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The $100 MBA Show

The $100 MBA Show

2,815 episodes — Page 31 of 57

MBA1287 Starting a YouTube Channel in a Competitive Market +Free Ride Friday!

If you’re not on YouTube, you’re not marketing.YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the world, after Google. And just as every entrepreneur seeks to climb the ranks of the Big G, you should be putting content onto humanity’s favorite video platform.The only problem: there’s a ton of people doing exactly that.Today, we discuss how to stand out, find your niche, and claim your own corner of YouTube. There are way too many voices out there, especially for popular topics and industries. It’s more difficult than ever to be noticed — and more important.We’ll explain how the YouTube SEO game has changed, and how to adapt your marketing strategy accordingly. We’ll also share specific resources you can use to learn more about climbing the YouTube ranks.Even if you’ve never posted a video, it’s time to learn how to build your YouTube presence. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseDan MartellBacklinkoWistia blogThe post MBA1287 Starting a YouTube Channel in a Competitive Market +Free Ride Friday! 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.

Jun 14, 201912 min

MBA1286 Is the Future of Social Media Private?

Social media is changing. So is social media marketing.If you’ve seen the news, you know that Facebook, Twitter, and the rest are doing a walk of shame after failing to protect user privacy. And as the public generally gets tired of overexposure, the social media world is shifting to something more segmented, more clustered, and yes, more private.Start adjusting your marketing strategy now.Today, we’ll discuss how the shift to private groups and messaging will change the landscape. The days of funneling leads from the newsfeed are coming to a close. Customer acquisition will require a different skill set than it used to — and email will become even more important than it already is.Let’s get ahead of the curve, together. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe VergeThe post MBA1286 Is the Future of Social Media Private? 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.

Jun 13, 201910 min

MBA1285 Q&A Wednesday: How do I get reviews and testimonials for my product?

Social proof is a marketing must. So how do you get it?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener needs reviews and testimonials for their website. Whether it’s for your homepage, or just to get your credibility going on review-heavy sites like Yelp or Amazon, you need evangelists.Otherwise, it’s just your word against the competition’s.Today, we discuss how to get more reviews — the kind that actually spur interest, trust, and growth. We explain how to get your customers to share what you want them to, without blatantly “bribing” anyone for good reviews.We’ll get into who to ask, and how to ask from your existing customer base. We’ll detail how to leverage great customer experiences into testimonials, so your social proof is as genuine as it comes. Plus, we’ve also got great tips on how to get reviews even if you don’t have many (or any) customers. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1285 Q&A Wednesday: How do I get reviews and testimonials for my product? 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.

Jun 12, 201910 min

MBA1284 Why You Would Want to Keep Your Business Small

Sometimes, a small business should stay that way.Not everything has to scale. Entrepreneurship isn’t about creating the biggest company possible; it’s about creating the life you want for yourself. And if that life doesn’t involve making billions, or running a national business empire…you’re not alone.Today, we discuss why one size (size L) doesn’t fit all. Independent business people around the world run permanently small businesses, and couldn’t be happier. Yes, there are downsides and challenges to being one of the little guys. There are also considerable advantages.Whether you’re a solopreneur, in a partnership, or just running a small team or Mom & Pop shop, let’s consider keeping it small-time. Maybe you’re in it for the craft. Maybe you only want enough money to be independent. Maybe huge isn’t for you — it certainly isn’t for everyone. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow Links$100 MBA: Guest Teacher Paul Jarvis – Why Growth Might Be the Worst Thing for Your BusinessThe post MBA1284 Why You Would Want to Keep Your Business Small 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.

Jun 11, 201911 min

MBA1283 Must Read: Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips

We’re all great leaders when things are going well. But how does a great leader handle a crisis?If you’re looking for an overall leadership model, you shouldn’t look any further than Abraham Lincoln. As President, he led his nation through the worst-case scenario: a necessary but devastating civil war. Along the way, he had to navigate divisions in his own team that were almost as deep as those between North and South.How did he pull it off?In Lincoln On Leadership, author Donald T. Phillips takes us through Lincoln’s decision-making process as he sought to reunite a country. Lincoln didn’t just have to beat the Confederate army; he had to sell his viewpoint, and get his own side of the war to execute his vision without resorting to coercion.Lincoln managed and balanced conflicting viewpoints and personalities, with no guaranteed outcome. In business, you’ll face similar (if less dramatic) scenarios. Learn how one of history’s greatest leaders got the results that counted when everything was on the line. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksLincoln on Leadership by Donald T. PhillipsThe post MBA1283 Must Read: Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips 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.

Jun 10, 201910 min

MBA1282 Refining Your Messaging to Attract Your Ideal Customers + Free Ride Friday!

You don’t need to reach the most customers. You need to reach the right customers.Big-tent marketing, reaching out to the widest audience possible, is a thing of the past. Modern marketing is all about targeted campaigns aimed at people who would love your product specifically. If you try to speak to everyone, you’ll speak to no one.Rather than speaking louder, you’re going to speak the right language.By choosing the right words, you’ll draw in the customers that stick around. By attracting the right people, you’ll reduce churn and maximize your chances of long-term success, not short-term attention. By blowing that dog whistle at the right frequency, you’ll bring in the keepers, not just the curious.Learn how to articulate a message that inspires devotion from people who could really use your solutions. Earn lifers, not just clicks and exposure. We’ll show you how — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1282 Refining Your Messaging to Attract Your Ideal Customers + Free Ride Friday! 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.

Jun 7, 20199 min

MBA1281 Nail Your Value Metric and Make More Revenue

There’s a powerful number you have to discover: your product’s value metric.The value metric is the exact measure, in dollars and cents, of what your product is worth to customers. It’s not what the product is worth in raw materials, or what it costs in overhead, or even its monetary ROI. It’s simply how much money a customer would gladly exchange to enjoy whatever your product does for them.Yes, it’s a little subjective, but it can be translated into a cash amount. And it’s crucial to know exactly what that amount is.Today, we explain how to figure out how much you can really charge, based on the value metric. It might take time, but it’s worth every minute you spend to find out where the ceiling is. By setting your price by the value metric (instead of other, less reliable metrics), you can maximize your revenue-per-customer, and widen those profit margins considerably.We’ll show you how to calculate this all-important number, plus offer some examples of businesses that nail their own value metric perfectly. This might be the most profitable podcast episode you listen to all year. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksProfitWellBacklinkoThe post MBA1281 Nail Your Value Metric and Make More Revenue 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.

Jun 6, 201911 min

MBA1280 Q&A Wednesday: Can I start a business without being the face of it?

We talk a lot about the importance of personal branding. But do you have to be the face of your business?Yes and no.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener has a great product idea but no desire to stand in front of the crowd. Think of all the brands that succeed in large part because of a charismatic founder. Is it possible to just let the product shine and take a behind-the-scenes role? Does every business need a human face?Can you sell without selling yourself?Today, we explore the drawbacks of avoiding the limelight. While introverts can run successful business, that introversion poses challenges. Adapting to and overcoming those challenges is doable, though, with the right strategies.Unfortunately for the intro-preneurs, a business with a reclusive founder is no longer viable in our hyper-connected, Internet-driven marketing reality. That said, you can show the audience what they need to see without overexposing yourself. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksSlackAnyone Can Do ItShoe DogThe post MBA1280 Q&A Wednesday: Can I start a business without being the face of it? 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.

Jun 5, 201910 min

MBA1279 How To Get The Best Out of An Interview Candidate

Interviews can be tough…for the interviewer.There’s nothing more awkward than struggling to find out if the person you’re interviewing is right for the job. Even worse, passing on the perfect fit because you didn’t get the information you needed is just plain tragic. So how can you make sure to draw out the very best of what the candidate has to offer?It’s time to make an interview plan.Even as our team has grown, we still conduct initial interviews personally. What we say and ask is very deliberate, designed to save us time and get right to the heart of the matter. By refining our pre-interview process, we’re able to hire with confidence, not question marks.Tune in, and learn how to make the most of your time spent in interviews. Make sure you get a clear picture of each candidate’s true potential. Set them — and your business — up for success. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1279 How To Get The Best Out of An Interview Candidate 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.

Jun 4, 201911 min

MBA1278 Guest Teacher: Heather Saffer- PR Hacking: How To Score Free PR Without Hiring An Expensive Publicist

You can’t just sell the product. You have to sell your story.Heather Saffer is the queen of DIY public relations. Without any help from high-priced professionals, she managed to tell a tale that built a narrative foundation for her brand. As an entrepreneur, author, and reality TV personality, she’s mastered the art of being noticed — on her own terms.With her homemade PR strategies, Saffer launched and guided a frosting (yes, frosting) empire to success. Since then, she’s taken the media-swaying lessons she learned along the way to those in need of a branding boost.Today, Saffer stops by to explain how she made a name for herself. By committing to standing out from the rest of her niche, she was able to get the positive media attention that explodes brands. By putting herself at the forefront, she convinced people to believe in her product.Learn how to articulate your own value, and get an incredibly helpful bonus gift from Saffer. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksFree PR HackerThe post MBA1278 Guest Teacher: Heather Saffer- PR Hacking: How To Score Free PR Without Hiring An Expensive Publicist 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.

Jun 3, 201915 min

MBA1277 Does Your Business Have a Diversity Problem? + Free Ride Friday!

It’s time to put aside politics, and focus on business. Diversity matters. Monoculture is a weakness.Diversity is just as important for your business goals as it is for anyone’s social goals. Today, we’ll explain why a team that looks, acts, and thinks the same has trouble innovating. We’ll also bust one of the ugliest, most backward myths in business: that prioritizing diversity means not hiring “the best” candidate for the job.We’ll explain what you’re missing when you only hire people like yourself, and how to integrate diversity into your hiring metrics in a way that puts success first.Diversity doesn’t just happen — it’s something smart entrepreneurs cultivate intentionally. Learn how: Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1277 Does Your Business Have a Diversity Problem? + Free Ride Friday! 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.

May 31, 20199 min

MBA1276 How to Stop Procrastination Every Time

You’ll get around to it…right?Of course not. Procrastination is a classic business-killer, one that’s derailed many an entrepreneurial dream before it even got anywhere. The road to independent success is littered with fallen entrepreneurs who just never got around to this, that, or the other thing.If that’s a problem for you, it’s time to address it. Now.Avoidance, conscious or otherwise, is a common problem. To beat it, you have to understand why you’re doing it, and develop a crucial skill: catching yourself doing it. With the system we discuss today, you can train yourself to get the ball rolling on anything, anytime.Learn our step-by-step method to see procrastination coming, cut it off, and leave it in the dust. Get business handled, from the first minute. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1276 How to Stop Procrastination Every Time 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.

May 30, 201914 min

MBA1275 Q&A Wednesday: How do you get mentions and write ups on popular websites?

Our humble little business has been mentioned (positively) by some of the biggest dogs in business media. Forbes, HuffPo, and the like have kind words for us, and we’re proud.So how the heck did that happen?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how to replicate that positive attention. The obvious boost in exposure and credibility is no small thing, so what was our secret to getting the spotlight? Today, we fill you in.Right off the bat, we’ll admit: we’re not talented schmoozers, or intentional press darlings. The reason we were able to dip our cup into the traffic flow of big-time outlets has more to do with how we manage our performance, not our public relations.In fact, we’ve never spent a dime on PR. Hear how we got the nod from on high, and see if you can do it too. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1275 Q&A Wednesday: How do you get mentions and write ups on popular websites? 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.

May 29, 201910 min

MBA1274 Why You Should Get Your Business Ready for Sale Now

It’s time to get ready to sell your business.We’re serious.Even if you are nowhere near moving on from your current enterprise, it’s important to keep your business in selling shape. Keeping your business super organized is just good practice. Being sell-ready isn’t something you should do right before it’s time to sell — it’s a mindset you should maintain always.By acting as if you’re ready to sell, you’ll keep your business at its most efficient and highest-performing. From your systems to your books to your assets, keeping the ship tight enough to sell means keeping it tight enough to excel.Not to mention, you never know when your business will be audited by a potential investor, partner, or — yes — even a potential buyer. Why wait? Learn how to function on a sell-ready mindset, and your business will thrive. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksProfitWellDropBoxXeroReceiptBankMBA1044: How to Create a Team Handbook for Your CompanyThe post MBA1274 Why You Should Get Your Business Ready for Sale Now 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.

May 28, 201911 min

MBA1273 Must Read: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

It’s time to clean up your digital life.Digital distractions are deceptive. Because they don’t take up physical space, it can seem like they’re not overwhelming you the way, say, laundry or tchotchke can. But if random websites, social media platforms, and online services are wasting your time, they need to go.Seriously — digital distractions are stealing time from your business.This week’s Must-Read will show you how to clean house, and bring calm, focus, and productivity back into your day. Cal Newport is the authority on focus, having led the crusade against distraction since his seminal Deep Work. Now, he’s taking another swing at the distraction demon with Digital Minimalism.Today, we discuss the key takeaways from this book. Learn how to compartmentalize, reduce, and be free of the online tchotchke that’s slowing you down. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksDigital Minimalism by Cal NewportDeep Work by Cal NewportQuit Social Media: Cal Newport TEDx TalkThe post MBA1273 Must Read: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport 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.

May 27, 201912 min

MBA1272 How to Market for Free with Quora + Free Ride Friday!

You’ve seen it in your search returns. Quora is a massive online forum, where potential customers ask about anything and everything under the sun.It’s also a traffic crossroads that’s just waiting for you to tap in.You can use Quora to drive your marketing for even less than you’d spend on conventional marketing efforts. Your niche is waiting on this free website, discussing exactly the things you and your business can help with. You simply have to introduce yourself.By maintaining a presence on Quora, you can earn the exposure and trust that turns into sales. You’re not going there to advertise (never go there to advertise), but you can go there to show an audience just how helpful you can be. Then, Quora users will find your business on their own.Today, we show you how to get into the Quora marketing game, and how to systematize your efforts for the long haul. We even have a special trick for outsourcing the job, so that Quora becomes a passive stream of interested users just waiting to be converted. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksQuoraonlinejobs.phEasyCourseThe post MBA1272 How to Market for Free with Quora + Free Ride Friday! 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.

May 24, 201911 min

MBA1271 What to Say To a Customer When You’ve Failed Them

It’s gonna happen. Whether it’s your fault or not, some customers will use your product and come away disappointed.What matters is what you do next.Customer satisfaction is your responsibility, even when dissatisfaction isn’t your fault. Planning in advance for how to address it can be the difference between a business that lasts and one that doesn’t. You’ve got to articulate your messaging ahead of time, so you can confront these failures head on.When you approach dissatisfaction as your responsibility, you can turn it into an opportunity.Today, we discuss how to own your shortcomings, and turn an unhappy customer into a source of growth. This can have a massive long-term impact on the development of your business, helping you win over dozens of customers for every one you lose.With a healthy, proactive attitude towards failing customers, you can learn how best to delight them — and that’s worth more than any single cancellation. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1271 What to Say To a Customer When You’ve Failed Them 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.

May 23, 201910 min

MBA1270 Q&A Wednesday: How much do I charge for my paid webinars?

You’ve used free webinars to build your audience and establish yourself as a trusted source of information. Now, you’re ready to take it to the next level and start charging.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know what a paid webinar should cost. Charging for webinars is a huge step forward, creating opportunities for more than just money. Real idea validation and the monetizing of your expertise can take you to the next level.So what should it be worth for an attendee?Today, we explain how different goals for your webinar will determine the price. We offer some examples, and discuss what factors to consider when establishing your baseline price. Whether you’re testing the waters of your own brand, or simply want to raise some dough, there’s a right price for your webinar. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1270 Q&A Wednesday: How much do I charge for my paid webinars? 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.

May 22, 201910 min

MBA1269 Do The Price Increase Experiment

Are you charging enough?Entrepreneurs can get a little nervous about raising prices. But there’s a way to find out how high you can go that’s low-risk, high-yield, and potentially eye-opening. If your business needs an influx of revenue, consider doing a little experiment in price increase.We’ll show you how.You might worry that an increase will scare customers off. But in our experience, you’re just as likely to be shocked at how little people care, if the value of the product is there. With our system, you can test the waters safely, and know quickly whether a given increase will help or hurt.With a little courage, some data, and a willingness to trust that your customers believe in your product as much as you do, you can widen those profit margins. Today, we offer step-by-step instructions on increasing, testing, and making the final decision.A modest increase will mean a lot more to you than your customers. See how by conducting this simple experiment. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksProfitWellThe post MBA1269 Do The Price Increase Experiment 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.

May 21, 20199 min

MBA1268 Must Read: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

A business owner owns a business. A business leader owns its performance.We can apply lessons from all avenues of life to business. The military is no exception. Jocko Willink is a decorated Navy SEAL from one of the elite group’s most honored units. After his service, he took what he learned in the field to the business world.Willink’s latest book, Extreme Ownership, is all about building a high-performance team by taking ownership of everything that happens. That level of personal responsibility might seem intense, but the extremely high stakes of the SEAL life taught Willink that it’s the most effective approach.Apply a little bit of military mindset to your business, and make yourself a better entrepreneur. From truly trusting your team to having the guts to abort a failing mission, you can take your ownership to the extreme. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkJocko PodcastThe post MBA1268 Must Read: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink 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.

May 20, 201913 min

MBA1267 Why You Need To Keep Changing Your Friends + Free Ride Friday!

The company you keep affects the company you want to build.Your friends make a difference. Before you balk at the title, this episode isn’t about growing a cold heart and forgetting about the people closest to you. It’s about making sure that the circles you spend your time in propel you forward, rather than hold you back.Today, we’ll explain just how powerful the influence of your social circle is on your business success. As your business develops, so too should your social network widen — which means leaving some circles behind as you move towards your goals.When you don’t make new friends along the way, you will stagnate. Tune in, and find out how to make the friends you need to keep progressing. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1267 Why You Need To Keep Changing Your Friends + Free Ride Friday! 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.

May 17, 201914 min

MBA1266 Should You Be Using a Chat Bot on Your Site?

Whether it’s marketing, sales, onboarding, or support, communication is key. Enter the chatbot, considered by many to be a communications shortcut for your website.They’re ubiquitous now: those little bottom-right corner bubbles that offer to answer questions and otherwise help a visitor along their journey. Thing is, they’re not human. They’re AI, with varying levels of sophistication — and varying levels of usefulness.Are they really that helpful? Or are they the online equivalent of those annoying automated phone menus that just tick people off when all they want to do is talk to a human being?Today, we discuss the benefits — and limitations — of chatbots. We’ll explain how they can supplement (but not really replace) actual human customer service. Properly utilized, a good chatbot can take the load of your service team, and ultimately make them more effective.Plus, we’ll make some specific recommendations as to software we like. Make sure your website’s chatbot is helpful, not annoying. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksIntercomRightMessageDriftThe post MBA1266 Should You Be Using a Chat Bot on Your Site? 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.

May 16, 20199 min

MBA1265 Q&A Wednesday: What have been your biggest regrets in business?

“I wish I had done that differently.”It’s a phrase any entrepreneur with any real experience has thought, or said, more than once. Independent business is all about screwing up, learning from it, and applying the lesson. Here at the $100 MBA, we are no exception.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know what our biggest regrets are from over 18 years in business. Most of those regrets — unsurprisingly — come from the early years. Perhaps more surprisingly, we don’t regret things we did, or even things we didn’t do.We regret the things we didn’t do sooner.Tune in, and learn what we would’ve started sooner, if we’d known any better. If you’re just getting started, see what you can take from our regrettable late starts. It just might inspire you to move more quickly than we did. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1265 Q&A Wednesday: What have been your biggest regrets in business? 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.

May 15, 201910 min

MBA1264 5 Takeaways From MicroConf 2019

Conferences are always opportunities. Mostly to network, but often, to learn. MicroConf, the annual conference for small (mostly software) businesses, lived up to the potential.Our intrepid host Omar made the trip to Sin City for MicroConf 2019, and he picked up some seriously valuable lessons. He was invited as a speaker, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend the other presentations as well.Today, he shares the most important things he learned.Some of these lessons came from personal interactions with other presenters. Some came from the presentations. From an almost literal mountain of notes, we’ve boiled the whole experience down to 5 key takeaways, the “a-ha’s” that struck Omar hardest.It’s one of the best conferences we here at the $100 MBA have ever attended. Hear what we picked up, and add it to your knowledge base. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksMicroConfThe post MBA1264 5 Takeaways From MicroConf 2019 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.

May 14, 201917 min

MBA1263 Guest Teacher: Ken Coleman – How to Use the Proximity Principle to go from Day Job to Dream Job

The career you want is closer than you think. It’s only as far away as the right people.Today’s special guest teacher, Ken Coleman, believes that proximity is the key to moving forward. Whether you’re transitioning from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, or just getting into business for yourself, proximity is everything.Find the right people, and you’ll effect real change.So many people talk about getting into business for themselves full-time. Going from “talk” to “walk” is all about making the connections that’ll spur your growth. Coleman, a renowned author and podcaster, is here to share the details.He’ll explain how to actually make the first few moves that lead to real-life progress. By positioning yourself correctly, you can do the things that most people only talk about. You can get over the scary part, and head down the path of independence — even if you’re not sure exactly where it leads.Find out what (and who) to surround yourself with. Take it from a master in the art of actually doing the things so many people wish they could. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksKen ColemanThe Ken Coleman ShowEntreLeadership PodcastThe Proximity Principle by Ken ColemanOne Question by Ken ColemanThe post MBA1263 Guest Teacher: Ken Coleman – How to Use the Proximity Principle to go from Day Job to Dream Job 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.

May 13, 201919 min

MBA1262 Is it OK to Lower Your Prices? + Free Ride Friday!

Every business owner would love to get more money for each unit they sell. Raising your prices is understood to be a natural part of growth as the years go by. But what about lowering them? Is it ever appropriate?Is it ever smart?It’s easy to assume that lowering prices sends a bad signal, or represents a step backwards. But we’ve seen companies that strategically lowered their prices in ways that added to the overall value of the business. There is a right time to do it — you just have to recognize it.Today, we’ll explain how to determine if your prices are in need of a trim, and if doing so would be wise. We’ll discuss how to experiment with price changes in a way that’s low-risk, plus point out some examples of when not to lower them.It’s a counterintuitive strategy, but it might just work for you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseWistiaWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1262 Is it OK to Lower Your Prices? + Free Ride Friday! 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.

May 10, 201910 min

MBA1261 Should You Work When on Vacation?

Entrepreneurship is a full-time gig. But is it so full-time that you can never truly be on vacation? Are independent business people doomed to stay forever connected to the company, no matter where they escape to?Yes and no.Today, we discuss whether it’s truly feasible to walk away from your baby for a week or more. Especially in the early years, it can be terrifying to take your hands off the steering wheel for too long. It can also be bad for business, if you don’t plan your breaks strategically.We explain how to balance the need to stay on top of things while still taking the opportunity to recharge. By scheduling your own R&R wisely, you can reach the closest thing to “autopilot” entrepreneurship has to offer. We’ve learned how to do it from years of mixing travel, business, and fun. Learn how it’s done — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksMBA 880: The Working While Traveling ExperimentMBA1197: Dealing With Email While TravelingThe post MBA1261 Should You Work When on Vacation? 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.

May 9, 201911 min

MBA1260 Q&A Wednesday: How do I come up with a topic for my first webinar?

You know webinars work to convert subscribers to customers. You have the tools and knowledge to conduct webinars. You’re almost ready.You just don’t know what your first one will be about.It’s a super-common question, and one we’re answering for today’s Q&A Wednesday. Hooking your audience with a topic that’ll pique serious interest is key to creating customers. Today, we share our step-by-step method for figuring out exactly what they’ll respond to.In short, you’ll use your audience to give you the ideas you need to run with, rather than “coming up with” topics all on your own. As the founders of our own webinar software company, we’ve put together a reliable, surprisingly easy system for generating topics that will hit home.It’s the advice we offer our own clients, summed up for you. Tune in, and get ready to have more great topic ideas than you’ll know what to do with. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaWebinarNinja Webinar WorkshopThe post MBA1260 Q&A Wednesday: How do I come up with a topic for my first webinar? 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.

May 8, 201912 min

MBA1259 How Much to Pay Yourself When Starting a Business

What are you worth to your company?When creating a business plan, new entrepreneurs often forget to budget for one extremely important item: their own salary. Thing is, your personal financial health is just as important to your business as any other factor — especially if you’re pursuing entrepreneurship full-time.You can’t short yourself, but you can’t short your business either. Today, we share our formula for determining the right number for your company. You can strike a healthy balance between your needs and your business budget, even if you have to adjust the former for the sake of the latter.It’s an extremely important decision, one that deserves some extra thought. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1259 How Much to Pay Yourself When Starting a Business 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.

May 7, 201910 min

MBA1258 Must Read: The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization by Peter Drucker

There’s no substitute for experience. Fortunately, experience can be shared.Peter Drucker had a long, legendary career in business. One of the earliest professional business management experts, Drucker literally wrote the book(s) on how to frankly assess your company.Today, we take a look at his classic, The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization. We’ll explain each of these vital questions, the answers to which will show you the best way to grow, improve, and move your business forward.It’s super practical, brass-tacks advice that’s as true in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. Tune in as we interpret the five questions in a modern business context. Learn how to take real stock of what your business has, and what it needs. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization by Peter Drucker WebinarNinjaThe post MBA1258 Must Read: The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization by Peter Drucker 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.

May 6, 201913 min

MBA1257 Managing Disagreements in Your Team + Free Ride Friday!

Arguments can be productive. Conflict can lead to growth. When people don’t see eye-to-eye, it’s a sign you’ve got a team that’s capable of great things.Disagreement is good!Today, we explore the positive side of disagreement, and explain how to get the most out of every altercation. When your team disagrees, it means you’ve got an incredibly valuable asset: diversity of thought. Differences of opinion can tear your team apart, but they can also fuel innovation.Don’t strive for homogenous groupthink. This episode will show you how to encourage constructive debate, and create an atmosphere where respect is prized and tension is diffused — all while making the most of varying viewpoints.It may be the best thing you can do for a team of creative, motivated employees who care enough to argue. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseThe post MBA1257 Managing Disagreements in Your Team + Free Ride Friday! 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.

May 3, 201912 min

MBA1256 Should You Do Things That Don’t Scale?

Is everything scaleable? Are the things that aren’t scaleable worth your time, even as your business grows?No, and yes.Today, we discuss the things you should always do the old-fashioned way: personally, without automation, and without delegation. Some things just aren’t meant for the factory line, and the time you invest in them will pay dividends that are way beyond worth it.Learn what these hands-on-only responsibilities are, and how to conduct them in an unscaled way. Most of them have to do with relationships — with customers, with your team, with industry colleagues. Relationships, of course, are best when they’re personal, not systematized.See what we mean, and see how to keep the right things small-scale. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1256 Should You Do Things That Don’t Scale? 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.

May 2, 201912 min

MBA1255 Q&A Wednesday: How do I choose the right CRM platform?

In online marketing, customer relationships are everything. That’s why an entire industry devoted to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has evolved. But with so many options, which CRM service is right for your business?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener is overwhelmed by the options. From the simple and inexpensive to the wildly complex and pricey, there’s a CRM for just about every business. Understanding the factors you need to consider will help you pick the right one, and make your marketing work smoother, faster, and more effectively.Today, we discuss how to choose the right CRM for your company to grow into, the one that meets your current needs while leaving room to scale. While switching CRM’s is doable, it’s also a hassle — so choosing the right one from the start is a major pain-saver.We’ve used a bunch of CRM’s, and our own software service integrates with even more. Share our extensive knowledge of the systems available, and make the best choice for you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaConvertKitMailChimpInfusionSoftActiveCampaignSalesforceStripeDripConstant ContactAweberHubSpotIntercomThe post MBA1255 Q&A Wednesday: How do I choose the right CRM platform? 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.

May 1, 201912 min

MBA1254 How To Offer The Right Salary When Hiring

As your business grows, so grows your team. As you hire, you’ll find yourself repeatedly faced with the question: what should I be paying?Today, we explain how to do the math for new hires. We discuss all the factors involved, from budget to experience to industry standards, so you can reach your own number. We also discuss other factors that can influence the final offer, those that go beyond simple compensation.Learn how to find the balance between compensation that’s high enough to attract the right fit, but low enough to sustain your budgetary needs. Find out where you can check up on comparable salaries for just about any position, and use those as a baseline for negotiation.With a remote team of dozens around the globe, we’ve learned how to reach the number that makes both sides of the table happy. See how we do it: Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksGlassdoorWebinarNinjaBufferThe post MBA1254 How To Offer The Right Salary When Hiring 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.

Apr 30, 201910 min

MBA1253 Guest Teacher: Don Scott – Leading From Within

Leadership doesn’t start with your example. It starts with something deeper — something others can’t see, but that informs everything they can see.Leadership starts with your innermost beliefs.Today’s guest teacher, Don Scott, has decades of business experience. He also has a degree in psychology. Where the two disciplines meet is the key to truly effective leadership. To build (or rebuild) yourself as a leader, you’ve got to do it from the inside out.Scott’s here to show us how.Today, Scott will explain how to assess your internal orientation, and see how much improvement you can make. By cleaning out your internal clutter and clarifying your own beliefs, you can transform the effect you have on your team. It sounds deep and philosophical, but it’s intensely practical.Find out how to become the best leader you can be. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow Linksdonscottcoach.comThe post MBA1253 Guest Teacher: Don Scott – Leading From Within 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.

Apr 29, 201916 min

MBA1252 Does Business Get Easier? + Free Ride Friday!

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. But is it ever easier?No one would doubt that the first few years of starting your own business are tough. No matter the industry, entrepreneurship is demanding, mentally and emotionally (and sometimes even physically). But is it always an uphill battle? Is there an event horizon you can pass through and just…coast a little?Yes and no.Today, we discuss the ways in which business gets easier, and the ways in which it stays just as tough as ever. We’ll explain just what to expect — both positive and negative — as your own growth begins to offset the challenges of business. Business, generally, won’t change. But you will.Take a glimpse down the road, and get a sense of what your journey will look like years from now. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseEOFireThe post MBA1252 Does Business Get Easier? + Free Ride Friday! 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.

Apr 26, 20199 min

MBA1251 Is It Too Late to Start a Business After 50?

Is entrepreneurship a young person’s game? Or can the wisdom of age apply to independent business?We often hear from would-be entrepreneurs who worry that they’re too old to get in the game. Usually, they’re retirees who are ready to hang up a lifetime 9-to-5 in favor of a fresh start. Is it realistic? Does a middle-aged person have time to go through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and come out on top?We certainly think so. But there are some important factors to consider.Today, we discuss the disadvantages of a late start, and the unique, valuable advantages of bringing decades of life experience to business. Some experience is universally applicable, and there are tons of scenarios where the 50-year-old is way better positioned than the recent grad who hasn’t lived enough to make the smartest moves.See what it takes to get into business once you’re over the proverbial hill. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1251 Is It Too Late to Start a Business After 50? 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.

Apr 25, 20199 min

MBA1250 Q&A Wednesday: How important is the name of my business?

A business by any other name — is the profit just as sweet?It’s Q&A Wednesday! We’ve got a listener who’s ready to start a business, but is wondering how much time and effort to put into the business’s name. What kind of impact does it really have? Does it really matter what you call a business if the product, marketing, and execution are solid? Can a bad name hurt a great company?As it turns out, names matter.Today, we explain how to choose a name for your business that will save you time and effort down the road. We compare the impact of names relative to other, arguably more important factors. We discuss how your business name can help or hurt, and what to consider when creating it.Take a moment to get the first step in your branding right. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksNameMeshThe post MBA1250 Q&A Wednesday: How important is the name of my business? 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.

Apr 24, 20198 min

MBA1249 Why You Can’t Sprint Forever

In case you haven’t realized it yet, business is a marathon.Like any long-term commitment, knowing how to slow down strategically is just as important as flipping on the afterburners. Too much of anything — like work and stress — does not pay off. The rule of diminishing returns catches up every time, wasting your effort and holding your business back.It’s time to find your balance.Today, we discuss how to achieve sustainable levels of effort. Hustling smarter is always better than hustling harder, especially when overdoing it backfires to the detriment of your company. Learn how to know when you’re doing too much (or too little) and to adjust accordingly.Find the sweet spot between tortoise and hare. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1249 Why You Can’t Sprint Forever 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.

Apr 23, 20199 min

MBA1248 Must Read: When by Daniel Pink

Timing is everything.That’s the central argument of this week’s Must-Read for entrepreneurs, When by Daniel Pink. Pink is a Yale graduate who’s spent plenty of time on the bestseller lists. He’s also a data-obsessed life and work hacker who’s pored through hundreds of studies on the role of timing for this excellent, insightful book.From business to psychology and beyond, Pink explores how to apply the data on timing to whatever you want to achieve. From the time of day you attempt a task, to the time of year you launch a new endeavor, to the period in your life you make a change, the timing matters.When shows you how to harness the data — and your own natural rhythms — to maximize your timing. See what a difference it can make: Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWhen by Daniel PinkDrive by Daniel PinkTo Sell Is Human by Daniel PinkThe post MBA1248 Must Read: When by Daniel Pink 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.

Apr 22, 201910 min

MBA1247 Hiring Your First Manager + Free Ride Friday!

Your business has grown to the point where you can’t manage everything. It’s a wonderful achievement, but it’s also pretty scary. You have to let go. You have to trust someone else with your baby. You have to pass responsibilities on.You have to hire a manager.It’s a big step. Management is different from any other role, and far more consequential. Your managers are the bridge between you and your team. What should you look for? Should you promote from within, or look externally? Should you seek managerial experience, or drive and motivation? Should you look for skill sets, or attitude?We’ve made some managerial hires we regret: not because the manager wasn’t qualified or talented, but because he or she wasn’t the right hire for that particular time in our business. With management, when you hire is just as important as who you hire.Find out why, and what questions you should be asking your prospective first manager. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseThe post MBA1247 Hiring Your First Manager + Free Ride Friday! 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.

Apr 19, 201913 min

MBA1246 5 E-Commerce Mistakes To Avoid

E-commerce is a different game. Not quite entirely physical, not totally online, e-commerce has its own rules, challenges, and considerations.As it happens, Omar built his own e-commerce company way back when, in his early years as a budding entrepreneur. During that time, he acquired the most valuable lessons of all: the lessons you learn from mistakes.Specifically, there are 5 terrible — but all too common — mistakes that e-commerce entrepreneurs make. They tripped Omar up, and they continue to derail business owners all over the scene. By knowing what to look out for, you can save the time, money, and peace that you lose by learning the hard way.From payment processing to order fulfillment, these are the most important pitfalls Omar encountered. Learn the unique rules of this unique business model — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksShipWireGatherArt of ManlinessReal Men Real StyleMinaalThe post MBA1246 5 E-Commerce Mistakes To Avoid 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.

Apr 18, 201912 min

MBA1245 Q&A Wednesday: How do I choose a location for my team retreat?

Few things are more satisfying than rewarding your team with a retreat. It’s a chance to bond, an opportunity to gel professionally, and a statement of how far you business has come.Most of all, it demonstrates how much you value the team that’s helped you get this far.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how to choose the best location for a team retreat. As it happens, we’re planning one for our team this very summer. We decided to share exactly what went into our thought process as we identified the best destination.Today, we discuss what factors to consider, from weather to distance to security, and of course, cost. With a far-flung remote team of employees from all over the globe, choosing the right place was no simple task. Fortunately, we knew where to go for advice — and how to get our team involved in the planning.Before you plan your company’s first (or next) retreat, listen in. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1245 Q&A Wednesday: How do I choose a location for my team retreat? 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.

Apr 17, 201910 min

MBA1244 Taking Control of Online Reviews

No matter what you do, your business will have a story. The question is: who’s writing it?Getting a handle on your business’s online narrative is key to protecting your brand. Whether your business is brick-and-mortar or strictly digital, you have an online reputation to protect. More and more, consumers rely on other consumers’ reviews to make their buying decisions.Today, we show you how to stop outside factors from unduly influencing your story. We discuss how to establish a reliable system for keeping up with your online reviews, from Google to Yelp and beyond. We explain how to make happy customers’ voices heard, and how to deal with ugly reviews from the haters.Learn how to be the most influential part of the conversation around your business. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1244 Taking Control of Online Reviews 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.

Apr 16, 201910 min

MBA1243 Must Read: Reinvent Yourself by James Altucher

Entrepreneurs can have many lives. One business idea at a time, we remake ourselves as we take on new challenges. Starting over — and over — is the challenge, and the fun, of independent business.This week’s Must-Read for entrepreneurs is James Altucher’s Reinvent Yourself. This isn’t businessman, investor, podcaster, and best-seller Altucher’s first entry in our Must-Reads, and for good reason. Altucher has several “lives” worth of experience. He’s founded company after company — most of which have failed.And all that failure has earned him a lot of wisdom.Today, we review this fresh, original take on what it takes to find your best self. With lessons from every avenue of success and failure, from Popes to rappers, Altucher shows us how to ride the ups and downs to your truest incarnation. It’s personal, applicable, and insightful. Learn how to escape stagnation, and meet your next self. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksReinvent Yourself by James AltucherThe James Altucher ShowThe post MBA1243 Must Read: Reinvent Yourself by James Altucher 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.

Apr 15, 201912 min

MBA1242 Where To Find Ideas For Your Content + Free Ride Friday!

The first rule of content marketing: you’ve gotta keep the content coming.Whether it’s blogs, podcasts, videos, or pics, you need a basically endless supply of ideas to generate content from. Fortunately, you have one — in your life, your experiences, your own head, and (most importantly) your audience.It’s simply a matter of capturing each little inspiration for later use.Today, we share our system for beating content creator’s block by loading up on ideas, all the time. With our easy-to-learn tricks, you can virtually guarantee you’ll never be out of ideas again, no matter how many you need. With over 1200 episodes of this podcast behind us, we’re pretty confident our system works.Tune in, and learn how to tap into your customers’ needs, and watch the ideas flow out. We explain how, and tell you exactly where to go for some easy, cost-free inspiration. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1242 Where To Find Ideas For Your Content + Free Ride Friday! 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.

Apr 12, 201911 min

MBA1241 Free Tiers Vs Free Trials

Tiers and trials: twin incentives to get users on board. But which one will work best for your business?Today, we explore how entrepreneurs selling digital products (like software services) can benefit from each. We explain the difference between the two, and how each is tailored to different business goals. By understanding both ways to give away a freebie, you can determine what will build your own customer base.Best of all, you can combine both approaches, if your business model suits. Whether you decide to offer an indefinitely free basic level of service, or a limited-time trial run, you can reap the benefits. Find out how — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1241 Free Tiers Vs Free Trials 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.

Apr 11, 20199 min

MBA1240 Q&A Wednesday: How do you find guest teachers for your show?

You’ve got a great podcast, but you want great guests. How in the world do you get them?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a question from a fellow podcaster who’s looking to bring fresh voices to his audience. Knowing how to find quality guests — and convincing them to record — takes some finesse, and some time.Today, we discuss our methods for wooing guests. By establishing your own reputation and following, you can attract (rather than chase) guests. By keeping your own standards high, you can sell potential guests on the value of joining your podcast. And even if you’re new to the game, you can still establish yourself as someone worth talking to.It’s a big Internet out there, and there’s no shortage of podcasts. But if you’re willing to put the work in, you can make yours stand out from the rest. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksAudio-Technica ATR2100 MicIconic by Scott McKainWe Are PodcastThe post MBA1240 Q&A Wednesday: How do you find guest teachers for your show? 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.

Apr 10, 201910 min

MBA1239 4 Personal Business Principles For Success

Experience is the best teacher, and we’ve had plenty.Today, we put aside the specifics of day-to-day business, and focus on the principles that carry us through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. We’ve got 4 principles that years of struggle, doubt, anxiety, and ultimate success have ingrained in our brains.Learning how to cut through self-defeating impulses and focus on what matters can work wonders. By adopting the right mindsets, you can excel as exactly who you are, no matter the industry or niche. From emotional self-regulation to realistic goal-setting, these are the principles that work for every business.Learn how to take control of your outlook, rather than letting circumstances and market forces do it for you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1239 4 Personal Business Principles For Success 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.

Apr 9, 201914 min

MBA1238 Must Read: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

It’s time to get more specific with your business goals.That’s the theme of this week’s Must-Read book for entrepreneurs, John Doerr’s Measure What Matters. Doerr is a milestone master, helping organizations like Google and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation measure their progress with laser precision. Of course, his lessons are just as applicable to small businesses.In this book, Doerr explains how to focus on the most impactful growth objectives and metrics. With a humorous, irreverent style, he makes the importance of deep analytics clear. He also makes the numbers game less opaque, less intimidating, and more practical.Find out what you should be aiming for, and how to hit it. Once you know which numbers to watch, you’ll be that much closer to your (well-defined) goals. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaMeasure What Matters by John DoerrThe post MBA1238 Must Read: Measure What Matters by John Doerr 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.

Apr 8, 201911 min