The $100 MBA Show

Focus = results. It’s tempting — very tempting — to try and do everything. To spread your bets across multiple projects, products, and marketing channels. It even seems smart. Why put your eggs in one basket? Well…because it can work. Really well.  Today, we introduce a challenge from a fellow founder that can change everything. It’s a way to hone in on what really gets results, and help you end t...

One size does not fit all. When you’re seeking guidance on business, there’s no shortage. But what worked for one “guru” might not work for you. For all the well-intentioned advice out there, none of it considers one key factor — you. So how can you find your path to interdependent success? Loren Weisman is a different kind of teacher. He won’t tell you to do what he did. He wants you to figure ou...

It’s getting close. Whatever your background or beliefs, “the holidays” are something most businesses have to prepare for. And that’s the key: actually preparing — so that you, your team, and your customers can enjoy…well, happy holidays. It doesn’t happen by accident. Today, we discuss the steps you need to take to accommodate the needs of your employees, the wants of your customers, and the over...

You need a break. But your business needs you. What’s an entrepreneur to do? Today, we discuss how to schedule vacations wisely. By being smart with your calendar, you can do what’s best for your business and for yourself — both of which depend on the other staying healthy. These are practical steps for avoiding burnout, and protecting your free time. Remember why you go into business: to create t...

There’s niche — and then there’s “Cat Cafe” niche. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who’s considering this surprisingly popular business model. Some hot beverages, maybe a little food, and…live cats. Lots of ‘em. Can this actually work? If so, how? Today, we’ll explore what factors you should think about when starting a niche brick & mortar business. While extremely specific passion pr...

It’s that time of year!  Our annual tradition of sharing the best lessons from the most insightful people helps us put a lid on the year gone by — and gear up for next year’s challenges. While 2020 was…not ideal for many, it was rich with wisdom we can bring into 2021.  Today, we’ve got 5 hard-hitting, indelible insights from fellow entrepreneurs who do things a little bit differently, a little mo...

Wealth is attainable. Amira Alvarez is the founder and CEO of The Unstoppable Woman, a company founded on the idea that limits are something we impose on ourselves.  As someone who personally quintupled her own income within a year, she would know. Today, she’s here with a 6-step plan for earning the income you want, not the income you can settle for. In this lesson, she explores what stops people...

Handling questions, complaints, and more all by yourself? Maybe it’s time to stop. Today, we discuss how to put together an all-star Customer Support squad. It’s one of the best ways to compete against bigger companies, as rockstar service can make all the difference to consumers — especially for tech products. Learn how to know when it’s time to hire, where to look for the best help for your budg...

It’s never about the product. It’s always about execution. Today, we discuss how to “systematize” your business. By establishing self-sustaining standard operating procedures, you won’t just make your business more efficient. You’ll make it more powerful. It’s the epitome of working smarter, not harder. Learn how to improve your process and your results, with systems that minimize the time and eff...

From stranger, to customer — how does your website get people there? It’s all about effective funnels. “Funnels” are pretty much anything that moves people from never having heard of your brand, to being interested, to considering a purchase, to making one. Many have tried to perfect a system for this. But all you really need is a WordPress site, and a little software. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’v...

Nothing is risk-free. But risk can be minimized. …even when you start a business. You don’t have to put your home or life savings on the line to be an entrepreneur. There are ways to get into the game that don’t require a massive investment, or sinking yourself into debt. Today, we discuss 3 of those ways. The 3 kinds of businesses we cover have one thing in common: minimal capital required from y...

Is it time to sell your business? Most of this podcast is about building your business. But when the endgame is in sight, how do you know when to make that final call?  When is entrepreneurship…over? We’ve got a Must-Read book with a few answers. Before the Exit poses a few questions you should ask before cashing out. And if you’re not considering selling — read this anyway! The thought experiment...

It’ll happen eventually. A change to your service. A delay. A mistake. At some point, you’ll have to break some less-than-pleasant news to your customers.  Fortunately, it doesn’t have to hurt your relationship. Today, we share the steps you should take whenever there’s an uncomfortable announcement on the horizon. You can tell people what they don’t want to hear — while still making them feel res...

Hard work has a tipping point…but it also has a point of diminishing returns. Hard work isn’t “productive” if it burns you out. Hustle isn’t effective if it’s not sustainable. While it’s tempting to assume that the hardest worker wins, it’s just never been true. Entrepreneurs have to master efficiency — not self-denial. It’s a cold, hard reality of business that you can’t sprint through a marathon...

Wanna show your team some love…on a budget? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’ve got a listener who wants nothing more than to show the team just how appreciated they are. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to show it in their paychecks. But it’s still possible. Today, we explore a few ways to reward your team with the funds you have. From strategic time off to services to professional development, you can...

Strapped for cash? Revenue is like oxygen for a business — it’s a matter of survival. Today, we discuss exactly how to boost revenue when you need it most, in just a few weeks. With the strategies we discuss in this episode, 45 days is a realistic timeframe in which to add some serious black ink. It all comes down to 3 specific strategies. Every business needs a boost now and again. In fact, we sh...

Who’s sending you business? Why? Can you do anything to make it happen more often? Yes, you can. That’s the message today’s special guest teacher, Stacy Brown Randall, is here to deliver. She’s got a step-by-step plan to make more referrals happen — without actually asking anyone to refer people. All you need is a little psychology. Tune in, and hear how a few simple steps can increase referrals d...

Solopreneurs: are they real? Do they stay solo…forever? Running a business by yourself is something we usually think of as a first stage. Eventually, you hire people. But if you’re happy to run a one-person operation, is it viable in the long term?  Short answer: yes, but it comes with some drawbacks. Today, we discuss what kinds of businesses can function without any help, and what the real limit...

Words are the heart of marketing.  So how do you find the best writing talent? Your emails, blog, social posts, and website copy need to reflect your brand. Your words have to provoke emotional responses and inspire action among consumers.  For most people, that requires a professional. There’s no shortage of writers out there. Unfortunately, most of them are terrible. Today, we’ll share how we fo...

What should you wear to a Zoom meeting? As COVID has forced so many businesses to operate online, some new questions have come up. While office dress codes are pretty standard — and easily enforceable — what happens when everyone works from home? And, y’know…does it matter? It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide on a policy for their team. While it’s important to keep your busin...

Here’s what we wish we knew earlier! In our time building and running a tech startup, we’ve learned too much to fit into a single episode. But a few core principles apply to all of it, in one way or another. Today, we share these principles with you. We’ve got the 5 most important ideas any tech startup founder should live by. These are things that both of us (your intrepid host Omar, and myself,...

You can make it through this. And so can your business. COVID has screwed up…everything. Many businesses have closed — some temporarily, some forever. But others have adapted, pivoted, even thrived.  How? According to this week’s special guest teacher, it all comes down to resilience. Margie Warrell has closely studied success in business, and currently sits on the advisory board of The Forbes Sch...

Ask yourself honestly: does running your business just…suck? If you’re feeling run-down, unmotivated, uninspired, you might be fine. You might just need a break, or a change in how your business operates. But you might need something a little more drastic. You might need to get out of it altogether. The point of entrepreneurship is to choose your own path. If you don’t like the one you’re on, it’s...

How big is big enough? Most people try to grow their business as much as possible. But that’s not the only option! What if the right business for you is…something less gigantic? There are a few reasons this could be the case. Today, we discuss 5 big advantages to keeping it small. Instead of assuming you want what other entrepreneurs want, take a moment to decide what kind of lifestyle and workday...

Today, we’re bringing you something special. We teamed up with Himalaya Learning, an online education platform offering audio courses in entrepreneurial skills. Together, we created Start Your First Online Business, a complete course that walks you step by step through creating your own startup. This 10-part course gives you the knowledge you need to get your business idea out of your head, and in...