The $100 MBA Show

What’s stopping you from starting your own business? If you said money, you’re not alone.In fact, a lack of startup cash is among the primary reasons people never get their big idea off the ground. So how can you break free from a lack of capital, without resorting to loans or investors? How can you put together the scratch all on your own?We know how. We’ve done it.Today, we help you create your business-starting action plan. Our host Omar started his own first business one dollar at a time, while maintaining a conventional job. He learned from experience how to save up money and that create demonstrable progress towards the day you can actually pull the trigger.Some of these methods are easier than others. All require sacrifice. But all get the job done. See which of Omar’s 5 methods can work for you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksDave RamseyEasyCourseThe post MBA1106 5 Ways to Save Money To Start 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.

The subscription box: it’s all the rage, as enthusiasts of all kinds sign up to get a fresh collection of hobby-specific goodies each month. But how specific can you get? How niche is too niche to sustain a profitable box-driven business?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener with a very targeted, extremely niche idea for a subscription box service. And while we always recommend finding very, very specific problems to solve, you still have to make sure there’s a big enough market to keep your company profitable.So how can you find out?Today, we discuss exactly how to test the waters, and gather the intel you need to determine whether your big idea has a big (enough) audience. We take our listener through some business recon, and explain step-by-step how to do the low-cost market research necessary to reach an answer.Niching down minimizes risk, but you can’t go in blind. Find out how small the target can really be — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWet Fly SwingWet Fly Swing PodcastAdEspressoThe post MBA1105 Q&A Wednesday: How do I validate an idea for a niche subscription box 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.

When it comes to keeping customers, onboarding is everything.Getting your customers immediately engaged with your product is key to reducing churn and getting a return on all your marketing and advertising investment. It’s also key to creating evangelists for your brand, as new customers become repeat customers and convince others to join them.You don’t just need buyers — you need users. And you can’t have users without tutorials.Today, we’ll show you how to quickly, efficiently create bare-bones, minimum viable tutorials that get the job done. No fancy effects, no bells or whistles — just fast, effective resources that’ll get your customers using your product and reaping the benefits. These tutorials are built for speed, without sacrificing efficacy.With our tips, you can put your entire library of tutorials together in a day or two (or less!). These tutorials don’t require new website pages or a massive budget to create. They just require a (very) little time, a little know-how, and some of the helpful resources we use ourselves.Get your tutorials done, and get your customers on board — quickly! Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksZenDeskIntercomWebinarNinja HelpCloudAppThe post MBA1104 How to Quickly Create Tutorials for Your 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.

You know that podcasting is a powerful marketing tool. You know it can build brand awareness and accelerate the growth of your business. You know it works.You’re just not sure how, exactly.Well, we’ve got the special guest teacher for you. Kate Erickson is an authority on podcasting, having helped turn the EOFire (that’s Entrepreneurs On Fire) podcast into a multi-million dollar revenue generator. She’s also one of the brains behind Podcaster’s Paradise, the next-level podcast training program.Kate’s here to show us 5 ways you can grow your business through podcasting. With these 5 totally actionable, totally achievable tips, you can stop dreaming and start ‘casting. But instead of simply talking into the mic, you can structure and promote your podcast in a way that’s specifically geared towards business growth.Create something that will draw listeners. Turn those listeners into customers. Learn how to get your message out over the digital airwaves — and get access to a fee resource, courtesy of Kate. Click Play!To get started with an incredible free podcast course, head to freepodcastcourse.comSUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEOFirePodcaster’s ParadiseJohn Lee Dumas Free Podcast CourseThe post MBA1103 Guest Teacher: Kate Erickson- How podcasting can help grow your 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.

Everyone loves a freebie. But if you do a promotional giveaway, are you getting anything in return?Contests, random drawings, and other giveaways are definitely fun, and they definitely generate some buzz. But if you’re not careful about how you implement your giveaway, you can end up simply…giving stuff away!You’re a business person, not Santa. You want a return on investment.So how can you make sure it’s worth it? Today, we discuss how to conduct giveaways designed to convert, not just build hype. We describe the kinds of giveaways that actually help grow your business, as well as the kinds that simply cost you money for no good reason. We teach you how to run your giveaway efficiently, so that it generates more than the prizes cost.Remember, you want your audience to be interested in your business and product, not just the prize. What you offer as a prize is far less important than who you offer it to. You’ve got to make sure that your giveaways are targeted, not just generous.Find out how to maximize the positive impact of a giveaway campaign. When done, right, it’s a fantastic business-booster. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseKing SumoThe post MBA1102 Do Giveaways Work? + 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.

Get. More. Done.Every independent business person wants to be more productive. The more we get done, the faster our business grows — and the more time we have to enjoy the lives we build for ourselves. We’ve discussed a zillion productivity hacks on this podcast, from scheduling to single-tasking and more.Today, we’ve got a trick from way out in left field. You probably haven’t thought of it. But when you hear it, you’ll see how much sense it makes.This single strategy can triple — yes, triple — your output. It takes a little time to implement, but the results are way, way worth it. It involves something we all do every single day, and how to do it far more efficiently. Once we tried it, our productivity skyrocketed. And all because we took the time to perfect the art of…Well, you’ll have to tune in and find out.We’ll discuss what this strategy is, how to implement it, and offer a list of resources you can use to make it happen. What are you waiting for? How can you stand the suspense? Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksSumoTyperSharkGod of WordSteno ArcadeMickey’s Typing AdventureText ExpanderEasyCourseThe post MBA1101 One Thing That Will 3X Your Work Productivity 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.

It’s a question every growing business has to face once they scale: can I trust new team members with sensitive information?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener is in exactly that pickle. Support staff in particular need to have access to banking details and other info you’d like to keep in-house. Is it a security risk? Are there ways to keep your information safe while still serving your customers efficiently?We’ve got good news.If your support system is set up right, the chances of staff doing something nefarious with your financials is extremely low. More to the point, it’s way easier to rectify (extremely rare) breaches of trust committed by support staff than it is to make up for poor customer service. You simply can’t afford to handicap support staff out of irrational fear.To put it another way: support and service have to come first — but there are perfectly safe ways to manage both priorities.There are scads of tools you can use to limit your staff’s access to company financials in a way that still allows them to do their job. We’ve got tons of “need to know” software that empowers your team to help your customers without giving them (all) the keys to the kingdom. Learn how to manage access without handcuffing support. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaStripePayPalBare MetricsIntercomBraintreeBufferConvertKitThe post MBA1100 Q&A Wednesday: How do I know I can trust my customer support team with my company’s financials? 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.

Does one price fit all? Or should you offer different strokes for different folks? If so, how many different pricing tiers make sense for your business?That’s the question we’re pondering today, as we discuss the number of price options you should present to your potential customers. It’s a frequently asked question, one whose answer depends on several factors. Your pricing structure has to communicate the real value of your product, while also empowering the customer to make their own choices.Today, we discuss exactly how to nail down those numbers.We help you figure out how to determine — and even more importantly, present — pricing options that will work for and entice your customers. We offer tips on how to reveal these options for maximum effect, using the psychology of comparative pricing to create a sense of value.With this information, you can figure out what pricing options are most likely to attract, convert, close, and delight your audience. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaBasecampBareMetricsThe post MBA1099 How Many Pricing Options Should You Have For Your 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.

Ready to take on social media marketing?Gary Vaynerchuk is a teacher, leader, best-selling author, and an omnipresence on social media. The man is everywhere in the online entrepreneurial space. His book Crush It was an instant classic, and an inspiration to countless independent business people.Now, he’s back with a sequel, and it’s this week’s Must-Read: Crushing It.We love this book for several reasons, but mostly because it challenged our viewpoints. Anyone who listens to this podcast knows we don’t buy the hype when it comes to social media, taking a restrained approach to Facebook, Twitter, and the rest. But Crushing It forced us to reconsider our approach, and ultimately have a little more respect for the power of the medium.We learned some things from Crushing It, and so can you.Today, we discuss this book’s lessons on the usefulness of social media, how to choose the right platform for your business, and Vaynerchuk’s 7 principles of producing great content. Crushing It is the ultimate guide to personal branding, from a highly successful consultant, speaker, and thought leader. Hear what you can learn — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaCrushing It by Gary VaynerchukThe post MBA1098 Must Read: Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk 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.

Every (every) business needs a website. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, but it has to work. What it costs will vary depending on your needs, but what’s the bare minimum?You could argue that no investment is too great for your online storefront. But realistically, we want to get the biggest impact for the smallest price tag. Today, we discuss what you can expect to spend, and how to find the help you need for the best price.Whether you’re running an e-commerce site, a SaaS, or anything else, the good news is that website development is more affordable than ever. But whatever you spend, you have to make sure your website accomplishes certain goals, attracting and converting visitors effectively.Consider this episode your primer on building the right site for the right price. Today, we offer all the resources for website design on any budget, from domain name to design.We’ve got tons of options, so keep your notepad handy! Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseJustin Jackson on wordsSquareSpaceWeeblyHostGatorWordPressUpWorkTheme ForestWPEngine$100 MBA Resource PageThe post MBA1097 How Much To Spend on Building Your Website + 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.

Forgot username or password?We’ve all clicked it. We’ve all needed it. We’ve all lost track of the dozens of passwords that pile up when you’re running a business and have multiple accounts for chat, banking, CMS, email, and more. So how can we eliminate the hassle without compromising our security? How can we keep our security effective while making it less of a pain?We’ve got you covered.You can’t compromise on security. What’s behind your passwords is more valuable than what’s behind the door of your home, in most cases. However, there are safe, efficient ways to minimize the amount of time you spend trying to log in. After consulting with various cybersecurity experts (including a personal friend in federal law enforcement), we’ve come up with a system.It requires a little software, a little creativity, and a little diligence, but it leaves your company protected with far less hassle. Find out how it’s done — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksLastPassPassword GeneratorThe post MBA1096 How to Manage All Your Passwords Securely 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.

Got an idea for an app? Dying to create software that will change how everyone does…something? Are you bursting with ideas, but totally lacking the technical knowledge to actually develop the tech yourself?You’re not the only one.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener’s got a frequently asked question: can a non-tech person start a software company? Can an entrepreneur with zero coding or development skills find and hire the people necessary to carry out the vision?Spoiler alert: sort of, but not really.Our host and co-founder Omar wasn’t a tech expert by trade, but that didn’t stop him from moving forward with projects like our webinar software company, WebinarNinja. However, he made the time and found the resources to get an education in tech — because otherwise, he’d have been flying blind.Today, we discuss what level of knowledge you need to attain in order to competently run a software company. We also offer resources for getting the training you need, so you can proceed with confidence and (just enough) know-how. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaGitHubBitbucketCodecademyThe post MBA1095 Q&A Wednesday: Can I create a software company with no technical knowledge? 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.

A healthy entrepreneur is a successful entrepreneur.Conversely, an entrepreneur who’s out of shape is physically, mentally, and emotionally less equipped to handle the challenges of running a business. We’re not the first (or the only) ones to say it, but far too people take it seriously. Health is a requirement, if you want to reach your true potential as a business leader.It’s not self-centered, and it’s not vain. Finding the time and effort to keep yourself in shape is an investment in your business. All entrepreneurs are pressed for time, and all of us have fairly packed schedules. But prioritizing health and fitness is a shrewd, smart, effective business decision.Today, we discuss how you can get the exercise you need, why you should, and how to make the time. We describe the positive impact a commitment to exercise has had on our business, and why we would never trade our gym time for more office time. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1094 Why Exercise Is a Must For an Entrepreneur 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.

It’s time to toss the funnel.Yes, that funnel; the marketing and sales funnel that’s been the gospel of online business strategists for just a little too long. While the premise of attracting an audience, converting that audience into leads, and turning those leads into customers is still valid, the one-size-fits-all approach needs a little refining.Let’s build a new funnel.Actually, let’s build several. Every business should create a unique path — or set of paths — from awareness of your business to the final purchase. It should be less of a funnel, and more of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book (remember those?). Today, special guest Michael Koral stops by to explain the new way to move consumers towards the goal line.Koral is the head of customer acquisition at Needls, and he’s here with a whole new way to attract, convert, and close. Not only does he explain his more effective funneling strategy, he also recommends specific software tools you can use to implement and track your marketing and sales efforts.Upgrade your lead capture and closing approach. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksNeedlsLeadpagesActive CampaignIntercomWicked ReportsZapierWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1093 Guest Teacher: Michael Koral – The Right Sales Funnel For Any Small 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.

What should you be charging?It’s a question every freelancer and service-based business owner has to answer. Setting the right rates is crucial to the ROI and long-term sustainability of your business. Whether you’re a photographer, developer, writer, or any other service provider, your time has to be worth enough to keep the business growing.Otherwise, you’re running in place.Today, we discuss 3 different ways to set your rates, and how to determine exactly what those rates should be relative to your needs and expenses. We give you the formulas you need to find the right number — the number that will give you the time and money you need to provide the service and grow the business.For service businesses, time really is money. Find out how much you’re worth, and how often to revisit your rates moving forward. By the hour or by the job, you can’t sell yourself short. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1092 How to Set Your Rates as a Service-Based Business + 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.

We all know entrepreneurship is hard work. But if it’s not fun, what’s the point?In order for your business to be successful, it has to be enjoyable. That’s not some feel-good naivete — it’s a cold, hard fact of business. If it sucks, it isn’t sustainable. You have to take some pleasure in your business, or your motivation will fail. You have to look forward to what you’re doing, because the business depends entirely on your doing it.Today, we discuss how to create a more fun experience, by actively encouraging good times and inviting positive vibes into your company. We’ve got 7 specific ways you can make fun happen for you and your team, so the work becomes brighter, better, and less of a friggin’ drag.It won’t eliminate stress, and it won’t make work easier, but it will make running your business more rewarding, more enjoyable, and more likely to succeed. As entrepreneurs, we have to choose fun, not just hope for it. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksDribbleMeetup.comEventBriteThe post MBA1091 How to Have More Fun While Running 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.

Even for entrepreneurs, business is a team sport. So how can you keep your best players loyal to the squad?How do you inspire commitment over months and years? How do you create motivation beyond your employees’ paychecks, so they want to give their best? How do you keep them around?Employee loyalty can be one of your greatest assets. Frequent turnover of your staff wastes time, money, and resources as you scramble to hire and train. Every cent you spend on your employees is more than just the price of their work — it’s an investment in their future with you. Don’t lose that investment. Instead, do what it takes to see returns.Today, we discuss how to keep your employees on the team. It has less to do with money, and more to do with creating an environment in which team members feel valued, respected, and integral to the success of the company. Learn how to create allies, not just employees. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1090 Q&A Wednesday: How do I make my employees stay committed to my team? 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.

Sometimes, you just don’t feel like it.We’ve all glared at the alarm clock with that death stare. We’ve all laid in bed for far too long, dreading the work ahead. We’ve all wasted time because of a lack of motivation. We’ve all been tired, depressed, unenthused. We’ve all been there.But there’s a cure.Today, we offer 4 techniques to get inspired, get motivated, and get the heck out of bed. As entrepreneurs, we have to keep running our businesses — even when we don’t want to. So we all need a little push from time to time, a bit of inspiration to stay on top of our game. These 4 motivational hacks are easy to implement (even from bed), and they work.Our host Omar would know. He uses these exact techniques whenever he’s feeling less-than-ready-to-rumble. It happens. But after hearing these techniques, you’ll be ready for whatever’s next. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1089 My 4 Personal Hacks for Daily Inspiration 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.

Wondering how to get more customers? How to appeal to the people to whom you’re trying to sell?Start by learning how their brains work.Daniel Kahneman is a psychologist who’s studied the science of human decision-making for decades. His book Thinking, Fast and Slow is a practical investigation of the brain’s thought process, specifically how it arrives at decisions like making a purchase. Today, we discuss how you can put this knowledge to work for your business.By understanding the buyer’s mind, you can become a better seller. You can give yourself an edge that no amount of marketing or advertising can produce. On this episode of the podcast, we offer a variety of actual techniques you can use, tactics that work when persuading consumers.Learn how to lead the consumer to the sale. Learn how to help your audience make the decision that benefits them (and you). Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWarren Buffett Letters to ShareholdersThe post MBA1088 Must Read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman 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.

Every business has its slow season. But just because you’re not swamped with sales, it doesn’t mean you can’t sustain your revenue and continue to grow your business!It’s possible to maintain both your revenue and your momentum through the slow periods, with a little bit of strategy. Even with fewer customers on a month-to-month basis, you can still meet quarterly and annual goals. Even better, you can use the downtime to make smart investments in your business that will pay off when sales pick up again.Today, we discuss how to use your time wisely when sales are below average. We discuss several ways you can rev up your professional and business development when other areas of the business are slow. We show you how to come out of a weak sales period rejuvenated, better prepared, and ready to make the busy season busier than ever.Hear how it’s done. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseWebinarNinja Affiliate ProgramLynda.comMBA437: Should You Offer an Affiliate Program?The post MBA1087 How to Make the Most of a Slow Month in Sales + 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.

You’re making sales. You’ve got solid revenue. Now, it’s time to reinvest in your business. But what’s the best way to do so? Where can you spend your money so that it will have the greatest impact?Today, we discuss the best ways to invest in your company’s growth. We share the 3 best uses of your reinvestment budget, however big or small. These 3 investments have tangible, undeniable benefits, the kind that contribute the most to your overall success. They’ll make your business stronger, more agile, and better prepared to face new challenges.No matter the size of your revenue stream, a portion of it should always be reinvested in the future of your business. By spending your revenue wisely, you can multiply your company’s growth beyond the effects of simple profit.Find out how to do it right — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1086 The Best Investments You Can Make in Your 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.

With so many professional development opportunities available to entrepreneurs, it can be tempting to overspend on courses and coaching programs. So how do you know what’s worth your time and money? Especially when the price tag is big (like, four figures big), how can you be sure it won’t mean money down the drain?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener is considering dropping 10 hard-earned G’s on a coaching program. Naturally, it’s a nerve-wracking decision.Today, we discuss what to look for — and what questions to ask — when deciding on an expensive coaching program. By inquiring about certain key aspects of the program, you can make sure that the ROI is what it should be. By evaluating both the program itself and the coach, you can accurately assess the end result — and weigh that result against the cost.Learn how to protect your revenue from scammy programs. Navigate high-pressure sales pitches and do the research necessary to spend your money wisely. Some of these expensive programs are well worth the money. We’ll show you how to decide which. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1085 Q&A Wednesday: Should I invest in a $10,000 business coaching program? 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.

In modern business, teaching is everything.Marketing, sales, and team management are all about your ability to educate both consumers and employees. Savvy digital-era customers don’t want a sales pitch, they want to be empowered. They want to know how and why products work, not just that they work. They don’t want to be told; they want to be shown.By infusing your business leadership with education, you can go beyond simple advertising and offer value beyond standard marketing. As a longtime educator, our host Omar knows the impact of an educational approach. Today, he discusses how to become the best teacher you can be — and therefore, the best business person.Take Omar’s tips from the classroom to the marketplace. You’ll be glad you did. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1084 Why You Need to Become a Better Teacher 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.

Your business is only as good as your team. So how can you keep your team at the top of their game?Jakob Heuser is an engineer and instructor who’s built successful teams at companies like LinkedIn and Pinterest. HIs human-centered approach to professional development starts with the learner and makes instruction more relevant and efficient. Today, he’s here to share 3 strategies any business owner can use to educate their employees — for very little cost.Like your business, if your team members aren’t growing, they’re stagnating. A commitment to consistently reaching new plateaus is crucial to maintaining a dynamic, agile team capable of evolving with the company.Find out how to keep your employees at maximum skill level on a minimal budget. Learn how to find the time and resources necessary to invest in your people, and watch the results help sustain your business. Click Play!Head to leadsv.com/mba for a list of professional development topics, plan templates, and more. SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksLead SVThe post MBA1083 Guest Teacher: Jakob Heuser- Learning & Development on a Shoestring Budget 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.

Business software: from CRM to CMS to accounting and more, running an agile, lean business requires some digital products.But after a while, those products can start to pile up.Next thing you know, you’ve got dozens of accounts, usernames and passwords you’ve long forgotten, and (worst of all) money pouring down the drain as you pay for products you don’t really use. It’s happened to all of us: we buy a cool-looking program that seems like a great deal at the time, only to let it collect digital dust.Well, it’s time to clean house.Today, we explain our system for evaluating the programs we use, assessing their value, and dumping what we don’t need. We discuss the symptoms of software overload, and how cutting the digital dead weight can improve your efficiency. Keep your business organized. Keep it streamlined. Keep it profitable. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseThe post MBA1082 How to Prevent Software Overload in Your Business + 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.

An entrepreneur has to be a planner. We plan everything about our business, from our budgets to our marketing strategy to our launch. So why on Earth don’t we plan the one thing our whole business depends on?We don’t we plan the product?Product documentation is a crucial step that too many entrepreneurs skip. Articulating and writing down everything, from the purpose of the product to the design and more, is invaluable. It allows you and your team to stay on the same page. It maintains your focus on what makes the product great, so that each iteration is an improvement.Product documentation is the blueprint, guidebook, and instruction manual for your whole team. Today, we discuss what makes this documentation so important, and tell you exactly how to create your own. With examples from our own business, we help you plan your product development like a professional.The results will speak for themselves. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1081 Why You Need Product Documentation 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.

Are two heads better than one? In a lot of ways, we like to think so.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know what advantages co-founders have over solo entrepreneurs. Our host Omar has run businesses without a partner in crime, so he knows what makes the extra support (and extra challenge) of a partner so valuable.Long story short: it’s not a requirement, but it definitely has its upsides.The support of a co-founder doesn’t make business easier. It enriches the experience, and keeps you performing to your potential. Sharing the load doesn’t make it lighter, but it allows you to carry it further, and in new directions. Hear all about what we mean, and how teaming up might be worth considering for your next business venture. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1080 Q&A Wednesday: What are the advantages to having co-founders? 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.

Sit down for this one: your “likes” don’t matter.One of the easiest traps for entrepreneurs to fall into is chasing meaningless forms of validation. It doesn’t matter how many followers you have, or how “big” your business is. What matters is whether you’re making progress towards your overarching goals.Unfortunately, distractions are around every corner.Real progress isn’t measured in hearts, or your number of employees, or even revenue alone. Real progress is something else. Today, we discuss how to stop obsessing over metrics that don’t matter. You have limited time and resources, and every second (and dollar) you spend chasing numbers that don’t promote growth is a mistake.Forget followers, earn fans. Forget size, and move forward. There are too many things you should focus on to bother with the superficial. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksGhostCal NewportDerek SiversThe post MBA1079 The Importance of Ignoring Vanity Metrics 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.

Business, like life, has patterns. But just as those patterns can help you understand what’s likely, they can blind you to what’s possible.That might sound like a deep statement, maybe even a little philosophical for a business podcast. But this week’s Must-Read book, The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, is all about thinking deeper than ever before. And by peering into the true nature of things, you can see what other entrepreneurs might miss.The subtitle of the book says it all: The Impact of the HIghly Improbable. Taleb came out of the Great Recession without a scratch, specifically because he anticipated something unlikely. The limits of our experience, he argues, put limits on our thinking.And that’s a pattern we should break.Learn how to think beyond the predictable. Be open-minded enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Give yourself the advantage of a wider perspective. It might sound deep, but Taleb brings these concepts to an understandable, practical level. It’s stuff worth thinking about — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1078 Must Read: The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb 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.

What’s taking so long? If your customers are asking themselves this question, your business has a problem.Customer support is all about speed, especially for certain kinds of software products. Without fast, reliable support, your customers may not choose to remain customers for long. Instead, they’ll become part of your churn — the rate at which you lose existing business.Don’t let that happen.Keeping business is always easier and less expensive than creating business, so treat your customers right. Today, we discuss specific strategies you can use to decrease your company’s response time to customer issues, so customers will know you have their back.Any investment in the onboarding and satisfaction of your current customers is worth your time. Check out these techniques, software recommendations, and best practices that will help you respond faster and faster to every inquiry (just like we do). See how fast you can be — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseZendeskIntercomThe post MBA1077 How to Have a Faster Support Response Time + 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.

“The money is in the list.” If you’ve done online marketing anytime in the current century, you’ve heard this maxim.And we can tell you from experience: it’s true.Your email contact list is the heart and soul of your marketing efforts. The bigger and more targeted your list, the more chances you have to convert. A well-constructed email list is everything to an online business, so it’s crucial to build it big, but also to build it right.Today, we’ll show you exactly how.We have growth techniques proven to have a significant impact. Trust us, this isn’t generic advice you’ve heard before. Some of our tips involve commonplace strategies, but in new and different combinations. We’ve personally used these creative moves to grow our list — and our business. And so can you.Find out how you can maximize your marketing and build a bigger, better list. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaWebinarNinja BlogBacklinkoWistiaSelf Publishing SchoolThe post MBA1076 5 Effective Email List Growth Strategies 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.

Does it take really take two to make a dream come true?Every podcast is different. But there’s no denying that sometimes, the dynamic between podcast co-hosts is the reason we keep listening. But is it necessary? Would your podcast do better if you brought in another voice?It depends.While two hosts don’t always make a podcast twice as good, certain shows could use a little host-to-host banter. Naturally, we only use one host, Omar Zenhom. But that’s because our podcast plays to his particular strengths and experience. Meanwhile, other podcasts would be lost without the chemistry between multiple hosts.Today, we discuss exactly what kind of podcasts require co-hosts, how to choose the best ones, and how to make the most of your shared dynamic. We cite examples of incredible co-hosted podcasts that you can check out, and use for inspiration when creating your own show.See if you should go it alone, or make room for another voice — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksListen Money MattersThe Fizzle ShowBusiness AddictsThe post MBA1075 Q&A Wednesday: Should I have a co-host on my podcast? 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.

Everyone has to start somewhere.If you’ve never built a business before, can you really pull it off? Spoiler alert: the answer is yes.However, your odds of success will depend on your willingness to face certain hard truths, do some hard work, and otherwise face down some difficulty. That doesn’t mean it has to be endlessly stressful — it just means you have to know what you’re getting into.Today, we share exactly what you need to do in order to get your feet wet, establish yourself as an entrepreneur, and earn your stripes. Your entire perspective, your entire mindset, might have to shift. But you can do this.Our host Omar would know. He transitioned from conventional employment to entrepreneurship, and failed many times along the way. What he learned, you can apply. Get past the intimidation. Grow your confidence. Get ready to start your first business. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksAnyone Can Do It by Bobby and Sahar HashemiRich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiThe post MBA1074 Can You Start a Business With No Experience? 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.

Will it work? Every entrepreneur has to ask this question.Idea validation is the first step to founding a successful business, so it’s crucial to figure out whether your next product has real potential.Jeet Banerjee is a serial entrepreneur who’s built and sold multiple businesses, consulted for several more, and made his mark as an author and TEDx speaker. Today, he’s here to show us exactly how to test the waters. Banerjee’s 4-step process for evaluating a business idea is the most efficient way to get real answers, so you can decide whether to keep going — or move on to something else.From conception to testing to tweaking, Banerjee has the system you can use to validate (or not) your next big product idea. Learn how to tell whether an idea is worth pursuing — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksTaskRabbit$100 MBA Free Idea Validation CourseSecrets of Insanely Successful People by Jeet BanerjeeThe post MBA1073 Guest Teacher: Jeet Banerjee- How To Find Out Fast If Your Business Idea Will Succeed 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.

Do you have the best employees? How do you know?Evaluating team members can be tricky business. Depending on the size of your team and the scope of their work, it can be difficult to know who’s doing what, and who’s doing it well. For our business, we have a special system created by our co-founder Nicole — one that you can use, too.Our system helps you gather the most relevant, useful information, and use it to get an accurate picture of the work your team is doing. Even better, our system helps your employees understand what you’re looking for, empowering and motivating them to seek the results you want.This system makes employee evaluation objective, measurable, and goal-driven. It takes the pressure off of you, and turns being a great employee into a challenge your staff can take on. Hear all about it — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1072 How to Evaluate Your Employees + 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.

Customer support via phone: has it gone the way of the landline?These days, calling up and speaking to a live support agent may not only be unnecessary, it may be detrimental to the quality of your customer service. With live chat and email available, a phone call isn’t always the most efficient.That said, we all know the feeling of “just wanting to talk to someone” when we’re having trouble with a product or service.Today, we discuss the disadvantages of phone-based customer service, and the reasons it’s falling out of fashion in the business world. We discuss what can go wrong with service calls, and how they’re potentially more expensive and less effective than other methods. We also discuss when phone service is the best option, for certain situations and types of business.Figure out what’s best for your company. Make your customer service easy, responsive, and efficient. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaBasecampSalesforceThe post MBA1071 Do you need to offer phone support for your online 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.

We love podcasting. But we didn’t get into it just for kicks.The $100 MBA show has a purpose: to build an audience, and demonstrate our credibility to those who may eventually choose to do business with us. It’s our way of offering something to people as a way to start a conversation and build relationships.It’s fun, but above all, our podcast is a marketing tool.For Q&A Wednesday, one listener wants to know how effective our podcast is at helping grow our businesses. With The $100 MBA, our software company WebinarNinja, and another project on the way, what effect has padcasting had on our overall success?Today, we discuss exactly how we know that podcasting is working for us. From the easily measurable to the indirect and subtle, we explore the bottom-line effects our popular, award-winning show. We discuss which metrics are important and how we track them, to help you understand how to accurately measure the value of the medium.Plus, we discuss what it takes to podcast, from the time and resources we invest to the ups, downs, struggles and triumphs of producing new content day in and day out. Let us help you decide if podcasting is right for you. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEOFireWebinarNinja Webinar WorkshopThe post MBA1070 Q&A Wednesday: How much has your podcast helped grow your businesses? 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.

Ready to take the leap? Listen to this first.Leaving your 9-to-5 might be the biggest, most game-changing moment of an entrepreneur’s life. This is the moment in which you invest yourself fully into your independent goals, leaving the conventional life behind. It takes guts. It takes heart.But above all, it takes planning.Quitting your job should not be an impulse move. Today, we discuss how to transition carefully, thoughtfully, and intentionally. Our “exit strategy” starts well before you actually resign, setting you up to have the best possible chance of success on your own. With a little forethought, you can make the switch smoother, easier, and way less stressful.Our host Omar knows firsthand what it’s like to tell your boss that it’s time to part ways, having left his own career in education to create The $100 MBA. It took some sacrifices, and it took some adjustment, but it can be done. Learn how to prepare, how to talk to your current employer, and how to adjust to suddenly being your own boss. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1069 How to Quit Your 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.

We all remember Breaking Bad as the tale of a plucky (if desperate) “entrepreneur” of sorts. But the story of Walter White is just one chapter in an even more incredible rise to the top: the story of actor Bryan Cranston.Before he became The One Who Knocks, Cranston had to make a career decision to which many of us can relate: whether to take the safe, predictable route, or take a chance on his own version of success — one with no guarantees.As he put it in his incredible memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston chose to pursue something he enjoyed, however difficult it might be.Cranston’s story is the ultimate entrepreneur’s journey. Choosing to hone a craft, pay your dues, and take risks that most avoid is exactly what independent business people do. The resolve, patience, and bootstrapping attitude it takes to become not just famous, but trusted and respected, is something all of us need for our own independent careers.Tune in to our review of this Must-Read book, and hear what you can learn from TV’s most beloved…ahem…chemist. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksAudibleThe post MBA1068 Must Read: A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston 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.

Affiliate marketing can go either way. Done right, it can be a revenue-boosting, word-spreading win that moves your business forward.Done wrong, it can be a total scam.Today, we discuss what can go badly with affiliate marketing. Trust us; we’ve learned the hard way. There are a few all-too-common pitfalls, mistakes people unknowingly make that turn a good thing into a nightmare. We’ll show you what they are, so you can avoid them — or at least know what to do if bad things happen anyway.There are good reasons we’re so selective about when and with whom we choose to affiliate.While the opportunities for growth are undeniable, the opportunities for abuse are significant. When it goes well, you come away with fantastic new exposure. But when it goes poorly, you can find yourself at a loss — or even worse, ripped off. Listen in, and go into your next (or first) affiliate relationship with the knowledge you need. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseWebinarNinja Affiliate ProgramStripeThe post MBA1067 Affiliate Program Pitfalls + 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.

Find your niche. That’s the motto of every smart entrepreneur, as we look to carve out our unique place in the market.Building a successful business involves a careful balancing act. On one hand, you have to be original; your product or service has to offer something that nothing else out there offers. But while you don’t want to reinvent the wheel, you also don’t want to alienate people with something they’re not ready for.A product that’s too different, too far out in left field, isn’t likely to be embraced no matter how “good” it is on its merits.Today, we discuss how to make your business different enough to attract a loyal following, but not so strange that it goes over people’s heads. We look at specific examples of companies that add just enough of a twist to secure their slice of the market, without being too derivative or too radical. It’s the Goldilocks Rule: not too different, not too similar, but just right.Figure out where your business can go, with the right amount of (restrained) creativity. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseThe post MBA1066 How to Create Something Different Enough 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.

Do you know where your money is?Accounting can be a little intimidating for those of us who aren’t mathematically inclined, or aren’t exactly experts in the latest tax and regulatory issues. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how we keep an eye on our funds, and what kind of resources we put into it.Spoiler alert: we have an accountant.Today, we discuss why we have an accountant, what to look for in a good one, where to find one, and what it costs. Freeing yourself from the burden of accounting can be one of the smartest investments you can make in your business, if you have the right person (and tools) for the job.Our accounting system involves not just the help of our (very good) accountant, but some simple software applications that really take the stress out of managing finances. Hear how we keep track of things, and decide if it’s right for your business — especially as the numbers get bigger. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksXeroReceipt BankThe post MBA1065 Q&A Wednesday: Do you do your own accounting? How much time do you spend on 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.

There’s a difference between busy and burnt out.We get it: motivated, driven entrepreneurs aren’t scared of a little hard work. We want to tackle everything ourselves, because we’ve chosen independence as a way of life. But working for yourself doesn’t mean going it alone. If you try to do it all as your business grows, eventually you’re going to drop a ball or two.Today, we discuss how to know when it’s time to pump the brakes. Especially as you scale, skillfully delegating work is crucial. Keeping yourself energized, efficient, and productive doesn’t mean overworking yourself to the point of failure. It requires taking a step back, assessing your workload, and doing what’s best for the business.Fortunately, there are some tell-tale signs that you’re doing too much, or that you’re doing too little. We even have a specific system we use to determine whether our “To Do” list is too long, too short, or just right. With a little strategy, you can organize yourself into low-stress productivity.The point of entrepreneurship isn’t to work yourself to death. Try our system, and see if you could use a little help. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1064 How do you know you have too much on your plate? 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.

It takes some practice before you’re good at getting rejected. The more it happens, the better you are, the more easily it rolls of your shoulders.No, this is not one of those “fail up” lessons, where we tell how you should treasure every bad moment. We know rejection is painful, we know it’s frustrating, and we certainly don’t suggest you seek rejection as a way to grow as an entrepreneur.We simply want you to accept rejection, and embrace it as part of the entrepreneurial process.To that end, we’ve brought on a special guest teacher. Sales expert Travis Chappell hosts the Build Your Network Podcast, and knows a thing or two about moving past rejection. More importantly, he’s here to warn us that fear of rejection cannot be allowed to hold us back.Today, Chappell offers the down-to-earth tips you need to reset your psychology so that you never lose the optimism and drive that got you into independent business.If you think you’ve heard this kind of advice before, trust us — you haven’t. Find out how rejection can become just another obstacle to navigate on your way to success. Click Play!To schedule a one-on-one phone conference with Travis Chappell, head to buildyournetwork.co/fbSUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksBuild Your NetworkTribe of Mentors by Tim FerrissWe Are PodcastStart With Why by Simon SinekThe post MBA1063 Guest Teacher: Travis Chappell- Why Overcoming Rejection Is Necessary For Your 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.

You’ve marketed. You’ve built your audience. You’ve grown your contact list.Now it’s time to sell.In Part I of our sales + marketing tutorial, we took you through the process of driving traffic to your website, capturing leads, and setting yourself up to move some product. Today, we discuss exactly how to convert those leads into sales, finally seeing bottom-line results. It’s all been leading up to this!With our easy-to-follow, systematized approach, you can cast a wide net for sales through various channels. Grounded in the strength of your marketing efforts, you can leverage the reputation you’ve already built with your audience into actual commerce.With your “relationships” to your audience established, there’s only one thing left to do: demonstrate that the value of your product exceeds the price. We’ll show you how — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseThe post MBA1062 How to Create a Simple Marketing & Sales System PT2 + 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.

Who’s ready to smarket?Anyone can create a product. But sales and marketing are complementary, mutually supportive efforts that turn your products into an actual business. Especially at the beginning, crafting a holistic approach that integrates these two systems is the best way to maximize your chances of success.In this two-part series, we focus first on the marketing, and then on the sales. Today’s episode offers 3 specific ways to get people’s attention, generate traffic to your website, and build a list of leads. By offering something valuable with no strings attached, you can build the relationships that — later — become sales.These methods are proven, straightforward, and relatively easy to implement. Build your audience, grow your email list, and get ready for Part II, airing tomorrow. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow Linksbacklinkoclickminded.comLynda.comMailChimpConvertKitActiveCampaignEasyCourseThe post MBA1061 How to Create a Simple Marketing & Sales System PT1 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.

This week’s Q&A Wednesday started with a (much appreciated) compliment. One loyal listener noticed that our little ol’ podcast has grown exponentially since we started it, and wanted to know how we pulled it off.Well, we’re happy to share exactly how we built our audience.Mostly, it has to do with our “content first” approach, prioritizing the quality and value of our show above our marketing efforts. That’s not to say we don’t make an effort to attract listeners, but our first mission is to create something worth listening to! We discuss how we keep our podcast fresh, relevant, and subscription-worthy.Then, we share the promotional tactics we used to get attention. With a little hustle, we were able to turn enough ears in our direction to create momentum. Once enough people heard our show (and most importantly, found it valuable), the rest (mostly) took care of itself.Best of all, you can use the exact same methods we used in order to promote your podcast. We learned how to podcast the hard way, by…well, screwing up and learning from it. Use our experience to make your podcast the best it can be. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksJohn Lee DumasJordan HarbingerTim FerrissPat FlynnThe post MBA1060 Q&A Wednesday: This podcast is huge! How did you grow your podcast audience? 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.

Before you say “No,” hear us out. Personal Assistants aren’t just for the rich and famous. These days, it can be affordable (and well worth the investment) to hire a little help — especially for busy entrepreneurs.As we like to remind everyone, time is the most valuable currency. Your time is like a bank account, from which you can only withdraw. If a personal assistant can give you significantly more time, and it’s affordable…well, the math speaks for itself. In fact, our host Omar is shopping around for a personal assistant as we speak.Today, we discuss what to look for in a good personal assistant, where to find one, and what to consider when deciding if it’s right for you. We take a look at the cost of personal assistants, so you can decide if hiring one makes sense for you. When you see how easy it is, you might conclude what we have: that it’s not a luxury, but a wise investment. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksSkypeOnlineJobs.phUpWorkFreelancer.comThe post MBA1059 Do You Need a Personal Assistant? 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.

Let’s work on that “To Do” list.Crossing tasks off your list is a good feeling, and not just because it means forward progress for your business. It also means more time for you, for the things that matter, for the life you built your business around.Today, we review a Must-Read book that’s all about maximizing your productivity during work hours. David Allen’s Getting Things Done is a best-seller, and for good reason. It offers a fantastic system for getting the most out of every minute, making your day more productive — and less stressful.Take control of your inbox. Put an end to procrastination and last-minute stressing. With a consistent, systematized approach, you can earn more of the most valuable currency: time itself. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaGetting Things Done by David AllenThe post MBA1058 Must Read: Getting Things Done by David Allen 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.

The free trial: it’s an old, effective, tried-and-true way to turn leads into sales. But there’s one aspect of the free trial that business owners can’t seem to agree on.Should you require a credit card, or not?On the one hand, taking credit card info makes the final sale that much easier — and therefore, that much more likely. On the other, asking for credit card info before the prospect is ready to buy can cut things off before they start. When every second counts (and online, every second counts), every barrier to entry is a potential loss of sale.Today, we put in our two cents.With a couple different businesses under our belts (and one more on the way), we’ve used both methods. We’ve found that certain types of businesses and products lend themselves more to one method or the other. Like much else in entrepreneurship, it’s all about the timing.Besides our own businesses, we discuss other examples of (highly successful) businesses which do and don’t require credit card info for a free trial. Listen in, and figure out what would work best for you. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseBareMetricsBasecampStripeThe post MBA1057 Free Trials: With or Without a Credit Card Required? + 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.