The $100 MBA Show

“Not seeing color” isn’t an option for some of us. Whether we like it or not, the experience of minority groups is different.But that’s not always a bad thing. In fact, being different can be an asset. Overcoming the challenges unique to POC can make you the kind of entrepreneur who’s uniquely qualified to navigate other challenges. Business — especially marketing — is about perception. It’s about the courage to be yourself, and the skills to communicate with people who don’t see what you see. You get a lot of practice with that, when you don’t look like the people around you.As you might know, our intrepid host Omar was born to first-generation immigrants, who instilled in him a love of Egyptian culture along with business savvy and a serious work ethic. That experience — and the experience of being misunderstood, typecast, and questioned by his peers — became the building blocks of the entrepreneur he is today.Tune in, and learn how your differences can be your greatest strength. 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 first challenge of e-commerce: keeping track of inventory.It can be a nail-biting affair to predict exactly how much product to order or create, without knowing exactly how much people will buy. Too much, and you lose money on overhead. Too little, and you lose money on lost sales and slow fulfillment. How do you strike the right balance?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener find the e-commerce Goldilocks Zone.This listener runs an auto parts business, which can be particularly tricky to predict. In this episode, we explain a simple formula for deciding how much product to keep on hand, and how to measure the success of your predictions. You can never know precisely how much product customers will ask for. But by studying industry patterns, you can make a very educated guess. 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.

Company policies: do they uphold your principles and offer a guidepost for how your team conducts business? Or are they just fluff?We all know that the only real rules are the ones that actually get enforced. Is it realistic — or even necessary — to have hard-and-fast policies? Do your policies keep your team grounded and in line with company values, or are they just words?Is it professionalism, or pantomime?Today, we discuss how to have real policies that genuinely guide your team. In fact, your team should play a key role in creating those policies, to ensure they’re a compact, an agreement, rather than a set of top-down mandates. Put your values into action, and get your entire team on board. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every business owner has to deal with forces beyond their control. But handling what you can control is usually enough to guarantee that you can navigate whatever happens.That’s the basic premise of Great by Choice, Jim Collins’ study of businesses that thrive in unpredictable, even hostile conditions. Researched like a thorough work of academia, but written like an accessible guide for real-world entrepreneurs, Great by Choice makes one thing clear: you can succeed, come what may.You just have to stick to certain principles.With a conscious strategic approach, you can organize your business around big-picture ideas that equip you to weather the storms. Just as good nutrition and fitness can preclude all kinds of threats to your health, certain key principles of business “wellness” can make you resilient. Click Play!Great by Choice by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsGood to Great by Jim CollinsDiscover all our must-read book reviews at https://100mba.net/bookreviews.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which software is best?Whether it’s for web design, CRM, payment processing, fulfillment — you name it — every new business eventually runs into the question above. And yes, you can sift through company websites, review forums, and more as you search for The One. But listen to this episode first!Today, we’re not reviewing software. Instead, we offer a matrix, a list of questions you should ask yourself before considering any of your options. By nailing down exactly what you and your business need, you can do better than searching for the “best” tool. You can search for the best tool for you. If you’re not careful, software (and its costs) can pile up. Stay lean, and take a strategic approach to your choices. We’ll show you how — 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.

One of the biggest reasons for unsubscribes: too many emails.Of course, one of the biggest reasons for slow sales is not enough emails. So how many is enough? What’s the Goldilocks Zone for email frequency? Healthy open and click rates are the key to online marketing. Even in the age of social, email is still the highest-converting way to reach out to your audience. But inboxes are becoming harder and harder to get into — and stay in for the long haul.Today, we discuss how to know if you’re under-or-over-communicating, and how to establish an email frequency that works for you and your audience. With a little research, strategy, and communication, you can get it just right.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: it’s still your most powerful tool for creating online traffic. But sometimes, you have to stimulate that traffic by getting your thoughts onto someone else’s site.The question is, why would anyone let you?Guest posting was huge for our business in its early days. By posting on more popular sites, Omar was able to build a foundation that made everything else possible. In fact, we still get traffic from years-old guest posts that continue to resonate — and generate leads.But first, Omar had to convince these other bloggers to host his posts. Today, Omar shares how. With a creative (if somewhat more labor-intensive) method, he went from being ignored to hearing a big loud “yes” from other blogs. This trick can work for you — if you’re willing to put the effort in. 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.

In business, you have to play the hand you’re dealt. In the age of COVID, that means moving traditionally IRL activities online.Sometimes that works out. Sometimes…not as much.Following up on our episode about why we chose to hold a virtual retreat, today we discuss the results. Our online “retreat week” just ended, and we learned a few things. Some aspects of it worked well — really well. But some in-person experiences are just irreplaceable.With dozens of employees on four continents, we had some fears and apprehensions about organizing this event. Hear how we decided to navigate the whole thing, and how it went. You might just get some great ideas for building camaraderie virtually, when there’s no other way. 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.

Think of yourself as a coach, and watch your team win.Too many team leaders act as “managers.” But think about how we use that term outside of business. We “manage” problems, difficulties. Our employees are neither. Instead, our employees are investments — and they can only deliver returns when we bring out the best in them.Ruchira Chaudhary is a renowned consultant who teaches leaders how to lead, rather than manage. The best way to do that? Be your team’s coach. Today, Ruchira explains exactly what she means by “coaching” in this context, and lays out a complete framework for bringing this approach to your business.Help your team — and yourself — to grow. Learn how to lead by coaching, and the results will speak for themselves. Click Play!Coaching: The Secret Code to Uncommon Leadership by Ruchira ChaudharySUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Apple knows what they’re doing.Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the world’s leading tech company has a unique ability to excite their own market. Each year, Apple’s fall announcement of new products and updates causes a stir — and offers incredibly valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.Today, we share 4 of those lessons.Apple events are worth watching for any business founder. When this company puts what they have on the table, you can glean crucial insights into their mission and strategy. Then, you can apply those broad lessons to your own operation. Hear what we got from this year’s event, and how you can use it too. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marketing isn’t just about what brings customers to your door. It’s what brings customers together that counts. When your business model includes some element of a movement, you do better than creating leads and sales. You create a sense of community that drives long-term brand loyalty, and full-blown evangelism for your brand.In other words, your customers become your greatest marketing asset — without you even asking them to.Today, we explain how and why movement-based businesses succeed. With examples from small businesses and household names, we explore how engaging people in a philosophy creates a business that thrives and endures. 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’s a symbol worth?When you start a business, you start lean. That means making careful choices about where to spend your marketing dollars. When it comes to branding, how important is the company logo? How much is really worth investing when you have plenty of other costs?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a brand-new business who needs to know.Some schools of thought say that any logo will do at first, and to wait for momentum before you go paying graphic designers. Others say a high-quality pro logo goes a long way towards creating that momentum. What’s the right approach?Today, we discuss what kind of a priority your logo really is, and the best ways to go about creating 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.

Peloton is one of the most successful fitness business models ever. How did they pull it off?Exercise equipment comes and goes. Most of the time, companies that sell in-home workout machines have terrible churn, as New Years’ resolutions become next year’s regrets and laundry starts to pile up on the treadmill. What makes Peloton different?Peloton didn’t invent the stationary bike. What they created was a community.In this episode, we unpack the recipe for success behind Peloton. Focusing on a few key things Peloton did right, we explore how this company went from Kickstarter to kicking butts across the US and the globe.See what Peloton did right — so you can do it in your 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.

Hi [First Name],Do your cold emails…work?Most people’s don’t. That’s because writing cold emails is different from any other kind of copywriting. If you want results, you have to craft emails in a way that strikes the right tone — and doesn’t come off as a phony attempt to be personal.Fortunately, we have an expert on that.Laura Lopuch is a copywriting expert who teaches people how to turn words into wins. Having built her own business largely on the strength of her emails, Laura is here with a quick lesson on how it’s done. Tune in, and learn how to nail the tone and content of your most important cold messages. Learn Laura’s guiding philosophy, and why “personalization” might be hurting more than it’s helping. Click Play!Cold Email TemplateSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Take a cue from the tortoise. Slow & steady is the way forward.Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. In fact, it’s not even a race — it’s a lifestyle! And slower growth is the most stable kind of growth. Instead of fretting that you’re not an overnight (or over-week, or over-year) success, take a breath, and realize that’s probably a good thing.We’ve seen businesses collapse under “catastrophic success,” where the business grows too fast to keep up with!Today, we’ll provide concrete examples of why pacing yourself is the best way to ensure the future. Plus, we’ll discuss how to gauge the speed of your growth, and determine if it’s too fast, too slow, or just right. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As anyone in business can tell you, all tragedies contain opportunities. Today, we discuss how in certain situations, it’s never been easier to start a business (or expand one) — because of the pandemic. Savvy entrepreneurs can identify the gaps in the market the disaster left behind. If you’re able, the chance to fill one of those gaps could be a once-in-a-lifetime shot.For every door that COVID has closed, it’s also opened up new paths forward for those who are willing and able to start the journey.The pre-pandemic world can’t really ever come back. But with an entrepreneurial spirit, we can build a future from what this world-altering crisis left behind. Let’s get that future going, starting right now — 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 is still one of the most effective (and cost-effective) kinds of content marketing.But does frequency matter? If so, how often should you post?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping a relatively new blogger figure out how much content to pump out. In 6 months, this blogger hasn’t seen the needle move much. Does it make a difference if you publish every day, week, or month? The short answer is yes — but there are other, bigger factors.Everything from SEO to reader habits have changed since the dawn of the Internet. Today, we discuss what really drives blog readership and helps market your business. Learn how the blogging landscape has evolved, and what you can do to keep your audience engaged. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you don’t listen to your customers, you’ll lose them.Just as true: if you listen too much to your customers…you’ll lose them.Feedback matters. What your customers say should help guide your product development, or you won’t be competitive for long. But you can’t please everybody — and you can’t let yourself be blown around like a leaf in the wind by a thousand different opinions.So what should you do?Today, we nail down an organized, scientific approach to gathering and utilizing customer feedback. We’ll discuss how to ask customers what they think, when to ask them, and what tools to use to keep all that feedback organized.Most importantly, we’ll explain how to know which feedback is high-priority and actionable.Learn how to strike the balance between being tone-deaf and being too eager to please. Hear your customers out in a meaningful way — Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Marketing.” The term is vague. New entrepreneurs don’t always know exactly what it means — let alone how to do it effectively.That’s why we’re so happy to have John Jantsch.A best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and founder of Duct Tape Marketing, John specializes in helping small businesses market effectively. In today’s extended conversation, John and Omar discuss what marketing is really for — and how to know you’re doing it right.In other words, we’re cutting through the “hacks” to discover what really, truly works.By focusing on what’s proven over time for countless companies, you can bypass the forest of trends and create a real marketing “engine,” a system that delivers consistent results. In this full-length interview, we get deep into the details. Click Play!The Ultimate Marketing Engine by John JantschSpokeSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 love teachers.As the founders of a webinar platform (and former educators), we live and breathe coaching, training, and consulting as a business model. Our experience in that realm is what brought us into the webinar game, and continues to guide our development. But at some point, our good ol’ Omar had to hang up his consulting hat.Today, Omar shares why he made the difficult decision to give this aspect of the business (and revenue stream) up. It’s a fantastic service and business model, but it’s not right for everyone in every situation. One of the most important things an entrepreneur must learn to do is evolve. Hear why Omar had to pull himself out of the Comfort Zone to make space for something new. 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’ve hit a plateau. Whether your business is new, established, or even getting close to the endgame, anyone can get stuck.Surprisingly, it’s often because of this one thing.When you’ve looked into everything — sales, marketing, advertising — and you just can’t figure out what’s got your wheels spinning, there’s a very good chance it’s this. It’s not something most people expect, and it might seem…weird. But you owe it to your business to consider it.We should know; as we’ll discuss, it’s happened to us. Find out what this mysterious factor is, and how it inhibits growth. It might just be the way forward when it seems like you can’t get anywhere. 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 isn’t easy. Anyone who says so isn’t telling the whole story. Sometimes it’s difficult. Sometimes it’s boring. Sometimes you put everything you have into a campaign or product, only to watch it flop. This is a reality of business. The question isn’t how to avoid that — it’s how to handle it.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how we keep our chins up when the going gets tough. No one — no one — is motivated all the time. In fact, it’s perfectly normal to lose motivation over time, or for motivation to ebb and flow. So how do we keep our productivity consistent?Hear a few simple tips (and a few hard choices) that can keep you motivated through all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Click PlayTo 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.

Let’s lower that CAC!Your Customer Acquisition Cost is one of the biggest factors affecting your bottom line. The total investment of marketing, advertising, and sales dollars to produce a single customer is a key metric, one that has to be studied carefully. As your business grows, so can your CAC — leading to an overall plateau.Fortunately, there are things you can do about that.Today, we share 4 specific ways you can put a major dent in that number, starting now. No matter what business you’re in, these 4 tactics are tried and tested, as we’ll demonstrate with examples from multiple businesses. Get a handle on how much you’re investing in customer acquisition, so the returns can support stronger, faster growth. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is poker the best analogy for entrepreneurship? The Biggest Bluff makes a very strong case for “yes.” This fascinating memoir about a total novice’s quest to get really good at something is stuffed with insights that any business owner can learn from. By going from amateur to champion, Maria Konnikova demonstrated that in poker and business, it’s not all about the hand you’re dealt. It’s about sticking to the plan.Tune in, and hear how one person’s poker journey offers a perfect formula for balancing skill, hard work, and dumb luck. Learn how to navigate bad odds, get comfortable with unpredictable outcomes, and take risks when it really matters. Click Play!The Biggest Bluff by Maria KonnikovaDiscover 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.

In business, it’s not the idea that leads to success. It’s the execution.That said, not all ideas are equally viable — which is why it’s important to change how we think about “good” or “bad” product and service ideas. A product that seems ridiculous might strike a chord with consumers (remember pet rocks?). Likewise, the graveyard of failed businesses is full of seemingly great ideas that people just didn’t buy into. So how can you tell what’ll actually work?Today, we discuss how to determine whether your idea has an honest chance of success — based not only on the merits of the idea itself, but on the multitude of factors that go into the execution. Your ability to win over an audience depends on so much more than whether your idea is “good” or not. Fortunately, a little groundwork can paint a pretty reliable picture of your chances. 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.

As a business owner, you set the standards.But what do you do when an employee — even one you like and respect — isn’t clearing the bar? It’s one of the most uncomfortable aspects of running a business. But it’s also pretty much inevitable. Team members will fail you sometimes.The key is to fix it through collaboration, not just correction.We call our staff a “team” for a reason. Part of supporting your teammates is helping them do their best work. Because the truth is, most screwups aren’t the result of malice or even laziness. They’re usually honest mistakes, or a misunderstanding of their mission. You can fix that, together.Learn how to get your team up to snuff in ways that are empowering, not deflating. 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 think of entrepreneurs as people who go their own way. But in truth, no one becomes successful entirely on their own.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know who taught, coached, and inspired Omar into the entrepreneur he is today. We all stand on the shoulders of our teachers, whether or not we’re formal students. In his business journey, Omar is no exception.But he has to give credit to more than one person!Today, Omar discusses a few people who had the biggest impact on his development, and shares how those relationships made such a huge difference. Plus, he offers a few tips on what to look for in a mentor for yourself, and how to find one.Who will help shape your future? 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.

Most online traffic is on mobile.That trend shows no signs of slowing down; Google even prioritizes mobile-friendliness when ranking for SEO. For many consumers, mobile devices are the primary, if not only devices they use. Whatever you’re doing online, it needs to fit and work as beautifully on an iPhone as on a desktop.Today, we explore how.We’ll talk about how to take a look at your site, and make sure your mobile game is as strong (or stronger) than your desktop game. In terms of looks, speed, and functionality, it’s time to put mobile first, if you haven’t already. Get the tips and tools you need to optimize your website. 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 about the person, not just the business.After all, your business can change. You can go through endless iterations of what you sell, but the one constant is who you are. If you can build a strong personal brand, it’ll follow you no matter where entrepreneurship takes you.Today, we bring on a pair of experts to help with that.Anne Candido and April Martini are the founders of branding and marketing firm Forthright People. In this episode, Anne and April explain how to figure out what you represent, and how to articulate that to your audience. Once people trust you, that trust remains your strongest asset — in any business.Take the time to get your personal branding right, and your overall marketing gets a lot easier. Learn the basics from two pros. Click Play!Marketing Smarts 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.

Sometimes, life kicks your business in the teeth.We planned what we thought would be an awesome conference for entrepreneurs in Australia. Then came the Delta variant. With the country plunged rapidly back into lockdown purgatory, everything we’d worked for was dusted.Well, not everything.Today, we discuss how to navigate a big blow to your business plans. Yes, getting the shaft from fate sucks, but you can always salvage something — even if it’s just a valuable lesson or two. Hear how we handled our sudden reversal of fortune, and understand the mindset every entrepreneur needs to survive the ups and downs of independent 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.

If you don’t focus on what matters most, what matters least will take up your time.That’s one of the first — and one of the hardest — lessons entrepreneurs have to learn. We all have limited time, energy, and resources. We have to prioritize. Because the uncomfortable truth is that when everything is important, nothing is.It’s easy to let non-priority tasks suck up your entire day. Today, we share a simple formula for figuring out what makes the “Must Do” list. It’s nothing more than answering two questions, but both require some serious (and honest) thought. Once you answer them fully, you’ll know how to schedule your days, weeks, months, and years efficiently.Get a handle on your time, and get closer to your biggest goals. 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 “why” is everything.If you don’t have a single, super-clear motivation for building your business, it gets very hard to stick with it. Entrepreneurship is a commitment that requires constant motivation.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who understands that. They’re thinking about getting into the software game, but there’s one missing piece: the big “why.” The interest is there, the vision is there. But this listener is smart enough to recognize that that’s not enough.Not enough when times are tough, anyway.Today, Omar shares why we created our own SaaS business, WebinarNinja. Our choice to change course and focus on a software product wasn’t made casually. We felt a genuine call to fix a specific problem that we were uniquely positioned to deal with.That call was undeniable, our “why” unmistakable. What’s yours? Tune in, and ask yourself the big question before you make your next big move. 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.

Let’s talk time management. It’s one of the pillars of a successful entrepreneurial lifestyle. Today, our intrepid host Omar shares his exact weekly schedule. Hear how he manages to fit work, fitness, rest, and yes…even fun into his tight daily routine. Is an entrepreneur’s life a total grind? Or a laptop-on-the-beach fantasy? Or something in between?In this episode, you’ll learn why flexibility is just as important as consistency, and how to balance the two. Your schedule doesn’t have to look like Omar’s — this episode is descriptive, not prescriptive. Use it to get a sense of how to balance your priorities, achieve your goals, and have a good time along the way. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One thing successful entrepreneurs have in common? They’re strategists.They don’t just create or execute strategies. They see the entire world through a strategic lens, a mindset that’s constantly figuring out how to get it done — whatever “it” is. Hanneke Antonelli is a celebrated life and business coach who specializes in strategic thinking. Today, she’s got a guest lesson that teaches you how to turn your thoughts into action, your wants into results. Using a relatively simple formula, you can change the way you look at, think about, and execute your goals. By changing what’s in your head, you empower yourself to change what happens in real life. Learn Antonelli’s system, and put it to work for you. Click Play!The Uplevel Project by Hanneke AntonelliSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does your content marketing include videos?If not, it’s time to change that!We’re continuing with our deep-dive lesson on creating video marketing assets. Yesterday, we focused on the video itself and its content. Today, we explain where to put that video on your website, and how to turn it into a lead-generating machine.The best part? Once it’s set up, the rest mostly takes care of itself.Learn exactly what to do with your video, step by step. From the web pages you’ll need, to the email campaigns you’ll convert viewers with, we’ve got the low-down on building a reliable video-based funnel. We’ll share each step in the process, plus recommendations for the tools to get it done.Create video content, and let it open the door to deeper relationships with your audience. After all, that’s how they ultimately become your customers. 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 how to start video marketing? We got you.Today is the first half of a 2-part, in-depth lesson on setting up a video lead magnet. From nailing the content to creating a complete funnel, this is your guide to creating customers by creating great videos!We’ll explain how it’s done step by step, exactly the way we produce videos for our own products. In this episode, we focus on the actual video production, including all the tools and programs we use. Beginning with the right choice of topic, you can create videos that aren’t only high-quality and engaging, but attract the right leads. In other words, you’ll create videos that speak to the folks most likely to become customers. Follow our template, and start creating videos that look and sound great, hold people’s attention, and grow your list. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

They say you “get what you pay for.” But what if you could get much, much more?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a (possible) opportunity. An e-commerce store is on its last legs, and the owner has it up for sale — at a discount. But what makes the price so right is also what makes it a tough decision. How can you know if a business is worth buying, at any price?Today, we lay out exactly what questions to ask, what data to gather, and everything else you need to know before buying an existing business. Our listener sees potential in this business, even though it’s almost belly-up. The job now is to verify that feeling objectively.If you’re not trying to buy a business anytime soon, listen to this episode anyway! It can be invaluable when it comes time to sell yours. 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.

As your business grows, so will the contents of your inbox.Offers to collaborate, sponsor, or just network will pile up quickly. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem! Time is your most valuable resource. To protect it, you need a consistent, efficient system for dealing with all the opportunities people will throw your way. And eventually, you’ll be saying “no” to the vast majority of them — so you’d better get good at it.Today, Omar shares his system for quickly identifying the best opportunities, and discarding the rest. It’s easy to get buried in opportunities if you don’t have a solid framework. Worse, it’s easy to end up wasting your time on efforts that don’t have the best ROI.When you say “yes” to something, you say “no” to something else (or several something else’s). Learn what to say “no” to, and how to say it in a way that doesn’t hurt your relationships. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Today, we’re thrilled to present a special bonus episode featuring a brand new podcast from the $100 MBA family. Nicole & Kate Can Relate tackles the big issues around entrepreneurship, from the perspectives of two highly driven women navigating the challenges of working and living by their own designs. Listen as our very own Nicole Baldinu and EOFire’s Kate Erickson offer other entrepreneurs support, insight, and inspiration by sharing their conversations — including the personal ones. In this episode, Nicole and Kate discuss the ever-present threat of overwhelm. When the calendar is just too full, and every task seems like a high priority, where do you start? How can you complete a To-Do list that doesn’t seem to have an end? Enjoy this brand new podcast from two businesswomen willing to share the ups, the downs, and the one thing we all need to make space for: vulnerability. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Show Links Nicole & Kate Can Relate The post [Bonus Episode] From the Nicole & Kate Can Relate Podcast: Overwhelm: Can I make it go away? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Businesses don’t die overnight.Usually, it happens gradually. It takes a year, or two, or five. That’s because what kills a business isn’t always something big, obvious, or dramatic. Systemic flaws, nagging problems, and other issues that seem small — but add up over time — are the most likely culprit. So how can you protect your business? How can you identify and address the problems you might not even see ‘till it’s too late? Today’s guest teacher has an answer. Walter Hill, Jr. is a second-generation entrepreneur who’s mastered something vital: “red flagging.” Red flagging is the art of seeing deeply into your business and recognizing the telltale signs of structural problems. We’ve taken his advice, and it’s helped keep our business alive. Learn what to look for, and how to look for it. Protect your revenue and your company’s long-term future. Click Play!Think Red Flags by Walter Hill, Jr.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 dream is real. Transitioning from regular work to entrepreneurship is totally doable. How do we know? Because good ol’ Omar did it.Today, Omar shares 5 things he did to make that transition possible. While he was still employed as an educator, he had to find ways to get the most out of his limited time, energy, and motivation. It wasn’t totally easy, but with a few good habits, it worked.Your turn.Hear these 5 habits, and learn how you can gradually shift out of conventional work to full independence. Some of these habits are minor; some are bigger sacrifices. But by sticking with them consistently, you can quit your job with full confidence in your ability to make it on your own. SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We all start with zero.Whether it’s your email list, blog readership, social followers, or — yes indeed — podcast listeners, building a real fanbase takes work. The good news? While money can buy attention, it can’t buy engagement or loyalty. Only quality content can do that.But how do you bring the people to the content? Today, we share how we went from 0 to 1k. We didn’t have much by way of a budget, but we did have something valuable to share. 7 years and 1,800 + episodes later, we look back on how our lean, one-listener-at-a-time approach gradually snowballed into something big. You can apply the tactics we discuss in this episode to any kind of content. Your following is out there — it’s time to help them find 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.

The “old normal” isn’t coming back anytime soon.With Australia and other countries remaining in lockdown, and cases rising even in re-opened places, COVID isn’t in the rearview just yet. That means businesses whose models were upended by the pandemic have to hold out — and adapt — a while longer.Case in point: today’s Q&A Wednesday listener.As the owner of a co-work space, our listener seems to be in one of the worst positions possible during a pandemic. After all, the business model depends on people physically going to a location. But we believe with a little creativity, there’s a way forward. It might even be a way to come out stronger than before.Tune in as we offer our best advice to someone who — like millions — must adjust to a new business reality. 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.

It’s time to show, not just tell.“Product-led” growth is exactly what it sounds like: letting the product itself be its own primary marketing and sales asset. But while most of us associate the “freemium” model with software products, any product can “lead” growth.You just have to figure out how.That’s what this episode is all about. With examples from various businesses — not just the software kind — we explain how you can let your product do the talking.More than ever, consumers don’t want a pitch. They want to know, see, and feel for themselves if a product fits or not. Work with that! Click Play!Product-Led Growth by Wes BushSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 week, we take a look at a well-reviewed book from a surprising source: rapper turned entrepreneur 50 Cent.Despite growing up in abject poverty and having zero formal business education, Curtis Jackson leveraged what little opportunities he had to achieve wealth. But more importantly, he didn’t just make money. He created a diverse portfolio of assets and revenue streams that continues to evolve.…and so should you.Today, we share some of the most powerful insights from Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter. Written with a stripped-down style designed to appeal to non-readers, this book teaches that in business, adaptability is just as important as drive. From crime to the arts, TV production to corporate investment, no single product or industry was “the one” that kept 50’s business growing. Get a lesson in business flexibility. Click Play!Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis “50 Cent” JacksonDiscover 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.

One of the worst mistakes an entrepreneur can make?Treating mental health like an afterthought instead of a priority.After yesterday’s talk on the importance of mental well-being, it’s time to address one big problem: finding the time. Business founders have tight schedules and heaps of responsibility — especially if you’re side-hustling or have a family. We get that.Today, we share a few things even the busiest founders can do!You can’t reach your potential if you’re mentally drained or overstressed. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself in top form. Invest the time and effort necessary to maintain your mental and emotional strength — then use that strength to win.The tactics we share in this episode are easy to execute, starting today. 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 healthy, or call it smart business. Either way, looking after the mental and emotional well-being of your team is critical.Today, we explore how to do that.Year after year, research confirms what we’ve always known: mental health affects the bottom line. A good leader takes an active role in ensuring the internal stability of both themselves and their team — because it’s compassionate, but also because it’s smart.Mental health is a human right and a business asset.Join us as we define ‘mental health’ in the context of running a business, and share some of the ways we promote it for our team. So much can go wrong when you take a passive approach to the issue, so start crafting your company’s mental health approach now. 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 if Amazon was your garage…and post office?“Fulfillment by Amazon:” If you haven’t heard by now, Amazon offers an e-commerce option for those who prefer to outsource the logistics. From warehousing to shipping and returns, Amazon will handle it all for your business — for a price, of course.Is it worth it?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who wants to know if the FBA model is really viable. In this episode, we take a closer look at FBA, its advantages and disadvantages, and whether it truly makes sense for independent entrepreneurs.When you hitch your wagon to a bigger company, there are always downsides. That doesn’t mean it’s always a bad idea. Learn more — 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.

Can you create an invincible business?Is there any way to make it so that no matter what happens, your business can survive? From pandemics to market shifts to new tech, the dangers to a startup are varied and unpredictable. How can you prepare for the worst-case scenario(s)?Today, we discuss what you can do to be ready.Of course, you can’t prepare your business for literally anything. But you can make a few smart choices that position your business to endure. With tips, strategies, and examples, this episode is a lesson on building something to last — come what may.Learn how to proactively protect your business from…well, who knows? 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.

Most people build a business to make money. But what if someone simply tried to build a better solution for a certain audience?What if someone’s idea of success is a better, healthier balance between life, work, and one’s impact on an industry?What if profit wasn’t the priority?John O’Nolan was Deputy Head of Design at WordPress. In terms of business, he “made it” by anyone’s definition of success. But he wanted to make something else — something that didn’t exist for the sole purpose of creating wealth.So he created Ghost.Ghost is the stripped-down content platform for people who just want to share what they’ve got and build an audience. John developed Ghost under a radical business model: forget trying to make millions. Just make what people need. Period.Today, John sits down with Omar for a good long chat about business, life, and prioritizing a healthy balance of the two. From running a successful remote startup while kite-surfing around the world, to de-prioritizing profit, to leveraging your own unique strengths, this wide-ranging talk is a must-hear for any entrepreneur.Tune in to one of the most enlightening conversations you’ll ever hear between two independent business founders, and ask yourself what’s really possible. 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.