The $100 MBA Show

Everyone loves a freebie. But if you do a promotional giveaway, are you getting anything in return?Contests, random drawings, and other giveaways are definitely fun, and they definitely generate some buzz. But if you’re not careful about how you implement your giveaway, you can end up simply…giving stuff away!You’re a business person, not Santa. You want a return on investment.So how can you make sure it’s worth it? Today, we discuss how to conduct giveaways designed to convert, not just build hype. We describe the kinds of giveaways that actually help grow your business, as well as the kinds that simply cost you money for no good reason. We teach you how to run your giveaway efficiently, so that it generates more than the prizes cost.Remember, you want your audience to be interested in your business and product, not just the prize. What you offer as a prize is far less important than who you offer it to. You’ve got to make sure that your giveaways are targeted, not just generous.Find out how to maximize the positive impact of a giveaway campaign. When done, right, it’s a fantastic business-booster. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaEasyCourseKing SumoThe post MBA1102 Do Giveaways Work? + Free Ride Friday! appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get. More. Done.Every independent business person wants to be more productive. The more we get done, the faster our business grows — and the more time we have to enjoy the lives we build for ourselves. We’ve discussed a zillion productivity hacks on this podcast, from scheduling to single-tasking and more.Today, we’ve got a trick from way out in left field. You probably haven’t thought of it. But when you hear it, you’ll see how much sense it makes.This single strategy can triple — yes, triple — your output. It takes a little time to implement, but the results are way, way worth it. It involves something we all do every single day, and how to do it far more efficiently. Once we tried it, our productivity skyrocketed. And all because we took the time to perfect the art of…Well, you’ll have to tune in and find out.We’ll discuss what this strategy is, how to implement it, and offer a list of resources you can use to make it happen. What are you waiting for? How can you stand the suspense? Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksSumoTyperSharkGod of WordSteno ArcadeMickey’s Typing AdventureText ExpanderEasyCourseThe post MBA1101 One Thing That Will 3X Your Work Productivity appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s a question every growing business has to face once they scale: can I trust new team members with sensitive information?It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener is in exactly that pickle. Support staff in particular need to have access to banking details and other info you’d like to keep in-house. Is it a security risk? Are there ways to keep your information safe while still serving your customers efficiently?We’ve got good news.If your support system is set up right, the chances of staff doing something nefarious with your financials is extremely low. More to the point, it’s way easier to rectify (extremely rare) breaches of trust committed by support staff than it is to make up for poor customer service. You simply can’t afford to handicap support staff out of irrational fear.To put it another way: support and service have to come first — but there are perfectly safe ways to manage both priorities.There are scads of tools you can use to limit your staff’s access to company financials in a way that still allows them to do their job. We’ve got tons of “need to know” software that empowers your team to help your customers without giving them (all) the keys to the kingdom. Learn how to manage access without handcuffing support. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaStripePayPalBare MetricsIntercomBraintreeBufferConvertKitThe post MBA1100 Q&A Wednesday: How do I know I can trust my customer support team with my company’s financials? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does one price fit all? Or should you offer different strokes for different folks? If so, how many different pricing tiers make sense for your business?That’s the question we’re pondering today, as we discuss the number of price options you should present to your potential customers. It’s a frequently asked question, one whose answer depends on several factors. Your pricing structure has to communicate the real value of your product, while also empowering the customer to make their own choices.Today, we discuss exactly how to nail down those numbers.We help you figure out how to determine — and even more importantly, present — pricing options that will work for and entice your customers. We offer tips on how to reveal these options for maximum effect, using the psychology of comparative pricing to create a sense of value.With this information, you can figure out what pricing options are most likely to attract, convert, close, and delight your audience. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaBasecampBareMetricsThe post MBA1099 How Many Pricing Options Should You Have For Your Product? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to take on social media marketing?Gary Vaynerchuk is a teacher, leader, best-selling author, and an omnipresence on social media. The man is everywhere in the online entrepreneurial space. His book Crush It was an instant classic, and an inspiration to countless independent business people.Now, he’s back with a sequel, and it’s this week’s Must-Read: Crushing It.We love this book for several reasons, but mostly because it challenged our viewpoints. Anyone who listens to this podcast knows we don’t buy the hype when it comes to social media, taking a restrained approach to Facebook, Twitter, and the rest. But Crushing It forced us to reconsider our approach, and ultimately have a little more respect for the power of the medium.We learned some things from Crushing It, and so can you.Today, we discuss this book’s lessons on the usefulness of social media, how to choose the right platform for your business, and Vaynerchuk’s 7 principles of producing great content. Crushing It is the ultimate guide to personal branding, from a highly successful consultant, speaker, and thought leader. Hear what you can learn — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaCrushing It by Gary VaynerchukThe post MBA1098 Must Read: Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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

Forgot username or password?We’ve all clicked it. We’ve all needed it. We’ve all lost track of the dozens of passwords that pile up when you’re running a business and have multiple accounts for chat, banking, CMS, email, and more. So how can we eliminate the hassle without compromising our security? How can we keep our security effective while making it less of a pain?We’ve got you covered.You can’t compromise on security. What’s behind your passwords is more valuable than what’s behind the door of your home, in most cases. However, there are safe, efficient ways to minimize the amount of time you spend trying to log in. After consulting with various cybersecurity experts (including a personal friend in federal law enforcement), we’ve come up with a system.It requires a little software, a little creativity, and a little diligence, but it leaves your company protected with far less hassle. Find out how it’s done — Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksLastPassPassword GeneratorThe post MBA1096 How to Manage All Your Passwords Securely appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Got an idea for an app? Dying to create software that will change how everyone does…something? Are you bursting with ideas, but totally lacking the technical knowledge to actually develop the tech yourself?You’re not the only one.It’s Q&A Wednesday, and one listener’s got a frequently asked question: can a non-tech person start a software company? Can an entrepreneur with zero coding or development skills find and hire the people necessary to carry out the vision?Spoiler alert: sort of, but not really.Our host and co-founder Omar wasn’t a tech expert by trade, but that didn’t stop him from moving forward with projects like our webinar software company, WebinarNinja. However, he made the time and found the resources to get an education in tech — because otherwise, he’d have been flying blind.Today, we discuss what level of knowledge you need to attain in order to competently run a software company. We also offer resources for getting the training you need, so you can proceed with confidence and (just enough) know-how. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksWebinarNinjaGitHubBitbucketCodecademyThe post MBA1095 Q&A Wednesday: Can I create a software company with no technical knowledge? appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A healthy entrepreneur is a successful entrepreneur.Conversely, an entrepreneur who’s out of shape is physically, mentally, and emotionally less equipped to handle the challenges of running a business. We’re not the first (or the only) ones to say it, but far too people take it seriously. Health is a requirement, if you want to reach your true potential as a business leader.It’s not self-centered, and it’s not vain. Finding the time and effort to keep yourself in shape is an investment in your business. All entrepreneurs are pressed for time, and all of us have fairly packed schedules. But prioritizing health and fitness is a shrewd, smart, effective business decision.Today, we discuss how you can get the exercise you need, why you should, and how to make the time. We describe the positive impact a commitment to exercise has had on our business, and why we would never trade our gym time for more office time. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksThe post MBA1094 Why Exercise Is a Must For an Entrepreneur appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s time to toss the funnel.Yes, that funnel; the marketing and sales funnel that’s been the gospel of online business strategists for just a little too long. While the premise of attracting an audience, converting that audience into leads, and turning those leads into customers is still valid, the one-size-fits-all approach needs a little refining.Let’s build a new funnel.Actually, let’s build several. Every business should create a unique path — or set of paths — from awareness of your business to the final purchase. It should be less of a funnel, and more of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book (remember those?). Today, special guest Michael Koral stops by to explain the new way to move consumers towards the goal line.Koral is the head of customer acquisition at Needls, and he’s here with a whole new way to attract, convert, and close. Not only does he explain his more effective funneling strategy, he also recommends specific software tools you can use to implement and track your marketing and sales efforts.Upgrade your lead capture and closing approach. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTSSpotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & ReviewShow LinksNeedlsLeadpagesActive CampaignIntercomWicked ReportsZapierWebinarNinjaThe post MBA1093 Guest Teacher: Michael Koral – The Right Sales Funnel For Any Small Business appeared first on The $100 MBA. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.