episode, Bradley joins Omar for a good long talk about prioritizing what matters, and building your business around that. It may seem idealistic, but Bradley’s experience demonstrates that if you’re sincere in what you’re trying to create, the right people will pay for it. Take some life and business lessons from a serial entrepreneur who’s doing things his own way. Then ask yourself: what’s your own way? Have the courage to answer honestly, and nothing can stop you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is your business a lifetime commitment — or a way out? Today we explore the difference between “lifestyle” businesses and businesses designed for (eventual) sale. Which one are you building? Thing is, you need to answer that question, like yesterday. Because the way you build and run your business will differ wildly depending on what your endgame is. “Lifestyle” businesses are all yours. You’re going to do it for as long as possible, maybe for the rest of your working life. Because of that, you don’t have to do anything with an eventual sale (or the eventual buyers) in mind. But if you’re dreaming of a nice exit, you need to make sure your business is something you can market. That means everything from ensuring there’s more room to grow, to making sure the branding, processes, and systems don’t depend too much on…well, you.Are you building a business to have money, or a job you love? All things come to an end, and it’s never too soon to start thinking about how your time with your business wraps up. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recession anyone? Sooner or later, a rainy day comes. But with a little planning ahead, you can thrive in the rain. Today, we explain how the current economic moment is the perfect example of why you need a war chest. When the economy slows and interest rates rise, it becomes much more expensive to borrow the cash you need to invest in your business…unless you borrow it from yourself, that is. And while you’re not likely to have pockets as deep as the bank’s, you might be surprised at what you can save.It’s all about making saving a consistent habit.Today, we explain how utterly necessary a substantial savings account is for an independent business. We’ll also share tips on how to make saving easier, by building it into your whole business model. This way, you can ride out a recession with less financial damage to your bottom line.Learn why it’s time to start saving — and how to do so effectively. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you using social media, or is it using you? Today, we share tried-and-true strategies for using these addictive platforms strategically — not mindlessly.Facebook, Insta, and the rest can be incredibly valuable tools. But they don’t exist to serve your business. They exist to serve their own. If you’re not careful, you can end up investing your time and energy into something that benefits Zuckerberg and Musk more than it benefits you.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one of our listeners has seen the light. They know that social media is sucking them in on a daily basis. But quitting it altogether wouldn’t be good business. So what’s an easily-distracted entrepreneur to do?You don’t have to give up social media to avoid its pitfalls. In this episode, you’ll learn a few simple tricks that allow you to do your marketing, reach your audience, and get back to the real world. We also share tools that make it easier. Think of social media like fire: undeniably beneficial, but dangerous if it gets out of control. Learn how to manage it effectively — Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nothing stays the same forever — not if it’s going to grow.That’s true for your team, too. If your team isn’t getting better, it’s stagnating. Which means your business is stagnating. Which means your business is dying.So how do you stop this from happening? How do you keep your team out of a rut?At some point, you’ll probably have to replace some people. You can’t let fear of change (or potential confrontation) stop you from helping your business thrive. But here’s the good news: sometimes you can “replace” someone with themselves — if they’re willing to evolve. Today, we share a little exercise that will help you see who’s truly making the grade for your business. Once you’re clear on who makes the cut and who doesn’t, it’s time to take the necessary steps to bring everyone up to scratch. You can’t always predict who will grow with your company, but one thing is for sure: stasis is never good for business. Learn how to see what needs changing. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You have a great idea for a product.But you don’t have the time, resources, or know-how to bring it to life.No problem.Today’s guest teacher, Stephen Key, knows all there is to know about “open innovation” — allowing other companies to license your idea and bring it to market. They take the risk. They do the work. You reap the benefits. It’s a win-win!Of course, you have to do some legwork first.In this episode, Stephen will walk you through the process of securing the rights to your idea, and shopping it around to the right kinds of companies. We always preach that execution is just as important as ideas. But with open innovation, you can outsource the execution in just a few steps.If you’re busy with another business, or simply don’t have the option of bringing your idea to market, this might be the best alternative. There’s one way to find out: learn how the process works, and see if your big idea is a good fit. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Competition is a good thing — if you know how to use it.We often think it’d be great to be the only one selling what we’re selling. But if that were true, it wouldn’t be an awesome sign re: consumer demand. So instead of being afraid of the competition, let’s turn it to our advantage!In this episode, we’ll share a few ways.With examples from famous brands and our own businesses, we’ll explore how companies that are willing to stand side-by-side with the alternatives win. The key is to understand that a competitor is something invaluable for marketing: a basis of comparison.Your job is simply to make that comparison an informative (and favorable) one.Learn how different brands have done wonders for their sales by shining a light on what customers could buy instead. When you believe in your product — and more appropriately, your product’s market fit — the truth will set you free. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes the simplest tricks have the most dramatic results.Case in point: The Rule of 3.Human brain psychology 101 teaches us that people are selective about what goes into their memories. If it’s not easily understandable, digestible, and recallable, our brains won’t make space for it. But with the right structure and rhythm, almost anything can find a place on the “top shelf” of our minds.That includes marketing and sales material.Today, we explore how dividing things — everything, really — into threes is an almost magic hack for getting better results from marketing and sales assets. We’ll explain how it works, why it works, and how we use it. For an example, look how many times we did it in this podcast summary. Go ahead, we’ll wait…Learn how to apply the magic number to any business asset, from copy and content to ads and offers. It’s the best way to get (clear) information into your audience’s heads, and keep it there long enough to inspire action. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How much time off is too much? Or is there any such thing as too much?In an era of high employment and the ‘Great Resignation,’ it can be tough to make your company the place to be for the most talented and dedicated employees. One benefit some startups have tried sounds a little extreme, but it’s a thing: unlimited leave. The question: does that really work out?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a small software startup who wants to scale up. They’re considering a no-limits time-off policy, but they’re hesitant.Will anyone show up to work? Will this attract the best, or the laziest? Will the current team slap permanent “brb” signs on their desks?As it turns out, the downside of unlimited leave isn't what you’d expect. In fact, it’s kinda the opposite.Today, we explore how this controversial policy has worked out for other companies. Plus, we’ll share our own leave policy, and how we arrived at it. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live events are back — but that doesn’t mean things are exactly the way they used to be. From a small meetup to a major conference, the way you plan and execute a live event might need some adjusting. Attitudes, expectations, and realities have changed drastically in the last few years.As in all things business, those who fail to evolve get left behind.Today, we’ll explore 5 things that can totally derail your next live event, if you’re not careful to avoid them. We’ll explain what’s changed and why, how potential attendees have different standards now, and how to host an event that actually gets the results you want.Throw out the old playbook, and break out your notebook. It’s time to plan events for the new context, so that everyone who attends walks away with the value they came for — and you walk away with greater authority and credibility, along with the gratitude of your audience. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fact: No matter what you do, you will never scale your business.Your team will.That’s what scaling is: growing your business beyond what any one person can accomplish on their own. Which means that one of the most important keys to scaling is assembling the right crew.Today’s guest teacher knows a thing or two about that. In fact, he scaled his way up from solopreneurship to a team of over a hundred — and a $30 million ext. Today, Alvin Poh is here to explain how he built the team that took his company from startup to scale-up and beyond.In this episode, Poh will share his “MMA” framework for building your dream team. He’ll share what many businesses get wrong about the team-building process, and what you can do to make sure you’re creating a culture that brings out the best in every employee. Learn what it really takes to get to the next level, in the only way that really works: together. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are lots of ways to share what you know.But one is the most complete, comprehensive, and effective: live courses.They’re the closest thing to teaching someone in person. More intimate than a blog post or YouTube video, more in-depth than a webinar, the live course is the ultimate way to sell your unique knowledge and experience.Today, we’ll explain how that’s easily worth $10k per month.We’ll share the three basic steps to creating, marketing, and selling a killer live course. If you’re intimidated by the thought — don’t be! You might be surprised how easy it is, especially with one particular tool we’ll discuss.Plus, we’ll explain why live courses get better results (and are therefore worth more) than other modes of online teaching and training. If you’re thinking about monetizing your knowledge with a live course, start with this episode. Get the overview of how you can pull it off, plus find out where to get even more in-depth training — with us! Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s not that you won’t like it.It’s that you might find it confusing, or hard to believe. But it’s true.Also — despite being an answer of sorts — it raises some questions. But if you implement this one very basic principle, you’ll see results. We have. Other entrepreneurs we’ve worked with and coached have. But it can take time.This isn’t some ancient secret or a newfangled “hack” sweeping the Internet. It’s basic, bare-bones, tried-and-true business reality. It’s worked for everyone from the first street vendor to the kings of Silicon Valley. And it requires you to embrace one of our favorite maxims: “simple” doesn’t mean “easy.”And yes, this truth is true no matter what kind of business or market you’re in.Curious yet? Tune in, and hear this extremely straightforward (and extremely valuable) bit of wisdom. But remember: understanding it is one thing. But like everything in business, the key is execution. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Success isn’t a matter of size.In fact, you can make a decent profit with even a small audience — if you know how to monetize it.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping a fellow podcaster figure out how to generate revenue. Our listener has their own podcast audience of about 500. Not massive, but not anything to sneeze at either. Is that a big enough crowd to attract some podcast sponsors? If not, then what?Today, we’ll explore how even the most niche audience can be a gold mine.We’ll discuss different ways to monetize a podcast, including (but definitely not limited to) scoring sponsorships. Wherever even a small number of people are consistently showing up for your expertise, there’s opportunity.Learn how even a modest following can be the foundation of a great business. If 500 people consistently want to hear what you have to say, you know something worth paying for. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

YouTube: it’s the top platform for online content consumption, by a mile.With millions of eyeballs watching countless hours of video each day, entrepreneurs are scrambling to establish a YouTube presence. And for good reason — with so many potential customers on the platform, the potential for reaching your target audience and building a strong brand is huge. But with so much competition, it can be tough to stand out. That’s why on today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of YouTube, and giving you the tools you need to launch your channel and build a loyal following. From finding your niche, to creating content that resonates with your potential leads, we’ve got you covered. Plus, you’ll hear real-world examples of entrepreneurs who’ve nailed it. If you’re thinking of starting your own YouTube channel, this episode is a must-listen. We’ll give you the tips, tricks, and strategies you need to make your channel a success. Tune in, and let’s start building your YouTube empire!Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Not everything in every “Must Read” is a…must.But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something valuable from it.Today we tackle Expert Secrets by one of the most influential personalities in entrepreneurship: Russell Brunson. In this book, Brunson teaches you how to position yourself as an expert in your field and build a strong following. It’s a comprehensive guide to creating a “tribe,” and turning expertise into revenue.We liked most of it.The rest of it was still worth reading! Brunson’s hard-won expertise as an authority-builder and knowledge-monetizer is unquestionable. And while Omar has a different (but equally hard-won) philosophy around generating sales, it’s more a matter of preference than “right” or “wrong.”Hear what makes this book worth your time, which bits we filed under “meh,” and you can benefit from a renowned thought leader’s wisdom. Click Play!Expert Secrets by Russell BrunsonDiscover all our must-read book reviews at https://100mba.net/bookreviews.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You have a product. You have an email list.What now?A simple “Hey [name], this thing is for sale” won’t do the trick. To get results from email campaigns, you need to do more than just sell. You need to engage.Today, we share the ingredients for an effective email campaign — based on months of research and our years of experience. These are the tactics and strategies that have worked for us. It’s a dense episode, but here’s the short version: your emails have to be valuable in and of themselves.Obviously, there are more details to that.Before your next launch or sales event, break out the notepad and give this guide a listen. You can use your email list to connect with and convert customers, all without making anyone feel spammed. It’s just a matter of communication.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.