The $100 MBA Show

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.

When profit margins are thin, your business isn’t safe.Yet even when we know the numbers aren’t good, entrepreneurs are often afraid to do what it takes to get deeper into the black.That’s because we don’t realize something important: your profits don’t have to come at the expense of your customers. You can always increase the distance between what you spend and what you bring in — without alienating anyone.Today, we discuss how.In this episode, we’ll share how widening profit margins isn’t simply about charging more. With a little creativity, you can find ways to get more out of your existing business. A well-rounded business can always create value. And value creates profit. If your margins are looking a little skinny, this is the episode for 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.

More and more, what you sell isn’t the only thing you’re selling.You’re also selling you.People gravitate to brands they can identify with — which usually means brands associated with people they identify with. Sometimes, it’s sponsors or their fellow customers. But just as often, it’s the founder.But what if you’re not much of a…personality?The short answer is: you are, even if you think you’re not. Today, we help a fellow entrepreneur who knows they have to personify their brand, but isn’t confident the audience will love who they see. But of course, that’s all a matter of perspective.The key is to find ways to share yourself effectively — even if it means getting a little uncomfortable.In fact, by putting yourself in uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations, you’ll become even more interesting than you already are! In this episode, we’ll discuss a variety of ways to crack open the shell of your personality, and let it shine.Best of all, this does not mean being fake or creating a false persona. It’s all about embracing and sharing the value that is you. 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 first hill tends to be the steepest.…or at least it can feel that way. When it comes to assembling a solid email list, getting from nothing to something can seem daunting.But with a few simple tactics, you can build that foundation.The best part? One thousand subscribers is enough to generate a full-time income, depending on what you sell. So doing some extra work in the beginning is a no-brainer investment into the future of your business. A little sweat now creates momentum that can pay off later.So how is it done? What are the moves?That’s what today’s episode is all about. We’ll share a few accessible, cost-effective ways to rake in those email addresses. Then, it’s up to you to convert.For all the power of other marketing channels, email remains King. You just have to give yourself a solid launchpad. 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.

For entrepreneurs (and humans in general), nothing is more valuable than time. But too often, we trade our time for money — or the promise of money.Entrepreneurs especially feel like your level of success is directly aligned to how much time you spend working. This. Is. False. In fact, the best thing you can do for your company and yourself is to take back as much time as possible.Omar learned this from his former business coach, SaaS-scaling legend Dan Martell.Today, Omar and Dan sit down to discuss why trading money for time is actually the best strategy for growing and scaling a business to its full potential. It also doesn’t hurt that having more time makes you healthier and happier, too.Hear this extended conversation between teacher and student, and learn why time isn’t the price of entrepreneurship — it’s the reward. Click Play!How to Buy Back Your Time by Dan MartelSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 a general rule, people don’t do what they don’t want to do.…even when they should.It’s not that we’re lazy, or not committed. It’s that we fail to proactively strategize, to paint ourselves into the corners where we’re forced to follow through on our goals. It sounds simple. But then…why don’t we all do it?Today, we’ll share a few tried-and-true ways to set yourself up for success. By employing some external factors in addition to your internal discipline, you can hit the “sweet spot” of pushing yourself while being pushed *just enough* by forces outside your control.If you don’t manage the forces outside your control, and enlist them in keeping you on track, they’ll come for you anyway — and you won’t like the results.Hear our simple strategies, and see what you can do about being a better boss to yourself. 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.

Overwhelmed? The problem might not be you.There’s an entire industry of content, influence, and promises regarding productivity. But what if that’s tackling the problem backwards? What if maximizing your ability to blast through ToDo lists is missing a key element?We think that’s the case.Today, Omar shares a straightforward but potentially game-changing “secret” to productivity. But really, it’s not so secret at all. It’s an application of good ol’ Occam’s razor: the principle that the simplest explanation for a problem is usually the correct one.Hear why you’re probably having trouble getting it all accomplished — and why you really shouldn’t beat yourself up about 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.

Online entrepreneurship is perfect for creative introverts.You get to work by yourself, limit distractions, and subtract the anxiety that comes with office politics and social drama.…but that approach can leave you isolated, personally and professionally.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s living the ideal introvert lifestyle: a blogger based in Fiji. How can you beat that? But like many introverts discover, the cost of not having a network can be high. No entrepreneur is an island — even if you live on a beautiful one.So what’s a talented loner to do?Today, we share a few ways anyone — even the most introverted — can safely, confidently put themselves out there and make some connections. From online networking to getting to know people IRL, there’s always a way to introduce yourself.Learn how to make the social effort necessary to create a network, and make the effort count. 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.

They seemed great when you hired them.But then…Why do some employees fail to measure up? Often, we think it’s because something is wrong with our hiring process. But realistically, it’s more likely to be what happens after the hire.Today, we discuss how to set and maintain expectations for employees in a constructive way. That doesn’t mean being heavy-handed, authoritarian, or micro-managing. It means communicating and following through on exactly what you need from them.We’ll share exactly how we keep our team up to snuff, mostly by defining “snuff” clearly and helping them correct course when necessary. The good news is that pretty much everyone wants to do a good job. But it’s on the founders to show them how.Learn from our experience. Discover why some team members flake after a while, and why better management — not better employees — is the answer. 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 more specific your marketing is to your leads, the better it’ll work.Hence, quizzes.Gen Furukawa is the cofounder of Prehook, a company that helps ecommerce businesses create interactive quiz funnels to drive leads and sales. By engaging with website visitors in a 2-way conversation, you can gather the data that makes marketing more personal.And of course, more personal means more effective.In this guest lesson, Gen will explain exactly how quizzes super-charge sales. But just as importantly, he’ll share how quizzes gather “zero-party data” — the perfect alternative to data from outside platforms like Facebook or Google.Form your own relationship with website visitors, whether it’s for ecommerce or another kind of product. Best of all, do it without relying on the increasingly controversial (and increasingly less effective) method of paying outside data-farmers. 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 influencers agree: the key to success is tackling the day like it just ran off with your grandma’s purse.…but is it really?The high-powered morning routine is the latest craze, and one of the hottest topics of content on life and business optimization. But today, we dare to ask: does it even make a difference? Will your business thrive if you never miss your morning journaling/meditation/powerlifting/cold plunge session?Our answer might surprise you.Explore what really moves the needles of success, and what role the things you do before breakfast actually plays in your business growth. Take a moment to question the conventional wisdom with us, consider our answer, and formulate your own.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.

Feeling stuck in your business?That’s not to say you’re not doing ok financially. But every so often, a business can lose the…magic.You feel bored, unmotivated, maybe even depressed. You go through the motions, joylessly. Running your business has become the thing that you became an entrepreneur to escape: just another job.You’re not alone, and you’re probably fine.In fact, your business is probably fine. In our experience (and others’), we have these feelings because we’ve hit a personal plateau — a mental, emotional, even spiritual rut. Before you decide to do something drastic, like sell the business, take a step back and listen to this episode.Today, we’ll discuss the reasons we lose love for our creations, and how to approach the problem from an unexpected angle. We’ll share a list of ways you can shake things up, get out of your head, and determine once and for all if you really need a new start.Get excited to run your business again. Alter your course without going off the rails. 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 long is too long to request a refund? It’s an important question, especially for small businesses. To grow, you have to be able to rely on steady, predictable revenue. And revenue that suddenly reverses can throw your metrics out of whack. But on the other hand…Risk reversal is one of the most powerful selling tools you have. When customers feel like they’re truly guaranteed satisfaction, you earn trust. And trust means sales. Every day a customer knows they can change their mind equals a little peace of mind.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who sells online courses with a 30-day guarantee. But is that enough? More importantly, would pushing it to 60 or 90 days be a net positive for the business, or a risk that’s just not worth taking?Hear our advice, and ask yourself if it’s time to give your customers a little more leeway. 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.

2022 was…something alright. So what fresh challenges and opportunities can we expect this year?We’ve got a few (educated) guesses. Today, Omar shares what’s most likely to define 2023, based on his borderline-obsessive reflection and study of small business trends. From post-COVID adjustments to workplace culture to the surprise advantages most people will miss, these predictions can keep you ahead of the curve.They might not all pan out — but the smart money says at least some of them will. Take a good long look down the road, and see if you can adjust your expectations and strategies to meet what’s (probably) coming.We’ll explain what’s likely to happen, why it’s likely, and how to make sure you’re ready to capitalize. 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 all have monsters.Maybe you call them “demons,” or just plain old insecurities. Whatever the name, they’re the things that make us make poor decisions out of fear, doubt, or simple habit. Today, we review a book from someone who’s had to face their monsters down. And somehow, it’s…hilarious.Leave it to Kevin Hart, the comedian who survived a serious accident and came out a little wiser — but no less funny. In Monsters and How to Tame Them, Hart puts a name to common reasons we fail ourselves (e.g., the Approval Monster, Comparison Monster, etc.), and shares how he managed to put those little suckers in their place.Join us for a review of this excellent read, and Omar’s personal experience with the syndromes Hart identifies. Don’t let the monsters take the wheel! Click Play!Monsters and How to Tame Them by Kevin Hart (Audible Exclusive)Discover 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.

So you need traffic…but you don’t have much cash to throw around.No problem!As a lean startup, we regularly experiment with low-to-no-cost ways of driving consumers to our website. Today, we share a few we’ve heard about, researched, and even tried ourselves.Always remember that paid ads can get eyeballs on your content and other assets — but not necessarily the eyeballs you want. For small businesses especially, the quality of traffic matters way way more than the quantity.The tips we share today are all about attracting the right kind of audience: the kind that’s most likely to convert.Hear what methods got us most interested recently, and which ones produced results for our companies. When it comes to driving traffic and generating leads, creativity is a much stronger asset than deep pockets. Click Play!Free Lead Magnet TemplatesSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 do a million things for your business.…or you can do just one, really well.There’s a simple strategy that can boost almost any business, in the medium term. It doesn’t matter what you sell, who your audience is, or what size business you have. It doesn’t require expensive tools, or super-advanced specialized knowledge.But it’s not exactly easy.This move is low on complexity, but requires consistency. If you do it all year, the effects are almost guaranteed to come — slowly but surely. By investing some time and effort (and most importantly, effort over time), it’s pretty hard not to end up in a better place than where you started. Today, we share this strategy, one that Omar learned from a (very successful) entrepreneur years ago. Learn what it is, how to apply it, and why it’s counter to so much of the typical growth advice out there. Then, see if you’re up for the challenge. 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 easy to grow an email list……when you have lots of money to blow on paid lead captures.But for the rest of us, building a solid list takes time, work, and creativity. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener figure out how to rake in the email addresses without sinking too much cash into the project. The good news? There are lots of ways.Early on, we generated our own initial leads the old-fashioned ways: tried-and-true methods based on content, SEO, and more. Even today, we keep the paid marketing to a minimum, and focus on getting our leads organically. The result is that we don’t just spend less on capturing email addresses — we capture the addresses of people who are more likely to convert.In this episode, we share short and long-term methods for building an organic following, and getting into their inboxes. You can do this, and you don’t have to part with too much of your hard-earned revenue to make it happen. 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.

What is your business really offering people?We’ve all heard the “benefits over features” lecture, where you do your best to communicate what consumers get out of your product. But there’s a bigger picture — and it can compel people even more effectively.It’s all about your vision.Identifying and communicating your vision isn’t some exercise in self-importance. It’s a way to show your audience that when they use your product or service, they’re not just getting a problem solved. They’re investing in a better future, for themselves and others.If it sounds a little emotional, remember the #1 rule of marketing and sales: people don’t put aside emotion to make logical decisions. They make emotional decisions they can justify logically.Today, we explore how visions, articulated well, inspire more action than most people realize. When you have a vision, your customers aren’t just customers — they’re part of a movement. 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.

Your sponsorship “packages” might be costing you sponsors.Sponsorships are one of the best ways to monetize your brand and content. But as entrepreneurs who “work smarter not harder,” many of us approach sponsorships way too…passively.Today’s guest has a better idea.Justin Moore is a classic self-made entrepreneur with a unique specialty: helping other entrepreneurs get the best possible sponsorship deals. In this extended conversation, Justin and Omar explore why one-size-fits-all and “choose your package” models of sponsorship are too oversimplified. To really make yourself attractive to sponsors, you have to start with what they need — not with what you’re willing to offer. Sit back and enjoy this long-form lesson. It just might unlock a world of opportunities to monetize your brand. Click Play!Creator WizardSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Hate your day job? Is your own business stagnating? Are you feeling powerless? Sad? Angry?Good.When it gets bad enough, you have one of the greatest advantages an entrepreneur can have: motivation that outranks your fear.Today, we discuss how to use a rock-bottom low point in your professional life as a launching pad for independence. Omar will share how all the success we’ve built with The $100 MBA and our software company started with a bad day — the day he was passed over for a promotion. That slap in the face hurt. It was also a tipping point, and proof that your worst moment can take the shape of an open door.Learn how to reframe failures, frustrations, and unfair treatment. Use the most uncomfortable feelings you experience as fuel for change. Embrace the pain, and turn it into gain. 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’s a magic to the number 10,000.For an entrepreneur, $10k in monthly profit represents the moment you’re no longer trying to achieve independence — you have it.So why is it so hard to get to?The journey to 10k is likely the steepest hill you’ll have to climb on the way to success. That hill tends to weed out most would-be entrepreneurs, leaving only the ones who can truly make it. Today, we’ll discuss the common challenges that end so many people’s dreams, and how to navigate them.Plus, we’ll share the business model that makes $10k/month much, much more attainable.The best part: the way to 10k isn’t only about hussle. It’s about working smarter, and setting yourself up to reinvest so that $10k is only the beginning. Think long term, and make sure your hard work has the biggest ROI possible. With the right roadmap, you can make 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.

Every entrepreneur’s mantra should be this:“I can only do so much.”Starting and running a business is never easy — but there’s a line between “not easy” and detrimental to your health. Moreover, working too hard for too long is simply, objectively unsustainable. For anyone.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who runs a business that’s doing ok, but only as long as the founder keeps the candle burning at both ends. The breaking point is on the horizon, but our listener is convinced that taking a breather will spell disaster.We’re not so sure about that.In this episode, we explain why taking on too much isn’t just bad for you personally. It’s bad for your business. We’ll explore strategies to diagnose why you might be overworked, and steps you can take to lighten the load.Don’t sacrifice your ability to run your business by running your business too hard. 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.

Google is a fickle master.Your traffic depends on your content’s ability to rank. For better or worse, Google is the #1 search engine, which means SEO (Search Engine Optimization) basically means appeasing Google, whatever it takes.…and what appeases Google changes all the time.In its effort to bring people the best results (and keep up with SEO pros trying to game the system), Google makes regular adjustments to the algorithm that determines where your website shows up in the search results.If you want traffic, you have to stay on top of the latest changes. Otherwise, you risk the “slap.”Today, we explain what happens when Google makes a change that suddenly drops your site down the rankings like a ton of bowling balls. More importantly, we discuss what to do about it, and how to know when it’s time to take action.SEO isn’t a once-and-done thing. It’s a full-time job. 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’s writing, and then there’s writing well.Every form of communication in business requires a solid handle on the written word. From marketing and sales copy to public talks to pitches, if you can’t write it, you can’t share it.William Zinsser’s On Writing Well is different from our other recent Must-Read (Stephen King’s On Writing). It’s strictly about non-fiction! The strategies in this book are perfect for your blog, email campaigns, and everything else you’ll write in order to move your business forward.More importantly, it teaches you how to get in the headspace of a good writer. Writing well isn’t just a process — it’s a skill.Like any other skill, you get better with consistent habits that build your prowess over time. This book can show you exactly how. Even if you’re not a professional copywriter, you will be empowered as an entrepreneur if you put in the effort to get competent.You might not write a best-seller, but you won’t regret giving yourself one of the most valuable skills possible. Click Play!On Writing Well by William ZinsserDiscover 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.

For a business, social proof is everything.There’s no better marketer or salesperson than a happy customer with an honest recommendation. A great testimonial or case study is worth a thousand paid ads, conversion-wise. But of course, getting that social proof can be laborious, awkward, and time-consuming. …but it doesn’t have to be.Today, we share our system for getting loads of social proof the smart way: through automation. By setting up a simple system, you can take a “set it and forget it” approach to generating all the kind words you’ll ever need. It doesn’t waste your time or the customer’s, and it works!Hear our system, and apply to it your own business. No matter how hard we work, there’s a limit to how much trust we can earn from the market by ourselves. But by enlisting people who can see your product from a user perspective, you can 10x the effectiveness of every campaign. Turn the genuine satisfaction your customers feel into leads and sales — without breaking a sweat. 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 are your skills worth?To a conventional employer, they’re worth an average salary. But to yourself as an entrepreneur, their worth is limitless. Your knowledge and abilities are the foundation of your business — which means every dime you spend on learning more is an investment.Of course, that’s the simple answer.Here’s where it gets complex: what kinds of skills should you invest in? How much of your revenue is appropriate to part with? Should you develop your strengths, or address your weaknesses? What does a smart entrepreneur’s self-improvement budget look like?Today, Omar shares his personal approach to professional development spending. As someone who runs multiple self-funded businesses, he’s not someone to spend money carelessly. Every course, coach, book, and conference needs to produce a worthwhile return, or the businesses suffer.Learn what you should look for in professional development opportunities, and how to set a budget that doesn’t make you anxious. Invest in yourself, and get your money’s worth. 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.

Conferences can be worth their weight in gold.But how can you tell?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a business in its infancy. Their YouTube following is impressive, and they’re wondering if it’s a smart move to spend $4k to attend a conference that could help them better monetize it.Thing is, at this stage in the business, $4k is nothing to sneeze at, budget-wise. Is it a wise investment, or a reckless gamble?Today, Omar shares his personal experience as a new entrepreneur in that exact situation. In the early days of The $100 MBA, a conference that cost half as much was a daunting idea. Ultimately, we attended one anyway — and couldn’t be happier with the result.Of course, not all conferences are the same. Hear what really makes a conference valuable (hint: it’s not always the presentations), and how much of your revenue is really worth sinking into something that doesn’t guarantee success. 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.

At any stage of entrepreneurship, indecision can kill your business.Whether you’re just starting out, or making higher-stakes calls at an established company, not deciding something can be the worst decision possible. And consistently avoiding decisions is almost a guarantee of stagnation at best, and failure at worst.Fact is, in the long term “analysis paralysis” hurts businesses just as much as incorrect decisions do.Today, we discuss what’s really behind indecision, and its roots in our subconscious. We’ll explore how our brains lie to us in order to protect our egos from risk — and what we can do to see the truth. Once you understand the price of indecision in terms of opportunity cost, you’ll start to see hesitation as the enemy, not the answer.And of course, Omar will share his personal method for making timely, confident decisions. Stop holding yourself back! Learn one of the most important skills an entrepreneur can develop. 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 pay for ads. But organic traffic is (literally) priceless.The ROI on paid marketing and advertising grows more and more questionable, especially as moves like Apple’s tracking opt-outs make consumers more savvy, and less susceptible. But you know what consumers don’t mind? Actively choosing what they engage with.All you have to do is offer genuinely good reasons to engage with your brand — and make sure Google sees what you’re doing.John Murphy realized that when it came to generating traffic for his ecommerce business, paid ads weren’t worth the budget. So he dedicated himself to learning the most effective ways to bring people in the organic way: good ol’ Search Engine Optimization.Today, John shares the 3 most important principles he’s learned to boost SEO. By applying these tactics, he was able to get the traffic he needed without hurting his bottom line — and so can you.Hear how any business can bring thousands of visitors their way, by sticking to the tried-and-true principles of organic marketing. 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 you’re ready for outside investment.…or are you?The decision to take on someone else’s money is a huge one. If you’re going to sacrifice some autonomy, and ask someone to risk their capital, you have to know exactly what your goals are — and what your business is realistically capable of.And of course, you need to know how much scratch you’re asking for.Today, we discuss the complex factors involved in making this calculation, and how to know if your startup is ready. By making a thoughtful assessment of what your company can become, and how long it will take, you can seek the funding you really need — and give your investors the best ROI.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 your email list is dead, your business may not be far behind.As the Internet continues to bombard consumers from every angle, earning a special place in someone’s inbox is the key to maintaining a relationship. So when the open and click rates are in a freefall, it’s critical to do something to reawaken engagement with your newsletter.So what can you do? How can you bring back a dormant newsletter?Today, we share exactly how. We’ve had our own newsletter-refreshes from time to time, and we’ve learned a few key tactics to make it successful. From new ways of delivering your newsletter, to helpful tools and tips that can assist you in writing great copy, we’ll discuss all the ways you can breathe new life into your email marketing. Stop the unsubs, get out of the ‘Promotions’ tab, and reconnect with your leads. 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.