The $100 MBA Show

You don’t have to be a developer to develop an online business.These days, “no code” business-building is all the rage. With third-party solutions for everything from creating a website to building an online community to designing an app, your average non-engineer can pretty much do anything…within certain limits.But is it smart?There are advantages to not hiring or relying on real-deal devs. Today, we explore those advantages, and what you give up in exchange.“No code” development is something many entrepreneurs are getting into — and many professional commentators are getting paid to discuss. But every trend should be considered carefully before you jump in with both feet.In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons, so you can make the right call for your business. 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, can you get respect without being ruthless?Can you command a team without being commanding? Do entrepreneurs need a mean streak to survive — or even a cold one?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a team that basically walks all over them. For some reason, the employees are not showing our listener the respect due to their position as founder. Can a leader change this without getting…mean?We think so, and today we explain why.In this episode, we’ll share what can motivate even the kindest person to take a stand, get their team in line, and secure the appropriate level of respect. You can stand up for yourself without being selfish; you can establish order without aggression. You just need to adjust your mindset.Learn how to balance empathy with leadership, kindness with firmness. Your team, and your customers, need you 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.

Ready to create (and keep) more customers?A while back, we started experimenting with something in our SaaS company, WebinarNinja. We authorized team members who have daily contact with leads and customers to offer what we call “salutation offers.”…and it worked like a charm.Today, we explain how this tactic is boosting our revenue, lowering our churn rate, and generally strengthening our business in modest — but important — ways. We’ll explain exactly how these special offers work, and how you can implement them in your business.Best of all, it’s not a ton of work! With a little planning, you can make salutation offers a smooth part of your marketing and sales process. 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, anything can happen — including bad things.You have two choices: be prepared, or be blindsided.Rochelle Clarke is an expert in ensuring business longevity through continuity. She helps businesses plan for the worst, so they can bounce back and keep on keeping on.Think of your business like a car; most of the time, it just runs. But breakdowns happen. Accidents happen. Potholes. Traffic. The longer you drive, the higher the odds are that something will take you off the road.Similarly, if you achieve the goal of starting a long-lasting business, every year you come closer to something that takes you, or a key team member, out of action. What happens then?Today, Rochelle will help you plan for all contingencies, so that even the most drastic disruption doesn’t shut your business down. Learn how to prepare for (and survive) the worst-case scenario. 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 sure what kind of business you want to start? There’s a perfect go-to answer.Service-based businesses are uniquely suited to first-time entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and people with day jobs. Today, we explain why.With a low barrier to entry, limitless growth potential, and more flexibility than any other model, the services game is pitch-perfect for your first (or next) foray into entrepreneurship. The risk-to-reward ratio doesn’t get any better — and you can create the schedule and workload that suit the lifestyle you want.Learn how to create a service business, take advantage of its upsides, and scale it up at a pace that works for you. If you know you want to create a business, but aren’t quite sure what that should look like, this episode is 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.

Call it the ultimate productivity hack: blurring the line between the office and the gym.There are so many ways to make progress on your To-Do list while you’re on a treadmill or under a barbell. The kind of repetitive exercises most of us use for conditioning are a perfect opportunity to make headway on any number of tasks — including the tedious ones.Today, Omar shares how he personally kills two birds with one stone, by merging work and workouts.For many of us, our gym time is a wasted opportunity to do work, or vice versa. If you hate getting in the reps, distract yourself with a little work. If admin is a slog, do it while you’re pumping iron!This works so well, it’s a wonder more entrepreneurs don’t do it. Learn an incredible multitask, and improve both your productivity and your health. 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’re not all salespeople.It comes naturally to some. For others, nothing is more awkward than trying to get someone to buy your thing. But here’s the good news: you really don’t have to “sell” if you don’t want to.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one of our listeners has a thriving business, ripe for expansion. The only problem? Our listener can’t stand the thought of having to do more selling. Fortunately, we’ve got a few good alternatives.In this episode, we explain why “sales” as traditionally understood is less necessary than ever before. We’ll present several ways our listener — and anyone else — can successfully run and grow a business without ever really putting on the Sales Hat. Sales-averse founders, it’s a different marketplace than it used to be. Enjoy it! 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.

Ever have doubts about the business you’re in?That’s natural. In fact, it’s healthy. But sometimes, we’re scared to ask ourselves if we chose the wrong path — and to answer that question honestly.Today, Omar shares a single guiding principle he’s learned over decades as an entrepreneur, having founded almost a dozen independent businesses. In all that time, one huge, crucial, clear lesson has come through about what kind of business you should run.Tune in to this episode, hear Omar’s #1 rule, and decide for yourself if the business you’re in is actually right for you. If it’s not, you can pivot and change course (we discuss how).Define success in the ways that matter most, and discover if the road you’re in leads in that direction. 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.

Why do you make the decisions you make? How?It’s a huge question, with huge implications for how you run your business. Today, we dive into Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow. This book by economist, psychologist, and nobel laureate Kahneman unpacks the mechanics of decision-making — and how to better optimize it.If that sounds a little deep…it is.But it’s entirely practical, and applicable to the way you make day-to-day calls in your company. In this episode, we discuss how Thinking breaks down complex concepts into understandable guidance, based on the two major kinds of decisions we make.Hear why this book is so powerful for entrepreneurs, and how understanding your own thinking can empower you to make better decisions. Click Play!Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanDiscover 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 entrepreneurs, there’s no way around writing.No matter what you sell, the written word is your primary tool for reaching potential customers. Even if you’re a great speaker or vlogger, writing will still be mostly how you market, sell, and communicate generally — even when you’re writing what you’ll say out loud.So how can you get good at it?Today, we offer a simple 30-day challenge that will force you to up your writing game. Focusing on the 3 main types of writing every entrepreneur has to master, this challenge will make you more comfortable, competent, and confident at the keyboard.Once you’re able to let your real value shine through in your writing, you’ll open up a whole new world of interaction with your audience.Best of all, it’s not about “proper” composition or hackneyed strategies. It’s just about speaking your truth more clearly. 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.

Thinking about starting a business? For how long now?Getting honest with ourselves about our motivations — and our fears — might be the most fundamental step toward becoming an entrepreneur. “Am I afraid to do this?” is the first question you have to answer. And you have to answer it truthfully, for better or worse.The alternative? You just keep thinking, to avoid actually doing.It’s true; we protect our alleged goals by never really pursuing them. We strategize, we dream up products, but in the end we stay behind emotional blockers that keep us firmly in our 9-to-5’s.Today, we change all that.In this episode, we discuss the powerful allure of not facing our fears, and how to get over that mental hump. Learn how to train your mindset to embrace failure, rather than fearing it. Decide once and for all whether you’re up for the challenge of entrepreneurship — whatever it brings.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.

Business can get emotional — but you can’t let emotions hurt your business.The ability to navigate strong feelings and prioritize relationships over ego is a must-have skill in entrepreneurship. If networking is key, most of us can’t afford bad blood.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who had a falling out with their former business partner. In the past, they had great success. But then things went South in a hurry. Now, our listener wants to mend fences — and potentially work together again.It’s time for a lesson in olive-branching.Today, we explore why diplomacy is so crucial in entrepreneurship, and how to bring about a detente when feelings get in the way. We’ll discuss how to reach out to heal a rift, and how to prepare for whatever reaction may come. Plus, we’ll share a little advice on how to avoid fallings-out in the first place.Learn how to take a centered, fair-minded approach to your working relationships. 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.

Experts agree a recession is on the horizon. Most small businesses will have to keep a closer eye on their budgets, very soon.Which means now is the perfect time to shore up your reserves, and stockpile revenue to weather the coming storm. But how can you get some extra pennies in the piggy bank, quickly and without burning out yourself or your team?Today, we offer 4 ways.Short-term revenue bursts are almost always possible, if you simply leverage the assets you have a little differently for a while. All 4 strategies in this episode require minimal time and effort to execute — and best of all, you can use them whenever you need a few bucks, regardless of the economy.Hear these 4 methods, and how we’ve applied them to boost our own business in tougher times. 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 kind of leaders do employees love most?According to this week’s Must-Read, the best leader isn’t someone who commands. It’s someone who coaches their people, unleashes their fullest potential, and trusts them to be their best.The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier is two things at once: a primer on a coaching-based leadership philosophy, and a practical guide to make it happen. Today, we share the best takeaways from this super-valuable book, one you’ll want to keep on the shelf and refer to for years to come. The book revolves around 7 essential questions a great leader-coach should ask, and how the answers inform the path to your team’s greatness.Hear what makes this approach to leadership so powerful, and how it can give you the confidence to be the leader your team deserves — and stays loyal to through thick and thin. Click Play!The Coaching Habit by Michael StanierSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 dream about starting a business. Do it!You don’t have to start by quitting your job or borrowing a ton of money. You don’t need the “perfect” product or service idea.You just need time, and practice.Today, we share 5 low-risk, low-investment businesses you can literally (yes, literally) start today. With minimal time, resources, and sweat, you can get the ball rolling on a business that can go big down the road. The key is to get the “reps” in, and watch it pay off over time.To prove it, this episode features real-world examples of people who’ve done it!All 5 of these businesses can become a viable full-time living…or even more. Learn from the success of those who’ve started small and simple, and scaled up. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The written word is still the biggest key to your website’s traffic.Fortunately, nailing the words you need to rank on search engines is much easier than it used to be — especially if your site is hosted on WordPress.With the tools available now, even non-professional writers can get help making sure their page copy, blog posts, and other content is hitting the right notes for Google (and even content & copy pros can get some valuable assistance).Today, we share a few ways you can tighten up your site’s SEO game, from managing extraneous content to nailing the right phrasing based on your audience’s search habits— all without resorting to outdated hacks like keyword stuffing. WordPress and its associated plugins make it (relatively) easy!SEO can unlock the potential of your website, and your business. With a few tweaks, anyone can optimize. 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.

This isn’t the question you think it is.Normally, pricing coaching comes down to a fairly standard formula. You determine how much a client stands to make based on your training, and set your price at about a fraction of that. “For just $XXXX, you can be qualified to charge $XXXXXX!”But what if your potential clients stand to make…nothing from your training?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping a listener who coaches photographers. But here’s the twist: the audience isn’t aspiring pros who want to create income. It’s hobbyists, people who want to take pictures just for the fun and enjoyment of it.So what the heck is that kind of training worth?Today, we help you put a dollar value on skills that don’t have a dollar value. Hear why coaching people in their passion projects can still be lucrative — and why it’s worth every cent to your non-pro clients. 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.

Risk reversal is a must for most products and services. But inevitably, someone tries to turn a fair shake into a ploy for free stuff — at your expense.So how can you prevent someone from using your free trial offer as a way to get…more than a trial?Today, we share all the ways we make sure that our free trial is used for its intended purpose: to give people a risk-free way to confirm their choice. By digging into the data, and seeing how (and how often) people abuse your refund policy, you can take proactive steps to prevent it.Here’s the good news: you might be shocked at how rarely people pull this kind of stunt.That said, someone, somewhere will eventually try to rip you off by taking advantage of your policies. Put a stop to it before it starts. 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 customers are out there…somewhere. You just have to give them a path to your door. The art of creating and converting leads takes practice, experimentation, and (of course) a plan. Today’s special guest teacher is an expert at identifying, attracting, and winning over the people who are the best fit for your product or service. Chloe Thomas is a renowned consultant, speaker, author, and expert in e-commerce — but the customer acquisition plan she shares today can work for any kind of business.Join Chloe for a marketing-focused look at how to create and optimize a path for potential customers. One step at a time, you can build a series of “lily pads” that lead to sales — and prioritize the traffic most likely to convert.Get the notepad out for this one, and be sure to check out the special free resources Chloe offers to our listeners. Click Play!eCommerce Master Plan (Free Resources for $100 MBA Listeners)eCommerce Master Plan PodcastKeep Optimizing PodcasteCommerce Marketing: How to Get Traffic That Buys to Your Website by Chloe ThomasSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 small business trying to build a following, every cent counts.Too much of marketing seems like magic, or hack-based advice that makes empty promises of results if you just do x, y, or z. The reality is much more fluid, and requires you to be very careful with your marketing dollars.Today, we share what we know to be true about marketing fails — based on our own failures.These are the marketing truths we wish we’d known from the beginning, but can only be learned the hard way. In this episode, we discuss how not to spend your marketing budget, but also where and when to spend more for better results.By sticking to some tried-and-true fundamentals, you can forget the hacks and start building real marketing momentum — the kind that self-reinforces and multiplies over time. Your business can’t be “lean” if you throw the marketing budget into the wind.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 storm coming.But it’s not time to batten down the hatches and head for the cellar just yet. With a recession on the way, it’s definitely time to prepare — but not to duck and cover.Today, we discuss how to minimize the damage our impending recession will do to your business. But more importantly, we explain how to take advantage of the recession to position yourself for greater success in the long term.Recessions happen. You don’t fight the cycle; you ride it.No period of economic growth carries on forever. The swings are the only constant. Businesses that endure and thrive don’t depend on a good overall economy; they make the most of the market they’re in. In this episode, we explain how.Zip up your raincoat and face the storm with confidence. 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 the classic conundrum for aspiring entrepreneurs: can I build a truly successful business without ditching the 9 to 5?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s caught between the safety of a regular paycheck, and the promise of independence.Their side-hustle is established, but its growth is held back by the demands of a conventional job. Is it possible to reach “escape velocity” while holding down a regular gig? Can you only quit once your business is thriving enough to support you, or is thriving only possible after you quit?The answer may vary, depending on what kind of business you’re building.Today, we lay out the path from regular job, to side-hustle, to full-blown entrepreneurship. By meeting certain benchmarks (and being ready to cut certain expenses), you can make a relatively safe transition.How long it takes is subject to variable, which we’ll explore. Get the basic breakdown of what needs to happen before you hand in that resignation, and how long it should take. 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 top talent really worth? Is it worth giving up a piece of your business?Offering equity can be a smart move. But too many entrepreneurs do it when they think they have to, rather than investigating whether it’s prudent.If you can’t afford a salary that’s tempting enough to assemble the best team, it might be wiser to step back and retool, rather than bet the farm on someone (or several someones) who might not be the answer to all your challenges.Also, there are performance-based alternatives that incentivize great work — without risking profits you haven’t created.All that doesn’t mean you should never share equity with the right team members. Today, we explore the risks and advantages of equity-sharing, and help you decide whether it makes sense for your business.The decision is ultimately yours — but it’s never good to go in blind. Tune in, and weigh the 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.

You don’t have to start your own business to run your own business.Franchising is a viable, lower-risk way to get your entrepreneurship on. Instead of building something from the ground up, you can take ownership of an existing, proven business.It may not be entirely “yours,” but a franchise is yours enough to provide the flexibility, autonomy, and financial benefits of independent business. But of course, you have to find the right franchise for you and your specific needs and goals.Fortunately, we have an expert to help with that.Jon Ostenson is a franchise pro, with deep experience with franchises in almost every imaginable industry (that’s right, franchising isn’t just for food vendors). Today, Jon explains how to get into this lucrative model — and how to pick a business based on its proven potential for success.Learn how to choose a franchise that offers you the profits (and lifestyle) you want. Click Play!FranBridge ConsultingSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Got a digital product to sell? Get it on Product Hunt.Product Hunt is a wildly popular, seriously trusted resource where real consumers share their thoughts on everything from apps to websites to tech hardware. If you can make a splash there, you can build a customer base.…but of course, you have to know how to stand out.With countless products up for review, it can be a real challenge to rise to the top, or snag the game-changing “Product of the Day” designation. Today, we share 5 ways to get your product some attention, create engagement in the Product Hunt community, and capitalize.Naturally, we put our own products on Product Hunt, including our webinar SaaS. Learn how we approach this unique site, and how you can get its influential community behind your next product. 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.

Lifetime deals are the ultimate long-term sales tactic. But can the sales you score now hurt your business years (or decades) later?Like any strategy, offering neverending deals has its strengths and weaknesses.We know — we’ve done lifetime deals for our SaaS company, some of which panned out better than others. If you don’t carefully weigh all the variables, your lifetime deal can be a lifetime drag on your bottom line!Today, we explain exactly what to avoid if you’re considering a lifetime offer, so you reap the benefits without hurting yourself down the road.With examples from businesses that execute this strategy well (plus our own experience), this episode offers a clearer picture of how the lifetime approach works, and why it’s so easy for it to backfire.Take a beat, run the numbers, and make sure that if you make a lifetime commitment, it’s one you won’t regret. 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 flaw in the “funnel” approach.It’s not that marketing and sales funnels don’t work generally, or that they’re not useful. It’s that funnels can only do so much. With packaged funnel-building programs and software making big promises, it’s easy to think funnels are more powerful than they really are. Can you really set up a few assets, sit back, and watch the conversions roll in? Not exactly. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who bet their chips on a funnel software, only to make exactly zero sales. It’s not for lack of effort, but something is clearly not working. Why not? Today, we get back to basics, and unpack what sales funnels can’t do. Over-reliance on clever conversion schemes can take your focus away from the fundamentals of good business. By putting first things first, you can make your funnels work better. Learn how the rest of your business can support your funnel — not the other way around. 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.

Cold emailing works — just maybe not the way you think it does.Sending an unsolicited message to a complete stranger is…awkward at best. But ask any successful independent business founder, and you’ll find that it’s almost unavoidable.Creating a stronger network (and a stronger business) means you can’t be afraid to reach out, even when it’s downright uncomfortable. You have to power through the awkwardness to get results!But first, you can take a few steps to raise your odds of success.Today, we share 4 things that make our cold emails work more often. Note we said “more often,” not always. Yes, you will be ignored. Yes, you will be rejected. But not every time.It’s a simple matter of doing everything you can to improve your stats, and realizing that even one successful cold email can be worth a dozen fails. Tune in, and learn how a few consistent practices can make your cold emails a little warmer.Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you charging too much?Most small business advice encourages higher prices for higher profits. But the somewhat controversial Price for Growth goes against that grain, suggesting entrepreneurs should play a longer game — even at the expense of profit.And frankly, we’re convinced.Jeff Robinson’s book flies further under the radar than it should. Today, we unpack its growth-centric pricing model, and share the philosophy behind the strategy. This isn’t abstract stuff; this book’s argument is so well-conceived that it led to a significant decision re: pricing in our own software company.There’s a sweet spot between low-balling yourself out of business, and strategically sacrificing profit for long-term customer loyalty. Hear about this book, and decide if that approach is right for you. Click Play!Price for Growth by Jeff RobinsonDiscover 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.

If you’re not segmenting, you’re not email marketing.The first rule of marketing is that you can’t say the same thing to everyone. As much as possible, you have to appeal to individuals. If you’re sending the same exact messages to your whole contact list, you’re leaving leads on the table.In fact, the fewer segments you have, the less effective your emails will be.Today, we share an easy way to segment your email list, so you can start writing to people based on their needs and interests. No matter what email marketing software you use, follow our step-by-step instructions to set up your basic segments — then, speak to each separately.If it sounds simple, it is! Segmenting is a fundamental part of successful email marketing. With a little time and effort, you can improve open rates, click rates, and (you guessed it) sales. 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.

Can lower prices = more revenue? Sure — but only if you do it right.Yes, we spend a lot of time on this podcast advocating for higher prices. “Who can charge the least?” is a race to the bottom that no one wins (unless you’re Wal-Mart). But in certain contexts, a discount can be an investment in your business’ growth.Today, we explain how.We’ll discuss when it’s time to offer a discount, and how to execute a discount in a way that makes money in the long term (even while sacrificing some in the short term). It’s all about mastering the art of “value pricing” without slipping into constant discount mode.Hear our golden rules for offering discounts, and why just the right amount of price-cutting can be a boon. 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 good news: in-person events are a viable option again (finally).The bad news: it’s been a while. Do we still remember how to pull them off?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who wants to organize their very first live, in-person event. As it happens, we’re planning one of our own — and we’ve done a few in the past. Today, we share our best tips.Think of the advice in this episode as “things we wish we knew before we threw our first event.”Based on his own experience attending and organizing events, Omar shares the most important lessons he’s learned. We discuss everything you need to look out for, and the most important ways you can ensure your big day is a success for you and attendees.If you’re thinking about organizing a conference or other business event, don’t stress! Let our experience be your guide. 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.

Udemy: it’s got a quarter million courses on just about every topic under the sun — and an audience of tens of millions of potential students.Sounds like a great place to sell your own course, doesn’t it?…or is it?There’s never been a better time to sell your expertise and create a revenue stream as an online teacher, trainer, or coach. But whenever you sell your wares in someone else’s shop, it comes at a cost.In Udemy’s case, the question is: is it worth that cost?Today, we break down how Udemy works for course creators — including how they calculate their cut of the money your courses bring in. We’ll discuss the upsides, the downsides, what kinds of courses do best on Udemy, and of course, whether or not you should do it.Find out if Udemy is the right move for you, or if it’s better to stay independent. 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.

Make the “Sunday Blues” yesterday’s news.If you struggle with getting things done over the course of the week, we have the episode (and the expert) for you.Demir Bentley is a renowned productivity expert who’s helped executives at major companies to…well, get their sh*t together. The problem, according to Bentley, isn’t a lack of effort or even time. It’s that we need a more active approach to tackling our priorities.And yes, by applying the strategies Demir shares today, you can finally enjoy your weekends again.Tune in (and get that notepad ready) as Demir shares a way to invest 30 minutes of your week into strategic planning, with a return of hours. Before your alarm even goes off on Monday, you’ll be set up to be caught up.You’re just a half hour away from saying goodbye to weekly overwhelm. Click Play!Winning the WeekSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Solopreneur-ing or running a small team? Have too much on your plate? Have everything on your plate?We’ve been there.Specifically, Omar knows what it’s like to be the developer, marketer, salesperson, janitor, and everything else you can think of in a small business — all at once. Today, he shares his system for getting it all handled efficiently, and still having time to breathe.The key is avoiding “context switching.”Learn what context switching is, how it demolishes your productivity, and how Omar eliminated it from his working life. With a fairly simple plan for your week, you can ensure that you get the most done in the least amount of time — and still have a life outside your business. 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.

No money in the marketing budget? There’s a way around that.For newer and smaller businesses, relying on content, word of mouth, and other organic marketing is normal (and smart!). But at some point, you’ll hit that growth plateau. With rare exception, most businesses have to invest in marketing to see results.But what if you don’t have any spare revenue? What happens then?You get creative, that’s what.Today, we lay out a plan for funding paid marketing — without actually cutting into your current revenue. At all. Sound impossible? Nothing in entrepreneurship is impossible! The key is to think outside your normal business model and products/services, and tap into a source of cash you might not have thought of. Sound mysterious? It’s actually pretty simple. Once you hear what it is, you’ll know how to level up your marketing without losing a dime. 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 freedom. But if you take investments, how much freedom are you giving up?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener in a fairly common pickle. They started a business, grew it, and it’s doing great. The only problem: our listener can see that the business has hit a plateau — and the only way to grow is to get a little help from outside.Is it worth it? Is it possible to maintain control of “your” business after it becomes (partially) someone else’s?In this episode, we discuss what the founder/investor relationship can look like, and how to decide whether it’s right for you. We’ll discuss what to consider before making this very big decision, and how much autonomy is really possible with an investor to answer to.There’s no right or wrong to this one: there’s only knowing exactly what you want out of your own business, so you can determine whether an investor will help you get there or not. 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.

Every business is vulnerable to hackers.It’s only getting worse. In our many years of online entrepreneurship, we’ve faced multiple attacks from different kinds of saboteurs and assorted badguys. At some point, you just have to accept the reality, and protect yourself.Fortunately, you can do a few (relatively easy) things that make your business much harder to hack.Today, we share the key steps to securing your business against online ne’er do wells. No matter how online your business is — from fully online SaaS companies to brick & mortars with even a basic web presence — these steps are critical.Invest a little time and effort into your online security, and your business will thank you in the long run. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready for your MBA? First, you need to make sure it’ll be (more than) worth it. Becoming a Master of Business Administration can take years, tens of thousands of dollars, and a whole ‘lotta sweat. It might be the biggest investment you ever make! Before your first day of class, it’s crucial to take certain steps to ensure you get serious returns.Fortunately, we have an expert on the show to help with that.Iliana Bobova is an international career coach and former MBA admissions officer. She knows exactly what it takes to get an MBA, but more importantly, what makes an MBA truly worth the effort.Today, Iliana walks us step-by-step through the MBA journey. From choosing the right school, to getting accepted, to financing, to finally using your MBA as a launchpad, Iliana has specific action items you can use to get the most from your education.A formal MBA isn’t right for every business person. But if it’s the path for you, let it begin here. Click Play!The Jordan Harbinger Show PodcastSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 your online course worth?That can be a tough question, but it’s one you have to answer. Price it too low, and you’ll cheat yourself out of revenue. Price it too high, and you’ll alienate buyers.So where’s the Goldilocks zone? And how can you find it for your course?If you think our answer is “it depends,” think again. Today, we’re offering a firm answer, based on the one single factor that actually, truly, realistically determines what people will pay for knowledge and expertise.Hear our simple — but specific — formula for finding your number. With real world examples (including from our own business), learn why your ideal customer is willing to pay more than you might think. Plus, learn how to show your leads exactly why the price is right, so buying your course is a no-brainer. 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 haven’t embraced video marketing yet, it’s time.For many, creating (or “producing”) video content can seem intimidating, like something you need special training or experience to pull off. But that’s the wrong approach.Video marketing isn’t about presenting some slick appearance. It’s about documenting and sharing the journey. Today, we break down exactly why video marketing is so much more popular than it used to be (and not only because it’s so much easier than it used to be). As consumer browsing and researching habits change, written copy and graphic design are still vital — but video can make all the difference.Tune in, and get a fresh perspective on why you should be putting out video content to promote your brand. We’ll also share some special resources you can tap into to make your video marketing top-notch, no matter your experience level. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you know when you’ve really struck oil?Product/market fit is the gold standard of business viability. Once you have it, you’re golden. And if you don’t have it…well, an uphill battle is your best-case scenario. So what defines product/market viability, and what metrics can prove it’s there?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who may or may not be on the cusp of escape velocity. Their product might be striking a chord. It’s clearly right for some people — but is it right for enough people?Today, we explore varying definitions of product/market fit, share the definition we think is most useful, and discuss how to know whether you’ve gotten there. Learn what really makes a business sustainable in the long term, and how to tell if your business has it. 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.

Don’t let ‘perfect’ be the enemy of ‘launched.’For any kind of product — from a shirt to a SaaS — the urge to keep tweaking and tweaking before you bring it to market is powerful. But you have to resist it.In business, it’s better to create an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), and get it out the door. From there, you adjust based on real-world feedback, allowing your customers to help shape what will ultimately become the “final” product — even though you’ll need to reiterate and evolve that product as well.So what does a market-ready product look like? How do you know you’re cleared for launch?Today, we explain what makes a product or service “ready” for sale at the earliest stage. With examples from businesses big and small (including our own), we demonstrate how it’s silly to waste time and resources on getting it “right,” when you should really just be getting it done.In the end, the best product is the product that serves customers’ needs. And without their input, no amount of tweaking will be enough. 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 building your own business, read this book.In 2016, Arvid Kahl founded FeedbackPanda, a SaaS product for teachers. In 2019, he sold it. Using FeedbackPanda as a model, Zero to Sold outlines exactly how to create a SaaS business, grow it quickly, and cash out.If that sounds ruthlessly practical and to the point, that’s because it is.Our intrepid host Omar took one of Kahl’s courses, and couldn’t resist giving this book a read. Once he did, it was clear that anyone looking to self-fund a new business (SaaS or otherwise) can learn a ton from it.Tune in, hear some of our favorite takeaways, and hear why this lean playbook for building something you can sell is a true “Must Read.” Click Play!Feedback PandaZero to Sold by Arvid KahlThe Bootstrapped FounderDiscover 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.

Saying goodbye isn’t easy — or cheap.At some point, if you run a business long enough, you’ll have to fire someone. Probably several someones. This is normal, but it should never be done without serious consideration.Before you give someone the ax, it’s imperative to calculate exactly what you’re losing. Even the most sub-par employees can be extremely costly to replace, in terms of money, time, and even less tangible resources like team morale.Today, we share a few things to take a good, hard look at before you make the big decision.It’s not that you shouldn’t get rid of employees who are genuinely detrimental to the company, or who aren’t pulling their weight. But in many cases, you may find that the cost of investing in their improvement is less than the cost of investing in their replacement!The true cost of every firing isn’t easy to quantify, and comes down to more than just dollars and cents. Listen in, and make sure that when you do let someone go, it’s a decision you can live with. 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.

Nervous about going live?Live video presentations are almost unavoidable in business now — especially online business. Even if it’s just internal presentations with your own team, the camera is calling.Fortunately, Omar has a lot of experience in this department.As someone who’s logged countless hours running webinars, remote meetings, and live courses, Omar’s picked up a few moves along the way. Today, we share 5 specific things you can start doing today to make yourself a more confident, more effective presenter.And no, it doesn’t have to come naturally.Like Omar, you’ll probably need some time and practice to get comfortable on camera. But if you start with these 5 most basic tactics, you’ll give yourself the best chance to get more competent more quickly.From the right gear to the right attitude, let our experience be your guide — Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can you break up with your business?What do you do if you’ve built a business, but you’re just not feeling it any more? What happens when entrepreneurship starts to feel like…just work?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s had an ecommerce business for a few years — and kinda hates it now. This listener hasn’t enjoyed the business in a long time, and feels like life is starting to pass them by. Is it time to say goodbye?First, a few questions need asking.As it happens, Omar went through a similar experience, and ultimately decided to let his ecommerce business go. Today, we share the questions you need to ask yourself if you’re thinking about moving on — and what to do if you decide it’s time to end things.Make the right, most informed choice 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.

Does being nice, funny, or likable even matter?Lots of jerks are successful in business, right? But is there any tangible evidence that likeability and profitability go together? The impact of your personal brand on your business brand is hard to measure. But it’s pretty impossible to argue that a well-liked personality who puts smiles on people’s faces doesn’t have a positive effect on sales. Can we be aware of this? Can we incorporate it into our marketing strategy? Omar has some opinions on the issue.Today, we discuss the relationship between you, the way you act, the way you’re perceived, and the success of your business. Can an unlikeable person create and sell an incredible product? Would people buy it anyway? Can a sub-par product sell, if the right face is on the ads and content?Join us as we explore the relationship between branding and personal branding. 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 big could your business grow?The decisions you make now can put a ceiling on your growth potential, or make the sky the limit. It all depends on whether you build for scalability and innovation.Today, we have a lesson from a special guest teacher on how to do exactly that.Whether you’re just starting your business, or you want to unleash its fullest potential, this episode can help. Patrick Bryant is a serial entrepreneur and cofounder of Code + Trust. In this lesson, Patrick explains how to think about growth in a limitless way, and make key decisions that create more room for your business to grow. Thinking bigger and longer term is often difficult for independent entrepreneurs and small business founders. But while we’re doing the day-to-day work, we can’t forget to make sure the door is open for great things. Hear Patrick’s strategies, and ask yourself what’s really possible. Click Play!Harbor Entrepreneur CenterSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Thinking about writing a book? The first question to ask yourself: why?There are great reasons for an entrepreneur to write a book. There are also terrible reasons. Before you put a single word down, make sure you’re approaching it from the right angle.Setting appropriate intentions and expectations is key to making your book project successful. If you’re not willing to be honest about what you’re trying to accomplish, writing a book can be a drain on your time, energy, and revenue that doesn’t pay off.Today, we explain what it looks like when an entrepreneur does the book thing properly (with lots of examples). By understanding the reader’s perspective, you can make sure to write something that’s worth the investment — for you and your readers.Get in the right headspace for becoming an author. 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.