The $100 MBA Show

We assume big price tags are for big businesses.

But it’s the opposite, really.

Today, we discuss why new and smaller companies think they have to undercut. While it might seem like a better way to sell your product at first, the message it sends — and the customers it attracts — can make this strategy backfire badly.

You have to be able to afford your customers. And low prices can’t get you there.

By charging what your product is worth, you build a stable foundation to serve everyone better. It’s about the quality of customers, not the quantity. So unless your last name is Walton, ditch the clearance-bin prices. Click Play!

Hey

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A lack of credibility is deadly.

For all your other assets, not being seen as reliable can negate everything else. That’s true for potential customers, business partners, and your own team.

Today, we welcome a special guest who can help. 

Alain Hunkins is a coach, consultant, and author who’s worked with some of the biggest companies in business. Today, he’s here with 3 things you can do right now to boost your credibility and earn some trust.

Think of it like a credit score.

By intentionally building credibility, you will open doors for yourself and your business. Alain will show you how — plus, he’s got a valuable gift for everyone who tunes in. Click Play!

Cracking the Leadership Code by Alain Hunkins

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We’ve all seen “influencers” casually (or not so casually) hawking products on social media. But can this be an effective marketing strategy for you?

It’s FREE RIDE FRIDAY!!!, and we’re exploring influence. While having a semi-famous (or “Instagram famous”) person back your product undoubtedly raises awareness, does it create customers? 

Can it work for small businesses, or it just for companies with money to burn?

Today, we discuss what it looks like when influencer marketing works. Tune in as we go beyond the vanity metrics and hone in on what actually drives conversions. Hint: it’s not about how many followers your influencer has. Click Play!

EasyCourse

ConvertKit

Cameo

Heroic Public Speaking

WebinarNinja

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The lifetime deal: smart strategy, or slippery slope?

Many companies with monthly or other recurring-revenue business models consider this trick. You simply offer a great deal that never expires — ever. 

Customers are locked in at a certain rate, for as long as they’re alive.

This can backfire.

Today, we do the math on lifetime deals. Is there a version of this that doesn’t eventually cost you more than it brings in? Can you craft a lifetime offer that actually makes sense for you in 10, 20, 50 years? 

Can you reap the benefits of attracting all that business, without the cost catching up to you in a bad way? Tune in, as we weigh the real implications of this strategy. Click Play!

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You’ve gotta do what’s best for your business. But you also have to do what’s best for the customers — especially the ones who supported you early on..

What happens when those two principles conflict?

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who wants to niche down their coaching business — which would mean leaving some happy clients behind. Can you do this without hurting your reputation and damaging the business you’re trying to grow?

Yes you can. We’ve done it. Omar’s changed businesses more than once in his entrepreneurial career. 

Today, we discuss how to do so in a way that’s forthright, ethical, and results in a net positive. Learn how to grow and evolve without alienating those who won’t be coming along for the entire ride. Click Play!

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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You’re ready to spend money on advertising.

The question is: do you know how to get the best results? And if not, should you learn, or should you put that advertising budget into the hands of a pro?

We had to ask ourselves those questions as our business grew. Paid advertising is complex, and only getting moreso. Whether it’s social media advertising, Google ads, or sponsoring things like podcasts, it’s…tricky.

So what’s a better investment: the time and money it takes to upskill yourself, or the cost of outside help?

Today, we’ll do the cost/benefit analysis on having someone handle your paid advertising. We’ve tried it every way, from learning the ropes and experimenting on our own, to trusting our money with experts in the industry. 

Hear what it can cost, what your options are, what we experienced, and what we recommend. Click Play!

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Why did I do that?

It’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough. As small business leaders and entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to understand the human decision-making process. This week, we take a look at a Must-Read that does exactly that.

Jonah Lehrer’s How We Decide challenges the myth of rational, logical, even self-serving decision-making. Instead, it delves into the emotional reasons we do what we do.

Understanding the emotional basis of our choices doesn’t mean we’re powerless to act rationally. In fact, by embracing it, we become better decision makers — and better business people. 

Tune in, and hear the most powerful insights from this thoroughly researched look at what makes us tick. Then, apply them to your business. Click Play

How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer

Discover all our must-read book reviews at https://100mba.net/bookreviews.

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Every brand needs a story.

Every story needs a hero.

And every hero needs a villain.

Don’t get us wrong; we’re not talking about “vilifying” the competition. We’re talking about differentiating. To build your brand’s narrative and stand out, you have to tell the world what you’re doing differently.

In other words, you need contrast.

Consumers are triggered to action by their “pain points,” the things that make doing whatever they want to do difficult or impossible. Whatever your competitors aren’t doing is the space your company fills. 

Lean into that. Celebrate it. Today, we’ll explore how. 

By choosing an “enemy” to contrast your company with, you show consumers what you’re really about. By opposing your brand to others, you avoid a “me too” mindset and focus on what makes your company truly special. 

EasyCourse

Hey

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Teaching, training, and coaching online: everybody’s doing it for a reason.

It’s one of the most profitable ways to monetize your expertise. But that comes with a downside — a ton of competition. 

With so many courses, webinars, and videos out there, how can you stand out?

Today, we’ll explain exactly how to set up your own paid, live workshop or course. We’ll discuss what tools to use, how to market it, and how to make it worth every cent. Specifically, we’ll explore why live courses are so much more valuable than the pre-recorded kind.

Whatever you have expertise in, your students are out there somewhere. Now more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to learn online. Get in on the action with a course that’s uniquely valuable. Click Play!

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*Checks notes*

Yep, the money’s still in the list. 

Email is everything when it comes to marketing. It’s the #1 way to nurture leads, and move them closer to becoming customers. But how do you know if you’re…y’know, doing it right? How do you measure the success (or failure) of your email campaigns?

Open and click rates, of course.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener who isn’t quite sure what a “good” open rate is. Spoiler alert: most of your emails won’t get opened. But there are industry standards, benchmarks you can work towards as you grow your business.

Today, we’ll discuss the two big email metrics, what numbers you should shoot for, and what factors affect those numbers. 

With reliably sourced data, we’ll explore the marketer’s never-ending quest to get those emails opened, read, and clicked. Click Play!

Campaign Monitor Email Benchmarks

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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Want to innovate your marketing? Study marketing innovation.

That’s what we’ve been doing, as we followed the launch of HEY, a new take on email from the guys who created Basecamp.

And no — we’re not affiliated with Hey in any way. 

We just paid close attention to Hey’s pre-launch marketing strategy, and felt compelled to share it with you. We’re not discussing Hey as a product. We’re discussing what made Hey’s marketing campaigns so creative, original, and effective.

It’s enough to make you believe they really can take on Gmail.

Hey’s launch proves that there’s always a new niche, a new way to approach even the most crowded industries. By daring to differentiate, Hey attracted, nurtured, and converted new legions of fans — even as they navigated unexpected roadblocks.

What can you learn from Hey? Click Play!

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No more “post & pray.” It’s time for a strategic approach to social media.

Social media advertising is a tricky business. But right now is a great time to get into it — costs are down, and folks are spending more time than usual scrolling around. 

So how can you get the most out of your ad budget?

Erin Corn of Shorebird Media is here to help.

Corn knows what works in the world of social. Today, she’ll discuss how to set the right goals, execute your plan, and track your success. A performance marketing expert, Corn isn’t here to get you “likes” and shares.

She’s here to help grow your business in meaningful, measurable ways.

Get past the vanity metrics, and take a practical, goal-oriented approach to social media — in particular Facebook and Instagram. Click Play!

Shorebird Media Comprehensive Advertising Guide

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If you’re cutting costs this year, you’re not alone. 

One of the easiest ways to boost profits is to cut down on overhead. But lowering expenses can cost your business in ways you might not realize — especially when it comes to ditching providers and suppliers in favor of cheaper options.

Whether it’s digital providers (of things like CRM software), or suppliers of physical materials, breaking up is hard to do. 

So should you?

Today, we discuss how to calculate whether severing a B2B relationship is the right move. With examples from our own business, we’ll explain why we stayed when we stayed, and why we left when we left. 

If you’re considering a provider switch, give this episode a listen. Click Play!

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Where are your (potential) customers?

More importantly, how do you get their email addresses?

Today, we’re talking top of the funnel. We’ve got 3 creative ways to find your audience, and get them to opt into the conversation. You probably haven’t tried these (or all of them, anyway), but they work — if executed properly.

Give them a try!

Consumers guard their inbox more fiercely than ever. Earning the right to email someone is getting harder. For your business to succeed, you’ll have to make sharing an email address a very, very easy decision. 

Today, we’ll show you how. Start building that list, so you can start building relationships. Click Play!

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Swag is fun. But is it effective?

What’s the real power of t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and all the rest? What’s a reasonable ROI, and how do you even measure it? We’ve given away lots of branded gear over the years. Was it worth it?

At least one listener wants to know. 

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re discussing how to produce and distribute swag as a marketing strategy. Our listener has an up-and-coming company that’s producing enough revenue to up the marketing budget. 

Should they spend it on…stuff?

Tune in, and learn how we get the most out of our swag budget, how we know it works, and what we even mean when we say it “works.” Click Play!

Teespring

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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How good can 2020 be?

Crazy question, right? But it’s one you should be asking. 

This sh*tshow of a year has derailed businesses and shattered motivation around the world. But entrepreneurs thrive on challenge — even if it’s just the challenge to survive. So how can you get the most out of this wacky year?

Today, we’ve got some answers.

There are a few pieces you can put in place now, so you can look back on 2020 with no regrets. See the opportunity in crisis, and attack your goals for the year — even if the ‘rona or another crisis upended business as usual. 

We’re halfway through the year. You got this! Click Play!

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How much revenue are you leaving on the table?

Rob Ristagno knows data. From baseball to balance sheets, he specializes in figuring out what the numbers are saying — and what they’re hiding. Today, he’s here to teach us a simple exercise to get the most out of the data we already have.

Best of all? This method works for any size business.

You don’t need years of analytics experience, like Rob has. You simply have to look at the data you have from another angle, with a simple technique that’s as easy as it is surprising.

Play a little “Moneyball” with your business. Use the information you have to get the results you want. Tune in, and see what opportunities are waiting for you, hidden inside the data you’re not (yet) using to its fullest potential.

Click Play!

Sterling Wood

Email Sterling Woods

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There’s no way around meetings. But they don’t have to suck.

Today, we’re sharing our best tips for ensuring that your team’s meetings are tight, efficient, and not a boring slog. Most importantly, these 4 “Must Do’s” guarantee that your meetings aren’t the worst possible thing: a waste of time.

It just takes a little planning.

These are the tactics we use for each and every one of our meetings, because every second our team spends in meetings is time they’re not developing, writing, supporting, creating. 

The best part? The meeting itself and its planning aren’t all on you — it’s a team effort, too, from setting the agenda to evaluating just how productive each meeting really is.

Get more out of your employees, by showing them how much you respect their time and work. Click Play!

EasyCourse

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If business isn’t doing any good…what’s the point?

We’re interrupting our regular podcast stream to bring you something special. It’s the first episode of Real Good, a new podcast about people using the power of their business to make a better world. 

Seriously. These stories aren’t about PR or charity. 

They’re about businesses and leaders who found ways to invest in the people, places, and ideas that fall through the cracks of our social and economic systems — investments that yield returns for everyone.

As COVID-19 revealed disparities based on wealth, race, and other systemic factors, some companies stepped up to turn disadvantage into opportunity, finding their niche in serving the underserved in a way that demonstrates the “real good” business can promote. 

This episode features an interview with Maurice Jones, CEO of LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation). Jones tells the story of his company’s efforts to invest in communities, and their devotion to creating more equal access to the resources that make success possible, like broadband Internet. 

Tune in, and be inspired by those who make it their business to help build something better than what we’ve got. Click Play!



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They say success is mostly perspiration, with a little inspiration.

But what about motivation?

Keeping spirits high is a team leader’s responsibility. The best way to do that? Breed success with success by regularly celebrating wins. By making a point of basking in small victories every week, you keep the motivation going. 

Feeling the little wins paves the way for the big wins.

Today, we’ll discuss why and how we take the time to acknowledge the small-to-medium-sized successes that add up to long-term progress. With just a few minutes each week, you can feed the fire that keeps your team positive and on point.

Tune in, and learn just how powerful the impact can be over time. Click Play!

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Solo no mo’. 

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s finally making enough revenue to double the size of their one-person team. The only problem? This soon-to-be-former solopreneur isn’t sure what position to fill.

What’s the priority? 

Your first hire is a big investment (and commitment). It’s crucial to find someone that doesn’t just do a job, but maximizes the ROI of their salary —  and frees you up to do more. So who can get the most off your plate? A marketer? Salesperson? Developer?

We know what our answer is.

Hear who we think a small business owner should hire first, in almost every case. There’s one position that — regardless of industry — usually has the biggest impact on an entrepreneur’s ability to keep the company growing. 

Find out who it is, for our money anyway. Click Play!

onlinejobs.ph

We Work Remotely

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We dare you.

Seriously, we want you to do this. Raise your prices, even if it’s just a little. Do it this month, and you’ll learn something very powerful. You’ll learn that you can charge more than you think — without pissing off your customers.

And there’s one way to prove it.

A few factors keep small business’ prices artificially low. Mostly, it’s fear. Fear that your product isn’t worth that much, or that customers will be scared off. Sometimes, it’s just complacency — you’ve been charging the same amount forever.

But if you’re not growing, you’re dying.

You may be shocked at how undramatic a price hike can be. We’re asking listeners to make a modest increase in price, then tell us about it in an iTunes review. We’ll give your business a shout-out, and show everyone why raising prices isn’t just a good idea — it’s a must.

Remember: a modest increase doesn’t make a big difference to any individual consumer. But it can make a huge difference in your total revenue. Hear the details of the challenge, and get ready for some black ink. Click Play!

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Let’s talk about death — but in a good way!

This is a very different “Must Read.” Neville Medhora’s You’re Gonna Die isn’t exactly about business. Or it’s not only about business. It’s about life, how it ends, and how we all need to make every second of it count.

Especially entrepreneurs.

Subtitled “A framework for happiness,” this book is pound-for-pound one of the most impactful we’ve ever featured. In fact, it doesn’t even weigh a pound (or it wouldn’t if you printed it out). 

At 44 pages and about $5 on Amazon, it’s a short read. But it’s a seriously powerful one.

Hear how this book can change your perspective, and help you honestly evaluate what you really want out of life and business. The time it takes to read this thing is a very smart investment. Hear our favorite takeaways — Click Play!

You’re Gonna Die by Neville Medhora

This Book Will Teach You How to Write Better by Nevill Medhora

NevBlog

Kopywriting Kourse

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This crisis will end. But when? And can your business last ‘till then?

Let’s find out.

Today, we’re discussing what your company needs to come through the other side of this whole COVID thing. How can you navigate the tunnel when you can’t yet see the light? How do you know when it’s smarter just to tap out?

It’s probably time to ask yourself.

We’ll explore a few strategies you can use to keep your business afloat, while preparing for the possibility of shutting down. By conducting an honest assessment of how much runway you really have, you can do right by yourself, your employees, and your customers.

All entrepreneurs have to face failure —  whether to avoid it or bounce back from it. Either way, your journey will continue. Click Play!

EasyCourse

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Should onboarding cost the customer money? Can “set-up” fees backfire? 

Once you’ve made the sale, is it smart to immediately tack on an extra charge just to get someone up and running?

It depends. 

Today, we’ll discuss why businesses charge these initial, one-time set-up fees. By understanding why companies do it — and how it can protect their own balance sheet —  you can make a better decision about your own policy.

Set-up fees have their advantages, and they can’t be ignored. Depending on the type of business, it’s not just some arbitrary way to increase revenue. It can be a valuable, even necessary way to ensure the customer gets what they paid for.

Tune in, and hear some examples of set-up fees that make sense for all parties involved. Understand the relationship between the value of getting set up, and what charge for the time and effort it costs your business. Click Play!

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Entrepreneurs are different.

We don’t work the same. We don’t live the same. And we face challenges that the conventionally employed just don’t. For example, it can be incredibly tough to “leave work at work” when we’re solely responsible for our businesses.

Our brains are full of hamsters, spinning away on wheels that never stop.

So can we treat this condition? 

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know if we use any strategies that let us chill, relax, and yes…sleep! As it turns out, our intrepid host Omar has learned how to unplug after years of stressing out.

Today, we’ll discuss the things we do to just shut off. Remember — you’re not choosing between your business and your health. You can’t run your business without your health! And you can’t make decisions with an overworked, foggy brain. Click Play!

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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Don’t miss this one. 

It’s an in-depth interview with someone who saw a special niche in a very, very competitive industry, and filled it successfully. It’s a true Master Class in both business-building and one of the most important aspects of digital marketing: email.

No, email isn’t “dead,” or anywhere close to it. Yes, the money is still “in the list.” Today’s guest, and his story, are proof.

Steffen Schebesta is the co-founder of Sendinblue, an email marketing service that elbowed its way through better-funded competition to serve small businesses. He sat down with Omar to explain exactly how small-to-midsize companies can get email marketing right — even if they’re just getting into it.

Today’s conversation covers everything from how Steffen built Sendinblue and why, to how everyone can optimize their business with the right approach to email, and digital messaging broadly. 

Plus, Steffen’s got a very special, very generous offer for a limited number of listeners. 

This extended conversation is perfect for anyone looking to get maximum results from every email campaign. Click Play!

The Best Time to Send Your Email Newsletters

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Retention is the new acquisition.

As business people, we put a ton of effort into getting new customers. But so many of us fail to devote adequate focus to keeping the customers we have. It’s a plague! A syndrome. A common pitfall that’s swallowed a million businesses. 

So how can you keep — and keep profiting from — existing customers?

Joey Coleman’s Never Lose A Customer Again has been on our “to read” list for a while. And frankly, good ol’ Omar wishes he got to this one sooner. It’s full of massive insights, and one of the best books we’ve read all year. 

Regardless of your industry, product, or the size of your company, the basic principles of customer retention don’t change. Coleman lays them out masterfully, with actionable advice backed up by data, examples, and experience. Get your notebook ready!

Tune in, and hear some of the best insights we got from this book. Then, get your own copy. Learn how to turn customers into lifers. Click Play!

Never Lose A Customer Again by Joey Coleman

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Are your finances getting too big to handle?

That’s a great problem to have! But it’s a problem nonetheless.

Hiring a CFO is a sign you’ve arrived. It means you’re dealing with so much revenue and expenses that it’s no longer something you can just…do. You need a professional who can take total command of your business’s money.

It’s a lot of control to give up — but it frees you up to do more of what you love.

Today, we’ll discuss how to know it’s time to bring in a CFO. It’s one of the most empowering things you can do, giving you the whole new level of confidence that comes with knowing exactly where you stand financially. 

We’ll discuss what to look for in a CFO, and suggest a place to look for one that you might not’ve considered. Click Play!

EasyCourse

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Of all the kinds of stress, financial stress is one of the worst.

It can make entrepreneurship…not fun anymore. 

Stress compounds any financial problem your business has, making it significantly worse. But dealing with tough times calmly and strategically is just one of those must-have skills for independent business people. 

Easier said than done though, right? 

How can you actually manage financial stress?

There are practical ways to address your financial challenges without being consumed by them. With proactive strategies, you can not only manage stress better, but avoid much of it. In fact, a lot of stress comes from simply not knowing where you stand financially, rather than any specific problem.

Today, we’ll explore the roots of financial stress, and suggest an effective — but kinda counterintuitive — treatment. Click Play!

EasyCourse

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Producing content is exhausting.

If you’re doing it wrong, that is.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know how in the heck we manage to produce 5 podcast episodes every single week. It’s not easy, but it’s also not that stressful — because we have a system to support consistent production.

And you can, too.

While we’ve discussed making sure quality is your top content priority (as opposed to quantity), timely, consistent publishing has long-term benefits. Taking care of your audience with fresh, valuable content on regular basis breeds loyalty, especially over a period of years.

Tune in, and hear our system for making sure we keep our promise to our listeners. Then, create your own content schedule that never misses a beat. Click Play!

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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You’ve gotta rank.

There’s no way around it. No matter what kind of business you have, SEO is the way to grow. And the single most important factor in getting your website to the first page of Google results isn’t where you stick the keywords.

It’s who’s linking to it.

Backlinks are Priority One for search engine results. When trustworthy, authoritative sites link to yours, Google notices. And Google rewards.

So how can you make it happen?

Today, we’ll discuss a few strategies for getting those all-important backlinks. This is white-hat stuff; no pay-to-play, no quid pro quo. Just honest, effective ways to get noticed by the people who can rocket your site up the rankings.

The best content in the world can’t help your business if no one sees it. Take a proactive approach, and you’ll get eyes on your message. Click Play!

ahrefs

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Say it with me: undercutting is a garbage strategy.

Trying to compete by offering the lowest price is a race to the bottom. When we’re starting out, most of us are shy about charging high prices. But done right, the high-ticket proposition is a smart way to gain real momentum for a new business.

But don’t take it from me: we’ve got a special guest teacher.

Tanner Chidester has built successful companies from the ground up by starting with high-priced services. Note that we said “starting with,” not “working his way up to” high prices.

That’s right: according to Chidester, you don’t have to build revenue by marketing. You can build your marketing by getting a sh*t ton of revenue, as soon as possible.

Today, Chidester will explain exactly how he’s pulled this strategy off, over and over. Perfect for coaches, consultants, and other “soft” service providers, the high-ticket approach might just be the best way to get your business off the ground. Click Play!

Elite CEOs

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Every game has to end — including the entrepreneurship game. 

So what does winning the game look like for you?

It can seem obvious, but do many people start and run businesses without a clear endgame in mind. Or they start with an endgame that’s too vague, and over the years lose sight of that ultimate mission. 

Anyone can get lost in the day-to-day.

Today, we’ll discuss why it’s so important to clearly define your biggest goal. Is it to sell your company and retire? For how much? Is it to change an industry? Go public? Create a certain work/life balance? Be a trillionaire? 

Whatever it is, your big goal has to be definable, measurable, and clear.

By starting with a well-defined goal, you set yourself up to stay on track. Every day you work won’t just be a day you maintain something — it’ll be the next step towards your happy ending. Click Play!

EasyCourse

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You’re posting too much content.

I know, sounds crazy right? But something changed. 

Specifically, the algorithm Google uses to rank website pages made a major shift. While in simpler times, regularly posting content was a solid strategy for getting to Page One, that’s no longer true. Too many pages = depressed ranking.

Less is seriously more now.

Today, we’ll discuss how quality has completely knocked quantity out of the SEO debate. As a result, marketers are scrambling to cut content from their sites, keeping only the most comprehensive, valuable stuff — and deleting or merging the rest.

SEO: it’s never boring!

Keeping up with changes in how search engines calculate results is just one of those things businesses have to do. Tune in, and learn what your site — in particular your blog — should look like now. Then start trimming the fat! Click Play!

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What’s the best way to sell an online course? Should you leave it out there, open for enrollment whenever? Or should you establish a limited enrollment period with a firm end date?

Does one help you sell more memberships? 

Does one help your overall business plan more?

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener asking these very questions. Fortunately, we’re course creators from way back (the “$100 MBA” isn’t just a podcast!). We’ve launched courses both ways. In fact, we launched the $100 MBA course both ways!

Our intrepid host Omar will explain.

Tune in, and get our best advice on how to launch your next course, particularly if it’s your first course. There are advantages to each method, but the right one for you will depend on your experience so far. Click Play!

Launch by Jeff Walker

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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We’ve all seen the little encircled “TM” on the names of our favorite brands. But what does it actually mean? 

More importantly, how can it help your chances of success?

Depending on the nation or State you live in, a trademark can be a crucial part of protecting your company from copycats. But not always; depending on where you are in your business, it may not be worth the investment.

As in the rest of business-building, timing is everything.

Today, we’ll discuss exactly what a trademark does for you, and how it can actually add tangible value to your entire business. We’ll lay out the costs involved, and the process for getting a trademark – if you’re ready, that is.

We’ll also share our recommendation for exactly how long you can wait before trademarks become truly necessary. Get the facts, lay out a plan, and protect your business from the wannabes! Click Play!

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Affiliate marketing: in many ways, it’s the ultimate “growth hack” for new businesses. 

You essentially crowdsource sales by cutting people in on the revenue generated by their own referrals. Win-win! But is there a strategy to it? 

Today’s special guest teacher certainly thinks so. 

Nathan Hirsch built multiple successful companies that harnessed the power of affiliates. That includes one he grew with zero outside capital investment, but a ton of outside hustle investment from a small army of affiliates he brought on board.

And you can do the same for your business.

In this episode, Hirsch lays out the steps he used to supercharge his growth by targeting the right affiliates at the right time. From smaller recommendations to big-time endorsements from “influencers,” the path to sales is paved with a little help from the crowd…if you know where to look. Click Play!

Outsource School

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Politics. Social movements. Morality. Does any of that have a role in your business?

That question is on the forefront of many an entrepreneur’s mind, as protests rage across the United States and the world over issues of inequality. While it’s tempting to think we can simply keep current events out of business…

…it’s just not always possible.

Silence is its own statement. Depending on the issue, what effect can that statement have on your brand?

Today, we’ll discuss when it’s appropriate — and responsible — to take a stand. We recently made our position on the Black Lives Matter movement public, and it cost us some customers. 

But for us, certain social responsibilities are a greater priority.

Take a moment to think about what you stand to lose from saying something, and from saying nothing. Do the cost/benefit analysis of sticking to your deepest principles. 

Consider financial and moral factors as a business leader, and make your best choice. Click Play!

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How much is too much to reinvest? 

As the founder of a small business, you’re responsible for keeping your company in good financial health. You owe it to everyone on your team — and your customers — to keep the ship afloat. 

That’s why so many entrepreneurs pour every possible cent of profit right back into the business.

But is that sustainable? Is it smart?

Today, we’ll discuss what percentage of profits you should reinvest, and what other options you have. It can seem selfless to keep only a minimal share, but it can also hurt more than it helps — as Omar learned after years of paying himself less than everyone else on the team.

Tune in, and start thinking about what you owe…you! Click Play!

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PayPal: is it a must?

PayPal used to dominate the cardless transaction world. Even now, it’s a popular choice for millions of consumers. But is it so popular that your small business has to offer it? Do people’s ideas about security and convenience dictate that only taking credit cards is a mistake?

It all depends.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide whether to go through the effort of enabling PayPal payments. We’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, and what other options exist. 

Plus, what’s true about your business now might not be true later — and that includes payment processing.

Depending on your market (and whether you’re a B2C or B2B), the effort necessary to give customers the PayPal option may or may not be worth it. Let’s find out — Click Play!

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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Onboarding: it’s not just for customers!

When you make a new hire, it’s your job to set them up for wins. So much time and effort is wasted by new employees when they aren’t quite sure how things really work, or when they’re trying to find their place in a new company culture. 

Here’s how to fix that.

Today, we share our system for bringing new hires into the fold. With a little extra support and attention, you can minimize the “getting settled in” phase and help employees hit the ground running. Plus, you can make them feel like a real part of the team almost immediately.

The result? Greater productivity and performance, sooner.

These tips work for businesses of all sizes — if you’re small, set this process up now. When you scale, you’ll be glad you did. Click Play!

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It’s the biggest question in digital marketing: how can I get people to stop and hear me out?

Today’s guest teacher, Saksham Sharda, has an answer: hear them out first. By adding fun little tools like quizzes and calculators, you’re leveraging every consumer’s favorite topic (themselves) into crucial market research.

It doesn’t just get attention. It creates qualified leads — emphasis on “qualified.”

Today, Sharda is here to explain how these tools can work for just about any kind of business. He believes so much in the power of this approach that he represents an entire business built around a user-friendly tool for adding little quizzes and such to your marketing arsenal.

In the era of ad blockers and shrinking attention spans, we need ways to hear from leads — not just talk to them. Click Play!

Outgrow

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This whole “laptop on the beach” thing…it’s BS, right?

Yes and no.

As independent entrepreneurs, we’ve often wondered what we’re doing wrong. We see these other founders globe-hopping, working out of Parisian cafes and beachside bungalows for a few hours before getting back to the “lifestyle” of many people’s dreams.

But it turns out there’s a little more to it.

Today, we discuss where the marketing ends and the reality begins. From 4-hour workweeks to “passive” income and more, the promise of a certain lifestyle is dangled in front of would-be entrepreneurs by coaches, authors, and other popular influencers. 

It’s not all smoke and mirrors. But everything has its tradeoffs. 

Life can’t be “hacked,” exactly. But it can be approached creatively, differently, and independently. Tune in, and hear some examples of true “lifestyle business” leaders, and why what works for them (and you, maybe) doesn’t work for everyone — including us. Click Play!

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We’re all for affiliate marketing.

It’s one of the best ways to monetize your expertise, content, and following. It’s a fantastic passive(ish) revenue stream, whether you’re a full-time affiliate, a side hustler, or just someone who likes to share great products with people who would benefit from them.

But you can do it wrong. Way wrong.

Unfortunately, many people run into some common pitfalls —  and destroy their brand and reputation. By blindly chasing commissions, you run the risk of spending the “trust capital” you’ve earned, earning a little money but losing the faith of your audience.

Today, we’ll explore the 3 biggest ways in which affiliate marketers squander trust, cheapen their reputation, and lose business. While affiliate marketing is an undeniably great strategy, it’s one that requires careful attention to proper execution. 

Get your affiliate strategy right, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits without losing an ounce of credibility. Click Play!

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Market research: you’re lost without it. But some markets are easier to research than others.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got one listener in a very niche industry, unsure of where to turn for data to analyze. When you’re blazing your own trail, intel can be hard to find.

But it’s always there somewhere.

Today, we’ll discuss how to get the information you need to execute a business plan, no matter how specialized your industry is. From creating an accurate buyer persona to navigating pitfalls, we’re going beyond Google to get whatever facts you need.

Remember: entrepreneurship requires creativity!

When the answers you need aren’t in the usual places, that’s a good sign. It means you’re probably close to finding the Holy Grail of independent business: an underserved market with an unaddressed problem. 

And that’s a good problem to have. Click Play!

To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.

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We’ll never stop saying this: your rest is just as important to your business as your work.

Like any good trainer will tell you about muscles, a business can only grow when recuperation is a priority. If you’re a full-time independent business person, it can be very tempting to work yourself into a ditch. 

And that will always — always —  backfire.

It’s time for some strategic relaxation. Today, we’ll discuss how to ensure that your investment in rest pays the dividends of productivity. With a few tips that can make your weekend much, much more refreshing, you’ll tackle every Monday like a champ. 

Is this about your health and wellbeing? Sure. But it’s just as good for your business as it is for you. Learn why: Click Play!

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What can you learn from the big companies? Can any of the philosophies behind mega-companies like Disney help your small business?

Yes.

Robert Allen Iger climbed the ranks of the ultimate corporation, Disney, and ran the show for 15 years. In that time, he learned a few things that can help you — yes, you, the independent entrepreneur.

He also screwed a few things up.

Today, we’re sharing the best quotes and insights from Iger’s book, The Ride of a Lifetime. In running a global behemoth, Iger accomplished a few incredible things, not the least of which was keeping a business of that size grounded in a commitment to customer experience and service.

Tune in, and hear how some business principles remain true, at any scale. Click Play!

The Ride of A Lifetime by Robert Allen Iger

Discover all our must-read book reviews at https://100mba.net/bookreviews.

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It’s a global marketplace. Charge accordingly, or you’re leaving rupees on the table.

Currency localization is way more than a convenience bonus. It’s a potentially game-changing tactic that can have a serious impact on your overall revenue. Not only do different nations have different currencies; they have different economies. 

The bottom line? It’s not just converting nickels to Euros. You can charge differing prices by localizing the currency.

You read that right. Companies large and small have caught on to the fact that what you charge in Sweden should be more than what you charge in Canada, in terms of actual value. When the currency is converted back to your own, the differences in potential revenue from country to country add up — to say the least.

Learn how currency localization works, and how to set it up for your own business. Click Play!

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Is Google on to something? Those nap pods and free lunches must be worth the investment, right?

Can the same perk-heavy approach work for smaller businesses?

Today, we’ll explore the ROI of all those “extras.” From breakroom snacks to in-house gyms, some perks have historically worked better than others. Some have even done more harm than good, when they failed to align with employees’ actual wants and needs.

Part of it comes down to defining “perks,” and differentiating them from what’s actually integral. 

We’ll discuss the benefits, downsides, and proper application of a wide range of perks, so you can determine what will actually have the biggest impact on your team’s loyalty and productivity. Before you go in for that company masseuse, give this a listen. Click Play!

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