The $100 MBA Show

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.

Starting a business while holding down a 9-to-5? It’s one of the smartest ways to get started. That said, it’s not the easiest. To actually make progress, you’ll need to give up significant amounts of free time. How significant? Well, that’s what this episode is all about.It’s one thing to “start a business.” It’s quite another to start and grow a business until it reaches true escape velocity (that’s the part where you can quit your day job). Until then, it’s not just about how much time you put in, but how frequently and efficiently you use that time.Today, we share how many hours you’ll have to set aside, how often, and how to make that time count for all it’s worth. Omar would know — he side-hustled for years while working full-time as a teacher. Get your battle plan for taking a serious run at entrepreneurship. 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.

Ready to find your crowd on Twitter? Take it slow.Too many new entrepreneurs put too much focus on social media. And of course, that’s exactly how social media platforms like it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use Facebook, Insta, Twitter, and the rest to your advantage.Today, we explore how.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one of our listeners is an experienced entrepreneur who’s never played the social game. However, they’ve decided it’s time to finally dive and start building a following. The platform of choice? Good ol’ Twitter.So how long does it take until a Twitter feed becomes a true marketing asset?Today, we discuss the (realistic) benefits of Twitter, and all the ways it can truly help your business. But at the same time, this episode is all about managing expectations, and putting quality over quantity when it comes to your following. Get a handle on how Twitter can help, and how it can’t. 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.

Luck doesn’t happen by accident.No, this episode is not about witchcraft or “manifesting” success. It’s a simple lesson on how the things you can control put you in a better position re: things you can’t control.Fate can’t be controlled, but odds can be raised or lowered. Today, we share a few key things that — no matter what kind of business you’re in — help expand the zone of what’s within your control, and make better outcomes more likely. It’s all about creating the right conditions for “good luck” to find you!From conceiving of your business to managing your team, these key principles can’t give you control over major market downturns, pandemics, or natural disasters. But they can minimize risk, open the door to opportunities, and essentially make your business bad-luck-proof. Hear how we improve our luck, and how you can too — no rabbits’ feet required. 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 do you really need to start and grow a business?Today’s marketplace has lowered the barrier to entry for entrepreneurship. Given the tools available, the average person can start a profitable, scalable business with way less capital — and less experience — than ever before.Today’s Must-Read explains how.The Minimalist Entrepreneur is a roadmap for creating low-stress, low-investment businesses that put your profitability (and your sanity) first. The author, Sahil Lavingia, was employee #2 at Pinterest, and is the founder of Gumroad, which helps people start businesses with almost nothing.Learn how to start a business without going into debt. Start a business that works for you, rather than indenturing you to it. Hear out takeaways, and why this book resonates so strongly with us. Click Play!The Minimalist Entrepreneur by Sahil LavingiaDiscover 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.

The “freemium” model is everywhere now. And it makes sense! Consumers are picky, more wary than ever, and in need of more proof before opening their wallets.But what if freemium isn’t feasible for you?Giving away your product or service is pretty costly, after all (we know — our software platform offers a free plan). If you’re not yet at a point where you can absorb the cost of even a basic version of what you’re selling, there’s another way. It’s called the faux free plan.What is it? Well, it’s basically an almost free plan. It still lowers the barrier to entry, makes signing up a no-brainer for your leads, and gets people using your product. But it doesn’t strain your company’s resources the way a truly free plan does.Today, we explain the faux free model in detail, share why it works (with real-world examples), and help you decide if it’s the right move 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.

We can all agree that networking is vital to getting anywhere in business. But you might be surprised to learn that networking is something you can outsource.Wait, what?How can you outsource building relationships with people? With a little ingenuity, that’s how. From helpful tech to helpful employees, you can develop systems to initiate and maintain connections with the right people.Tune in, and hear how Omar takes significant amounts of the work of networking off his plate — without sacrificing relationships or detracting from their mutual beneficialness. In fact, by systematizing and optimizing your approach to networking, you can become an even more reliable, considerate colleague and friend to the people in your circle.Hear Omar’s hacks, and see if they can work for you. As Porter Gale said, your network is your net worth! Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You have an awesome idea for an app. You’re sure it would address a real need in the marketplace. You’re ready to do the work of marketing and selling it.…but you couldn’t code your way out of a wet paper bag.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a fairly common question: to engineer or not to engineer? Theoretically, anyone can learn to develop software. That said, theoretically anyone can learn how to fix their own car; that doesn’t mean it’s the right move.Fortunately, Omar definitely has some experience in this arena, having initially developed the software for our SaaS product. Spoiler alert, though: eventually we hired a real-deal software engineer because…well, because they’re really good at that kind of thing.Today, we discuss the factors to consider when you’re deciding between a pro and a DIY approach. Is the time and effort required to learn an entire new skill set worth it? That all depends — 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 dive into video marketing? Here’s what you need.Video is second only to the written word when it comes to online marketing. It’s personal, involves more senses, and is proven to elicit more engagement. But many entrepreneurs — especially newer ones — are intimidated by the idea of creating videos. In truth, it’s never been easier for a non-professional to produce high-quality videos, as long as you use the right tools.Today, we share the tools behind our own video marketing (and we do a ton of it). From editing software to soundtrack samples to actual people who can help put it all together, these resources are the reason our videos are so successful — and so much easier to make.Discover the best tools to add video to your content arsenal. 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 just send a message. Send a video.Consumers are hit with about a bazillion marketing and sales messages each day. Most of them are emails that go straight to ‘Promo,’ and other text-based messages we simply ignore or delete. But video is different.Video has a better chance of being consumed, and scoring you a conversion. Plus, they’re easier than ever to create!Mike Moll is a marketing coach who helps small businesses find innovative ways to grow sustainably — like video-based marketing and sales. Today, Mike shares his exact method for video messaging, from choosing the right platform to the format of your actual ‘pitch.’While personalized video messages may not scale or be appropriate for big companies, they can work wonders for independent marketers…and no, they’re not only for sales.Whether you’re trying to connect with a potential customer, business partner, or even a potential mentor, a message straight from your face has a bigger impact than one from your keyboard. Learn the basics of a proven, effective way to reach out — Click Play!Lead Generation Mini-CourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As they say, “the money’s in the list.” But more list does not mean more money.Like so much in business, it’s more complicated than a simple equation. To get the most out of any email list requires way more than just gathering new addresses. If you’re throwing lead magnets around the whole wide Internet, you’re probably raking in contacts — and they’re probably not becoming customers. If that syndrome sounds familiar, this is the episode for you. Today, we explain how to build an email list that works.There are 3 mistakes that are almost guaranteed to ensure your email list doesn’t actually produce real leads. Sadly, these 3 mistakes are super common — heck, we used to make them ourselves, until we learned better (the hard way).Tune in, and see if you’ve fallen victim to any of these 3 big ‘Do Nots.’ Once you learn what really makes an email list valuable, you can take a more targeted, more effective 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.

More people will sign up for your course if they can sign up whenever they want…right?Not necessarily.It might seem logical to let people enroll in your course whenever. But basic consumer psychology tells a different story; when there’s no urgency, there’s less chance someone will make a commitment. Most people will put off ‘till tomorrow what they can do today.…and that’s only one of the reasons you should periodically close your course enrollment.Not only are people more likely to sign up when the window isn’t open forever, it’s actually easier to market close-able courses. Today, we explain why the open/close model is better for business, and how to set it up for the best results.With examples from some of the most successful course-based businesses around, this episode is your guide to getting more students. 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 a brand-new business, is a VA (virtual assistant) worth it?When you’re starting out, staying lean is a top priority. Which is why it struck one of our listeners as a little counterintuitive that we’re so bullish on hiring VAs. It’s Q&A Wednesday! This listener is only weeks into a new business, and wants to know if a VA is really, truly a wise investment at this stage. We understand; a hire is a significant expense. But it might not be as significant as you think — and it might be more valuable than you imagine.Today, we’ll explain how to decide exactly what your hypothetical VA would do with their time, where to find VA candidates, and how to choose the right one. Plus, we’ll discuss how to evaluate whether you’re really getting your budget’s worth.Get an accurate sense of what you’re paying for when you hire a VA. 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 paid ads a money pit?Small businesses need to stay lean. That means not throwing money away on expensive marketing and sales tactics that don’t produce a solid return. From print to radio to Google and Facebook, is the money you spend on paid advertising worth it?More importantly, can your business thrive without it?Lots of businesses do just fine without spending a dime on ads. Today, we share several examples, and explain exactly why the ad-less strategy can work. Of course, it won’t work for every business — but yours could be one of them.We’ll share our own experience as well, and how we arrived at our own balanced mix of paid advertising and content marketing. Learn how to determine the best approach for your business, and get the most out of every marketing dollar. 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 brave enough to admit it’s time for change?Accepting the need for change is one of the more surprising challenges in business. It requires courage, accountability, and the will to let go of what’s familiar and comfortable.Barry Moltz is a speaker, author, radio host, and SMB expert who specializes in getting business out of ruts. For a small business, a plateau can become a graveyard. Being agile and embracing change is one of the most important abilities an entrepreneur can develop.Today, Barry explains why that’s easier said than done, and how to get around the most common blockers.Don’t be the next Blockbuster! Learn how to recognize when you’re clinging to what doesn’t work anymore, and get comfortable pivoting. When the same-old-same-old is holding you back, it’s time to take action. Click Play!Change Masters by Barry MoltzThe Small Business Radio ShowSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 an e-commerce business? Listen to this first.Before he got into the podcast & SaaS game, our intrepid host Omar ran a successful e-commerce business selling custom menswear. Along the way, he learned valuable lessons about what to do, and what not to do — sometimes the hard way.Today, let Omar’s experience be your guide!From your website design to your payment processing and fulfillment, there are many ways to make e-commerce harder for yourself, and hurt your chances of success. In this episode, we tackle the top 5, the biggest absolute no-no’s that are all but guaranteed to sink your business. Learn exactly what to avoid, eliminate unnecessary friction, and give yourself the best chance to build an e-commerce business that’ll profit for years. 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 most coaches, the ultimate goal is to have fewer clients paying higher prices. But the group coaching model — whether as a stepping stone to 1:1 clients or a long-term strategy — is more than sustainable. Better yet, it’s super-scalable. But how do you get those clients in the first place?To sustain a group coaching business, you need to ensure a steady flow of leads, and a reliable funnel to convert those leads. Today, we share 3 specific ways to do so, based on tried-and-true tactics employed by some of the most successful coaches online.Each of these 3 methods has its own strengths, but they all share one thing in common: no matter how you attract leads, your ability to genuinely prove how much you can help is the key to locking in clients.Learn how to get in front of the right people, and show them what you (and they) are capable of. 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.

Blogging: it’s still one of the best ways to start a business!All you really need to get started is your own experience, decent writing ability, and the time to put your insights down on (digital) paper. But of course, there are a few other costs.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a well-traveled listener who wants to start a blog, with the ultimate goal of monetizing it through affiliate commissions. Wisely, this listener wants to know how much an aspiring blogger needs to budget in order to get their website off the ground.From hosting to design and more, starting a blog is one of the cheapest ways to launch a business — but it’s not free. Today, we discuss a few ways to monetize a blog, and outline exactly what you’d have to pay for, and where you should (and shouldn’t) invest a little more to give your blog the best chance to build an audience. 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.

Never go to market without a strategy.A launch is never as simple as just putting your product or service in front of people. Before you attempt the first sale (whether it’s a new business, a pivot, or a product launch), you have to decide exactly how to make your “entrance” into the marketplace.Today, we break down exactly how to plot your debut.Based on countless hours of reading, research, and coaching, we’ve boiled the go-to-market strategy down to 6 basic steps. In this episode, we share how to define and position your brand, appeal to the right customer base, and build a solid springboard for your launch.Learn how to communicate what your business is, what it stands for, and who it serves — before you hit the market. 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 another incredible book from the 4-Hour legend. Today, we review the inimitable Tim Ferriss’ Tribe of Mentors.Ferriss is the original life-hacker, a seeker of new solutions for everything from making money to getting in shape. With Tribe, Ferriss surveyed successful innovators and game-changers to see how they managed to make waves where others couldn’t.This book is big, dense…and worth every second.Tribe is composed of 100 interviews with various experts, based on conversations from The Tim Ferriss Show podcast. By asking the same set of 11 questions to each interviewee, Ferriss condensed their unique insights and experiences into an easy-reading, inspiring resource for anyone looking to change their life.Hear our favorite takeaways, from the distilled wisdom of dozens of high achievers. Click Play!Tribe of Mentors by Tim FerrissTools of Titans by Tim FerrissDiscover 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.

Don’t let holidays sneak up on you!Having SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for holiday breaks is a crucial part of managing your team — and your customers’ expectations.From communicating with customers to giving your employees time off (while still keeping the business running), holiday management takes a little preparation. It gets even more complex when you consider remote teams and global marketplaces, since folks in different areas may celebrate different holidays.Fortunately, we have some experience with this.Our SaaS business has customers and employees all over the world. It took some trial and error, but we have a system that allows everyone to celebrate the holidays that matter to them, while keeping the lights on for customers almost the entire year.Get our best tips on ensuring truly happy holidays — for everyone. 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.