The $100 MBA Show

We know webinars work. So what tools do you need to make them work better? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener choose the best gear for the job.

There are a million audio/visual gadgets out there, but we’re focusing on the must-haves, the bare essentials that have the greatest overall impact on the quality of your webinar. As longtime webinar hosts (and webinar software developers), we’ve learned a thing or two.

From mics to cameras, boom arms to lighting, we’ve got the most practical, least expensive ways to produce a professional webinar.

Plus, we’ve got tips on how to use these tools to give the best webinar possible. Learn what to use, where to get it, and how to make it all work. Toss the bells and whistles aside, and focus on what matters most to your ultimate goal: conversions. Click Play!

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Audio Technica ATR2100

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Having a bad day?

In entrepreneurship, that’s gonna happen. Fires will erupt, and putting them out is every independent business person’s burden. But if you let a rough patch sour your mood, the damage will be compounded by your own emotional imbalance. So how can you take the hits with calm, cool, and confidence?

Today, we discuss our specific methods for digging ourselves out of a funk. Your team needs you at your best, emotionally and mentally. Every second you spend in a bad mood hurts morale, productivity, and your bottom line.

In the end, a happy entrepreneur is a more successful one.

This episode is not a pep talk. It’s a practical, step-by-step guide to dusting yourself off, putting a smile on your face, and getting back in the saddle. Try our techniques, and see how quick you can make your emotional recovery time. Click Play!

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Excessive stress is not a requirement of entrepreneurship.

At least that’s what Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, authors of this week’s Must-Read book for entrepreneurs think. It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work is a radical treatise on the dangers — and utter uselessness — of running yourself and your team ragged. Their company, Basecamp, prides itself on a healthy approach to the  work/life balance.

We found Fied and Hansson’s thoughts to be challenging, but we can’t deny their results. Basecamp is a phenomenal success, one that the cofounders claim was built without goal-obsessed, productivity-driven, hair-tearing work.

Could this approach work for your business?

Today, we review this incredible book, and analyze its unique philosophy. The war against anxiety has begun, and these successful entrepreneurs are ready to fight for a saner, happier workplace. Click Play!

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It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Basecamp

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You want to start a business, but you’re terrified.

You’re terrified that you could find yourself unable to fund your basic needs like housing, food, and Netflix (ok, maybe that last one’s not technically a “need,” but still). Entrepreneurship is risky, and takes time, and you have to make a living while your business grows. So what can you do to keep a roof over your head while you pursue your own success?

Enter the “passive” income.

Yes, passive income is real. No, it’s not a way to earn money for doing nothing. It’s a smart, savvy way to fund your day-to-day life while making moves the conventionally employed can’t make. It allows you to focus on your life, not your living. It gives you the freedom to choose entrepreneurship, without ending up in a hole.

Find out how you can use the passive income strategy (along with some extra work and a little sacrifice) to keep yourself stable, wherever business takes you. Click Play!

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EasyCourse

Podia

transistor.fm

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Need a revenue boost? Look no further.

Today, we discuss 3 steps you can take today that’ll jazz your numbers up and get you through a slow month. These immediately applicable, effective steps can give you just the edge you need to see moderate growth within a few weeks. Some are simple, some more involved, but all can do the trick.

From unique promotional strategies, to outside-the-box marketing tactics, to subtle systemic tweaks, these tips help you squeeze a few dollars more from your existing resources. Using just what you’ve got, you can get a little further, climb a little higher, and set yourself up to grow steadily.

We use these tricks ourselves when our businesses need a shot in the arm. Hear how it’s done — Click Play!

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WebinarNinja Webinar Workshop

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Affiliate marketing can be a powerful, positive tool for growth. But like many business opportunities, it can also create the conditions for some seriously shady misbehavior.

Don’t let the scammers win!

Today, we discuss 5 simple strategies you can use to cut the devils off and protect your business. While most of your affiliates will be trustworthy fellow entrepreneurs with good intentions, there are always bad apples out there waiting to use stolen credit card info to boost their own commissions — and leave you holding the bag.

If you don’t protect yourself, the chargebacks from false purchases will throw your revenue cycle into chaos. Fortunately, it’s not too hard to set your affiliate program up in a way that prevents all that.

Our own scammer-unfriendly affiliate system took a few bad experiences to perfect, so let our experience be your security. Click Play!

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Time is more valuable than money — and we’ve only got so much. What would you be willing to trade for substantially more time, each and every week?

Today, we’ve got 3 steps you can take to drastically increase your time by drastically improving your productivity. These aren’t simple “hacks” or fluffy life lessons; they’re challenging acts of commitment that pay off big. These are things we do ourselves, and even though it’s not always easy, it’s always worth it.

Imagine what you can do with 10 extra hours per week: professional development, new projects, or just plain relaxing! It is possible to squeeze more and more precious time from even the busiest schedule, if you apply certain principles — and avoid some time-sucking bad habits.

Try these strategies for just one week, and see what a difference they can make! Click Play!

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anytime webinar

The Jordan Harbinger Show

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Do you have employees, or do you have a team?

It’s one thing to be in charge, but having strong relationships with your team can have a serious positive impact on your business performance. The quality of your product, the efficiency of your systems, and your bottom line can all be better — if you’re willing to put some work into the relationships that drive the team’s success.

Today on the podcast, we’ve got a renowned expert in team management to help you do just that.

Dan Schawbel is the expert’s expert, a New York Times best-selling author lauded in Forbes, INC, and Business Insider as a powerful young leader. He’s here with proven ways to reduce employee turnover, get the team focused on your common mission, and create an atmosphere of loyalty and shared purpose.

These tips work for teams of all sizes, in any industry. Find out how to get everyone on the same page — Click Play!

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Dan Schawbel

5 Questions with Dan Schawbel

Back to Human by Dan Schawbel

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Meetings: is there anyone who actually likes them?

For most businesses, meetings are a must, at least occasionally. Very rare is the business in which the team never gets together, either virtually or in person. However, too many meetings are just as dangerous as too few. So what’s the right frequency for your business?

Today, we discuss how to determine exactly how often to meet. From the daily “Stand Up” to the monthly get-together, we’ve seen dozens of different approaches, with varying degrees of success. Balancing the need for communication with the need for efficiency can be a tricky proposition, one with serious impact on the morale and productivity of your team.

Our formula for creating your team’s meeting schedule can help you establish a fair, groan-free system for catching up together, and then getting back to work. With a little forethought, you can keep everyone on the same page, without taking away from your employees’ independence. Click Play!

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The age old question for entrepreneurs with growing teams: when does is stop being smart to pay by the hour? When is a salary the right move?

Depending on the employee, how you pay them can make all the difference in both their productivity and your return on investment. And while one option definitely (usually) costs more than the other, what you get back for that money is just as variable.

We had to learn this ourselves, with our own businesses depending on a remote team of dozens.

Our mixture of full-time employees, part-timers, and freelancers requires a careful balance of pay-affecting factors. With pros and cons to both approaches, weighing the cost of employee pay with the value of employee work can be tricky business — especially when the pay structure has a serious impact on the quality of their work.

Today, we discuss how to decide which way you’ll pay a given employee, how to set expectations, and how to ensure you’ll both get what you need from each other in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Click Play!

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Facebook advertising works, but only if you do it right.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s ready to advertise, but not sure how to design ads that convert — and more importantly, don’t waste the advertising budget.

Fortunately, you don’t need to hire an expensive pro to design effective Facebook ads. There are several options, and lots of resources, for the DIY advertiser. With a little guidance and some helpful tools, you can create several Facebook-friendly images that work perfectly within the social site’s parameters.

Knowing Facebook’s rules and applying one of the 3 options we discuss today will pay off, with a patient approach to the platform that prioritizes efficiency. In relatively little time, at little cost, you can unleash ads that work, avoiding common pitfalls along the way.

Hear how it’s done. Click Play!

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UpWork

Canva

Sketch

Skillshare

Lynda

Udemy

UnSplash

AdEspresso

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A basic truth of business: this isn’t for everyone.

Entrepreneurship isn’t a better way of making a living, just a different one. And only certain kinds of people are suited for it. Having coached and mentored many an independent business person through the $100 MBA, we’ve seen what it takes to succeed — and why being honest with yourself is the first prerequisite.

Over time, we’ve noticed a collection of common traits, aversions that all but guarantee entrepreneurship will not work out for someone. There are certain things that only entrepreneurs enjoy, while most people will be stressed right back into conventional employment.

Yes, this is one of those “hard truth” episodes. But like all hard truths, it’s vital to hear.

There’s nothing wrong with not being an entrepreneur. Forcing yourself to be someone you’re not isn’t smart for anyone, in business or life. Tune in to this episode, and see if you’re really cut out for this wacky, but rewarding, world we live in. If not, do what’s right for you and yours, and express your potential in the way that suits you best.

One way to find out — Click Play!

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Tim Ferriss is at it again, with another book of Grade-A entrepreneurial wisdom. But this time, it’s not just from the man himself.

Tribe of Mentors is a fantastic collection of condensed wisdom from experts in various industries. Easy to read, digestible, and immediately applicable, these golden nuggets of business truth will serve you well. That’s why it’s this week’s Must-Read book for budding entrepreneurs.

One of the most daring and occasionally controversial business “gurus” of our time, Ferriss always swings for the fences. As a writer and blogger, he’s inspired millions to get to the next level, even by unconventional means. The original life hacker, Ferriss’ influence can’t be denied. Now, he offers a long, but very readable tome on what it takes to move up in life and business.

Hear why this book should be on your list. Click Play!

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Tribe of Mentors by Time Ferriss

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Will writing a book help your business?

It sounds like a no-brainer: figure out how to start writing a book, finish it, and your credibility will spike, leading to more traffic. Done right, a book can be one of the most powerful branding and marketing tools imaginable.

But done incorrectly, writing a book can be serious waste of time, money, and effort.

In order to produce a big ROI, your book has to have certain components. It has to be written — and marketed — in a way that’s efficient. Simply putting words to paper will not boost your business. In fact, it can hurt your business and brand.

You don’t have to be a stellar writer, but you do need a plan.

Today, we discuss what makes a book work as a marketing tool, and why some books fail to hit the mark. From content to publishing method to marketing, these tips will ensure that what you get out of your book is greater than what you put in. Click Play!

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Entrepreneurs have to stay on top of the latest. Any tools that can make us more effective, more efficient, and better prepared to compete are a must.

In business, we all need an edge. 2018 has offered exactly that, with apps and programs that make a difference.

Today, we discuss 5 incredible tools that have had the greatest impact on our productivity. They’ve improved the quality of our work, while making work easier. They’ve become indispensable to us, saving us time, money, and headaches. Some are simple, some are complex — but all are powerful.

Check out these tools for yourself, and see what they can do for your competitive edge. You’ll be glad you did. Click Play!

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CloudApp

Unsplash

AdEspresso

Mousepose’

Elementor

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It’s time to take a stand! The health and productivity drawbacks of sitting all day at work are well-documented. As people in every business look for ways to work healthier and more effectively, the standing desk has become all the rage.

As entrepreneurs, we have the privilege of being able to design our own workspaces. Freed from the cubicle, more and more of us are choosing to work on our feet, and the benefits are undeniable — but it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. The standing desk, like all things, has its own drawbacks.

Today, we discuss the ups, the downs, and the adjustments you’ll have to make if you decide to get off your derriere. We’ve worked 8 hours a day at standing desks for over 4 years now, and we’ve experienced the physical and professional benefits. We’ve also experienced the unpleasant parts, and found ways to modify our setup.

Get more done, and improve your health. Click Play!

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Considering building a personal website to boost your brand?

In addition to business and product-specific sites, sites devoted to your personal outlook and character can have a powerful marketing impact. They can help consolidate and leverage your most important asset — the audience you build — across multiple business ventures.

We decided to find out for ourselves what it takes to build an effective personal website. We launched omarzenhom.com to promote your favorite podcast host’s public speaking services and highlight his other business accomplishments.

Today, we take a look at we learned from this project.

Mostly, we learned a lot about the importance of deadlines, and how to build your website in the smartest, most efficient way — even if it means making some tough choices in the name of getting the job done. To get the most out of a personal website, you’ve got to learn an age-old business lesson: that “done” is better than “perfect.”

We discuss how to design, plan, and launch your personal website with a focus on what matters most to your business.  Before you get started on your website, give this episode a listen. Click Play!

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MBA 1037: Do You Need a Personal Website?

omarzenhom.com

It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

Simvoly

Forging Legends

WebinarNinja

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One talk can do it all. It can propel your independent business, and keep it growing year after year. The right signature speech can be the foundation of your entire personal brand, boosting your credibility and growing your following.

Today, we’ve got a special guest teacher who specializes in crafting evergreen, reusable, home-run talks that get serious mileage. Pete Vargas knows what it takes to command the stage or screen with talks that are valuable and inspiring, and that convince audiences to take a closer look at you and your product.

Pete’s here to discuss the 4 specific components that can make a signature talk your most powerful marketing tool. Whether it’s for conferences, webinars, website videos, or anything else, the content you put into your talk can carry your message far and wide — and win converts along the way.

Learn how to create, deliver, and leverage an incredible talk. Click Play!

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One Hour Launch Workshop

How to Create Presentations That Convert Any Audience

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Relax.

That’s not a suggestion. It’s not even advice. It’s a requirement for any entrepreneur who really wants to succeed. A burnt out, overworked, overtired person cannot meet their full potential, and is not fit to run a business. In order to make yourself fully capable, you have to factor in a little R&R.

Fortunately, getting the recharge you need doesn’t have to cost you much money, or your business much of your time.

Today, we discuss 5 ways to get quick, relatively cheap relief from the stresses of entrepreneurship. In fact, a single day of dedicated rest, focused solely on refreshing your love of life, is more effective than a week of working “vacation” where you spend your “off” days squinting at work messages on your smartphone.

For $100 or less, in less than 24 hours, you can do what you need to do to keep your head on straight. We can’t stress (see what I did there?) this enough: rest is just as important as work in order to be successful.

It’s not lazy. It’s not luxurious. It’s life, and you can live it with a healthy balance of work and play. Speaking of which, Click Play!

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EasyCourse

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Is your small business succeeding?

Growth can be a difficult thing to measure. Often, new entrepreneurs need help to determine whether they’re on the right track. What exactly constitutes the right speed of growth is hard to put your finger on, especially when things can change so drastically at the beginning.

Today, we discuss exactly how to decide what success means for your business, what exactly needs to grow, and how fast. Whether you’re measuring revenue, users, influence, or anything else, defining your benchmarks is the only way to track your progress. If you’re not growing, you’re dying — so you have to be able to “see” growth as it’s happening.

No matter the size or type of business, you can paint a picture of what adequate growth looks like. On this episode, we offer multiple ways to measure growth, so you can decide which matters most. By pinpointing the right data and metrics, you can see exactly where you are — and how to get where you’re going more quickly.

Learn how it’s done — Click Play!

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Just getting started blogging? There’s a ton to learn. There’s a ton we wish we’d learned before we started. Fortunately, we’ve learned it since, and today we share it with you!

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener wants to know exactly what advice we’d give a rookie blogger. Without the right focus (and the right tips), the blog game can be tough, even counter-productive. But if you can find your voice, master your content production, and leverage your writing skillfully, your blog can be the best thing that ever happened to your business.

This advice is much more specific than “just keep blogging.” With instructions on everything from blog structure to page design and more, you can improve the quality and visibility of your blog. This is the information it took us years (and hundreds of posts) to acquire.

Make the best blog you can make. Get the most out of it. See how powerful a simple thing like the written word can be for your business. Click Play!

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Risky Money

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Conferences can be excellent opportunities to network, build partnerships, and yes, build your audience. Whether you’re a speaker or just an attendee, there’s no substitute for the face-to-face, in person connections you build at conferences.

But you have to make those connections correctly, and strategically.

Too many entrepreneurs don’t get the most out of the opportunities conferences create. Today, we discuss how to turn your fellow attendees into more than just friendly faces. With a few simple tricks, you can turn them into leads, and ultimately into customers.

You can harvest the crowd, turning a portion of the conference audience into your audience.

Conferences are unique and wonderful things, where you’re surrounded by people with whom you already share common interests. You can dip your basket into this flow of real-world, live human traffic, and translate it into digital traffic for your business.

Check out our 5 tips for getting the most out of conferences, and see what a difference they can make. Click Play!

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WebinarNinja

Sumo

King Sumo

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What’s the secret to creativity? How do great product designers, artists, and content marketers create original work that’s unlike anything consumers have seen before?

They don’t.

This week’s Must-Read book for the entrepreneur, Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist, debunks the myth of originality and explains how all great creations are the products of the creator’s influences, not divine inspiration from within.

Creating and marketing art, products, and writings has less to do with “creating” and more to do with something else: reinterpreting.

So we’re clear, we’re not talking about plagiarism or copyright violations. We’re talking about using inspiration from others to build something of your own, something rooted in greatness but unique nonetheless. From fine art to clothing designs to great blogs, we’re all just taking the baton, not making the baton from scratch!

Nothing is created in a vacuum. If you can master your influences — and make sure your influences are of a high quality — you can make something truly (but not entirely) new. You can create something that will live up to the creators before you, while making your own name in the business world.

Find out how. Click Play!

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Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

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For new businesses, Facebook is a long game.

The power of social media marketing is often, frankly, overhyped. But that doesn’t mean there’s aren’t serious gains to be made with the right approach. In particular, Facebook’s ability to directly target users according to endlessly refinable characteristics is just too good to pass up — but it still requires strategy on your part.

Today, we discuss our long-term, slow-and-steady method for gradually getting a serious ROI on Facebook marketing. With a far-reaching outlook, you can harness the considerable power of Facebook to make your ad buys count in a big way. We’ll show you how to build and implement a Facebook strategy like the one we’ve been using for the last several years, to great effect.

Facebook can make a huge impact on your business, but only if you approach it with the correct timeframe in mind. Planning, patience, and commitment will bear the biggest fruit. See how we pull it off, plus learn about an incredible online resource that makes Facebook advertising much, much easier. Click Play!

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EasyCourse

Lynda.com

AdEspresso

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Computer running sluggish? You can’t let your tech slow down your business, but what if you can’t afford a brand spanking new piece of equipment?

Worry not, friends. You don’t have to drop a couple G’s on the latest hardware.

There are alternatives. You’ve got to have the tools you need to do business, even if your operating budget isn’t in “new MacBook” territory just yet. You can drastically improve your computer situation for just a few hundred dollars, or even less.

From tune-ups to accessories to trade-ins, there are cheaper, better ways to get the hardware you need.

Today we share the tricks that let you get the most computer for the least amount of money. Some of them, you may have heard of. Others, maybe not. To keep your startup lean, you need to find savings wherever you can, and these savings are substantial.

Reduce friction. Save time. Get more bang for your tech-buck. Click Play!

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MBA1026: How often do you need to upgrade your computer?

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Entrepreneurs have active minds. Our brains are always coming up with new ways to innovate, grow, and evolve. Ideas, as they say, are a dime a dozen — but only if they’re not executed in the real world.

So how can you make sure you’re getting the most out of your ideas? How can you keep up with your own busy brain?

Today, we’re offering a solution. We’ve got a super-efficient, time-effective system for organizing all your random ideas, weeding out the duds, prioritizing the ones with the most potential, and implementing them.

This idea-management formula won’t just save you time, it’ll keep you from wasting (or forgetting) your best and brightest notions.

All it takes is a simple, convenient spreadsheet, and a little time each week. We’ve used this system for years, and it’s served us very, very well. Get through the most ideas in the least time. Turn your a-ha moments into actionable plans. Don’t leave your ideas sitting where they’ll do the least good: in your head. Do something with them! Click Play!

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The holidays aren’t exactly around the corner. But for businesses, it’s time to get ready for the season of giving, right now.

Today, we discuss why prepping for the holidays early is the best way to make the most of this annual opportunity. As November approaches on the Western calendar, you need to have your strategy in place. Consumers are primed and pumped to spend, and you don’t want to miss out.

There’s no better climate for sales than the next two months!

On this episode, we offer 5 specific things you can do now to reap the holiday spending from November ‘till New Year’s. With a little forethought, you can make your business the easiest choice for consumers in a gift-buying frenzy.

Take our advice — and our experience — to really make the holidays count. After a bad performance during the height of the retails season cost one of our businesses thousands in missed opportunities, we swore we’d never be unprepared again. Don’t make our mistake! Click Play!

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Every entrepreneur has to ask themselves: how can my business stand out?

You need to find an edge, a place where you can do what other businesses can’t, or won’t. For so many industries, an entrepreneur can make a huge splash by offering better customer service. As today’s special guest teacher tells us, general satisfaction with service is at an all-time low.

Shep Hyken is a best-selling author and renowned customer service consultant. As he’s watched the expectations for quality customer service rise, he’s helped businesses keep up. By offering unparalleled customer service and going the extra mile — or two — you can outshine the competition where they’re weakest.

As we like to remind listeners, the ROI on customer service typically exceeds that of marketing and advertising. Reducing churn and keeping the customers you have is just about the smartest investment you can make, especially in a competitive market. But great service isn’t just about retention; by outperforming the competition in service, you can create deep, lasting loyalty.

In the long term, loyalty is worth its weight in gold.

Check out Shep’s lesson, and learn how you can bring the strongest customer service game in your niche. Plus, get a free helpful resource, courtesy of Shep himself. Click Play!

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If you haven’t heard, Apple does a pretty decent job of selling iPhones. So what can we as entrepreneurs learn from the king of the tech sector?

Apple just launched the the iPhones XS, XS Max, and XR. This is something Apple does every year, and every year they use strategies worth taking note of. Today, we break down those strategies, and show you how you can use them to sell anything.

What most people don’t notice, or appreciate, is the careful planning and well-thought marketing logic behind each and every iPhone launch. But of course, entrepreneurs aren’t most people. So we’re going to get deep into the how’s and why’s of what Apple does, so we can emulate that success on a smaller scale.

Apple controls the vast — vast — majority of the global smartphone market. How are they doing this? How are they convincing so many people to buy (very expensive) products? Learn how to build the hype like Apple. Learn how to ride the buzz to record sales. Take a note from the best, and see how far you can go.

Plus, it’s FREE RIDE FRIDAY!!! Click Play!

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Movies offer some of the best lessons in life and business. No, we’re not talking about Wall Street (though that’s a really good one, too). We’re talking about movies that aren’t the biggest blockbusters, but that have some of the deepest insights into the true nature of entrepreneurship.

We’re talking about movies that can genuinely make you a better entrepreneur.

These 4 movies are the top of our list, the films that have so much to say about business itself that they’re as vital as any of the “Must-Read” books we regularly feature on this podcast. Some are well-known, some not so much. But all can make you reevaluate how you run your own company, big or small.

Who says professional development is all about reading books and listening to your favorite podcast? The struggles, successes, ups, and downs of the entrepreneurs featured in these films reflect the same things we all face in struggling to make our dreams reality. Check out our list, pop the corn, and get ready — Click Play!

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Becoming Warren Buffett

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As your team grows, it’s important to set the terms of employment. Otherwise, you and your business can be left vulnerable, legally speaking.

Crafting solid employee contracts doesn’t require a law degree (though you should have someone with a law degree look your contracts over). It does, however, require some knowledge and resources. Today, we discuss how to put your own employee contracts together, with minimal consultation from lawyers — saving you expensive legal fees.

We describe how to come up with your own templates for contracts, including how to use a fantastic, reliable online resource designed just for small business owners. We talk about what to include, how to format your contracts, and how to involve legal counsel without breaking the bank.

Employee contracts are a necessity, a long-term protection for your business that allows you to grow your team while heading off potential problems down the road. We struggled mightily with this when our first team grew, so learn from our experience! Apply this advice to your own growing team, and you’ll be glad you did. Click Play!

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Before you throw in the towel, listen to this.

Actually, listen to this immediately, whether you’re just getting started, or you’re established in your independent business. Because most entrepreneurs quit, and most of those who quit aren’t defeated — they just think they are. The simple truth we discuss in this episode saved our business, and it can save yours too.

There’s a very common reason the majority of entrepreneurs lose heart and walk away from their business. If you know what it is, you can overcome it.

Let this lesson be your wake-up call. There’s something out there that gets in almost everyone’s way, but not everyone needs to be stopped by it. By identifying the problem, understanding its true nature, and seeing a way around it, you can go farther than the rest of the pack.

You can make it. Find out how. Click Play!

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A business person needs to be a champion. Perseverance, heart, and the will to dig deep for the best in yourself are the basic qualifications for entrepreneurship. Nowhere can we find better lessons for all that than in the memoirs of literal champions like Andre Agassi.

Let us put this out there: this is the best autobiography we’ve ever featured on this podcast, full stop. Open isn’t about business per se, but it is about finding what it takes to overcome your own shortcomings, discover your motivation, and allow your daily life to be driven by deep-seated purpose.

Plus, it’s a hell of a lesson in personal branding.

So how did a book about tennis rank so consistently high on best-seller lists, and make it to the top of our Must-Read list for entrepreneurs? It’s simple: this book is about how mentality can overcome anything, from childhood trauma to destructive perfectionism to an opponent with a mean forehand.

The book is about defining winning for yourself — something every entrepreneur needs to do in order to be truly successful.

It’s fascinating, it’s moving, but most importantly for us, Open shows us what it takes to reach your full potential, whatever your calling. As books go, this one will serve an entrepreneur just as well as it would a budding tennis star. Find out why — Click Play!

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You’re about to blow up. Are you ready?

When big things are on the horizon, you have to prepare your business. “Catastrophic success” is real and dangerous, and businesses that aren’t prepared to handle a sudden spike in recognition and sales can founder. If you know your business is about to raise its profile, it’s time to gear up for the next level.

Today, we discuss how to get ready for when the attention — and the customers — start pouring in. We’ve got 5 specific bases you need to cover, so that sudden success doesn’t turn into suddenly losing your footing. You’ve got to make the most of those rare, golden opportunities to parlay big moments into long-term profit, so don’t miss your chance!

If you’re not ready, your business infrastructure can be overwhelmed. Your website can crash. Your payment processor can trigger alarms. Your inventory can be exhausted. Your ability to keep up when the good times start rolling is crucial to your survival.

Worry not, entrepreneurs. Sudden success is a good problem to have, and we’re here to help you navigate it. Click Play!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.com

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Needls

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Intercom

Wicked Reports

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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!

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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!

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Dribble

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