The $100 MBA Show

Most people think of podcasting as more of a B2C thing, reaching out to a wide audience of consumers to establish your reputation.  But we’ve got a secret: podcasts are incredible marketing tools for B2B sales, too! Selling to other businesses is all about relationships and networking. As it turns out, hosting a popular podcast creates a ton of networking opportunities, as you can leverage the value of your own audience and offer it to other business leaders. With a good podcast, you don’t just cement your reputation among consumers — you make a name for yourself with other entrepreneurs. Today, we discuss how podcasting has supercharged our networking, and how you can use your podcast to navigate your own business community. Plus, we offer tips on how to get started if you’re new to the podcasting game. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors Earth Class Mail Transform the daily piles of mail, checks, invoices, and correspondence into digital documents.  Earth Class Mail office mail automation is the easiest way to set up a physical business address. Earth Class Mail will process paper mail into digital format, and put it on the on cloud for easy access. Get your first month free at earthclassmail.com/mbamonth smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Show Links EasyCourse Audio-Technica ATR 2100 Audacity $100 MBA Show Archives The post MBA1342 How To Use Podcasting To Make More B2B Sales + Free Ride Friday! appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thinking about offering a free version of your service? Do the math first. A free plan for your recurring payment/subscription model can be an incredible marketing and sales tool. Just ask Google: the free service can haul potential paying customers in by the bazillions.  But it only works if the freebies convert.  Every day, your free version costs you money — so there has to be an appropriate ROI. We’ve spent some time discussing the issue with Patrick Campbell of Profitwell. His insights had a direct impact on our choice not to create a free version of our own software, WebinarNinja.  That said, the free plan model can work beautifully for the right kinds of services.  Today, we discuss how to make this strategy work, what situations it’s perfect for, and why it’s not for everyone. With examples of the types of businesses it can help, you can decide if a free plan is right for you. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors Bank of America Feeling stuck in your job? Bank of America’s Academy for Consumers and Small Business can help. Bank of America can help you start on a long term career path through peer mentoring, immersive programs, and a variety of clear and distinct paths. Take the first step towards your long term career  at careers.bankofamerica.com now! smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Show Links Profitwell The post MBA1341 How to Have a Free Plan Alternative That Won’t Cost You Money appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Refund requests happen. They’re unavoidable. But how you respond can make all the difference in the success of your business. It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener learn how to turn those refund requests into opportunities — to keep the sale, to keep the customer, or to improve your company’s reputation in the long run. You won’t stop every refund, but you’ll make a positive impact on your customer relationships no matter what. We’ll discuss the most common reasons customers request refunds, and how to address those reasons so the customer is more likely to change their mind. We’ll also explain what to do when a refund is appropriate, so that it’s not a total loss. Plus, we’ve got tips on preventing customers from wanting refunds in the first place. Customers need the option of a refund to feel secure in their purchases. But that doesn’t mean every refund is a good idea, or a lost cause. Find out why — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Earth Class Mail Transform the daily piles of mail, checks, invoices, and correspondence into digital documents.  Earth Class Mail office mail automation is the easiest way to set up a physical business address. Earth Class Mail will process paper mail into digital format, and put it on the on cloud for easy access. Get your first month free at earthclassmail.com/mbamonth Show Links WebinarNinja The post MBA1340 Q&A Wednesday: How can I convince a customer they don’t need a refund? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So. Little. Time. It’s every entrepreneur’s curse. But there might be more time than you think — if you know how to manage it properly. We all wish there were more than 24 hours in a day, and we’ve all hit our pillows anxious about what we didn’t accomplish.  But there is hope. There is time you haven’t been using. And we’ve got 3 ways to find it. As we like to say, time is not money; it’s way more valuable. Today, we’ll explain the three methods anyone can use to make the most of those precious 24. You can improve productivity for your business, and add more R&R time to your life. You can use one, two, or all three of these tricks to finally have the time you need to succeed.  We use all 3 methods ourselves. From endless long days at the beginning, we’ve finally found ourselves with some time to enjoy existing while building our businesses. You can too — Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! MailChimp Ready to grow your business? MailChimp is your all-in-one marketing platform. MailChimp lets you manage more of your marketing from one place, without all the extra tools. Market smarter and grow faster with one tool that helps you create, publish, manage, and measure multi-channel marketing campaigns. Let MailChimp help you market smarter — learn more at mailchimp.com The post MBA1339 Not Enough Time? How To Add More Hours to Your Day. appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to branding, words are everything. Trademark rules are complicated, and new entrepreneurs face two dangers when choosing company names, product names, and any other brand-identifying language. First, there’s the risk of running afoul of trademark laws. More likely, though, is the brand-killing possibility of not protecting your own business’s uniqueness from potential rippers-off. Good thing we know a trademark expert! Ali Smith is the marketing manager for trademark.com, a site that helps business owners protect their brand. She’s here to discuss the major pitfalls to avoid when choosing your words, so you can knock out the knockoffs early on. Plus, Ali will explain how the trademark process works, and what happens when you file one for your business. Get the unique branding you need, and choose trademarks that’ll set your brand apart from the rest. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors M&M’S Hazelnut Spread Chocolate Candies Work got you bogged down? Treat yourself to new M&M’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies. They’re an instant classic, guaranteed to deliver a delicious combo of hazelnut spread and milk chocolate in every bite-sized piece. Add a little  luxury to your workday — go Hazel-nutty and try the new MM’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies today! smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Show Links Trademark.com WebinarNinja The post MBA1338 Guest Teacher: Ali Smith- Tips to Avoid A Trademark ‘War of Words’ appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The business meal: effective relationship builder, or Mad Men throwback?While the 3-martini lunches of the past may no longer be in vogue, buying someone a meal can be an incredibly good investment. A meal can add a layer of personal connection that’s often missing from today’s mostly virtual business relationships. It can open doors. It can even be the start of a long-term partnership.Of course, you have to do it right.Today, we’ll discuss how the modern business lunch or dinner works. From choosing the restaurant to setting your expectations, the casual bite requires thought and planning. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it’s even a little old-fashioned. But it’s a strategy, one with serious business potential. With a little forethought, you might be one falafel away from moving your business forward. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksEasyCourseThe post MBA1337 Do Business Lunches & Dinners Still Work? + Free Ride Friday! appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We usually think of content as something we give away. But should you be getting something in return, besides exposure? Today, we discuss whether to build the wall — the paywall, that is. Or at the very least, whether you should require an email address or other opt-in to access your premium content. Does it deter people from accessing your content, and possibly being converted?  Or does a gate have the opposite effect, signifying value and moving visitors closer to becoming customers? Whether you host a podcast, create videos, or write guides and e-books, a solid gate may be ironic; rather than separating you from your audience, this barrier might actually bring people closer. When someone chooses to exchange something for content, they’ve bought more than access — they’ve bought in.  Tune in, and decide if some of your content would be more effective if it wasn’t just given away. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Kronos Kronos is workforce innovation that works. Kronos puts HR, payroll, talent, and timekeeping on a single, cloud-based platform specially designed to give HR professionals supporting a blended workforce a whole new level of confidence. Learn more at kronos.com/hrswagger Show Links WebinarNinja The post MBA1336 Is Gated Content a Good Idea? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Success requires the right tools. For entrepreneurs, tool #1 is usually the laptop.  It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide which laptop is best for her business. She’s an online coach, so her window to the online world will have a major effect on her business.  With so many options and so many features available, the mind can boggle at the sheer variety of computers out there. Fortunately, we know a thing or two about online business, and the tech available. Today, we’ll explain what really matters when it comes to laptops. From screen size to RAM to storage space, your choice has to fit your needs. Whatever your budget, there’s a laptop out there can help you reach your goals. You just have to distinguish it from the other (approximately) billion laptops on the market.  Tune in, and hear what specs actually make a difference. Plus, we’ll share our favorite laptops at various price points — and don’t worry, these recommendations are sponsorship-free. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors Bank of America Feeling stuck in your job? Bank of America’s Academy for Consumers and Small Business can help. Bank of America can help you start on a long term career path through peer mentoring, immersive programs, and a variety of clear and distinct paths. Take the first step towards your long term career  at careers.bankofamerica.com now! smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! Show Links Logitech C920 Webcam WebinarNinja MacBook Pro Surface Book 2 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Lenovo Yoga The post MBA1335 Q&A Wednesday: I am a business coach. What is the best laptop to buy? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We work from home. Why? More importantly, should you? Some of the reasons are obvious, like the convenience of having no commute and the money saved on renting a space. But those aren’t the only reasons we’ve chosen to run our entire business — remote team included — from the same building in which we sleep and eat.  There’s a lot more to it. We’ve been doing it this way for about 6 years. We’ve also tried the alternatives: coworking spaces, cafes, and even a full-on office. After all our experimenting, we don’t only know that working from home is our best option. We know why it’s our best option. Today, we’ll discuss how working from home affects our productivity, sanity, and success. We’ll also be clear about what can go wrong with a home office, and why this one size doesn’t necessarily fit all.  Listen in, and decide where your business should call home. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors M&M’S Hazelnut Spread Chocolate Candies Work got you bogged down? Treat yourself to new M&M’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies. They’re an instant classic, guaranteed to deliver a delicious combo of hazelnut spread and milk chocolate in every bite-sized piece. Add a little  luxury to your workday — go Hazel-nutty and try the new MM’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies today! Earth Class Mail Transform the daily piles of mail, checks, invoices, and correspondence into digital documents.  Earth Class Mail office mail automation is the easiest way to set up a physical business address. Earth Class Mail will process paper mail into digital format, and put it on the on cloud for easy access. Get your first month free at earthclassmail.com/mbamonth The post MBA1334 Why We Decided Against Renting an Office appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How long will this take? It’s a question we have to ask about every task, big or small. One of the toughest parts of managing a team is coordinating a long-term project with some sense of timeliness. Multiple people, multiple agendas, all adding up to one result.  It can’t take too long, but it can’t be rushed, either. You need some idea of how long a project should take, but everyone has to be on board. That’s where this week’s special guest teacher comes in. Laura B. Janusek is a project management expert, and founding member of Modern Teacher. She knows that accurate timelines can empower a team, especially if everyone buys into the target completion date.  She also knows that “deadline” can be a scary concept, especially with a complex goal. Today, Janusek lays out a specific technique she uses to bring the team together and decide on a realistic timeline. By making the estimate a shared task, the team takes ownership of the company’s time, and avoids feeling either rushed or complacent. Before you tackle your next big project, tune in. Click Play! SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | SoundCloud | Podcast Feed | How To Subscribe Give us a Rating & Review Today’s Sponsors smartwater smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart! HoneyBook HoneyBook is an all-in-one business management platform for creative small businesses. They make it easy to streamline your process with client and calendar management tools, plus custom branded proposals and contracts. Save hundreds or thousands of hours a year. Get 50% off your first year by using promo code MBA at honeybook.com Show Links WebinarNinja The post MBA1333 Guest Teacher: Laura B. Janusek- How to Estimate How Long a Group Project Will Take appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.