The $100 MBA Show

You’re posting too much content.I know, sounds crazy right? But something changed. Specifically, the algorithm Google uses to rank website pages made a major shift. While in simpler times, regularly posting content was a solid strategy for getting to Page One, that’s no longer true. Too many pages = depressed ranking.Less is seriously more now.Today, we’ll discuss how quality has completely knocked quantity out of the SEO debate. As a result, marketers are scrambling to cut content from their sites, keeping only the most comprehensive, valuable stuff — and deleting or merging the rest.SEO: it’s never boring!Keeping up with changes in how search engines calculate results is just one of those things businesses have to do. Tune in, and learn what your site — in particular your blog — should look like now. Then start trimming the fat! 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 the best way to sell an online course? Should you leave it out there, open for enrollment whenever? Or should you establish a limited enrollment period with a firm end date?Does one help you sell more memberships? Does one help your overall business plan more?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener asking these very questions. Fortunately, we’re course creators from way back (the “$100 MBA” isn’t just a podcast!). We’ve launched courses both ways. In fact, we launched the $100 MBA course both ways!Our intrepid host Omar will explain.Tune in, and get our best advice on how to launch your next course, particularly if it’s your first course. There are advantages to each method, but the right one for you will depend on your experience so far. Click Play!Launch by Jeff WalkerTo 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’ve all seen the little encircled “TM” on the names of our favorite brands. But what does it actually mean? More importantly, how can it help your chances of success?Depending on the nation or State you live in, a trademark can be a crucial part of protecting your company from copycats. But not always; depending on where you are in your business, it may not be worth the investment.As in the rest of business-building, timing is everything.Today, we’ll discuss exactly what a trademark does for you, and how it can actually add tangible value to your entire business. We’ll lay out the costs involved, and the process for getting a trademark – if you’re ready, that is.We’ll also share our recommendation for exactly how long you can wait before trademarks become truly necessary. Get the facts, lay out a plan, and protect your business from the wannabes! 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.

Affiliate marketing: in many ways, it’s the ultimate “growth hack” for new businesses. You essentially crowdsource sales by cutting people in on the revenue generated by their own referrals. Win-win! But is there a strategy to it? Today’s special guest teacher certainly thinks so. Nathan Hirsch built multiple successful companies that harnessed the power of affiliates. That includes one he grew with zero outside capital investment, but a ton of outside hustle investment from a small army of affiliates he brought on board.And you can do the same for your business.In this episode, Hirsch lays out the steps he used to supercharge his growth by targeting the right affiliates at the right time. From smaller recommendations to big-time endorsements from “influencers,” the path to sales is paved with a little help from the crowd…if you know where to look. Click Play!Outsource SchoolSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Politics. Social movements. Morality. Does any of that have a role in your business?That question is on the forefront of many an entrepreneur’s mind, as protests rage across the United States and the world over issues of inequality. While it’s tempting to think we can simply keep current events out of business……it’s just not always possible.Silence is its own statement. Depending on the issue, what effect can that statement have on your brand?Today, we’ll discuss when it’s appropriate — and responsible — to take a stand. We recently made our position on the Black Lives Matter movement public, and it cost us some customers. But for us, certain social responsibilities are a greater priority.Take a moment to think about what you stand to lose from saying something, and from saying nothing. Do the cost/benefit analysis of sticking to your deepest principles. Consider financial and moral factors as a business leader, and make your best choice. 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 is too much to reinvest? As the founder of a small business, you’re responsible for keeping your company in good financial health. You owe it to everyone on your team — and your customers — to keep the ship afloat. That’s why so many entrepreneurs pour every possible cent of profit right back into the business.But is that sustainable? Is it smart?Today, we’ll discuss what percentage of profits you should reinvest, and what other options you have. It can seem selfless to keep only a minimal share, but it can also hurt more than it helps — as Omar learned after years of paying himself less than everyone else on the team.Tune in, and start thinking about what you owe…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.

PayPal: is it a must?PayPal used to dominate the cardless transaction world. Even now, it’s a popular choice for millions of consumers. But is it so popular that your small business has to offer it? Do people’s ideas about security and convenience dictate that only taking credit cards is a mistake?It all depends.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide whether to go through the effort of enabling PayPal payments. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, and what other options exist. Plus, what’s true about your business now might not be true later — and that includes payment processing.Depending on your market (and whether you’re a B2C or B2B), the effort necessary to give customers the PayPal option may or may not be worth it. Let’s find out — 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.

Onboarding: it’s not just for customers!When you make a new hire, it’s your job to set them up for wins. So much time and effort is wasted by new employees when they aren’t quite sure how things really work, or when they’re trying to find their place in a new company culture. Here’s how to fix that.Today, we share our system for bringing new hires into the fold. With a little extra support and attention, you can minimize the “getting settled in” phase and help employees hit the ground running. Plus, you can make them feel like a real part of the team almost immediately.The result? Greater productivity and performance, sooner.These tips work for businesses of all sizes — if you’re small, set this process up now. When you scale, you’ll be glad you did. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the biggest question in digital marketing: how can I get people to stop and hear me out?Today’s guest teacher, Saksham Sharda, has an answer: hear them out first. By adding fun little tools like quizzes and calculators, you’re leveraging every consumer’s favorite topic (themselves) into crucial market research.It doesn’t just get attention. It creates qualified leads — emphasis on “qualified.”Today, Sharda is here to explain how these tools can work for just about any kind of business. He believes so much in the power of this approach that he represents an entire business built around a user-friendly tool for adding little quizzes and such to your marketing arsenal.In the era of ad blockers and shrinking attention spans, we need ways to hear from leads — not just talk to them. Click Play!OutgrowSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 whole “laptop on the beach” thing…it’s BS, right?Yes and no.As independent entrepreneurs, we’ve often wondered what we’re doing wrong. We see these other founders globe-hopping, working out of Parisian cafes and beachside bungalows for a few hours before getting back to the “lifestyle” of many people’s dreams.But it turns out there’s a little more to it.Today, we discuss where the marketing ends and the reality begins. From 4-hour workweeks to “passive” income and more, the promise of a certain lifestyle is dangled in front of would-be entrepreneurs by coaches, authors, and other popular influencers. It’s not all smoke and mirrors. But everything has its tradeoffs. Life can’t be “hacked,” exactly. But it can be approached creatively, differently, and independently. Tune in, and hear some examples of true “lifestyle business” leaders, and why what works for them (and you, maybe) doesn’t work for everyone — including us. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re all for affiliate marketing.It’s one of the best ways to monetize your expertise, content, and following. It’s a fantastic passive(ish) revenue stream, whether you’re a full-time affiliate, a side hustler, or just someone who likes to share great products with people who would benefit from them.But you can do it wrong. Way wrong.Unfortunately, many people run into some common pitfalls — and destroy their brand and reputation. By blindly chasing commissions, you run the risk of spending the “trust capital” you’ve earned, earning a little money but losing the faith of your audience.Today, we’ll explore the 3 biggest ways in which affiliate marketers squander trust, cheapen their reputation, and lose business. While affiliate marketing is an undeniably great strategy, it’s one that requires careful attention to proper execution. Get your affiliate strategy right, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits without losing an ounce of credibility. 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.

Market research: you’re lost without it. But some markets are easier to research than others.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener in a very niche industry, unsure of where to turn for data to analyze. When you’re blazing your own trail, intel can be hard to find.But it’s always there somewhere.Today, we’ll discuss how to get the information you need to execute a business plan, no matter how specialized your industry is. From creating an accurate buyer persona to navigating pitfalls, we’re going beyond Google to get whatever facts you need.Remember: entrepreneurship requires creativity!When the answers you need aren’t in the usual places, that’s a good sign. It means you’re probably close to finding the Holy Grail of independent business: an underserved market with an unaddressed problem. And that’s a good problem to have. 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.

We’ll never stop saying this: your rest is just as important to your business as your work.Like any good trainer will tell you about muscles, a business can only grow when recuperation is a priority. If you’re a full-time independent business person, it can be very tempting to work yourself into a ditch. And that will always — always — backfire.It’s time for some strategic relaxation. Today, we’ll discuss how to ensure that your investment in rest pays the dividends of productivity. With a few tips that can make your weekend much, much more refreshing, you’ll tackle every Monday like a champ. Is this about your health and wellbeing? Sure. But it’s just as good for your business as it is for you. Learn why: 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 can you learn from the big companies? Can any of the philosophies behind mega-companies like Disney help your small business?Yes.Robert Allen Iger climbed the ranks of the ultimate corporation, Disney, and ran the show for 15 years. In that time, he learned a few things that can help you — yes, you, the independent entrepreneur.He also screwed a few things up.Today, we’re sharing the best quotes and insights from Iger’s book, The Ride of a Lifetime. In running a global behemoth, Iger accomplished a few incredible things, not the least of which was keeping a business of that size grounded in a commitment to customer experience and service.Tune in, and hear how some business principles remain true, at any scale. Click Play!The Ride of A Lifetime by Robert Allen IgerDiscover 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.

It’s a global marketplace. Charge accordingly, or you’re leaving rupees on the table.Currency localization is way more than a convenience bonus. It’s a potentially game-changing tactic that can have a serious impact on your overall revenue. Not only do different nations have different currencies; they have different economies. The bottom line? It’s not just converting nickels to Euros. You can charge differing prices by localizing the currency.You read that right. Companies large and small have caught on to the fact that what you charge in Sweden should be more than what you charge in Canada, in terms of actual value. When the currency is converted back to your own, the differences in potential revenue from country to country add up — to say the least.Learn how currency localization works, and how to set it up for your own 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.

Is Google on to something? Those nap pods and free lunches must be worth the investment, right?Can the same perk-heavy approach work for smaller businesses?Today, we’ll explore the ROI of all those “extras.” From breakroom snacks to in-house gyms, some perks have historically worked better than others. Some have even done more harm than good, when they failed to align with employees’ actual wants and needs.Part of it comes down to defining “perks,” and differentiating them from what’s actually integral. We’ll discuss the benefits, downsides, and proper application of a wide range of perks, so you can determine what will actually have the biggest impact on your team’s loyalty and productivity. Before you go in for that company masseuse, give this 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.

This is math we’ve never had to do before.Trying to stay in the black during a pandemic involves a lot more than simple numbers. Navigating the rules, assessing the risks, and operating with one (or both) hands tied behind our backs can be overwhelming – especially when the rules vary from place to place and time to time.But we have to make these decisions, one way or another.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide whether to reopen with the most recently announced restrictions in place. Is he putting the staff at risk by opening, or starving them by staying closed? What’s the “right” thing to do when all our options seem like lesser evils?We’ll discuss this listener’s specific situation, so you can make decisions about your own business and its variables. Do what’s right for you, your team, and the world – whatever that turns out to be. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What’s a formal education really worth? Since this is The $100 MBA, you might expect us to say something along the lines of “not much.”But not necessarily.There are things you can only get in college. Whether or not you need you need those things depends on your goals, your entrepreneurial vision, and your personal definition of success.Plus, not being required doesn’t make a thing not beneficial.The “Do I need a degree?” debate came up during a recent TV interview with our intrepid host, Omar, who tongue-in-cheekily refers to himself as a “business school dropout.” Naturally, he prefers the brass-tacks, real-world business education approach. But that doesn’t mean formal education has no role in your journey.Tune in, hear what you really get out of post-secondary education, and figure out if your path needs to detour in that direction. Or not. 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.

Get on a podcast. Now.It doesn’t have to be this one. But the value of being heard on a good podcast goes way beyond the exposure and brand awareness you stand to gain. In fact, this week’s special guest teacher might argue that the networking opportunities you get are just as valuable.Or maybe even more so.Matt Johnson is a podcast marketing expert who helps other entrepreneurs get on the virtual air. Today, he’ll explain what you need to do in addition to being a great podcast guest, in order to leverage your appearance into potentially game-changing networking wins.Tune in, and learn the real value of being on a podcast. Discover a few relatively simple steps you can take once you’ve booked yourself to turn every conversation into a huge boost for your business. Plus, do so in a way that’s genuine, appreciated, and doesn’t seem all…thirsty. Click Play!Podcast Pitch AssistantHow to Get FeaturedSendOutCardsSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Digital or physical, online or brick & mortar, every business needs a few things at the start. These are the non-negotiables, the 4 things that every single business can’t really function and thrive without. These are your first investments, literally the cost of doing business when you’re first getting started. This is where to spend your capital!Get these things covered, and don’t waste money on non-essentials (until you’re profiting).Today, we’ll list the 4 must-haves, and explain why they’re so fundamentally necessary. We’ll also discuss a few things you don’t need, but that far too many new entrepreneurs waste resources on. Invest wisely, and put your business on a firm footing from Day One.Remember — for small business, debt is rarely your friend. That’s why it’s so important to put profit first. By focusing on the bare essentials early on, you can establish a healthy bottom line to grow from. Click Play!EasyCourseSquareSquareSpaceWeeblyEarth Class MailSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Being stuck in lockdown doesn’t have to stop you from networking. Even though we can’t go to conferences and the like, networking is still possible — and it’s still incredibly important. It’s one of the most powerful methods for building your business, one that’s worth an intentional investment of time and effort, pandemics be damned.So how can you network from home?Today, we’ll lay out a specific, step-by-step plan for making and nurturing the most important connections. It’s a little something we learned from a friend and fellow podcaster whose networking know-how has been truly game-changing for him, and us.Don’t let the current situation stop you from building your business. Adjust, adapt, and use our networking plan to make yourself a known quantity in all the right circles. 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.

Price hikes can be scary. Will you turn customers off? Will people feel betrayed or surprised — especially during a global crisis?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener who can’t get his business in the black without some fresh revenue. With no room for paid ads in the budget, and the lockdown depressing business generally, it seems like bumping up prices is the only option.Or is it?Today, we’ll discuss a few ways to create revenue that don’t involve price hikes. These revenue-raising strategies might be just the solution you need to get your business through COVID-19. When it’s time to balance the books, there are always options.That said…We’ll also discuss how to raise prices, when it’s appropriate to do so. Raising prices doesn’t have to be the end of the world, especially when you have well-served customers whose loyalty you’ve earned. Remember: a small increase doesn’t hit individual customers too hard — but it can make all the difference for you.Tune in, learn what you can do besides raising prices, and how to raise prices in a way that won’t hurt the good will you’ve built up. 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.

This year isn’t all bad.I mean, it’s bad. It’s awful. But if every crisis presents opportunities, the Year of COVID is no exception. Through pandemics, murder hornets, and whatever fate dreams up next, success comes to those who adapt the quickest.So how can you navigate the new normal in a way that grows your business?Today, we’ll discuss 4 specific ways you can lean into the new reality, and come out of 2020 stronger than when you went in. Some are easier than others, but all are doable, and all can radically change the game for you and your business.Meet the crisis head on, adapt, and remember that what you can’t control isn’t the only factor. 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.

Communication is everything when you’re leading a team. So how can you better explain why everyone’s work matters?With a bicycle.Rich Allen is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and consultant whose success in small business has a lot to do with great team management. His bike analogy is the centerpiece of a results-driven approach that lets every employee know where they fit into the bigger picture.In other words, a bike is more than the sum of its parts – and so is your business.Today, Rich is here to go into detail about the bike, and how you can use this powerful analogy to get the most from your team. Ditch the “my job” mindset and cultivate what Rich calls “radical engagement.” Sometimes, it all starts with a better way of explaining things. Click Play!Tour de Profit Free ResourcesSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

Digital advertising is suddenly a lot cheaper. But it’s no less confusing.When you’re deciding how and where to spend your advertising budget, it’s important to have a clear strategy. What are your priorities? One of the first, most fundamental decisions you have to make is to choose between the two super-powerhouses of online ads: Facebook and Google.You definitely need one or the other, or both. But which one do you need more, right now?Today, we’ll discuss the advantages and limitations of both options, so you can choose the right one for your next campaign. Neither is “better” inherently — but one is better for your business and its current needs. We’ll discuss how each option reaches people, what objectives each option is best at achieving, and how to decide between them. We’ll also outline simple experiments you can conduct to see which option will get you the best results. Now is a great time to buy online ad space — if you have a solid plan. 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.

Just getting started? Here’s what not to do.So far this year, we’ve seen various businesses make some of the same blunders. The mistakes aren’t just holding people back; they’re a mortal threat to any company trying to get off the ground. These are potentially devastating mistakes that negate all the hard work people put into their independent success.So let’s do something about it.Today, we’ll review some of the super-common, super-deadly missteps that plague new businesses. Just as often, they’re positive things we’re neglecting to do, as opposed to active screwups. But the results are the same: time, effort, and resources down the drain.Tune in, and see if you’re making any of these mistakes. If so, it might just be the change you need to see real progress. 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.

Analysis Paralysis: it’s that frozen feeling you get when there’s so much to do, you can’t do any of it. Sometimes, just knowing where to start is the first challenge, and the key that unlocks all your forward progress. When your business has multiple areas in need of help, what’s the priority? What takes precedence when everything seems important?How can you be sure? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who just doesn’t know where to begin. He wants to take action, but for every problem he tackles, others go un-tackled in the meantime. Today, we’ll help put it all in order.There’s a single question you can ask yourself to make a valid decision about what needs your attention most, and soonest. Once you ask it, you won’t only have a place to start, you’ll have the confidence to proceed with less anxiety about everything else — all of which you’ll get to in due time.Businesses are many-headed hydras, and entrepreneurship is a never-ending game of problem solving. By embracing the challenge, anyone can look at a laundry list of problems, improvements, and fixes with a calm and proactive approach.You just have to get started. 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.

There’s only so much time and money. A bookkeeper can save you tons of both.Today, we’ll explain exactly what a bookkeeper does, and why one is so vital to your business after a certain point. Different from a full-blown accountant, a bookkeeper helps you handle what no one should tackle solo — that is, once your business reaches a certain volume.We’ll explain how to recognize that volume, and know when it’s finally time to get help.Certain metrics will tell you that it’s time to hand the books to an outside pro. If you wait too long, you risk creating a mess that’s harder and more costly to straighten up — like we did. As Omar can personally testify, the time and money you save with a bookkeeper is worth much more than you’ll pay for one. Find out what books that need professional keeping look like. Be proactive, and you won’t regret it. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How powerful is video? As a medium, it’s quickly gone from a marketing “maybe” to a “must.”Video can’t replace written content for every purpose, but used strategically (and created efficiently), a little video can be a huge differentiator. Oli Bridge specializes in using video content in ways you might not have considered — for results that might surprise you.Today, Oli stops by the podcast to explain his system.By using video in places most marketers don’t, you can cut through the noise and stand out among the countless others clogging up customers’ inboxes. By using it in a highly personalized way, you can turn regular customers into long-term “superfans” who drive new business.It works, because science.Hear Oli explain the psychology behind video’s extraordinary effectiveness. Once you understand the conversion potential, the time and effort required to produce videos (even short ones) will seem like a very wise investment. Click Play!Bonjoro Video Funnel PlaybookSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 just about innovation. Sometimes, understanding that which doesn’t change is just as important.Real long-term success requires a strategy that’s built around a few key principles; eternal truths about your industry that aren’t subject to the whims of the market. No matter what, consumers will always want their food to be tasty, their apps to be user-friendly, their trains to be on time. So when you’re trying to come up with that unique “twist” on a product, start with the unchangeables. Maybe your product does something in addition to the unchangeables. Maybe it addresses one unchangeable far better than the competition does. What your business does differently is crucial, but what consumers want to stay the same is equally so, and should never be forgotten.If in the quest for innovation we forget the fundamental, basic needs behind our product category, we set ourselves up to flop. Today, we’ll share examples of those permanent truths, and how successful companies keep them at the heart of their strategies. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your business needs good reviews. These days, people don’t buy a paperclip without seeing how many stars it got on Amazon. We live in the “social proof” era, where consumer opinions carry far, far more weight than any of your marketing or advertising. If people can’t find reviews of your product, it creates uncertainty, if not outright suspicion. More importantly, you can’t stop people from voicing their opinions about your product — and statistically, the haters are far more likely to post a review than the lovers.Fortunately, there’s a way to make sure most of your reviews are positive.We use a system that harnesses the social proof power of our happiest customers. By encouraging our “evangelists” to spread the word, we ensure that unhappy customers aren’t disproportionately represented, which is exactly what happens if you don’t take a proactive approach.Tune in, and hear our system for cultivating good word-of-mouth with honest reviews from satisfied 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.

Every business needs a website. But does every business need an “About” page?Yes.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s building their (very) small business website, and wonders whether showcasing his tiny “team” sends the wrong message. Can an About Page backfire, or make visitors take you less seriously?Not if you do it right.Today, we’ll discuss the real value of your About Page, and why it’s critical for traffic and SEO. We’ll explain what a good About Page needs, and how to tailor one for smaller businesses – even those run by solopreneurs.Don’t miss out on the marketing potential of your website’s About Page – no matter how small your company is at the start. Click Play!To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever get annoyed when businesses try to tack on little upsells? What if we took a different approach, one that puts added value first and added revenue second? That’s a better way to approach the optional features customers can add to your product – or not.Today, we’ll explain how to determine what should be the core base of your product, and what should be reserved for add-ons, as well as how to package and sell those add-ons in a way that doesn’t feel scammy.These aren’t one-time upsells, but permanent or recurring benefits that are genuinely worth the added investment for some, but not all, of your customers.We’ll discuss the best times and ways to offer add-ons, as well as the difference between add-ons and pricing tiers. Plus, we’ll share some examples of add-ons done right from successful companies. 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 book isn’t new, but the review is timely. This is the best guide to running a remote team available, from two guys who helped pioneer and popularize the concept.Fried and Hansson are the co-founders of Basecamp, the tool we use here at The $100 MBA to coordinate the work of about two dozen employees on four different continents. Their approach can be described as radical, and the pair haven’t always made friends with their committed approach to letting people work from home.But now might be a good time to revisit their advice.This book will help you understand how to make remote work work. More importantly, it explains why; whatever happens with COVID-19, many businesses will have the option of not going back to normal…and that can be a really, really good thing.Learn why remote work isn’t just necessary in a crisis, but preferable all the time. See what pitfalls are common, and how to address them. Start planning your company’s transition to a fully (or partially) remote team long-term. Click Play!Remote by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier HanssonDiscover 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.

Our company has always been remote, and we’ve always worked from home. With millions suddenly forced to do business from the same building they live in, we figured a little advice on effective home office setup might be helpful. The good news? It’s pretty easy, and not that expensive.If you’re used to working in a conventional office, you may not be going back to it for a long time — or ever. That’s not because COVID-19 won’t be under control; it will be, sooner or later. But the benefits of remote work for employees and employers will remain. Remote work was always an excellent alternative for many businesses; coronavirus just forced many of us to give it a try.You might not want to go back!You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a professional, comfortable, productive home office space. Even if you have to buy a few furnishings and pieces of equipment, a modest investment can create a perfectly efficient space you might actually prefer to your good ol’ cubicle.Today, we’ll share our best tips for the perfect setup, with loads of specific recommendations (we hope you like IKEA). Remote work can be liberating, especially if you plan the space right. Click Play!IKEA Micke DeskIKEA Skarsta DeskIKEA Linnmon TableIKEA Kullaberg stoolAsus monitorsLight & Glo CandlesGoogle Home MiniSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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.

YouTube: ignore it at your peril. It’s the world’s second largest search engine, and its content often dominates the results of that other search engine. It’s a powerful marketing channel, as powerful as any blog or social media account.So how do you get started?Today, we’ll explain how to get your own YouTube channel up and running with minimal hassle. With step-by-step instructions and loads of online resources, you can claim your space on this increasingly vital platform.We’ll discuss how to manage realistic expectations, and how “standing out” on this very crowded platform is less important than finding your niche. With a reasonable investment of time and effort, you can reap major traffic from YouTube — even if you’ve never shot a video before. 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.

Standing out as a writer is tough. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to shoot for the New York Times’ best-seller list. You just have to find your audience, and grow it. But for today’s authors, that begs the question: does Amazon help with that, or hurt?Or both?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one of our listeners is a fiction author who’s not sure whether to even build their own website, since Amazon…y’know, exists. After all, most books are sold on Amazon, right? Is it worth the time and effort to build a site that just forwards people to The Everything Store anyway?Spoiler alert, budding authors: do not rely on Amazon.We get into the details on today’s episode. We’ll discuss why Amazon is helpful for authors, and the price you pay in return. We’ll explain how important your own website really is, and what you lose by not having one. We’ll also explain why even if you are selling books on Amazon, your own separate corner of the Internet is still a must..Plus, we’ll discuss how the difference between physical books and e-books factors into the overall equation.Amazon is a useful resource for writers and entrepreneurs of all kinds, but that doesn’t mean you should only market and sell there. Find out why, plus learn where to get some affordable help in setting up your own website. 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.

No matter what you’re selling — product or service, physical or digital — a great video can be a marketing game-changer.Videos are an efficient way to get attention, get your message across, and nurture leads faster. As content goes, video is almost as important as the written word these days, and will almost certainly keep trending up.And by the way: it’s ok if you’ve never made a demo video before.Today, we’ll explain how to craft short, effective, professional demo videos for your product. We’ll go through each step in the process, and take the intimidation factor out of the equation for anyone with something to sell.We promise it’s easier than you think!We’ll explain how to plan and execute your video with conversions in mind, and of course we’ll offer recommendations for hardware and software that makes it all a snap.A good short video can be far-reaching and seriously impactful. Take the time to produce one or two, and you just might make it an integral part of your overall marketing strategy. Start with this lesson. 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 heard of B2C and B2B. But H2H is still important, no matter what kind of business you run.Angela Henderson is a business coach, keynote speaker, and podcaster who helps women business owners from around the world earn consistent 5-figure monthly revenue and multiple 6-figure years… without burning out in the process. Her focus on the human aspect of lead nurturing and customer relationships might sound a little analog, but that’s exactly what makes it effective.Today, she’s here to help us understand how there’s no substitute for the personal touch.If you’re looking to stand out in your marketing, and turn customers into lifers, H2H may be the ingredient you haven’t considered. People’s human interactions with your brand can define it in the long term, regardless of everything else you’re doing to grow your business.In other words, while outsourcing, automation, and staffing are important for efficiency, those tactics have their limits.Tune in, and let Angela explain why that phone call, that check-in, and all the ways you personally show up can make all the difference – even though you’re busy. Click Play!Finlee + MeAngela Henderson ConsultingBuiltWithNerdyDataDiscover all our must-read book reviews at https://100mba.net/bookreviews.To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 built a business. Congratulations! Now, it’s time to stop building it.Seriously.One trap entrepreneurs fall into is failing to take Marshall Goldsmith’s old advice: “What got you here won’t get you there.” In this case, it means hanging on to responsibilities that shouldn’t be yours anymore — things you handled at the beginning, but only because there was no one else.In other words, it’s time to let others work so you can lead.Today, we’ll discuss what tasks you should be handing off to your team. Your role as founder has to be sharply defined, or you’ll end up being sucked into endless day-to-day stuff that keeps your business running, but doesn’t move it forward. If you’re not ready to expand your team accordingly, that’s ok too. We’ll discuss alternatives, as well as how to map out a long-term plan for making the right hires. The goal: to have everyone in your company — including you — doing only what they’re best at, not just what needs to be done.Plus, we’ll offer a few tips on where to turn for even more help, inspiration, and advice for finally, truly taking the lead. 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 happens to your company’s Customer Support during holidays? More importantly, what happens when it’s a holiday for some of your employees or customers, but not for others? It’s a global economy, and if you run a global business like ours, this becomes an issue. With a couple dozen employees and thousands of customers scattered around 4 different continents, the holidays can be a puzzle..Fortunately, we like to experiment.We’ve tried different ways of handling the whole holiday thing over the years. Most recently, we tried a new approach this past Easter. Frankly, we were a little scared to try it. But in the end, we learned something pretty valuable. As our team and user base grow, it’s becoming more challenging to accommodate everyone. It’s also becoming more necessary. Today, we’ll discuss everything you should consider when plotting out your holiday strategy. By doing a little homework, strategizing, and communicating clearly, you can keep your business functional while respecting everyone’s culture and downtime. Customer Support can be your company’s biggest differentiator. Make the effort to get it right, and it will pay off. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re anxious about letting employees go, you are not alone.Unemployment rates are at absurd levels, as company after company is forced into mass layoffs. Small businesses are no exception. The only difference? Axing team members can hurt more when the team is small.Timing can make a huge difference. When you let employees go affects how you let them go, and the difference can be life-altering.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s considering two options: rounding everyone up and laying them off at once, or staggering the layoffs to keep some people for as long as possible. Both options have their ups and downs. But one may be the lesser of two evils.Tune in, and we’ll discuss the arguments for and against both approaches, and share our recommendation. Learn how to layoff in the most ethical, damage-mitigating way possible — because things will be normal again some day, and how you treated your team during COVID-19 will matter long after the virus is under control. 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.

Whether you blog or vlog, work in words or graphics, it’s time to turn the content machine up to 11. Like, now.It’s not just a way to pass the time while we’re all cooped up inside. For all the downsides, the current lockdowns aren’t just a way to save lives — they’re a business opportunity no entrepreneur should ignore. You not only have time to create more content; your audience has more time to consume it, engage, and take action.Of course, you should have a plan.Today, we’ll discuss how to create a production schedule that keeps you consisten, and build up your content marketing asset stockpile. We’ll identify 3 reasons it’s so crucial to ramp up content production now, and how the effects of doing so will last long after the pandemic is over. 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 our favorite authors is back with another mindset-altering book we can’t wait to share with you. Ryan Holiday’s Stillness Is The Key is required reading for anyone looking to be their best in business and life. No, it’s not a meditation instruction manual. It’s a guide to addressing the overwhelm and anxiety common to running a business, and finding the calm you need to make the right calls.In other words, anxious minds make anxiety-driven decisions.This book is profound, but accessible, wide-ranging but practically applicable. Today, we’ll discuss how its lessons can help entrepreneurs and small business owners specifically. It’s not about being falsely stoic or emotionless. Rather, it’s about finding an internal stillness that allows you to navigate crazy situations — timely, no? It’s the perfect guide for dealing with the high stakes of independent business, and a sobering reminder of focusing on what truly matters most. Click Play!Stillness Is The Key by Ryan HolidayDiscover 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.

Cybersecurity has never been more important, as COVID-19 forces more and more business online. As we learned from the Zoom debacle, leaving your business vulnerable can lead to some serious losses, potentially losses you can’t recover from.Let’s protect your baby.There are three online “gates” cyberjerks can hack their way through, if you let them. We’ll discuss each way in, and how to properly secure it before nefarious actors have a chance to strike. No matter what kind of business you run, cybercrime can happen to you — and it’s kind of a booming business right now.In the early days of our business, we learned the importance of cybersecurity the hard way. We’d prefer to pass those lessons on to you before you have a crisis of your own.The good news? Getting solid security in place isn’t that difficult or time-consuming. By investing a few hours of your life, you can make sure that all your hard work isn’t compromised. 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.

Maybe you were just getting ready to sell when COVID-19 hit. Maybe you’re thinking about getting out because of COVID-19. Either way, it’s a bit of a buyer’s market generally, so selling a business during this crisis must be approached with caution and careful analysis.So how long should you hold out? How long can you?Whether your business has been hurt by coronavirus, unaffected by it, or (as is the case in several industries) actually helped by it, do your homework before selling. Today, we’ll discuss what factors to consider, and where to turn for help in making this literally life-altering decision.Selling your business is a major event in any climate, let alone the completely unprecedented situation we’re in now. Be sure to approach it dispassionately, and get advice you can trust from those who aren’t emotionally invested. It just might save your financial future. Click Play!SUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This corona thing is gonna be with us for a while. The question is: how long is a while?More importantly, what can you do about it as an entrepreneur or small business owner?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a question that’s surely on many, many people’s minds. Trying to plan around this pandemic, with the news and the rules changing by the day (and by location) can be maddening. What plans can we even make that COVID-19 won’t throw a monkey wrench into?There is a way through this.Today, we’ll explain how it’s possible to plan when you don’t have all the variables. There are flexible, adaptable strategies that can help you bring in revenue now, but still allow you to go back to normal when…well, when things go back to normal.Let’s establish what we know, what we don’t know, and decide how best to adapt to social distance for as long as we have to put up with it — however long that is. 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.

Rebranding – is it worth the trouble?Sometimes, the answer is yes. But we have to stress the key word here: sometimes. Rebranding can be a lengthy, difficult, costly process that only moves your business forward in very specific circumstances. Do your circumstances fit the bill?Let’s find out.If you rebrand in the wrong way, or at the wrong time,it can backfire and create a net loss to your business. If your current brand is even remotely well-established, don’t change your name before considering everything that goes into it.Today, we’ll discuss all the work that goes into an effective rebranding, and the situations where it can be appropriate and effective. What’s in a name? Everything. Be careful before you choose to throw a good name away. 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.

Customer service is your difference.It’s one of the best ways for a small business to stand out from competitors and build a loyal following. You don’t have the marketing and advertising budgets of bigger operations, but you can devote a larger portion of your resources to making sure your customers aren’t just happy — they’re evangelists.Today, we have an expert who knows exactly how to do that.Clay Staires is a mindset master and professional inspirer who specializes in creating customer experiences that translate to growth. If anyone understands how to build something from very little, it’s Clay, who went from literal homelessness to entrepreneurial success.Clay is here to show us how to instill the kind of customer service that can define a brand. With a little intention, you can create an experience for customers that will echo, and bring more business your way.Tune in, and learn how to get some serious word of mouth going. Click Play!Clay Staires/Leadership InitiativeSUBSCRIBEYouTube | 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 sold merchandise IRL in a brick & mortar store or public marketplaces. Now you can’t.There is a way forward.Today, we’re not just discussing how to start selling your physical goods online. We recognize that this is a business emergency, and you don’t only need a way to do it effectively, or with the right strategies. You need a way to do it now.So this lesson prioritizes speed above all else. Let’s get you online and selling, yesterday.We’ve got the tips and resources you need to hit the ground running — or if you’ve already hit the ground, to get up, dust yourself off, and start running ASAP. With specific online services that make e-commerce easy, even for the unfamiliar, you can build a bridge over the economy’s very troubled waters. In fact, when this is over, you may find that the e-commerce infrastructure you develop now will serve you well, far into the future. 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.