The $100 MBA Show

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.

Sometimes, “just being yourself” is more complicated than it sounds.What if some aspects of “yourself” are potential turn-offs for customers? Where’s the line between authenticity and being…obnoxious?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener whose language skews a little salty (they are Australian, after all). The question is: would a bit of natural, casual cussing on their online content come off as genuine and unpretentious, or would it drive leads away?It’s a tough f%$@#ing question.Today, we explore the line between respect and self-censorship. It’s always great to be mindful of your audience and their feelings, but too much politeness can be perceived as boring or phony. And the line can be hard to see.The good news: there’s always a sweet spot between the two extremes. 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.

Motivation ebbs and flows.But your ToDo list is always there — and it doesn’t care if you’re not in the right headspace.We get it! Some days, your pillow is just more persuasive than your business. That’s when you need a few strategies to get yourself out of bed, shake off the ennui, and get your rear in gear for another productive day.Fortunately, we’ve got a few of those.Today, we share specific, simple things you can do to find the “oomph” we all lack from time to time. With a little psychology, you can always make the work ahead of you less daunting and more doable.These are the strategies Omar actually uses — and that guy gets stuff done. Try these tricks out for yourself, the next time you just don’t feel like 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.

There’s way more to employee compensation than a number.When you’re trying to figure out what to offer a potential new hire, the dollars and cents are only the beginning. It’s time to take a big step back, and think differently.Today’s guest teacher, Jen L’Estrange, is an HR firm founder with a holistic approach. Instead of living in a mindset that asks “What do I want to spend on this position?,” she starts by asking what the business wants to achieve.Then, it’s a matter of taking the company’s broader goals and the potential hire’s values — and creating a compensation plan that aligns the two.Yes, it’s more complex than setting a budget and finding someone who’ll work for that amount. But it’s also infinitely more effective at fostering loyalty, productivity, and success for the whole organization.Hear the details of Jen’s approach, and see what you can incorporate into your own hiring process. Learn the different ways you can actually get better results for your investment, based on the multitude of factors involved in compensation.Click Play!Red CloverSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Facebook ads just ain’t what they used to be.A lot of that has to do with Apple’s bold decision: to let their users opt out of being tracked by Facebook for advertising purposes. But that’s not the only reason you might consider a different strategy.There are loads of other ways to find your audience and deliver content, ads, and more.Today, we explain our decision to drop Facebook advertising altogether, and share what we’re doing instead. When it comes to returns on investment, the alternative channels are ripe with potential — and we’re making more headway than ever.Hear why (for us, anyway) Facebook just doesn’t deliver what we need. Learn how you can get the same results or better with a little creativity. Most importantly, take a look at your own marketing and advertising approach, and ask yourself: is Facebook worth 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.

Do you have to be a “tech person” to start a software business?Turns out you don’t.Today, Omar shares the story of how he became a SaaS founder, despite never having been an engineer or software developer by trade. In fact, we never intended to become a software outfit. In trying to sell one thing, we stumbled onto something else…and ran with it.Sometimes, it’s our ability to respond to — rather than predict — customers’ needs that matters most.Hear how and why we developed WebinarNinja, our online teaching/coaching/marketing platform, even though the original plan was to use it rather than sell it. Learn how building a software company has unique challenges, but how none of them are a reason not to try.Most importantly, learn the advantages of operating outside your comfort zone to give consumers what they want. 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.

In business, arguments happen.But if they happen a lot, it’s time to evaluate why, and come up with a plan to turn down the heat. Otherwise, your business can become a serious source of (counterproductive) stress.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s constantly getting into scraps with their cofounder. These arguments are heated, dramatic, and steal time and energy that would otherwise go to improving the business.What’s a confounder to do?Fortunately, Omar has some experience in the cofounder relations department. As one half of a life-and-business partnership, he understands how the personal and entrepreneurial can become intertwined, and how important it is to be able to argue well.…note that we said “argue well,” not “stop arguing altogether.”Today, we share our best tips for getting ahead of cofounder disagreements. We’ll discuss why they happen, why they’re kind of a good sign (really!), and what you can do to make your in-house fights less frequent, more constructive, and more quickly resolved.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 social media really doing for you?Here’s the thing: we tell ourselves it’s important. It’s how we raise brand awareness, connect with our audience, keep the conversation going. Anyone who’s not spending significant time on social media is leaving money on the table, right?…right?Today, Omar shares why he’s taken every last social media app right off of his phone. Is he committing entrepreneuricide? Of course not. He’s just taking a new — and perhaps healthier — approach to platforms designed to profit from us, not increase our profits.The key is to keep the boundaries strong.Learn what social media takes from us and our businesses, even as it connects us to potential customers. It’s not that you can’t have a presence on social; it’s just that social’s presence in your day could be a lot smaller. 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 revenue can you really make?Sometimes, the key is to simply not be afraid of thinking big. With $100M Offers, Alex Hormozi shares his unique strategies for maximizing revenue by making sales offers that make so much sense, it’s almost impossible to say “no.”That’s a big claim, but Hormozi’s track record speaks for itself — and loudly enough to make us take his philosophy seriously.With this book, Hormozi widens the realm of possibility. Even if your goal isn’t to make hundreds of millions of dollars, you can still apply some of his lessons. Today, we review this book, share our favorite takeaways, and break down Hormozi’s philosophy.Hormozi is a large presence, both literally (he’s into bodybuilding) and figuratively on social media. But big ideas can work for small business. Click Play!$100M Dollar Offers by Alex HormoziDiscover 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.

Sales: it’s a foreign, intimidating concept to many of us.But if we’re going to succeed in business, we all have to get comfortable with a few skills outside our comfort zones! Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can change your perspective on sales, and get you in the right frame of mind to move your products or services.Today, we prove that anyone can sell.In this episode, Omar shares the most fundamental sales principles he’s learned along the way, going all the way back to what he gleaned from his own father’s stellar performance as an auto dealer. It’s not about pressure or some kind of hypnosis — it’s the simple, natural, human things that turn a conversation into a sale. Learn how you can reorient your approach to sales, and start seeing success (without the anxiety). 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 an independent business, revenue is life.It’s the oxygen your business needs to breathe, the runway it needs to stay alive long enough to grow. And yes, the notion that your business needs money sounds a tad obvious — yet somehow, so many entrepreneurs could bring in more of it, and don’t.In fact, there’s a pretty simple way to do it.Today, we share how pretty much any business can significantly increase revenue, using one strategy that’s worked extremely well for us. It’s not some super-secret hack. It doesn’t require PhD-level skills or a massive investment. It’s simple.…so simple, in fact, that most people don’t even think of it.This strategy will take a different shape depending on your industry, but anyone can apply it. Learn how this deceptively straightforward shift — executed properly — can give your business more time, space, and resources to thrive.Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s be honest; we’ve all thought about it: writing a book.Whether you want extra credibility and authority in your industry, you think it’ll generate leads and sales, or you just have insights to share, a book is something most entrepreneurs consider at one time or another.But is it worth it? And what if you’re…not a writer?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who thinks a book might be the key to unlocking the potential of their coaching and consulting business. But what does it really take in terms of time, effort, and resources? How do you know it’ll be received well, and actually help the business?Today, we explore everything that goes into producing a book, whether it makes sense for a given business, and why actually writing it is only the first step. Click Play!The Economics of Writing a Book (With Ryan Holiday)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.

Support isn’t just about solving problems.Building the best Customer Service/Support team should have way bigger goals! Support affects everything from marketing to sales to product development — not just retention and churn rates.Yet somehow, most entrepreneurs see Support as almost an afterthought.If putting out fires is all your Support team is doing…you’re missing out on some huge opportunities to grow your business. Today, we explain what those opportunities are, and why so many business founders miss them. All the time. We’ll explain how to build a Support team that supports growth, instead of only fixing technical problems.Your Support team might be your secret weapon!It is for us; we invest a ton into our Support, and the results speak for themselves. Hear how we built and trained our Support as an engine of our business, not just a set of mechanics. You just might decide that your own Support crew has more potential than you realized.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.

Selling can be tough. But anyone can get better at it.The best way? Start with a framework — a proven, reliable overall method that you can learn, master, and ultimately personalize for yourself.Nikki Rausch is a sales expert, having worked with organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and NASA. Today, she’s here to share her basic framework, a 5-step process that guides your conversation with a potential customer all the way to the point of sale.The most important trick: don’t skip any steps!Instead of fixating on making a sale, Nikki’s “Selling Staircase” method focuses on one step at a time, so the conversation never feels like you’re forcing someone into a buying decision. Instead, you’re making a logical, natural progression towards that sale — without the pressure.Learn how to sell, without aggressive or manipulative tactics, one step at a time. Click Play!Your Sales MavenSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Almost everything is a business — including the arts.Which means you can learn how to do business better from almost anywhere, including artists. Like musicians, for example. What your successful recording artist does is exactly what any great entrepreneur does, only…y’know, it sounds better.Best of all, you can do exactly what the rock stars and hip-hop icons on the Top 40 do, in your own business.Today, we share 5 specific things anyone in any kind of independent business can learn from the world’s music-makers. From product development to marketing to sales, musicians are some of the best entrepreneurs around. Hear exactly what we mean — Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re worried that running your own business is too complicated…don’t be!From the outside, it can seem like independent business is a maze of responsibilities and tasks that no one could keep up with or have enough expertise in. Product development, marketing, sales, hiring, the list goes on.Isn’t it all just too much? How do entrepreneurs do it?The truth is, all that stuff boils down to a few simple actions, unchanged since the first human being exchanged currency for a product or service. No matter what you’re selling, or how, or where, you only have to accomplish three basic things — then repeat.Simple!Does that mean business isn’t challenging? Of course not. Lots of things are simple and straightforward, but hard to accomplish (think bench-pressing 300 lbs). But the truth doesn’t get any simpler than this: you can do 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.

How long is your “To Do” list?If you’re like most entrepreneurs, it’s longer than any single human being can actually handle. Which means it’s literally impossible to check every item off. Which means you have to choose which items you’ll actually do — and which you won’t.This can be tough.However, there is an answer. There’s a way to identify the “Must-Do’s” on your list, and make other plans for everything else. It’s all about defining your role as founder, and figuring out which tasks really make the biggest impact on your business.Once you know that, it’s a simple matter of using your limited time to focus on the big stuff.As for the little stuff, we’ll get into that too. But the first priority is making sure that every single day, you do something that moves the needle. Whether you outsource the rest, or simply let a few things not happen, it’s all about getting the biggest return on the investment of your time.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.

Are your emails actually working to create leads or customers?How about your blog? Your social posts? Your YouTube channel?How do you know?UTM links is how you know! The “Urchin Tracking Module” is the secret weapon of every results-based marketer. These strings of characters might look unwieldy, but they serve an important purpose: telling you exactly how people ended up at the web address you worked so hard to get them to.“Tracking” is the key word here.Today, we explain what UTM links are, how they work, and (most importantly) how you can start using them to find out what’s working (and what’s not) for your business. In fact, in this episode we’ll give you a perfect little tool you can use to create your own UTM links for all your content.Hear why UTM links are so game-changing, learn how to apply them, and get a free tool you can use to make it all happen. 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 do you know what people want?You have to see their problems from their perspective.Michele Hansen, cofounder of Geocodio and author of Deploy Empathy: A Practical Guide to Interviewing Customers, is a master of the art of understanding a target audience. By making a concerted effort to get in customers’ heads, she’s multiplied the success of her product development and marketing.So how’d she do it? Omar sat down with Michele to find out.In this latest extended interview, Omar and Michele rap about everything from her early entrepreneurial experience — including the inevitable early fails — to working with family, to her ultimate realization about the power of simply talking to customers.Don’t miss this peek into a brilliant strategy with one of the most insightful entrepreneurs we’ve had on the show. Click Play!Deploy Empathy: A Practical Guide to Interviewing Customers by Michele HansenSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 should go without saying: you don’t want to burn out.Yet so many entrepreneurs do.Maybe it’s a question of perceived “grit” or toughness. We think that if we don’t work ourselves into the ground, then we’re not trying hard enough. But that attitude isn’t just unhealthy — it’s bad business strategy. The best entrepreneur is at the top of their game, not worn down to a nub.So how do you keep burnout at bay?Today, Omar shares 5 strategies that work for him. With multiple businesses and a remote team spread across the globe, it can be easy to drown in 24/7 work. But instead, Omar makes a concerted effort to keep himself at his best — by getting the right amount of rest.It can seem counterintuitive to put time and effort into making sure you don’t work too hard. But that’s entrepreneurship for you; your success (and health) are entirely in your own hands. 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.

Ah, the launch. The day you get to introduce your product or service to the world.It can feel extremely exciting — and extremely high-stakes. But is it?This year, we’re launching a new product, and we’re taking a different approach. We have different goals this time around, and different metrics by which we’ll measure success. It’s not that this launch is any less important than past launches. It’s just that we’re defining what we want to achieve more specifically.What about your next launch?Today, we discuss how to define a “successful” launch, and how to map your own goals for the debut of new offerings. We’ll share strategies and recommendations, and help you differentiate between make-or-break launches and more narrow campaigns. Learn how to approach launches with a cooler head, clear desired outcomes, and tested strategies. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to converting website traffic, friction hurts.Friction is anything that requires the visitor to take extra steps before they take a desired action — like signing up for your newsletter or reading your blog. The more obstacles are in the way, the less effective the website is at creating leads and customers.Unfortunately, some obstacles are legal requirements.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re dealing with “cookies,” those little bits of code that track your online activity. They’re used to gather info that’s useful for marketers and advertisers to follow up on. These days, almost every site you visit interrupts your browsing to tell you about their cookies, and invite you to set your preferences.Is this…necessary?As with so many questions in business, the answer is “it depends.” Today, we explain what these pop-ups are about, who has to have them, and the one way you can take them off your site — if you really want to. 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.

Almost all entrepreneurs who succeed in the long term have one thing in common: commitment.But what is commitment, anyway? What does it look like?Most importantly, how can you tell if you have it? Today, we explore what real commitment looks like in practical terms. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t mean obsession, or being a slave to your business. But it does mean going beyond what 90% of people are willing to do.With examples from various businesses and walks of life, we explore the difference between true commitment, and the kind of casual effort that there’s nothing wrong with, but isn’t likely to result in life-changing success.Learn what it means to be committed to entrepreneurship, and ask yourself: am I in this all the way? And if not, how can I get there? 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 book is advice worth following.…but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it.Today, we review Verne Harnish’s Mastering The Rockefeller Habits, a primer on some of the best practices any business can use to strategically pursue growth. Did we agree with everything in it? Definitely not. But the good parts are so good, it’s worth it.We couldn’t call it a “Must Read” otherwise.In this episode, Omar shares his favorite takeaways, particularly on the topics that too few business books are willing to tackle. He also discusses which parts of the book are…less than useful, or that challenge his own hard-won business wisdom.Exposing yourself to views that challenge your own is a must — either to strengthen your own convictions, or debunk them! Either way, you come out a better informed entrepreneur. Hear what this book has to offer. Click Play!Mastering The Rockefeller Habits by Verne HarnishDiscover 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.

Rainy days happen. How’s your umbrella?Every business needs to have a stash in place for market downturns, slow quarters, or even…y’know, mistakes. But how big should it be?Today, we offer a firm answer.We’ll explain how to figure out the right number, and how to get your business there. Having enough runway is critical to the long-term viability of your business. But there is a such thing as too much money in the bank, depending on your location and industry.Learn why you should never operate a business without the minimum amount of cushion, and how much that minimum amount really is for your company. Start the project of making your business more durable, and able to pivot when the status quo isn’t working. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you’re running (and funding) your own business, it’s smart to avoid too much risk.…but you can’t avoid all risk. And at some point, risk avoidance starts to look like cheating yourself out of greater success.Every business reaches a moment where you have to ask if the time, money, and effort you invested is likely to pay off. If the answer is no, you bail or pivot (no shame in that). But if the answer is yes, it makes no sense to go in halfway.It’s time to commit.Today, we share some of the most clear signals that your business or product is ready for your full attention. When these signs appear, you’re most likely in a situation where a major investment of time, money, and effort is the smartest play. With examples from our own experience, we’ll paint a picture of what that moment looks like.You should always be smart, cautious, and subject your ideas to thorough validation. But once you’re beyond validation, it’s time to swing for the fences. Failing to succeed because of inaction is just as tragic as failing to succeed because of incorrect action.When the lights are green, it’s time to GO. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Firing people is almost never easy.We’re often afraid of dealing with the fallout of letting an employee go. Operations will be disrupted, feelings may be hurt, and someone needs to take over for whoever got the boot…preferably as soon as possible.Can you plan ahead for a firing?You certainly can. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who knows it’s time to say goodbye to a certain employee, but worries that it may be smarter to find a replacement before swinging the ol’ ax. Is that possible? Is it ethical? Could it backfire?Fortunately, Omar’s been in this pickle before.Today, we discuss when to get rid of people immediately, and when to plan a more gradual transition. We’ll explore how to navigate the pitfalls of replacing one employee with another, and making sure you do everything in your power to be fair with everyone involved.Every business has to confront this issue sometime. Best to have a strategy in place! 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.

Quitting is an option. And it’s often the right one.When a product or business idea fails to produce fruit — and you have little evidence to suggest it ever will — wasting more money on it doesn’t make sense.But of course, it’s hard to tell when you’re in that situation.There’s a fine line between perseverance and delusion; between being a quitter and being savvy. Today, we take a look at the most clear signs that something isn’t working, and that it’s time to admit defeat.More importantly, we explore how to avoid that situation in the first place, by doing the best possible due diligence in terms of validating every idea thoroughly. There are steps you can take to get a truly realistic notion of an idea’s chances of success, before sinking too much money into it.Learn how to quit with an easy conscience, or press forward with confidence, depending on the reality of your situation. Know that whether you keep trying or throw in the towel, you do it for reasons that make sense. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you had to start your business all over again, what would you do differently?Some entrepreneurs actually get to answer that question.Take Laura Roeder, who created the social-media scheduling app MeetEdgar, built it into a top marketing tool, and ultimately sold it. Now that she’s out of the social game, Laura has turned her focus to a new business, the coaching platform Paperbell.How well have the lessons Laura learned at MeetEdgar transferred to Paperbell?Today, Omar sits down with Laura for an extended conversation about the entire journey, from creating her first business to growing her current one. In this wide-ranging interview, Omar and Laura discuss everything from applying hindsight, to ethical marketing, to trusting your own instincts and defining success in your own way.Laura’s road to multiple successful startups wasn’t mistake-free. Of particular value in this conversation are the lessons learned the hard way, like chasing the wrong metrics and allowing your business to depend on someone else’s.Get an inside perspective on navigating entrepreneurship, with the clarity only experience can bring. Click Play!Anything You Want by Derek SiversSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

In-person events are back!One of the best things entrepreneurs — especially new entrepreneurs — can do to boost their business is to attend live, in-person conferences. COVID took that option off the table for a while. But now that things are normal(er), it’s time to take advantage.Today, we explain why you should be at the next conference you can get to, and how to get the most from it.We’ll dive into what makes conferences so intensely valuable, what you can expect to gain from them, and how to maximize your results. Omar shares how his early experiences at conferences had a dramatic impact on his development as an entrepreneur…and how the same could happen for you.Plus, we share a few ways you can ensure you’ll actually go to conferences — instead of just planning to. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s break down the “value ladder,”Many businesses purposely create products at varying price points, in the hopes of getting people into their ecosystem. Think of your cheapest (or free) product as a gateway to bigger-ticket purchases down the road — one stepping stone at a time.But does this work for everyone? Today, we explore this strategy in depth, and who it’s most appropriate for.We get into why price variance works so well, and why sometimes, it doesn’t. With examples from various businesses, we study different variations on the move, and how you could potentially apply it to your own company.Decide whether building your own value ladder is a good idea — and if so, learn how to do it right. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should you be charging in USD, no matter where you are?It’s a good question. Today is Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with their own business in Europe, who noticed that competitors list their prices in American currency. Why? What’s the advantage, and are there disadvantages?Now that even the smallest business can go global, the currency question looms large. Today, we outline the options you have, and the ups and downs of each. Whether you choose a “global” currency like the USD, local currency, or a mixture of both, your choice could impact your bottom line in a big way.Learn why so many businesses try to stick with an “international” currency, and why some don’t. Your customers could be anywhere in the world; make sure they can pay you, and that it doesn’t cost your business any unnecessary expenses. 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.

If that title sounds like clickbait…we get it.But we’re not kidding around; you can put together a genuine sales offer for an entirely new product in 48 hours or so. Whether it’s to boost revenue, or to simply put a few extra reps in exchanging goods for money, this is real.And yes, there’s a trick to it.It’ll all make sense once you hear the episode. Are we burying the lede right now? Of course we are. But if you execute the strategy we outline, you will definitely have a full-fledged, valuable product to sell. And if you understand your own audience, they’ll want to buy it.Learn this unique — but totally rational — way to turn assets you probably already have into market-ready products. Your audience will love it, you’ll make a few bucks, and your business will take a few steps in the direction of growth. 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 market without a (long-term) plan.Often, new entrepreneurs “wing it” when it comes to marketing and brand-building. But being new to business comes with a huge advantage: you can implement a long-term strategy earlier.Today’s special guest teacher will help you do just that — and if you’re already marketing, she’ll help you course correct for better results.Lorrie Thomas Ross founded Web Marketing Therapy to diagnose ineffective marketing strategies, and help businesses find a better strategic prescription. Today, she shares a framework for auditing your current marketing efforts, and creating a strong foundation for overall strategy.Learn the best ways to generate leads and create brand narrative, with a focus on what actually, measurably works. Click Play!Web Marketing TherapySUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Omar has run many a business. But the hardest kind, for (literally) his money, is ecommerce.Every type of business has its challenges, but selling physical goods online has more — and more difficult — issues to contend with. That’s not to say you shouldn’t start an ecommerce business. But you should know what you’re getting into!Today, we share what you need to prepare for, if ecommerce really is your game.For many aspiring entrepreneurs, ecommerce seems like the obvious choice. And while selling stuff on the Internet may seem less complicated than, say, developing software or building a freelance service business…it isn’t.Learn exactly what challenges to expect, and get tips on how to navigate them based on Omar’s experience. Go into ecommerce with your eyes open, and increase your odds of success. 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.

At first, your business is your baby. But if you’re not mindful, it can quickly turn into a monster.Many entrepreneurs learn this the hard way, as responsibilities and obligations multiply, and gradually encroach on the boundaries between your work and your life. You may not see it coming; taking a weekend call here, sacrificing a workout there, cutting family time just a little short…Before you know it, your business dictates a lifestyle that supports it, instead of enabling a lifestyle you want.Today, we share the various ways people end up as victims of their own creations, and the telltale signs that you might be headed that way. We’ll share examples from our own experience, as well as tips for protecting yourself. Don’t let your business become a bully. 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 know email marketing is a must. But when you’re just starting out, how do you get people’s addresses?…more importantly, how do you get email addresses for free?Anyone can throw money at the list-building problem and get results (short-term though the results may be). But there are other, arguably better, options. With a little time, work, and creativity, anyone can build a strong email list.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener get their email marketing off the ground — without spending a dime on paid ads.In this episode, we share a few specific ways you can leverage assets you already have (plus a few ways to leverage other people’s assets) to fill your contact list with interested potential leads.Learn how to get into inboxes, without donating your hard-earned money to Facebook or Google. 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.

eMail marketing works — but it can backfire.Sending your list too many emails comes with a host of bad consequences: unsubscribes and getting your content labeled as spam (yikes) can hurt your deliverability, making it less and less likely your emails will land in people’s inboxes. So how do you communicate without…over-communicating?Today, Omar shares a simple system that works for us. By testing the waters a bit before executing certain campaigns, you can send emails that are much more likely to be opened and clicked, because people are actually looking forward to them!Learn how to lighten your touch, and avoid dumping too many messages on consumers who already get way more emails than they want. Keep your sender reputation strong, and your deliverability high. 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.

Create it. Grow it. Cash out.That’s the goal of many entrepreneurs: to build a business that’ll sell for enough money to fund whatever comes next — even if nothing comes next, business-wise.So what does that journey look like? How do you get there? And just as importantly, what happens after?Patrick Campbell created ProfitWell and bootstrapped it into a successful startup. Selling it wasn’t exactly the goal, but when Paddle came along with an offer that made sense, Campbell let his baby go — for a cool $200 million. What now?In this extended interview, Patrick shares the journey from startup to acquisition, and explores an important (but often overlooked) aspect of entrepreneurship: what do you do once you’ve “made 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.

Charging in installments works for infomercial products. But will it work for yours?When you don’t collect the entire price of your product or service right away, you take a risk. You may see one or two payments, only to forfeit the rest. That said, when you only accept full payment up front, you risk not making the sale.The key is to understand what kinds of offers benefit from payment plans — and which don’t.Today, we break down the advantages and pitfalls of payment plans, and what factors make them riskier. We’ll explore the price points and product types that do better or worse with payment plans, including the one thing you should always get money up front for.Make the most sales — and the most revenue — with the right payment approach. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to social media, more isn’t always better.Our instinct (and a lot of advice out there) is to post as much and as often as possible. But the data — and our experience — don’t bear that out.Today, we take a dive into the available data on social media, and unpack how exactly you can use FB, Twitter, the ‘Gram, and LInkedIn to your advantage. Remember: these platforms and the companies that run them have their own goals, and it’s not to grow your business.The key is to balance the platform’s agenda with your own.Learn what each channel looks for (and rewards) so that you can post and interact in a way that works. Choose the right channel for your niche and content style. Use the numbers to create a strategy that’s effective — not a guess.As they say, if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product. Don’t let social media platforms benefit only themselves. With the right knowledge, they can work for your business too. 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 is one of the most powerful tools for an independent business.As they say (and as we often repeat) “the money’s in the list.” For all the marketing channels out there, email still gets the best results in terms of reach and conversions.But there are way too many email platforms out there.Today, we help a brave, aspiring young entrepreneur get started on the right track, by choosing an email platform that gets the job done on a high-schooler’s budget. But it’s not just about finding the cheapest option — it’s about finding an option that won’t hold you back when the business actually grows.Learn what every independent business needs from their email platform, and how to make sure you choose the right one. And of course, we’ll share our personal recommendation for the platform we trust with our own campaigns.Once you choose an email service, switching is a heavy lift. Make sure you don’t have to do it too often, by starting with one that’ll serve you well for years. 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.

Charging for a physical or digital product is fairly easy. But what about services?If you’re a freelance web designer, copywriter, or coach, getting paid can be tricky. Today, we explore the best ways to charge for services and process payments quickly — without hurting sales or getting yourself overburdened with complicated software tools.Buying your service online should be just as seamless as buying a t-shirt!In this episode, we explain exactly what your point-of-sale and payment processing tools need to do for you, and share our top recommendations for the tools we like most. Save yourself a few hours of research, and get more sales for your services. 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.

Harder doesn’t mean better.In fact, the opposite might be true. For as powerful as grit and a solid work ethic can be, we’re never grunting and sweating when we’re at our best. We’re smooth. We’re fluid.We’re…Effortless.Greg McKeown first changed our approach to business with his truly essential Essentialism, which advocates for a strict focus on what matters most. Now, Effortless adds a new dynamic: embracing the ease that characterizes our best efforts.Of course, it means reframing your mindset. If you believe that “hard work” is always the way forward, it might take some mental pivoting to understand that incredible results often come from low levels of effort — at least as people typically understand effort.Hear the key points and top takeaways from this instant classic. Click Play!Effortless by Greg McKeownEssentialism by Greg McKeownDiscover 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.

Information isn’t the only thing that gets leads.When we create free lead magnets, we often default to sharing information. After all, sharing what we know doesn’t cost much, and knowledge is easy to transfer online. But there’s another option — and it’s just as good for conversions: templates.Whether it’s email or blog post templates, slide deck templates, or something else, a template doesn’t teach your lead anything. But it still empowers them.In other words, a free template is a solution to a pain point, just as much as an e-book or checklist is. The difference: it’s easier to use right away, and leaves a smaller gap between what you gave your lead and what they actually did with it.Today, hear how we use free templates as highly effective lead magnets. And learn how to ask yourself what kinds of templates your audience might appreciate. 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.

Offering live, in-person workshops, retreats, and other events isn’t easy.…but it’s so worth it.Recently, Omar hosted a 4-day in-person ski & snowboard retreat for independent founders. It was the first in-person event we’ve put together in a while, and it didn’t go exactly as planned — but it was still a win for us, and a worthwhile experience for everyone who attended.Today, we share how we planned this event, what went right and wrong, and how we navigated the unexpected twists along the way.If you’re thinking of organizing an event like this (especially if it involves travel, lodging, and the other logistics that can get complicated quickly) give this episode a listen. Learn how to make sure that both you and your attendees get the value they’re looking for — and have a great time while they’re doing 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.

Entrepreneurship is about more than just making money. …or at least it can be. Today, we resume our partnership with US Bank’s Real Good podcast, a show that highlights business ventures for which profit isn’t the first goal. In this episode of Real Good, get to know Jennifer Openshaw, founder and CEO of Girls With Impact. GWI’s mission is to empower young female business people with a 10-week “mini MBA” program, designed to give these young women the skills and confidence they may not get from formal education. Hear how the power of business education and mentoring can lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow, by strategically offering the right tools to underserved groups in advance. Businesses can make more than money. With the right goals in mind, they can make investments in a future that looks a little more like the one we need. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Show Links Real Good podcast The post [Bonus Episode] From Real Good Podcast: The Business of Empowering Girls with Jennifer Openshaw appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re running a business by yourself, the question isn’t if you should hire an EA or VA (Executive Assistant/Virtual Assistant). The question is when.And wouldn’t you know it, one of our listeners asked exactly that. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a solopreneur who knows an EA will be a good idea at some point. But how soon is too soon? How can you know when it’s the right time?In other words, at what point does an EA become an investment, rather than just an expense?In this episode, we’ll discuss why and how an EA can empower you to make more money, by freeing you up to focus on higher-priority revenue-generating tasks. We lay out a step-by-step system you can use to determine if the time is now, or if your EA is still a while down the road.Bonus — we also get into where to look for a great EA, so you can hire one that’s (almost) as good as ours. 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.

Profit is oxygen. But if you’re only creating profit by maximizing revenue…you’re only doing half the job.It’s time to get lean, and stay lean.Today, we explore how to keep expenses down, by consistently tracking and trimming the fat. It’s not about obsessing over overy penny or being a miser. It’s about making smart deals with the people and companies who make up the “Loss” side of your Profit & Loss sheet — and renegotiating regularly.Learn how we systematically analyze our own spending, and slash expenses by a significant percentage every couple years.The fact is, you’re probably spending more than you have to, somewhere. And to keep your small business growing, you can always make more room in the budget. Hear how to get the most out of your budgets, and keep that P&L sheet in shape. 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 only one thing more valuable than networking: being the one creating the networking opportunity.Ronsley Vaz started Australia’s first podcasting conference, We Are Podcast, now a significant regular event for entrepreneurs worldwide. But…how? How does someone just decide to create a major event and actually pull it off? We decided to ask Ronsley and find out.In this extended conversation, Omar sits down with Ronsley to unpack everything that went into creating the event. By studying Ronsley’s journey from first-time entrepreneur to the guy connecting and coaching small business owners across the globe, you can learn what’s really possible if you have the courage to swing for the fences.Hear what it takes to organize and produce an event with audacious goals, including what can go wrong and how to prepare for it. If you’re thinking about bringing people in your niche together, don’t miss this interview. 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.