The $100 MBA Show

He’s “not your guru.” But he’s something.Tony Robbins might be the biggest name in self-help. But is personal development professional development, too? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener is pondering whether to spend company dollars on a Robbins training session. The formerly in-person seminars have gone online, and the price has dropped accordingly.Is it a wise investment? Or is this too personal for business?Today, we’ll discuss what you can get from people like Robbins, whether you buy everything he’s saying or not. We’ll explore the cost/benefit ratio of self-improvement as it relates to entrepreneurship — the most personal of professions. 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.

Morale doesn’t happen by accident.It affects productivity and outcomes. It keeps people on the team instead of looking elsewhere. It makes your employees go beyond working “hard,” and feel personally invested in their work. So how can you cultivate morale?Today, we discuss how to make everyone feel like their work matters. We’ll explain what you can do to increase your team’s enjoyment of their jobs, in good times and bad. Managing human beings is one of the biggest challenges for new entrepreneurs. Learn the mindset to approach morale with, and the steps you can take to forge a truly motivated team. 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.

New to paid advertising? Now’s the time to get into it.COVID-19 sent the price of online advertising down. Way down. Google, YouTube, social media platforms — every platform is ripe for getting exposure. …and your potential customers are spending more time on those platforms than usual.Today, special guest teacher Tyler Jordan of Jordan Digital Marketing is here with a lesson on how to capitalize on this unique opportunity. He’s got 6 ways you can attack paid advertising, even on a limited budget.Plus, he’ll explain why some of the current conditions for advertising will stay with us, long after the virus is under control. Let’s make lemonade — Click Play!Paid Marketing During a Pandemic: A Coronavirus GuideSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying it: Take a break from chasing customers, and focus on the ones you already have!Your existing customers are the easiest group of people to market and sell to. But do you have unnecessary barriers between them and further purchases? Are you making it easy to buy again, buy something else, or upgrade?You could be leaving revenue on the table.Today, we’ll discuss how to figure out whether your customers have a smooth path to spending more. Eliminate the friction, turn one-time customers into lifers, and stabilize your revenue stream for years to come. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 easier it is to pay, the more people buy.We’ve all been somewhere that doesn’t accept credit cards. But in the future, will not accepting methods like Apple Pay put your business in the same outdated category? Today, we discuss whether Apple Pay is the next PayPal — or the next Visa. Does your website or brick & mortar need to make Apple Pay happen? If so, what does it take? What does it cost?We looked into this for our own business, so we’ll share the results of our research with 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.

They say not to rush important decisions. But you can’t drag your feet, either.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who takes weeks or months to make a call. Worst of all, the time he takes doesn’t necessarily result in better decisions — it just delays everything that comes next.So how can we speed things up?Today, we’ll discuss how to categorize your decisions, and find the right amount of time to spend on each. Getting comfortable with tough calls is Job One for entrepreneurs — but that doesn’t mean rushing to judgment when the stakes are high.It means creating reasonable deadlines for yourself, and sticking to them. Hear how we do 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.

You can’t do everything. But who should do what?It’s a great problem to have: Your business is growing, and you’re ready to hand responsibilities off to new hires. But how do you know what the best talent looks like? You’re hiring because you don’t know that much about…development, marketing, whatever. In other words, you’re not qualified to pick the right person!There’s a way around this. Today, we’ll discuss our system for identifying the right person for the job — even when we know very little about the job in question. You don’t have to guess, and you don’t have to rely on an agency. 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.

All marketing starts with awareness. So how do you get your name out there?We’ve got an expert with an answer. Luana Ribeira specializes in getting entrepreneurs exposure by giving the media what they want: good stories from interesting people.To earn credibility and trust with a wide audience, media exposure and general PR is a must. And with a little strategy, almost anyone can get themselves featured in the trusted outlets their target audience enjoys. No, you won’t be on the cover of Time (yet). But you can start putting in the work to make yourself a known quantity! And that can lead to bigger and better exposure over time.Tune in, hear why it’s worth making the effort to seek media exposure, and take on Luana’s tips. Click Play!RockStar of Your IndustryGame of Phones: Build an Empire From Your Mobile by Luana RibeiraThe $100 MBA on InstagramSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 are those open rates looking?As your email contact list grows, it takes a little more effort to manage. You’ve got to protect your “sender reputation,” the metric by which email services decide whether your message is sent to the inbox — or to the dump.Today, we’ll discuss a few tactics you can use to clean up that list, and trim the less engaged contacts from your campaigns. The net result: more people opening and responding to your emails.You won’t be able to convert people if they never see your emails. But with a little list maintenance, you can make sure they do. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Stop asking when COVID-19 will end. Start asking how to do business around it.We’re half a year into the pandemic, and there are no signs of it going away anytime soon. Major changes in consumer and company behavior are reshaping the business landscape. Can you navigate it?Of course you can. Coronavirus is a unique disease, but it’s not the first global disaster human beings have faced. What can we learn by looking at lessons from past calamities? What strategies will help your business survive?We can’t fix the problem. But your business can find a way through it, for however long it has to. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Facebook ads can be incredibly effective. But if you’re not careful, you can end up losing money.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener who’s been running Facebook ads for 6 months, and can’t seem to get one crucial metric to move in the right direction: the cost per lead. If you’re spending too much on every conversion, you might as well not advertise!Today, we discuss the 4 factors you can manipulate to improve your Facebook cost per lead. By experimenting with these variables, you can find the sweet spot where your ads get the job done at a cost that makes sense — and helps you make progress.Make sure that when it comes to Facebook ads, the “R” in your “ROI” is worth the effort. Click Play!AdEspressoTo 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’re not evaluating your employees, you’re not getting your money’s worth.Just as importantly, the employees aren’t getting their time’s worth. Finding out if your employees are growing — or just working — is crucial. But it has to be done in a way that’s fair and long-term-goal-oriented.Today, we’ll explain how it’s done.A solid evaluation system isn’t just to help you figure out who to fire. It ensures your employees are getting real opportunities to develop and make big contributions. It gives them a path to follow so that you can both win.Don’t just hire and walk away. Create evaluations that are efficient, accurate, and foster a stronger team. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When everyone’s faking not faking it…who can tell the difference?It’s hard for any brand earn trust when cynicism rules the Internet, and consumer bullsh*t radars are set to High Alert. But it’s not impossible. Today’s special guest teacher, Mark Toft, built a career on finding the authentic message behind the brands he worked with. By stripping the attempts to be real away, any business can shine for what they really are.Toft is here to describe a few things truly authentic brands do, and help you understand how to stop trying and start being…well, whatever you are. Your customers will trust you for it. Click Play!Authenticity: Building a Brand in an Insincere Age by Mark Toft and Jay SunnyThe Narrator GroupSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 your team making progress…or just working?It can be hard for individuals to stay focused on long-term goals, let alone teams. So making an effort to keep your employees on track isn’t just smart — it’s necessary. Today, we discuss how to make sure your team isn’t losing sight of the horizon. By ensuring their time is spent on moving the ball forward, you can avoid their treading water. That way, you get the best return on your investment in every employee.We’ll explain how to work backwards from your most important goals, and orient your team towards what really matters. Lead with confidence, knowing that your team’s time is being invested in the bigger picture, not just the day-to-day. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 your business run without you?It’s important that it can. As your operation grows, it becomes more and more dangerous for you — or anyone on your team — to be indispensable. When life happens and you can’t make it to work, your business should be able to run on autopilot, at least temporarily. To do that, you need a playbook. A guide. A manual! So let’s create one.Today, we’ll explain why and how to create a manual of Standard Operating Procedures for your team. Beyond letting your business run without you, it makes everything from onboarding new employees to selling your business easier and more efficient. It’s a long-term process that never really ends — but it should start right now. Click Play!NotionSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Website down? That’s a crisis for almost any business.What now?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener whose site crashed. No small business can afford that, at least not for long. More importantly, no small business should run without measures in place to prevent it from happening!Today, we’ll discuss how to get the help you need.It takes a little planning, effort, and money. But it’s worth it. We’ll explain exactly what you need to know before you seek help, and how to attract the right professionals. A crashed website is a panic-inducing, growth-disrupting, frustrating event. But you can do something about it. Click Play!WP EngineUpWorkTo submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We assume big price tags are for big businesses.But it’s the opposite, really.Today, we discuss why new and smaller companies think they have to undercut. While it might seem like a better way to sell your product at first, the message it sends — and the customers it attracts — can make this strategy backfire badly.You have to be able to afford your customers. And low prices can’t get you there.By charging what your product is worth, you build a stable foundation to serve everyone better. It’s about the quality of customers, not the quantity. So unless your last name is Walton, ditch the clearance-bin prices. Click Play!HeySUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A lack of credibility is deadly.For all your other assets, not being seen as reliable can negate everything else. That’s true for potential customers, business partners, and your own team.Today, we welcome a special guest who can help. Alain Hunkins is a coach, consultant, and author who’s worked with some of the biggest companies in business. Today, he’s here with 3 things you can do right now to boost your credibility and earn some trust.Think of it like a credit score.By intentionally building credibility, you will open doors for yourself and your business. Alain will show you how — plus, he’s got a valuable gift for everyone who tunes in. Click Play!Cracking the Leadership Code by Alain HunkinsSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve all seen “influencers” casually (or not so casually) hawking products on social media. But can this be an effective marketing strategy for you?It’s FREE RIDE FRIDAY!!!, and we’re exploring influence. While having a semi-famous (or “Instagram famous”) person back your product undoubtedly raises awareness, does it create customers? Can it work for small businesses, or it just for companies with money to burn?Today, we discuss what it looks like when influencer marketing works. Tune in as we go beyond the vanity metrics and hone in on what actually drives conversions. Hint: it’s not about how many followers your influencer has. Click Play!EasyCourseConvertKitCameoHeroic Public SpeakingWebinarNinjaSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 lifetime deal: smart strategy, or slippery slope?Many companies with monthly or other recurring-revenue business models consider this trick. You simply offer a great deal that never expires — ever. Customers are locked in at a certain rate, for as long as they’re alive.This can backfire.Today, we do the math on lifetime deals. Is there a version of this that doesn’t eventually cost you more than it brings in? Can you craft a lifetime offer that actually makes sense for you in 10, 20, 50 years? Can you reap the benefits of attracting all that business, without the cost catching up to you in a bad way? Tune in, as we weigh the real implications of this strategy. 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 gotta do what’s best for your business. But you also have to do what’s best for the customers — especially the ones who supported you early on..What happens when those two principles conflict?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who wants to niche down their coaching business — which would mean leaving some happy clients behind. Can you do this without hurting your reputation and damaging the business you’re trying to grow?Yes you can. We’ve done it. Omar’s changed businesses more than once in his entrepreneurial career. Today, we discuss how to do so in a way that’s forthright, ethical, and results in a net positive. Learn how to grow and evolve without alienating those who won’t be coming along for the entire ride. 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.

You’re ready to spend money on advertising.The question is: do you know how to get the best results? And if not, should you learn, or should you put that advertising budget into the hands of a pro?We had to ask ourselves those questions as our business grew. Paid advertising is complex, and only getting moreso. Whether it’s social media advertising, Google ads, or sponsoring things like podcasts, it’s…tricky.So what’s a better investment: the time and money it takes to upskill yourself, or the cost of outside help?Today, we’ll do the cost/benefit analysis on having someone handle your paid advertising. We’ve tried it every way, from learning the ropes and experimenting on our own, to trusting our money with experts in the industry. Hear what it can cost, what your options are, what we experienced, and what we recommend. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why did I do that?It’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough. As small business leaders and entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to understand the human decision-making process. This week, we take a look at a Must-Read that does exactly that.Jonah Lehrer’s How We Decide challenges the myth of rational, logical, even self-serving decision-making. Instead, it delves into the emotional reasons we do what we do.Understanding the emotional basis of our choices doesn’t mean we’re powerless to act rationally. In fact, by embracing it, we become better decision makers — and better business people. Tune in, and hear the most powerful insights from this thoroughly researched look at what makes us tick. Then, apply them to your business. Click PlayHow We Decide by Jonah LehrerDiscover 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.

Every brand needs a story.Every story needs a hero.And every hero needs a villain.Don’t get us wrong; we’re not talking about “vilifying” the competition. We’re talking about differentiating. To build your brand’s narrative and stand out, you have to tell the world what you’re doing differently.In other words, you need contrast.Consumers are triggered to action by their “pain points,” the things that make doing whatever they want to do difficult or impossible. Whatever your competitors aren’t doing is the space your company fills. Lean into that. Celebrate it. Today, we’ll explore how. By choosing an “enemy” to contrast your company with, you show consumers what you’re really about. By opposing your brand to others, you avoid a “me too” mindset and focus on what makes your company truly special. EasyCourseHeySUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Teaching, training, and coaching online: everybody’s doing it for a reason.It’s one of the most profitable ways to monetize your expertise. But that comes with a downside — a ton of competition. With so many courses, webinars, and videos out there, how can you stand out?Today, we’ll explain exactly how to set up your own paid, live workshop or course. We’ll discuss what tools to use, how to market it, and how to make it worth every cent. Specifically, we’ll explore why live courses are so much more valuable than the pre-recorded kind.Whatever you have expertise in, your students are out there somewhere. Now more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to learn online. Get in on the action with a course that’s uniquely valuable. 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.

*Checks notes*Yep, the money’s still in the list. Email is everything when it comes to marketing. It’s the #1 way to nurture leads, and move them closer to becoming customers. But how do you know if you’re…y’know, doing it right? How do you measure the success (or failure) of your email campaigns?Open and click rates, of course.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener who isn’t quite sure what a “good” open rate is. Spoiler alert: most of your emails won’t get opened. But there are industry standards, benchmarks you can work towards as you grow your business.Today, we’ll discuss the two big email metrics, what numbers you should shoot for, and what factors affect those numbers. With reliably sourced data, we’ll explore the marketer’s never-ending quest to get those emails opened, read, and clicked. Click Play!Campaign Monitor Email BenchmarksTo 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.

Want to innovate your marketing? Study marketing innovation.That’s what we’ve been doing, as we followed the launch of HEY, a new take on email from the guys who created Basecamp.And no — we’re not affiliated with Hey in any way. We just paid close attention to Hey’s pre-launch marketing strategy, and felt compelled to share it with you. We’re not discussing Hey as a product. We’re discussing what made Hey’s marketing campaigns so creative, original, and effective.It’s enough to make you believe they really can take on Gmail.Hey’s launch proves that there’s always a new niche, a new way to approach even the most crowded industries. By daring to differentiate, Hey attracted, nurtured, and converted new legions of fans — even as they navigated unexpected roadblocks.What can you learn from Hey? 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 more “post & pray.” It’s time for a strategic approach to social media.Social media advertising is a tricky business. But right now is a great time to get into it — costs are down, and folks are spending more time than usual scrolling around. So how can you get the most out of your ad budget?Erin Corn of Shorebird Media is here to help.Corn knows what works in the world of social. Today, she’ll discuss how to set the right goals, execute your plan, and track your success. A performance marketing expert, Corn isn’t here to get you “likes” and shares.She’s here to help grow your business in meaningful, measurable ways.Get past the vanity metrics, and take a practical, goal-oriented approach to social media — in particular Facebook and Instagram. Click Play!Shorebird Media Comprehensive Advertising GuideSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 cutting costs this year, you’re not alone. One of the easiest ways to boost profits is to cut down on overhead. But lowering expenses can cost your business in ways you might not realize — especially when it comes to ditching providers and suppliers in favor of cheaper options.Whether it’s digital providers (of things like CRM software), or suppliers of physical materials, breaking up is hard to do. So should you?Today, we discuss how to calculate whether severing a B2B relationship is the right move. With examples from our own business, we’ll explain why we stayed when we stayed, and why we left when we left. If you’re considering a provider switch, give this episode a listen. 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.

Where are your (potential) customers?More importantly, how do you get their email addresses?Today, we’re talking top of the funnel. We’ve got 3 creative ways to find your audience, and get them to opt into the conversation. You probably haven’t tried these (or all of them, anyway), but they work — if executed properly.Give them a try!Consumers guard their inbox more fiercely than ever. Earning the right to email someone is getting harder. For your business to succeed, you’ll have to make sharing an email address a very, very easy decision. Today, we’ll show you how. Start building that list, so you can start building 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.

Swag is fun. But is it effective?What’s the real power of t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and all the rest? What’s a reasonable ROI, and how do you even measure it? We’ve given away lots of branded gear over the years. Was it worth it?At least one listener wants to know. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re discussing how to produce and distribute swag as a marketing strategy. Our listener has an up-and-coming company that’s producing enough revenue to up the marketing budget. Should they spend it on…stuff?Tune in, and learn how we get the most out of our swag budget, how we know it works, and what we even mean when we say it “works.” Click Play!TeespringTo 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.

How good can 2020 be?Crazy question, right? But it’s one you should be asking. This sh*tshow of a year has derailed businesses and shattered motivation around the world. But entrepreneurs thrive on challenge — even if it’s just the challenge to survive. So how can you get the most out of this wacky year?Today, we’ve got some answers.There are a few pieces you can put in place now, so you can look back on 2020 with no regrets. See the opportunity in crisis, and attack your goals for the year — even if the ‘rona or another crisis upended business as usual. We’re halfway through the year. You got this! Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How much revenue are you leaving on the table?Rob Ristagno knows data. From baseball to balance sheets, he specializes in figuring out what the numbers are saying — and what they’re hiding. Today, he’s here to teach us a simple exercise to get the most out of the data we already have.Best of all? This method works for any size business.You don’t need years of analytics experience, like Rob has. You simply have to look at the data you have from another angle, with a simple technique that’s as easy as it is surprising.Play a little “Moneyball” with your business. Use the information you have to get the results you want. Tune in, and see what opportunities are waiting for you, hidden inside the data you’re not (yet) using to its fullest potential.Click Play!Sterling WoodEmail Sterling WoodsSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 no way around meetings. But they don’t have to suck.Today, we’re sharing our best tips for ensuring that your team’s meetings are tight, efficient, and not a boring slog. Most importantly, these 4 “Must Do’s” guarantee that your meetings aren’t the worst possible thing: a waste of time.It just takes a little planning.These are the tactics we use for each and every one of our meetings, because every second our team spends in meetings is time they’re not developing, writing, supporting, creating. The best part? The meeting itself and its planning aren’t all on you — it’s a team effort, too, from setting the agenda to evaluating just how productive each meeting really is.Get more out of your employees, by showing them how much you respect their time and work. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 business isn’t doing any good…what’s the point? We’re interrupting our regular podcast stream to bring you something special. It’s the first episode of Real Good, a new podcast about people using the power of their business to make a better world. Seriously. These stories aren’t about PR or charity. They’re about businesses and leaders who found ways to invest in the people, places, and ideas that fall through the cracks of our social and economic systems — investments that yield returns for everyone. As COVID-19 revealed disparities based on wealth, race, and other systemic factors, some companies stepped up to turn disadvantage into opportunity, finding their niche in serving the underserved in a way that demonstrates the “real good” business can promote. This episode features an interview with Maurice Jones, CEO of LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation). Jones tells the story of his company’s efforts to invest in communities, and their devotion to creating more equal access to the resources that make success possible, like broadband Internet. Tune in, and be inspired by those who make it their business to help build something better than what we’ve got. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Show Links Real Good podcast The post [Bonus Episode] Introducing: Real Good 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.

They say success is mostly perspiration, with a little inspiration.But what about motivation?Keeping spirits high is a team leader’s responsibility. The best way to do that? Breed success with success by regularly celebrating wins. By making a point of basking in small victories every week, you keep the motivation going. Feeling the little wins paves the way for the big wins.Today, we’ll discuss why and how we take the time to acknowledge the small-to-medium-sized successes that add up to long-term progress. With just a few minutes each week, you can feed the fire that keeps your team positive and on point.Tune in, and learn just how powerful the impact can be over time. 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.

Solo no mo’. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s finally making enough revenue to double the size of their one-person team. The only problem? This soon-to-be-former solopreneur isn’t sure what position to fill.What’s the priority? Your first hire is a big investment (and commitment). It’s crucial to find someone that doesn’t just do a job, but maximizes the ROI of their salary — and frees you up to do more. So who can get the most off your plate? A marketer? Salesperson? Developer?We know what our answer is.Hear who we think a small business owner should hire first, in almost every case. There’s one position that — regardless of industry — usually has the biggest impact on an entrepreneur’s ability to keep the company growing. Find out who it is, for our money anyway. Click Play!onlinejobs.phWe Work RemotelyTo submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We dare you.Seriously, we want you to do this. Raise your prices, even if it’s just a little. Do it this month, and you’ll learn something very powerful. You’ll learn that you can charge more than you think — without pissing off your customers.And there’s one way to prove it.A few factors keep small business’ prices artificially low. Mostly, it’s fear. Fear that your product isn’t worth that much, or that customers will be scared off. Sometimes, it’s just complacency — you’ve been charging the same amount forever.But if you’re not growing, you’re dying.You may be shocked at how undramatic a price hike can be. We’re asking listeners to make a modest increase in price, then tell us about it in an iTunes review. We’ll give your business a shout-out, and show everyone why raising prices isn’t just a good idea — it’s a must.Remember: a modest increase doesn’t make a big difference to any individual consumer. But it can make a huge difference in your total revenue. Hear the details of the challenge, and get ready for some black ink. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s talk about death — but in a good way!This is a very different “Must Read.” Neville Medhora’s You’re Gonna Die isn’t exactly about business. Or it’s not only about business. It’s about life, how it ends, and how we all need to make every second of it count.Especially entrepreneurs.Subtitled “A framework for happiness,” this book is pound-for-pound one of the most impactful we’ve ever featured. In fact, it doesn’t even weigh a pound (or it wouldn’t if you printed it out). At 44 pages and about $5 on Amazon, it’s a short read. But it’s a seriously powerful one.Hear how this book can change your perspective, and help you honestly evaluate what you really want out of life and business. The time it takes to read this thing is a very smart investment. Hear our favorite takeaways — Click Play!You’re Gonna Die by Neville MedhoraThis Book Will Teach You How to Write Better by Nevill MedhoraNevBlogKopywriting KourseDiscover 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.

This crisis will end. But when? And can your business last ‘till then?Let’s find out.Today, we’re discussing what your company needs to come through the other side of this whole COVID thing. How can you navigate the tunnel when you can’t yet see the light? How do you know when it’s smarter just to tap out?It’s probably time to ask yourself.We’ll explore a few strategies you can use to keep your business afloat, while preparing for the possibility of shutting down. By conducting an honest assessment of how much runway you really have, you can do right by yourself, your employees, and your customers.All entrepreneurs have to face failure — whether to avoid it or bounce back from it. Either way, your journey will continue. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should onboarding cost the customer money? Can “set-up” fees backfire? Once you’ve made the sale, is it smart to immediately tack on an extra charge just to get someone up and running?It depends. Today, we’ll discuss why businesses charge these initial, one-time set-up fees. By understanding why companies do it — and how it can protect their own balance sheet — you can make a better decision about your own policy.Set-up fees have their advantages, and they can’t be ignored. Depending on the type of business, it’s not just some arbitrary way to increase revenue. It can be a valuable, even necessary way to ensure the customer gets what they paid for.Tune in, and hear some examples of set-up fees that make sense for all parties involved. Understand the relationship between the value of getting set up, and what charge for the time and effort it costs 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.

Entrepreneurs are different.We don’t work the same. We don’t live the same. And we face challenges that the conventionally employed just don’t. For example, it can be incredibly tough to “leave work at work” when we’re solely responsible for our businesses.Our brains are full of hamsters, spinning away on wheels that never stop.So can we treat this condition? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know if we use any strategies that let us chill, relax, and yes…sleep! As it turns out, our intrepid host Omar has learned how to unplug after years of stressing out.Today, we’ll discuss the things we do to just shut off. Remember — you’re not choosing between your business and your health. You can’t run your business without your health! And you can’t make decisions with an overworked, foggy brain. 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 miss this one. It’s an in-depth interview with someone who saw a special niche in a very, very competitive industry, and filled it successfully. It’s a true Master Class in both business-building and one of the most important aspects of digital marketing: email.No, email isn’t “dead,” or anywhere close to it. Yes, the money is still “in the list.” Today’s guest, and his story, are proof.Steffen Schebesta is the co-founder of Sendinblue, an email marketing service that elbowed its way through better-funded competition to serve small businesses. He sat down with Omar to explain exactly how small-to-midsize companies can get email marketing right — even if they’re just getting into it.Today’s conversation covers everything from how Steffen built Sendinblue and why, to how everyone can optimize their business with the right approach to email, and digital messaging broadly. Plus, Steffen’s got a very special, very generous offer for a limited number of listeners. This extended conversation is perfect for anyone looking to get maximum results from every email campaign. Click Play!The Best Time to Send Your Email NewslettersSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Retention is the new acquisition.As business people, we put a ton of effort into getting new customers. But so many of us fail to devote adequate focus to keeping the customers we have. It’s a plague! A syndrome. A common pitfall that’s swallowed a million businesses. So how can you keep — and keep profiting from — existing customers?Joey Coleman’s Never Lose A Customer Again has been on our “to read” list for a while. And frankly, good ol’ Omar wishes he got to this one sooner. It’s full of massive insights, and one of the best books we’ve read all year. Regardless of your industry, product, or the size of your company, the basic principles of customer retention don’t change. Coleman lays them out masterfully, with actionable advice backed up by data, examples, and experience. Get your notebook ready!Tune in, and hear some of the best insights we got from this book. Then, get your own copy. Learn how to turn customers into lifers. Click Play!Never Lose A Customer Again by Joey ColemanDiscover 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.

Are your finances getting too big to handle?That’s a great problem to have! But it’s a problem nonetheless.Hiring a CFO is a sign you’ve arrived. It means you’re dealing with so much revenue and expenses that it’s no longer something you can just…do. You need a professional who can take total command of your business’s money.It’s a lot of control to give up — but it frees you up to do more of what you love.Today, we’ll discuss how to know it’s time to bring in a CFO. It’s one of the most empowering things you can do, giving you the whole new level of confidence that comes with knowing exactly where you stand financially. We’ll discuss what to look for in a CFO, and suggest a place to look for one that you might not’ve considered. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Of all the kinds of stress, financial stress is one of the worst.It can make entrepreneurship…not fun anymore. Stress compounds any financial problem your business has, making it significantly worse. But dealing with tough times calmly and strategically is just one of those must-have skills for independent business people. Easier said than done though, right? How can you actually manage financial stress?There are practical ways to address your financial challenges without being consumed by them. With proactive strategies, you can not only manage stress better, but avoid much of it. In fact, a lot of stress comes from simply not knowing where you stand financially, rather than any specific problem.Today, we’ll explore the roots of financial stress, and suggest an effective — but kinda counterintuitive — treatment. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Producing content is exhausting.If you’re doing it wrong, that is.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how in the heck we manage to produce 5 podcast episodes every single week. It’s not easy, but it’s also not that stressful — because we have a system to support consistent production.And you can, too.While we’ve discussed making sure quality is your top content priority (as opposed to quantity), timely, consistent publishing has long-term benefits. Taking care of your audience with fresh, valuable content on regular basis breeds loyalty, especially over a period of years.Tune in, and hear our system for making sure we keep our promise to our listeners. Then, create your own content schedule that never misses a beat. 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.

You’ve gotta rank.There’s no way around it. No matter what kind of business you have, SEO is the way to grow. And the single most important factor in getting your website to the first page of Google results isn’t where you stick the keywords.It’s who’s linking to it.Backlinks are Priority One for search engine results. When trustworthy, authoritative sites link to yours, Google notices. And Google rewards.So how can you make it happen?Today, we’ll discuss a few strategies for getting those all-important backlinks. This is white-hat stuff; no pay-to-play, no quid pro quo. Just honest, effective ways to get noticed by the people who can rocket your site up the rankings.The best content in the world can’t help your business if no one sees it. Take a proactive approach, and you’ll get eyes on your message. Click Play!ahrefsSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Say it with me: undercutting is a garbage strategy.Trying to compete by offering the lowest price is a race to the bottom. When we’re starting out, most of us are shy about charging high prices. But done right, the high-ticket proposition is a smart way to gain real momentum for a new business.But don’t take it from me: we’ve got a special guest teacher.Tanner Chidester has built successful companies from the ground up by starting with high-priced services. Note that we said “starting with,” not “working his way up to” high prices.That’s right: according to Chidester, you don’t have to build revenue by marketing. You can build your marketing by getting a sh*t ton of revenue, as soon as possible.Today, Chidester will explain exactly how he’s pulled this strategy off, over and over. Perfect for coaches, consultants, and other “soft” service providers, the high-ticket approach might just be the best way to get your business off the ground. Click Play!Elite CEOsSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 game has to end — including the entrepreneurship game. So what does winning the game look like for you?It can seem obvious, but do many people start and run businesses without a clear endgame in mind. Or they start with an endgame that’s too vague, and over the years lose sight of that ultimate mission. Anyone can get lost in the day-to-day.Today, we’ll discuss why it’s so important to clearly define your biggest goal. Is it to sell your company and retire? For how much? Is it to change an industry? Go public? Create a certain work/life balance? Be a trillionaire? Whatever it is, your big goal has to be definable, measurable, and clear.By starting with a well-defined goal, you set yourself up to stay on track. Every day you work won’t just be a day you maintain something — it’ll be the next step towards your happy ending. Click Play!EasyCourseSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.