The $100 MBA Show

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.

For many businesses, the year-end holiday season is a slow period.…but does that mean your business should slow (or stop) its marketing efforts?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one of our listeners is wondering whether they should pump the brakes on marketing ‘till the new year. It’s not an unreasonable question; the holidays are busy, and consumers might be less inclined to engage with any of the zillion holiday marketing messages headed their way.However, every slow period is an opportunity to work on things you can’t during the rest of the year.There’s also the question of long-term marketing investments, as opposed to sales. Today, we explain why the quietest times of the year are a perfect time to gain some ground — even if it doesn’t pay off immediately. Make the best use of your time and marketing budget during the holidays, and the results might just surprise you in 2023. 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’s the marketing value of a Facebook group?With all of Zuckerberg and Meta’s stumbles — and Apple’s undercutting of Facebook ads with its tracking opt-out policy — you might think Facebook is an empire in decline. But that’s not the whole story.There’s still a place for Facebook in your marketing, and Groups is probably it.Today, we discuss how Facebook’s struggles in some areas make Groups a uniquely valuable marketing (and even sales) channel. We’ll explain exactly how to use Groups to the fullest, and why it may be the most “organic” way to use the platform.Could Groups keep Facebook relevant? 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.

Some tools are so good, we can’t keep it to ourselves.They’re not sponsors. We’re not affiliates. In fact, this tool is free — and it’s causing tsunami-sized waves across the Internet.It’s called OpenAI, specifically its GPT-3 writing platform. Content and copy written by a bot, you say? Sounds like a recipe for disaster…except it isn’t. The good folks at OpenAI have finally cracked a way for artificial intelligence to write coherent copy (and code).No, it can’t replace human writers yet (not the good ones, anyway). But it can make writing a whole lot easier for busy entrepreneurs.Hear what makes this tool so incredible, and how we’ve experimented with it. Like most fancy tech, it’s not about what it can do instead of humans; it’s about what humans can do with it. Click Play!OpenAISUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 habits really make a difference?There’s no shortage of tips, tricks, and hacks on the Internet, promising that if just do this, everything will improve. Some of it is legitimately game-changing, and some of it is clickbait and content fluff. At the end of the day, all we can trust is our experience — so Omar’s sharing his.The habits we share today worked for Omar, and they might just work for you.By experimenting with a few ideas, Omar saw measurable change in the business. Not all of these habits are overtly business tactics, but all three made a substantive difference in his ability to lead our twin companies, and generate better results from our team.Find out what practices can — if you’re consistent — have a real and lasting impact on your personal and professional life as an 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.

It’s that time of year!Time to reflect, assess how we did in 2022, and look ahead to our goals for 2023.But having goals is one thing; actually achieving them is another. What’s the difference between companies (and people) who meet their goals, and those who don’t? We think it comes down to one thing — yes, one thing.Today, we share a single strategy that undeniably works, no matter what else you do.It’s a trick from the early days of Facebook, credited by many with Facebook’s incredible initial growth. It might surprise you, but it will also make all the sense in the world. Stick with this strategy, and execute it well, and you’re likely to hit 2024 with your 2023 goals already in the bag.Before you start outlining your goals for the coming year, learn this strategy first. Ready to hear what it is? 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.

Email marketing still works better than almost anything else — but only if people get your emails.There are a million ways to get someone’s email address, but they don’t work as well as they used to. Consumers are understandably wary of junk emails clogging their inbox. So what still works? What gets people to sign up (and actually open your emails, too)?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with an e-commerce store who wants to build a bigger, better email list.However, the advice in today’s episode doesn’t only apply to e-commerce. While some of the strategies we share here are e-commerce-specific, many of the things that really grow your list are universal. In this episode, we share the moves that work best.Hear our favorite strategies for getting into the inbox, and get ready to have an email list capable of sustaining your business.As they say, “the money’s in the list.” 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.

We’ve all had that “Just take my money!” feeling about a product or service.It happens when what’s being offered is…perfect.Perfect for your needs, perfect for the price, and perfectly explained in its features and benefits. Best of all, we tend to tell our friends, family, and colleagues all about that kind of product.So how do you come up with something like that? How can you get a “Hell Yeah” from the consumers in your market?Today, we explore what makes some products so absurdly sellable. We’re talking no-questions, no-brainer decisions where the product practically sells itself. We’ll discuss a few common elements that every “Hell Yeah” product has, including the marketing approach.With examples from businesses big and small, this episode is your roadmap to creating something irresistible.Learn why some products really never have to be “sold.” 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 hard is selling, anyway?No matter what kind of experience you have in sales, you can get better at it. It’s a skill, not a magic power. And like any skill, you can learn it, practice it, improve it.Today, we review a sales strategy guide from one of our favorite authors on the topic, Phil M. Jones. Following up on his excellent Exactly What to Say, Jones’ Exactly How to Sell expands on and provides context for the first book.From prospecting to closing, this book delivers on its promise of telling you “exactly” how to approach sales, based on proven strategies. We’ll share our favorite takeaways, and how thi advice in this book applies to pretty much every business.…we’ll also be honest about the parts that didn’t quite ring true for us.Hear what makes this another excellent addition to any entrepreneur’s library, and get a sense of how sales really works. Click Play!Exactly How to Sell by Phil M. JonesExactly What to Say by Phil M. JonesDiscover 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.

Just because you’re down, doesn’t mean you’re out.Businesses fail. In fact, some might argue that you’re not a true entrepreneur if you’ve never had a business fail!The question is: what do you do when it’s happening?Today, we explore a few specific options. When every metric available tells you that your business is headed straight for a cliff, you have some decisions to make. Can you save it? Can you sell? Should you just go back to your day job? It all depends.Even if your business is doing great, you never know when circumstances may force you to pivot. Consider the strategies we explore today, and know that even in the worst-case scenario, you always have options.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.

They say “it takes money to make money.”We say: Hold my beer.You don’t need major investment or capital saved up to create a business. In fact, just to show how little you can start with, today we explore how to start with nothing!Before he was the game-changing business coach and SaaS founder we know and love today, Omar had to start from scratch — without any scratch. In this episode, he shares how he started a real business with nothing but a little networking, creativity, and gumption.And of course, you can do the same.It may take a little time, but starting with little or nothing is actually one of the best ways to see if a business really has legs. Why sink money into something that may or may not work? Instead, you can know for sure that something works so well, it doesn’t even need a cash kickstarter.If startup capital is what’s holding you back, give this episode a listen. It just might open your eyes to the possibilities. 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, you just need more revenue.Often, that means getting more customers. But not always!For example, today might be the first Q&A Wednesday in which — rather than simply answering the question — we suggest our loyal listener rethink the problem in the first place.In this episode, we help a barbershop owner with a steady, profitable business that just isn’t growing.While the needs of a brick & mortar business can be a little different from the online kind, the basic principles are universal. Getting more folks in the door (digital or literal) is always a good idea. But is it the top priority, or the best strategy to accomplish the real goal: more revenue?Hear our suggestions for helping this barbershop maximize profits — and why that doesn’t necessarily mean putting more butts in the chairs. 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 are people really buying when they buy your product?The answer to that question can make selling it dramatically easier.Of course, it requires a little thought. Whatever your product or service is, it’s a means to an end for the consumer. And the end is all that matters, when it comes to your marketing and sales approach. What will the customer actually get once they put your product into action?Answer that honestly and fearlessly, and you won’t have to do much “selling.”Today, we share examples of the businesses that do this best. They look beyond the sale to the meaningful, real-life result their product brings. By understanding the real benefit of what they sell, these entrepreneurs make their products impossible not to buy.This strategy is all about simplicity and clarity. Get to the heart of what gives your product its true value, and it’ll almost sell itself. Hear some of the best examples of this principle at work — 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 better you communicate, the better your business will do.And yes, for almost every entrepreneur, that means having to write well. Whether it’s books, e-books, blog posts, sales copy, or even just social media, you need the written word. Even if it’s just for that all-important SEO, you have to write.The good news? You don’t have to be Stephen King to produce great writing.…just ask Stephen King.Today, we review his classic On Writing, where the mega-best-selling author shares a powerful secret: anyone can write, if you just put in the effort.Of course, a little strategy helps too. In this episode, we share the entrepreneur’s take on King’s book, and share the takeaways that business people can use to enhance their communication, from marketing copy to partnership proposals.Learn how the entrepreneur in you can unleash the writer in you! Click Play!On Writing by Stephen KingDiscover 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.

No business product magically solves everything.Lately, we’ve seen more and more companies offering pre-fabricated marketing and sales “funnels.” Some of these companies claim that their funnels can replace things like your company website.It’s not that there’s anything wrong with these funnels. But the way they’re marked misses the point.Today, we explore the value of specific, targeted funnels and the products designed to build them. More importantly, we dig into how your own website is an irreplaceable complement — or even an integral part of — your marketing and sales funnels.Some of this debate is semantic, but most of it is strategic. Learn exactly what funnels are and how they work, and why you should always maintain a website, even when you have other assets doing some of the marketing and sales work 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.

Recessions are like rainstorms. They’re not something you can avoid.They’re something you prepare for.Just as you might keep an umbrella or a raincoat around, a business owner needs a plan in place for when the economy takes one of its natural, cyclical downturns. And that plan should not include winding down or stopping your marketing efforts.You just need to approach the market with a recession mindset.An ugly economy can be just as good a reason to buy something as to not buy something. When consumers experience financial anxiety, they don’t respond only by hoarding cash. Many respond by looking for more value in every purchase.In other words, people don’t always shop less in a recession. They often just shop smarter.All you have to do is position your product or service as the smartest choice! Today, we share our approach to marketing when things aren’t exactly bullish. With a little strategy, optimism, and trust in the good sense of your customers, you can not only survive a recession, but thrive in 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.

A bad hire can cost you.There’s nothing worse than wasting time, money, and effort bringing in someone new, only to lose them shortly thereafter.Maybe they don’t have the right skills. Maybe they lack the right work ethic. More often, they don’t have the right attitude. But that’s not the most important reason it didn’t work out. The most important reason is that you didn’t see what they were lacking before you hired them.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s having trouble finding the right help.In this episode, we share our exact system for hiring, for any position. From the initial job posting to the final interview to the trial period (yes, there should be a trial period), we share step by step how we almost always manage to find a great fit. Before your next hire, hear how our process works — and decide if it can work for 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 Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale feels almost as obligatory as Thanksgiving itself.But do you have to do it?Sometimes, following the herd is the best way to get lost in the crowd. With a billion promotional emails hitting inboxes this time of year, is your holiday sale a smart play, or just adding to the noise? Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you have to — but it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t, either.So what are your options?Today, we explore different takes on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday strategy. When you run your own business, you get to decide how — and even when — to do promotions like this. And by doing things a little differently, you can stand out while staying true to your company’s core values.Hear what other businesses (including ours) do to put our own twist on the holiday sale. Then, do things your 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.

Success is never immunity.Even the biggest businesses fail, as explored in this week’s Must-Read book review. Jim Collins’ How the Mighty Fall is a fascinating look at the demise of huge, multi-billion dollar enterprises — but its lessons are just as applicable to small businesses.If success leaves clues, so does failure.Your business isn’t FTX, or Blockbuster, or Nokia. But the same patterns of leadership (or lack thereof) can sink a small business as easily as a giant one. As the leader of your business, it’s critical to avoid doing what more high-profile founders did wrong.Learn what caused some of the most successful companies in history to crash and burn. Hear the telltale signs of trouble on the horizon, and position your business for longevity, not just growth.Click Play!How the Mighty Fall by Jim CollinsDiscover 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.

Affiliate marketing: one of the best ways to grow your business.We would know! There’s currently a small army of content creators and other industry pros pushing our SaaS platform, and we couldn’t be more grateful. But if you’re thinking about having affiliates sell your own product or service, give this episode a listen first. It’s slightly more complex than simply “You sell my thing, you get a cut.” There’s more than one way to set up your affiliate program — and choosing the way that best suits your business is critical.Today, we share 4 specific models. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what you’ll need to consider before choosing one. Having non-employees act as marketers and salespeople on your behalf is definitely a good thing, but you have to approach it strategically. The more intentional you are at the beginning, the better the results will be later. 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.

Does your business have roller-coaster sales?Up and down, feast and famine; if your sales fluctuate too much, you can’t really run your business effectively. You can’t rely on a predictable revenue stream and plan accordingly. You just go into each month without even a rough idea of what you’ll take in.It’s time to smooth out the ups and downs. It took us years to realize that consistency is key — and a lot of experimentation to achieve that consistency.Today, we share a 3-step system for generating consistent, month-over-month sales. No matter what you sell, creating a steady revenue stream comes down to nailing these 3 key areas. With a little patience and strategy, you can find the “sales machine” system that works for you.Hear the 3 key components, and how we address them in our business. Then, build your own system. Click Play!Download the Lead Magnet Templates here: Download LinkSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.