The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle

What marketing strategies are actually working in 2025? Karla Singson shares standout tactics from a DC Mexico meetup she hosted, where 6- and 7-figure founders revealed how they're landing clients organically through Facebook groups, trade show podcast hacks, and thoughtful LinkedIn comments (no ad spend required). We also dive into Karla's own playbook: how she's built multiple businesses around authenticity, reputation, and smart delegation. She shares tips for handling sales calls, choosing offers that sell themselves, and why relationships (not reach) are her #1 growth lever. LINKS: Karla's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/karla.singson) Karla's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/karlastefan/) Karla's Business (https://proximityoutsourcing.com/) Dennis Yu's “Dollar a Day” Strategy (https://dennisyu.com/category/dollar-a-day/) Connect with generous global entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Founders getting together in Bangkok this October for DCBKK 2025 (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GFaF1Vj7I7H0f5BmGYuyoaGuEdMCo-3CkBnVDuaSwrI/edit?usp=sharing) Read Dan's book “Before the Exit” (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) Share your story/sponsor the pod (https://forms.gle/gKZFuwReHSvg8LD48) CHAPTERS: (00:00:13) Intro: Affordable Marketing for Scrappy Founders (00:01:29) Karla's Business Portfolio: From Flowers to Facebook Funnels (00:05:00) Why Founders Struggle to Delegate (00:10:17) 3 Low-Cost, High-Impact Client Acquisition Channels (00:12:59) Organic Facebook Marketing Still Works (Here's Why) (00:15:34) The 400% Revenue Trade Show Hack (00:18:29) How to Capture Leads by Commenting on LinkedIn (00:21:17) Why Most Founders Are Hesitant to Run Ads (00:22:50) The Rise of Hyper-Authenticity (00:26:30) Why In-Person Still Matters (But Not for the Reason You Think) (00:27:25) The '10 Industry Friends' Strategy for Rapid Growth (00:34:41) Why Karla Keeps a Business Portfolio (Not Just One Focus) (00:36:30) The “Duh” Test for Business Ideas (00:38:46) Sales Calls: What Actually Works in 2025 (00:38:54) Building Rapport That Converts (No Cringe Small Talk) (00:41:23) Refunds, Guarantees, and the Power of Reputation (00:42:11) Lessons from a Business Partnership Gone Wrong (00:45:31) Why Golf Is the Best Business School (00:48:05) Playa del Carmen as a Business Base: Pros and Cons (00:52:37) Karla's Love Letter to DCBKK CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Marketing to High-Dollar Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/marketing-to-high-dollar-clients) $1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) 50/50 Partnerships: Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/50-50-partnerships)

From hating life on a Sydney construction site to building a $57K/month agency from Bali, Tom Richards—founder of PlumbElec Marketing—has lived the remote founder arc. In this episode, he shares how niching into plumbing and electrical businesses helped him scale fast, why Google Maps still dominates local SEO, and how he balances agency life with lifestyle design. You'll hear Tom's take on ChatGPT use cases, the best tools for founder efficiency, and whether he's ready to scale or keep things lean and profitable. Plus, Dan breaks down what might be the most reliable location-independent income roadmap in 2025. LINKS: Connect with Tom (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-richards-au/) Daily Huddle template (http://bit.ly/4ea6MOf) The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss (https://fourhourworkweek.com/) Share your story/sponsor the pod (https://forms.gle/gKZFuwReHSvg8LD48) 22 free resources for founders (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Connect with 1,000+ generous global entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Read Dan's book “Before the Exit” (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) CHAPTERS: (00:02:18) From Plumber to Agency Founder (00:04:07) How Tom Built His First Client Base (00:04:58) $57K MRR and the Current Team (00:07:23) Why Tradespeople Are the Best Clients (00:09:51) Transitioning from Daily Huddles to Weekly Calls (00:12:14) The Real Numbers Behind Tom's Retainer Model (00:13:38) Hormozi's 1-1-1 Model in Real Life (00:18:50) Surviving the SEO Upheaval in 2025 (00:19:25) Why Google Maps is Still Gold for Local SEO (00:23:34) How to Use Case Studies to Supercharge Cold Outreach (00:25:59) Should You Scale Your Agency or Stay Lean? (00:31:31) The Most Reliable Remote Income Roadmap (00:35:31) What Agency Life is Really Like (00:39:28) Tom's Favorite ChatGPT and AI Tools (00:41:04) Bali vs Thailand: Which Is Better in 2025? CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: The Changing Landscape of SEO and the Influence Equation (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/changing-landscape-seo) The Brutal Truth About Business Exits with Rob Walling (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brutal-truth-about-exits) 1,000 Customers from One Channel (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/1000-customers-one-channel) The First 1,000 Days of Running an Agency (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/1000-days-running-agency?rq=agency)

Thinking of selling your business one day? Or never planning to? Either way, this conversation could change how you build. Rob Walling has seen it all. He's exited his own SaaS company and helped thousands of founders grow and sell through TinySeed, MicroConf, and his podcast “Startups for the Rest of Us.” In this episode, he sits down with Dan to talk about what founders get wrong about selling, why most exits are emotionally brutal, and how to actually create a business that gives you freedom: whether or not you ever sell it. CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Why Exits Matter (Even If You Never Sell) (00:03:48) The Emotional Reality of Selling Your Business (00:08:35) What Your Business is Actually Worth (Valuation Benchmarks) (00:11:45) The $10M Dream: Who Gets There, Who Doesn't (00:18:59) The SaaS Plateau: How to Know When You're Stuck (00:27:20) The 5 Marketing Channels Still Working in 2025 (00:30:23) Can Non-Technical Founders Still Win? (00:40:33) Two Traps Founders Fall Into When Selling a Business (00:46:50) Rob's Book: “Exit Strategy” LINKS Rob's book “Exit Strategy” (https://exitstrategybook.com/) Share your story/sponsor the pod (https://forms.gle/gKZFuwReHSvg8LD48) 22 free resources for founders (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Connect with 1,000+ generous global entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Read Dan's book “Before the Exit” (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) Dan Andrews is the co-founder of Dynamite Circle, author of Before the Exit, host of the Tropical MBA podcast, and an entrepreneur who has successfully launched and scaled multiple 7-figure businesses. CONNECT WITH DAN Email Dan@tropicalmba.com Follow on X (https://x.com/TropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) MORE EPISODES Our Lifestyle Business Non-Negotiables (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-business-non-negotiables) ‘I'm Fiscally Bitcoin and Socially Ethereum' (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/greg-gerber-crypto-2020) Is Dropshipping Still a Valid Business Model? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dropshipping-valid-business-model) The Consultant's Handbook - How to Make Location Independent Income Quickly (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/consulting) The Amazon Gold Rush (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/amazongold) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business)

Is the “lifestyle business” still alive in 2025? Dan chats with longtime friend Jeff Pecaro about the evolution of internet business, what today's solopreneurs get right (and wrong), and how constraints can lead to clarity. They dive into pricing mistakes, the pressure to grow beyond your goals, and how to use tools like AI to think—not just automate. It's a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at the business models most of us are actually running. Plus: how to join upcoming DC BLACK masterminds for 7+ figure founders. Links from the episode: Form: Share your story / sponsor the pod (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPXbgWniCDhLpt4QPvOvoXPHRRwDYw-izZszc92qAuMPnhhQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101528162047962210125) Connect with 7-figure founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) CHAPTERS (00:00:24) What Lifestyle Business Means in 2025 (00:01:37) Early Days of Internet Money (00:03:03) Growth Isn't Always the Goal (00:12:49) Why Some Founders Recreate Jobs by Accident (00:15:34) Pricing Problems = Perception Problems (00:22:13) Using AI as a Thought Partner (00:28:01) Optimizing for Audience vs. Revenue (00:37:21) Quiet Wins and Redefining Success CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Free resources for business owners (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) MORE EPISODES Our Lifestyle Business Non-Negotiables (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-business-non-negotiables) ‘I'm Fiscally Bitcoin and Socially Ethereum' (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/greg-gerber-crypto-2020) Is Dropshipping Still a Valid Business Model? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dropshipping-valid-business-model) The Consultant's Handbook - How to Make Location Independent Income Quickly (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/consulting) The Amazon Gold Rush (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/amazongold) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business)

Many founders hit $3M in revenue and stall out. In this episode, Dan and Greg Crabtree break down why—and how to fix it. They discuss “profit truth”, how to spot financial red flags, and what metrics to track to scale beyond the messy middle. Plus: we're looking for listener stories. Have you implemented a system or framework that changed your business? Tell us about it. Your story could help 1,000s of entrepreneurs. Links from the episode: Form: Share your story / sponsor the pod (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPXbgWniCDhLpt4QPvOvoXPHRRwDYw-izZszc92qAuMPnhhQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101528162047962210125) Labor Efficiency Ratio Summary (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kuJAqNkX_qncqp3qYtT27z9R5IpJTYeMIZtzMRMSV7A/edit?usp=sharing) CHAPTERS (00:00:14) Introduction and the Death Zone 00:09:37) The Impact of Paying a Market-Based Wage (00:11:03) Behavioral Economics and Profit Truth (00:14:38) The Definition of a Fully Capitalized Business (00:16:49) Transitioning through the Death Zone (00:17:26) The Three Steps to Business Success (00:18:51) Remaining Profitable in the Death Zone (00:19:48) Different Capital Profiles and Cashflow (00:21:04) The Emotional Challenge of Spending in the Death Zone (00:24:03) The Executional Problem of Growth (00:24:24) Getting Through the Black Hole (00:27:02) The $3 Million Mark (00:28:25) The Worth of Going Through the Zone (00:31:32) Managing a Marketing Agency Past $5 Million (00:36:26) Common Mistakes Made by Founders (00:38:36) Understanding Profit Truth (00:45:33) Investing in Finance and Accounting CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Free resources for business owners (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

What 160 founders taught us at DC Mexico—why deep customer engagement beats ads, how group workshops are replacing sales calls, what lifestyle entrepreneurs can learn from the FIRE movement, and how financial clarity and community still drive the biggest results. CHAPTERS (00:00:34) DC Mexico Recap (00:02:42) Why We Do This (Essay by Jeff Pecaro) (00:06:23) Deep Giveaways That Convert (00:12:31) High Ticket Offers (00:15:30) Lifestyle Business vs. FIRE Movement (00:19:07) Masterminds as Money Makers (00:21:08) The Real Challenge of Parenting? (00:24:49) Pivots and Resetting the Vision (00:25:58) Real AI Workflows Founders Are Using (00:26:31) Clarity, Courage, and Deal-Making (00:27:45) Nailing Your Best Marketing Channel (00:29:00) Know Your P&L CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Free resources for business owners (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Dan shares how advanced digital nomads use geography as a lever for business growth—and why most people get it wrong. If you're going to travel, do it with intention. This episode breaks down how. CHAPTERS (00:02:00) The Embargo on “Digital Nomad” (00:02:35) Why Most Nomads Miss the Point (00:05:38) 4 Ways to Travel Smart and Build Faster (00:06:13) Leverage Financial Arbitrage (00:09:16) Curate Better Relationships (00:16:20) Pick Places That Serve Your Goals (00:21:49) Reduce Lifestyle Overhead (00:22:30) Advanced vs. Beginner Nomading (00:25:09) Pitfalls to Avoid: Currency Traps, Isolation, Network Ceilings (00:29:44) The Challenge of Finding a Life Partner (00:31:46) Nomading as a Lever, Not a Lifestyle CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Free resources for business owners (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Dan shares why most bootstrapped business partnerships go sideways—and what to do if yours already has. Resources Mentioned: ● When Partners Fall Out (HBR article) (https://hbr.org/1986/11/when-partners-fall-out) ● Tropical MBA financial dashboards (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Why This Episode Exists (00:01:27) The Bootstrapper's Dilemma (00:03:07) The Gridlock Problem (00:04:56) When Life Goals Shift (00:06:32) The Ownership Trap (00:08:04) Why Money Makes It Worse (00:09:14) Identity, Resentment, and Role Confusion (00:15:24) The Minority Partner Illusion (00:17:26) Rock Band Rules (00:26:53) How to Reset a Broken Partnership (00:27:46) The Ultimate Test (00:30:15) The Goal: One Plus One Equals More Than Two CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Free resources for business owners (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

This week, Dan goes back to the basics—because that's where the breakthroughs often live. This might be the single most important episode you listen to, especially if you feel like you've hit a plateau. He lays out the fundamentals of crafting a compelling offer, why most founders avoid doing it, and how your aversion to rejection might be holding you back from growth. Resources Mentioned: Download Dan's Offer Worksheet (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KeJZIy006b-EijEcXnA2aFuQuhRlACoKkX4p-baY8s4/edit?usp=sharing) $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi (https://www.amazon.com/100M-Offers-People-Stupid-Saying/dp/173747574X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WferudpATTv2sOO4MGczmtxmW2Pa5ynbJaA1CnNLXmo2q9EsJBSBtlmjGQlP2NUurzmf7rM_RhgyNZ_tdvWeB_dLUC78-SnrCwlDmrPJqZiqoMNZi4-n5YZHg9ptwnpVfu2DvL8XCSjs829vOg7VtJ9qfmlJGK8yxD6NarM13uc4OUgqAFXDNdAWRY733cXG84l56HLe_WB6WczCgkIf48C7Uwo6e9kyFUH6MRUKQhKmziBIjX29td7_n4BsOgZcEWgtHEnsXH4_35z1rb-zI3a8gYVPEFh_vs8TFMu_ROY.tzKMDIY6NUrehnGctwxRplladKrVPGFXoqvTf_rJPBU&dib_tag=se&keywords=100m+offers+alex+hormozi&qid=1746029751&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Letter-4th-Customers/dp/B07P19G3Q5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LBCPUX4R97TN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7tPW5zZqKUD21ytW_EwU1w.IC1Pl_8nl-B0qO-c1XCTr9ohT9iW4zw6OiUZ2I2ZRvI&dib_tag=se&keywords=dan+kennedy+ultimate+sales+letter&qid=1746029799&s=audible&sprefix=dan+kennedy+ultimate+sales+lette%2Caudible%2C139&sr=1-1) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) – The Biggest Lever Under $300K (00:00:29) – Back to Basics: Offers (00:02:07) – Offer vs Product (00:03:57) – Why Founders Avoid Offers (00:07:34) – Testing in the Market (00:08:57) – The Offer Framework (00:13:14) – Iterate and De-Risk (00:16:08) – Final Thoughts & Resources CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC Subscribe to the newsletter Follow us on Instagram MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Dan shares a relationship-first strategy for landing bigger deals—no funnels, no ads, just a focused system that's often more affordable and effective than a social media strategy. He's joined by agency owner James Feng, who's using this approach to grow from $300K to $1M. (Dan's template) The Rolodex Method + Marketing Tracker (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jRV_ncgCWAMRB7tZZtnO7x0Tn5sE46-tYkwN6paVG3A/edit?usp=sharing) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:01) The Old School Way to Get Your Dream Clients (00:04:00) How high-level decision makers make decisions (00:06:03) Agency Owner $300K to $1M (00:07:38) Who is James Feng? (00:11:22) Adjusting Pricing for Better Client Acquisition (00:13:49) Understanding the Landscape of High-Level Accounts (00:15:34) Building Relationships with Key Decision Makers (00:22:36) The Rolodex Hustle: Creating a System for Networking (00:27:22) Leveraging Cultural Insights for Business Success CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

What if your struggle to follow through isn't a discipline problem — but a signal? This week, Dan unpacks why many entrepreneurs bounce between ideas early on, and how that phase might be necessary, not broken. He shares a simple framework for telling the difference between just another project… and a business worth going all-in on. CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Intro + Listener Question (00:02:03) Why $150/Month Is a Great Start (00:02:58) The 100 Ideas Phase (00:03:48) Recognizing Early Market Signals (00:04:51) Execution Only Matters After Momentum (00:07:18) The Classic Founder Venn Diagram (00:07:59) Pitfalls of Passion Projects (00:11:54) High Ticket vs. Consumer Products (00:13:54) Designing Your First Offer (00:15:04) Why Market Feedback Solves the Focus Problem (00:16:17) Final Advice: Stay Playful and Keep Experimenting CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Some of the “smart moves” founders make might be signs of hidden resistance. This week, Dan and Ian break down 10 behaviors that can quietly kill momentum, from expanding marketing channels too early to pausing sales during busy stretches. They also dive into why scaling too soon backfires, the hidden risks of declining assets, and what happens when you delay building management layers. CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Introduction (00:01:09) Understanding Resistance in Business and In Life (00:04:51) A Balanced Marketing Diet (Finally!) (00:09:15) Pause Selling Because We're So Busy! (00:12:03) Keeping Team Members Maximally Busy (00:16:08) Cutting a Clever Deal With a Declining Asset (00:20:47) I Simply Won't Do ideas That Don't Scale! (00:26:40) I'm Going to Quit My Job! (00:29:43) The Myth of the Great Idea (00:33:49) I'm Re-Investing In My Product! (00:37:21) Building an Audience: Start With The Basics (00:40:16) Should I Build Out a Management Layer? Tempting! CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Dan shares strategies for creating value as an entrepreneur - from maximizing personal productivity to defending your creative space so you can build something meaningful. He breaks down the common roadblocks entrepreneurs face at the $300K revenue mark and shares practical wisdom for navigating difficult personalities in business and in life. Book recos form the episode: “Getting Things Done” (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Workbook-Productivity/dp/0143133438/ref=asc_df_0143133438?mcid=8cf409580165307c978272271b141e8d&hvocijid=15444100736713862639-0143133438-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15444100736713862639&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007527&hvtargid=pla-2281435179258&psc=1) “5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life” (https://www.amazon.com/Types-People-Ruin-Your-Life/dp/B0DV6KLYC6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XI6HASJOC1CI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vB7JCEt3Og8cDygXrXeEWuprrnGZbCo9bXz_8hivMgw.ljlmur6bThrAhnt8mX938E0x47HbPWXHVGLTBrS1JwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=5+types+of+people+who+can+ruin+your+life+workbook&qid=1743617303&sprefix=5+types+of+peo%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-1) “The Courage to Be Disliked” (https://www.amazon.com/The-Courage-to-Be-Disliked-audiobook/dp/B07BRPW98K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J6KLS4URJPZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6M0xO7k-7OIyut3WpFLx89nhn98gTCAwAFJbzRcsBAsPYnWu8eYEzx6UuC9P43UDe-4GfUHDnBPOxhPsiCPZ5EjePC6L_-mhWJ0xAy26V-M.wyFwtN60MQaRbI5NabZRkzp2HRhm4B4dCdxhHMjIgjg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+courage+to+be+disliked&qid=1743617338&s=audible&sprefix=the+courage+to+b%2Caudible%2C133&sr=1-1) CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Intro (00:00:45) “Entrepreneurs create more value than they consume” (00:02:12) Create & define space for creativity (00:03:52) Consistency in daily activities (00:04:55) “Getting Things Done” (00:05:59) What's your “one thing”? (00:06:22) Setting up for reactive success (00:08:30) Being your own leader (Manage productive time) (00:11:40) Change meeting structure to protect creative time (00:15:17) The $300K sticking point (00:15:55) Key blockers: marketing systems & hiring decisions (00:17:46) Taking a pay cut in order to grow (00:18:53) Scale beyond one-to-one service delivery (00:19:56) Organizational design is critical (00:21:18) “The Five Types of People Who Will Ruin Your Life” (00:23:07) “The Courage to Be Disliked” (00:24:11) Improving business and personal relationships (00:25:39) Wrap Up CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice)

Dan and Ian break down what makes a great lifestyle business in 2025—one that delivers both strong cash flow and location freedom. They dive into the nuanced tension between building a lifestyle-friendly business and “going big,” and share five essential design principles for creating a business that supports the life you want. CHAPTERS (00:00:14) Intro (00:04:25) Lifestyle Business vs “Going Big” (00:10:25) Cash Flow Logic that Solves Financial Needs of Founders (00:19:04) Solid Perspective on Acquiring Customers (Strong Channel Logic) (00:24:05) You're Actively Turning Away Customers (00:28:26) You Can Leave the Business for 4 Weeks Minimum (Cash Flow Does Not Suffer) (00:34:07) Cash Flow Does Not Suffer Based on Your Location CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice)

What if 90 days from now, your business was sharper, more focused, and positioned for real growth? In this episode, Dan walks you through a simple but powerful 10-question framework designed to help you identify your biggest challenge, clarify your team's focus, and uncover new opportunities to stand out in your market. This is the same exercise that 7- and 8-figure founders in DC BLACK worked through on their recent trip to Phuket—a way to step back, reset strategy, and get clear on what matters. Grab a pen and follow along. You might walk away with a concrete plan for the next 90 days. Want the worksheet? Newsletter subscribers get it for free. Sign up at (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe)) to grab your copy. CHAPTERS (00:02:16) Biggest challenge and next steps (00:05:20) Focus (00:07:11) Understand your customer (00:11:33) Positioning (00:14:42) Innovation and unique advantages (00:20:02) Network (00:21:42) Business model (00:23:51) Team (00:25:23) Cadence & leadership (00:27:17) Bonus CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice)

Dan and Ian share key insights from their Thailand mastermind event, exploring how successful entrepreneurs balance curiosity, diverse business models, and personal life. They talk about navigating market uncertainties, implementing AI workflows to enhance business operations, and the irreplaceable value of in-person networking events. And unlike magic mushrooms, the benefits of attending an event like this will ideally last a lifetime. CHAPTERS (00:00:25) Introduction and Reflections on Thailand (00:02:01) Key Lessons from 7 & 8-Figure Mastermind (00:03:43) The Power of Curiosity in Entrepreneurship (00:08:54) Diverse Business Models and Common Traits (00:11:46) Work-Life Balance and Business Durability (00:14:06) Living in Thailand: Value and Lifestyle (00:16:44) Tax Strategies and Wealth Creation in Thailand (00:17:12) The Power of Bootstrapping and Financial Independence (00:19:21) Navigating Market Uncertainty and Business Durability (00:22:32) AI Workflows: Revolutionizing Business Operations (00:27:07) The Value of In-Person Networking and Community Building CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice)

Dan unpacks what business owners can adapt from DOGE's new strategy, delivers a practical cure for practitioner syndrome (that paralyzing fear of putting yourself out there), and shares fresh insights on the legendary 1,000-day principle. Plus, strategies for accountability and effectiveness and answering questions about profitability from hosting events. CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:19) Zero-based budgeting for efficiency (00:03:43) Accountability for effectiveness (00:08:40) Surviving your first 1,000 days in business (00:16:59) Why you need to put yourself out there (00:19:47) How to make money from events CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice)

Dan sits down with Neel Parekh (CEO of MaidThis Franchise) to talk about the shifts that drive real business growth—why decision-making matters more than productivity, how time compression accelerates success, and why bigger businesses can create more freedom. They dive into the power of accountability, hiring smarter, and using personal branding to attract the right opportunities. Plus, Neel shares how he scaled through franchising—an unconventional path for a lifestyle business—balancing hustle, risk, and long-term rewards. What's missing in your business that's keeping you stuck? Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles @ dynamitecircle.com (http://dynamitecircle.com/). CHAPTERS (00:02:02) Compressing Time for Success (00:04:17) The Law of a Thousand Hours (00:07:43) Staying Motivated Through Accountability (00:11:28) Building Confidence in Your Business Model (00:17:25) The Paradox of Growth and Lifestyle (00:24:35) Understanding the Franchise Model and Its Costs (00:26:16) The Challenges of Running a Franchise (00:26:31) The Decision to Franchise vs. Self-Expansion (00:30:44) Vetting Franchisees: Finding the Right Fit (00:31:22) Success Rates and Expectations in Franchising (00:37:01) The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Risk and Reward (00:39:51) The Durability of the Cleaning Business Model (00:43:51) Finding Excitement in Business and Life (00:44:09) Expanding Business Opportunities (00:44:50) The Hustle-Life Balance (00:46:49) The Power of Decision Making CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST "The Tailwind Index" & Dodging Business Blindspots (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/tailwind-index-dodging-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

The team takes you inside the DC. Who we are, what to expect, and how you can grow your business with the support of other founders on the same journey. Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles. Join Dynamite Circle. (https://dynamitecircle.com/) CHAPTERS (00:03:36) Introduction to DC (00:05:11) Genesis of DC (00:06:55) Culture & Composition (00:09:59) Application Process and Vetting (00:19:06) Events and Networking Opportunities (00:25:20) Support for High-Level Founders (00:29:14) Joining the Dynamite Circle CONNECT Email Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Follow on X (https://x.com/TropicalMBA) Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) LINKS Join Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Subscribe to the newsletter (tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Get our book: Before the Exit (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

The stories we tell ourselves shape our businesses—but how much of it is true? External validation, from market response to honest feedback, is key. Dan & Jeff break down common entrepreneurial mistakes, business strategy, product-market fit, sales, opportunity assessment, and why knowing your numbers (even without a finance background) matters. P.S. Still taking all the sales calls for your business? You need a wingman (https://meetwingman.com/). CHAPTERS (00:02:43) Building entrepreneurial endurance (00:03:35) It's easy to be dishonest with yourself (00:06:49) Tailwind index helps assess market needs (00:15:43) Focus on solving immediate pain points (00:18:38) Communicate effectively with your target market (00:23:39) Monthly business reviews (MBR) (00:25:18) Basic financial hygiene is crucial (00:27:08) Having the courage to be disliked (00:31:52) Contribution vs validation (00:34:22) Tasks vs responsibilities CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

Dan breaks down five key mindset shifts for business owners in the thick of the growth grind. Inspired by Alex Hormozi's tweet on sacrifice, he explores what it really takes to succeed—reflecting on courage, relationships, and balance—with actionable takeaways to stay productive and happy. Book referenced in the episode is The Power to be Disliked (https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1668065967/ref=asc_df_1668065967?mcid=0db73a9ea9f13b728a2cf3eb593e7720&hvocijid=13369597873068056788-1668065967-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=730432682330&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13369597873068056788&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007527&hvtargid=pla-2281435176698&psc=1). Connect with 1000+ global founders running profitable online businesses without sacrificing their unique lifestyles @ dynamitecircle.com (http://dynamitecircle.com/). CHAPTERS (00:00:35) Hormozi's 10-year formula for success (00:04:29) “The Courage to Be Disliked” (00:11:01) Change your relationships (00:15:12) Accept your responsibility (00:16:33) Take on a six-week sprint (00:18:26) Baseline & Brenwall (00:20:50) Do it for the right reasons CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) PLAYLIST Niche B2B Content = Big Revenue on YouTube (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/b2b-content-youtube) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Is Your Biggest Expense Helping or Hurting? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/your-biggest-expense) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal

Why do so many founders feel sad, lost, and even depressed when they come into life-changing money from exiting their business? Dan contemplates why this happens and how to avoid it. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan discusses the shift in SEO and the decline of content sites, emphasizing the need for B2B niche content. He introduces the concept of the 'influence equation' and stresses the importance of creating engaging, long-form content to capture the audience's attention. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

One of the first questions Dan asks in his coaching sessions with 6 & 7-figure entrepreneurs is: would you re-hire your team today? Your team is likely your largest expense, so it's critical that you know exactly how they're driving revenue every step of the way. Dan goes through 10 questions that will help you make hard decisions with confidence and clarity. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan and Ian reflect on their personal and business highlights from 2024, discussing parenting, travel, finance, making hard decisions in business and gaining clarity. They also dive into the systems and frameworks that have driven meaningful progress for them and their coaching clients over the past year. Learn more at dynamitecircle.com (dynamitecircle.com) Chapters (00:00:27) New Year Reflections and Personal Updates (00:02:54) Exploring Relationships and Parenting Dynamics (00:08:00) Travel Goals: Family and Wifi (00:10:16) Year of Changing Views on Finance (00:15:01) What people who are making progress have in common (00:22:10) What those who are stagnating have in common (00:23:50) Are you the best person for this job? (00:25:14) Understanding your Ideal Customer Profile (00:29:23) Scoreboard discipline (clarity) (00:37:30) Crazy event schedule Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

A personal brand is all about perception—everyone has one, whether you like it or not. So why not take control and shape it to your advantage? In this episode, Yota Trom shares actionable strategies for founders to overcome imposter syndrome, craft an authentic personal brand, and confidently integrate more of their true selves into their business. Start growing your 7-figure business alongside other ambitious and interesting founders from around the globe. Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Links: https://www.yotatrom.com/ (https://www.yotatrom.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Shane Hummus reveals his proven strategy for turning YouTube into a reliable source of new clients and millions in revenue, showing how entrepreneurs can succeed even with modest view counts. Links: https://www.youtube.com/ShaneHummus Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan and lan break down 10 essential questions to help you reflect on the year, align your priorities, and set your business up for success-no new books or business coaches required (yet). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan welcomes back Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science, for his third appearance on the podcast. Jay has grown Creator Science into a thriving media company, including a YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers. In this episode, they discuss recurring vs. one-time products, effective marketing funnels, channel viability, and the difference between discovery and nurture content. Jay's transparent approach to building his business is truly inspiring. Catch the second part of this conversation on the Creator Science podcast. Links: Part 2 of our convo on the Creator Science podcast (https://podcast.creatorscience.com/dan-andrews-2/) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Brian Balfour, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

Dan talks to Matthew Newton, CEO of Leatherback Travel, about his radically unconventional approach to scaling an 8-figure business. They dive into why it's crucial to ruthlessly select your opportunities, along with key lessons learned—including when to pivot, balancing flexibility with structure, and ensuring that running a business is always engaging and fun. Lean into some of these insights as you work on your goals for 2025. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ Links: Leatherback Travel (https://www.leatherbacktravel.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:30) Introduction to Leatherback Travel (00:04:05) Building a House of Brands (00:05:44) Operational Philosophy and Team Dynamics (00:07:27) Scaling Challenges and Growth Management (00:10:39) The Importance of Operating Principles (00:13:23) Special Feeling: The Core Operating Principle (00:16:55) Vision and Decision-Making Frameworks (00:19:05) Navigating Political Opinions in the Workplace (00:20:39) Industry Standards and Guest Expectations (00:22:31) The K Principle: Balancing Flexibility and Policy (00:23:58) Operational Rhythm and Continuous Improvement (00:26:42) The CEO's Role: Captain of the Ship (00:31:31) Top of Funnel Strategies for Customer Acquisition (00:32:18) Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition (00:34:07) Lessons from Struggles: The Importance of Quitting (00:35:35) The Animal Zoo Principle: Making Business Fun Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “$1.5 Million from LinkedIn: Strategies for Building Influence and Consistent Revenue” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/million-from-linkedin) “It's easier to 10X than to 2X” + 8 Lessons from CEO Bootcamp (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/easier-10x-than-2x) Building ‘Brick by Brick': Goals, Plans, Scorecards, Cadence (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brick-by-brick)

If you're sleeping on LinkedIn, let this episode be your wake up call. Dan sits down with Dr. Alex Barker, a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur who 10X'd his business using LinkedIn. A real LinkedIn success story, proving how this often-overlooked platform can be a game-changer for B2B businesses. If you've ever doubted LinkedIn's potential, this conversation might just change your mind. Become a TMBA Insider and join thousands of entrepreneurs who've started, grown, and exited their businesses for life-changing sums. It all starts here. tropicalmba.com/subscribe Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:02:48) Introduction to Alex Barker's Journey (00:04:37) The Turning Point: Facing Business Challenges (00:11:59) The Power of Focus: Simplifying for Success (00:18:32) Leveraging LinkedIn: A New Opportunity (00:31:41) Vision for the Future: Healing the Pharmacy Profession (00:36:50) Lead Generation Strategies on LinkedIn Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan and Ian traveled to Barcelona with 12 other CEOs and founders to spend the week with Scaling Up author Verne Harnish. These are the 8 biggest takeaways from the week that you can apply to your own business. Chapters: (00:00:21) Introduction (00:00:34) Insights from the Barcelona CEO Boot Camp (00:07:52) The Job to Be Done Framework (00:12:04) Using the Q4 Method for Customer Insights (00:14:08) Finding a 10X Cost Advantage (00:16:51) The Importance of Understanding Your Solution (00:17:27) Thinking Big: The 10x Mindset (00:23:27) Wealth Through Transactions (00:24:54) The CEO's Role in Increasing Valuation (00:27:29) Defining the Soul of the Company (00:30:55) Triage for Overwhelmed Companies (00:34:51) The Power of Scoreboards Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Does your business feel stuck in 'idea mode,' constantly jumping from project to project? If you're ready to get on track and build a more focused, scalable strategy for 2025, this episode is for you. Dan breaks down his proven 4-step framework for driving your next $1 million in revenue. These actionable steps can be implemented in just a few days, with results you'll notice almost immediately. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters ● (00:00:25) Introduction ● (00:03:35) Financially grounded goals ● (00:06:46) Measured plans ● (00:12:52) Intentional cadence ● (00:14:46) Team alignment Useful links: Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan revives his Re-Readables series with a discussion inspired by Frank Slootman's business book Amp It Up. He delves into the book's core arguments, such as the idea that execution trumps strategy, faster execution can drive better decision-making and growth, and the importance of building for investability. Plus, how exactly to improve your execution and boost your business's performance. Amp It Up (https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115/ref=asc_df_1119836115?mcid=3f957babb49c3cf4b060030bc82c3f64&hvocijid=12336327232821326462-1119836115-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12336327232821326462&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028277&hvtargid=pla-2281435177338&psc=1) by Frank Slootman Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:33) Introduction to 'Amp It Up' (00:04:07) Building a High-Performance Team (00:11:02) The Case for Fast Growth (00:15:14) Building for Investability Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: How do you grow from 7 to 8 figures? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-7-to-8-figures) The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan & Ian talk to Lucas Peters, founder of Journey Beyond Travel (https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/), about his plans to get to $10M in 5 years. They break down the business and shift thinking from a project-oriented mindset to an approach rooted in financial analysis: What are your gross margins? What does it take to aquire a customer? What is your rebuy rate and LTV? They consider the highest leverage paths to growth. Want to get in the company of other entrepreneurs to help you kickstart your 2025 goals? Submit your application to join Dynamite Circle at https://dynamitecircle.com/ (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Chapters (00:03:08) Business Growth and COVID Impact (00:04:08) Unique Business Model and Market Positioning (00:04:47) Sales Process and Customer Engagement (00:09:04) Revenue Model and Pricing Strategy (00:13:02) Customer Retention and Repeat Business (00:13:55) Expansion Plans and Market Opportunities (00:14:43) Product Development and Cost Analysis (00:14:56) Maximizing Customer Lifetime Value (00:23:08) Strategizing Location Development (00:25:32) Market Potential and Capacity Constraints (00:31:23) Building a Supportive Team (00:32:38) Testing New Product Offerings (00:35:31) Driving Down Product Development Costs (00:37:53) Final Thoughts and Future Directions Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough)

Dan and Ian discuss the importance of three key executive roles—CEO, COO, and CFO—within bootstrapped businesses, emphasizing the need for founders to embrace responsibilities beyond visionary tasks. They share insights from this year's DCBKK and a sneak peek into the upcoming DC Black event in New York. (00:00:22) Welcome and Introduction (00:01:03) The Three Hats of Bootstrapping (00:09:51) Trends from DCBKK Event (00:12:34) The Importance of Financial Planning (00:19:30) LinkedIn as a Top Funnel Tool (00:22:50) Reflections and Future Events Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

This week's episode is for the business finance and idea nerds. We're joined this week in a business breakdown session with Alexej Pikovsky of Alphawellbrands.com. Alexej raised 4MIL to build a CBD marketplace. They were forced to pivot and have currently acquired an Amazon FBA brand and started up a success agency in the process, the combined revenue of both is on track to be over 4MIL this year. We'll dig into the Peter Paul problem– how to choose where to focus your energy when you have multiple businesses? We'll also cover his perspective on what happened in the Amazon aggregator space. How did so much capital implode so quickly? (Thrasio raised 3 Billion dollars and provided exits to many TMBA listeners). Is there room for smaller roll-ups that work in 2024? Takeaways ● ● Transition from a CBD marketplace to an SEO agency and FBA brand. ● The aggregator model faced significant challenges post-COVID. ● Many D2C brands are struggling with profitability and valuation. ● Acquiring the scented candles brand was a strategic move in a declining market. ● The agency provides valuable insights but distracts from brand focus. ● Investor relations are crucial for long-term success and exit strategies. ● The e-commerce landscape is evolving, requiring new strategies for success. ● The agency's role in the overall business strategy is under review. ● Future growth may depend on focusing solely on the brand. Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Selling your product or service requires using words to convey what you offer. But words alone don't convert on-the-fence prospects into paying customers. Great conversion copy is a mix of persuasion, UX, and decision-making psychology. Sound hard? We promise it isn't. Chris, the founder of Conversion Alchemy (https://christophersilvestri.com/), takes us for a deep dive into all things copywriting and how the power of your messaging can impact your business growth, for better or worse. Plus, he shares a simple five-step copy audit process that transforms agency websites into lead generation machines, with principles you can apply to improve your own marketing collateral. Tune in for writing tips, principles, and examples you can copy. Newsletter subscribers (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) will get the 5-step worksheet to help you create your own offer in 30 minutes. Takeaways - Empathizing with the client's problem, understanding your audience's language, and identifying audience awareness levels is crucial for effective messaging. - A clear value proposition resonates with prospects'' goals and increases engagement. - Clarifying what you do and how, backed with empathy, builds trust with potential clients. - Contextual proof enhances credibility and addresses objections, creating a smoother client experience. - Shielding clients from risk reassures them during the decision-making process. - The “coffee table test” helps tailor messaging to the audience. - AI can assist in drafting copy but should not replace personal insights. - Tripwire products can effectively lower barriers to entry for clients. - Analyzing successful agency websites can provide valuable insights. - Dynamic frameworks for copywriting are more effective than rigid formulas. - Leveraging testimonials can significantly boost credibility. Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I've Learned From My Coaching Clients” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/4-eye-opening-lessons) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Dan and Ian talk to 100s of listeners a year via 1:1 coaching. In this episode they distill those calls into 4 breakthrough ideas that can change your quarter for the better. Newsletter subscribers will get our GPS (Goals/Plans/Systems) worksheet. Sign up for the newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Takeaways ● Be sure you pack enough underwear for your next trip abroad. ● Getting aligned on goals is easy, but aligning on plans is hard. ● Hiring should be based on unique business needs, not generic roles. ● Confidence is essential for entrepreneurs, especially in challenging times. ● Discipline in financial management is crucial for sustainable growth. ● Regularly reviewing financials helps maintain business health. ● Accountability in coaching can drive significant progress. ● Sacrifices are often necessary to achieve business goals. ● Effective hiring requires a clear understanding of ROI. ● Facing reality and challenges can build confidence. ● Entrepreneurship allows for a lifestyle designed by personal choice. In honor of traveling to DCBKK this week, here's Dan's original packing list (https://tropicalmba.com/articles/digital-nomad-packing-lis/) from 2010. And an updated list (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/packing) in 2015. Is it time for a new list? Chapters - (00:00:59) Dan's Packing List Ahead of DCBKK - (00:02:28) 4 Breakthroughs From Our Coaching Calls - (00:05:20) The Importance of Goal Alignment - (00:09:54) Hiring for Unique Situations - (00:16:36) Good Confidence vs Bad Confidence - (00:21:03) Discipline in Entrepreneurship Useful links: Access our free business resources (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Dan considers why many of us are resistant to a certain type of business idea even when it's been proved time and time again. He'll also explore that often what stands between your business and positive change is some structured thinking. Lastly, we'll hear from a listener who's working to take his lifestyle brand to $1M and what his plans are to get there. Featured in this episode: Founder Robby McClung of the McClumsy (https://mcclumsy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoovUif485xIc7NQ559s51c7sWaSSF_z4jDBNR4eGd0yub7TWUmA) lifestyle brand. This week's episode brought to you by Smash Digital (https://smashdigital.com/). They'll build you a scalable SEO growth strategy to earn the juiciest high-authority backlinks on earth. No, really. Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “You're Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/everybody-messes-it-up) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months)

Dan paid big money for a business coach who only gave him one piece of advice. Listen to the episode to find out what it was and if it worked. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:22) The Perfect Storm for Entrepreneurs (00:03:41) Introducing the System (00:05:37) Implementing the System in Your Business (00:06:50) Defining Roles and Outcomes (00:09:51) The Hiring Process Revolutionized (00:11:01) Performance Conversations and Team Dynamics (00:12:53) Leveraging the System for Business Growth (00:16:37) Recap and Final Thoughts Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Dan & Ian get real about what it takes to create and maintain a successful business. They'll walk you through their Goals/Plans/Systems (GPS) worksheet that's specifically designed to help you plan for business growth. They use it with their coaching clients on a weekly basis. Newsletter subscribers can download and complete their very own GPS worksheet. Through completing this worksheet, you will: Discover key insights about the state of your business that you probably didn't realize before Define clear goals for your business moving forward Develop a plan based on your historical data and a cadence for tracking your progress regularly Plus: Ian talks about his cool and expensive hobby. We talk about a founder who doesn't take meetings and still has a profitable business. We share some insight on how we managed our business during a crucial operational tipping point. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

“Manager mode is so tempting…” Dan & Ian discuss Paul Graham's most recent essay titled “Founder Mode”, and how lifestyle bootsrappers can harness the power of founder mode to grow their businesses. They'll also address a question they get asked all the time: “But when is my LTV good enough?” How to figure out your LTV to CAC ratio and more in this week's episode. Subscribe to the newsletter to access Dan & Ian's business resources used with their coaching clients. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) This week's episode brought to you by Remote First Recruiting (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/). Hire your next team member in 30 days or less. From the episode: Paul Graham's Founder Mode (https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html). ‘Old Man River' reference from The 5 Approaches for Getting Rich + Budgeting for Wealth (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/5-approaches-getting-wealth) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Many founders think they have an operations problem - delivery, trust, staffing, leadership. But Dan thinks you might actually have a sales & marketing problem. Dan & Ian also talk about becoming better leaders and how to fight against the erge to control your team. Last but not least, Dan shares the invaluable relationship advice he learned from President Barack Obama and reflects on the benefits of owning a lifestyle business when it comes to parenting. Want to work through your current challenges with Dan & Ian? TMBA listeners can apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Apply here. (https://14sd8k3d6c1.typeform.com/to/aX9YfmGH) Get access to Dan & Ian's business resources that they use with their coaching clients when you sign up for the newsletter. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) This week's episode brought to you by Remote First Recruiting (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/). Hire your next team member in 30 days or less. Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: $30K a Month on Upwork in Less Than 2 Years (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/30k-a-month-2-years) $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/100k-mrr-12-months) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

This founder started an Upwork agency less than 2 years ago and is making $30K a month… JUST on Upwork alone. We talk about how to take it to $80K a month and beyond in the next year. In this week's newsletter, we include our ICP exercise. Your next breakthrough in under 30 minutes. TMBA email subscribers can also apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guest is Phil Kuehnen, founder of Rev Gravy (https://hey.revgravy.com/welcome). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:00:35) Current Revenue and Pricing (00:05:11) Financial Goals and Challenges (00:05:32) Strategies for Revenue Growth (00:05:40) Acquiring and Retaining Customers (00:07:11) Key Value Proposition and Benefits (00:07:33) Identifying Obvious Growth Opportunities (00:10:50) Creating a High-Ticket Front-End Offer (00:12:37) Focusing on the Business Model (00:19:33) The Importance of Sales Calls (00:21:12) Building a Machine for Growth Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “1,000 Customers from One Channel” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/1000-customers-one-channel) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

These co-founders want to more than triple their revenue in the next 12 months. Despite stagnation the past few years, they believe they can get there. Dan & Ian dissect their plans to achieve this goal and offer some counterintuitive advice. They cover repackaging a product for a higher cost, focusing on your premium customers, and how to lead a sales call. In this week's newsletter, we include our favorite resources for getting started with sales calls. TMBA email subscribers can also apply to get business coaching from Dan & Ian live on the pod (it's free). Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guests are Elburz Sorkhabi and Colin Gibson, founders of The Interactive & Immersive HQ (https://interactiveimmersive.io/). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction and Overview (00:04:40) Financial Goals and Challenges (00:06:07) Current Revenue and Pricing (00:07:51) Strategies for Revenue Growth (00:10:13) Acquiring and Retaining Customers (00:12:45) Key Value Proposition and Benefits (00:14:36) Identifying Obvious Growth Opportunities (00:16:06) Repositioning the Product for Customer Goals (00:18:32) Repositioning and Repackaging for Revenue Generation (00:24:17) Creating a High-Ticket Front-End Offer (00:34:02) Focusing on the Business Model (00:39:40) The Importance of Sales Calls (00:44:00) Building a Machine for Growth Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/lifestyle-vs-real-business) Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/three-ways-grow-business)

Go from being trapped in the job you've built for yourself to building a wealth-generating machine. Dan & Ian challenge service businesses to determine their LTV to CAC ratio so they can improve their cashflow and run a “real” business that gives them the lifestyle they want. Calculating the LTV to CAC ratio may sound hard (and boring), but it's no harder than solving all those other things you're struggling with in your business. Also, Dan's hot take on the digital nomad ratio and being “relatively” wealthy. Plus, one lucky listener (and email subscriber) will win a free ticket to this year's DCBKK (over $1,000 value) in October. Details on how to enter in this week's newsletter. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:01:00) Free Ticket to Our Next Event (00:04:49) Business Breakdown Series (00:06:50) Understanding the LTV to CAC Ratio (00:08:08) Scaling a Service Business (00:18:33) Lifestyle Business vs Real Business (00:20:40) Easier to Run a Real Business (00:26:00) Understanding Key Metrics (00:29:47) High Fidelity Problem-Solving (00:35:03) The Digital Nomad Ratio (00:36:10) Living Like the Wealthy Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Dan & Ian talk to a listener who's running a SaaS business that within one year got to $8K MRR. The business is full of potential and opportunities, but the risks involved with having all of your customers come from one channel looms heavily in the background. They discuss topics like how to build relationships with customers, increase average cart value, how to grow your business when you're not a sales and marketing expert, and more. Dan & Ian brainstorm ideas about how this founder can future-proof his business while still maintaining his ideal lifestyle. TMBA email subscribers can submit their business to be reviewed with Dan & Ian on the pod. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Today's guest is Pavel Schoffer, founder of Beaver Codes (https://beaver.codes/#:~:text=My%20name%20is%20Pavel%20Schoffer,our%20CTO%20and%20founder%20%E2%80%93%20Pavel.). Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:00:13) Introduction and Background (00:08:23) Building a Successful Lifestyle Business with Beaver Codes (00:09:50) Navigating Platform Risk and Diversification (00:11:04) Expanding the Business: Leveraging the Passionate Customer Base (00:13:34) Reaching Out to Customers and Gathering Insights (00:23:49) Managing Online Reviews and Filtering Options (00:25:50) Automating Review Responses and AI Integration (00:33:59) Balancing Platform Risk and Diversification (00:35:41) Upselling Premium Features to Existing Customers (00:37:39) Identifying Personal Passion and Building Relationships (00:42:02) Recognizing Expertise and Hiring for Growth (00:42:52) Bringing in Talent and Sharing Wisdom (00:44:28) Maximizing Personal and Business Potential Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Dan & Ian talk to a listener who's running a $1M D2C e-commerce business about the challenges and opportunities he faces as he plans for future growth and a potential exit down the road. They discuss topics like decreasing customer acquisition costs, increasing profit margins, the absolutely essential role of a CFO, and not letting your passion for the product get in the way of your growth. At the end of the call, Dan & Ian will recommend key next steps this founder should take in order to scale their business effectively and aggressively. TMBA email subscribers can submit their business to be reviewed with Dan & Ian on the pod. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: (00:00:27) Introduction and Business Overview (00:02:18) Transitioning to D2C E-commerce (00:05:59) Scaling and Future Plans (00:13:11) Becoming a Software Company (00:14:17) Challenges and Future Growth (00:18:06) The Role of a CFO in Financial Management (00:28:28) Developing an Expensive Product for Customers (00:32:48) Improving Profit Margins and Considering Tax Implications Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: “3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

Tackling one of the biggest problems entrepreneurs struggle with: separating their business from their own narrative and looking at it with fresh eyes. This episode will uncover the simple but hard truths to every business and reveal the three (and only three) ways to grow any business. We talk about customer acquisition, order value, retention, risk-free offers, and more. TMBA email subscribers will get access to the platonic business calculator discussed on today's show. Subscribe to the TMBA newsletter. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIa (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan)n or ian@tropicalmba.com Chapters: - (00:00:45) Introduction - (00:02:24) The Platonic Ideal of a Business - (00:04:18) Simplify, Focus, Execute - (00:10:27) The 3 Essential Ways to Grow a Business - (00:12:47) Understanding the Numbers - (00:29:07) Better-Than-Risk-Free Offers - (00:32:53) Conclusion Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs (https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) Coaching for $250K+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-accelerator) Community for 1M+ founders (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Hire remote talent (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) Find a remote job (https://dynamitejobs.com/) Listen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Winning and losing Millions with Nathaniel Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/winning-and-losing-nathaniel-eliason) Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The Secret Weapon to Pricing Power (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/secret-weapon-pricing-power)

We speak to hundreds of entrepreneurs every year through one-on-one coaching and live events. Many of those entrepreneurs have gone on to become very wealthy, and throughout our conversations with those people, we have found some common threads to the ways that wealthy people behave. This was one of our most popular episodes of 2019 so we're bringing it back with updated thoughts. This week, newsletter subscribers will get Dan's personal monthly budget template. Sign up for our newsletter to receive TMBA-exclusive business-building resources weekly. (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Chapters ● (00:02:20) Every Dollar Has a Job ● (00:09:30) Deals. People. Energy. Luck. ● (00:14:42) Strategic Identity Creation ● (00:21:22) Comprehensive Arbitrage ● (00:29:03) Old Man River ● (00:33:15) Shovel Stamper Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA (https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan (https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) or ian@tropicalmba.com (ian@tropicalmba.com) Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Tommy Griffith, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Travis Jamison, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Tynan, Lucy Bella Simkins, Brian Balfour, Nick Huber, Mike Michalowicz, Greg Crabtree, Jordan Gal Additional episodes you might enjoy: Winning and losing Millions with Nathaniel Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/winning-and-losing-nathaniel-eliason) Less Than 5% of Businesses Get to 1MIL+ - A Process to Reach the Goal (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/process-to-reach-goal) The 7 Most Common Money Mistakes for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-money-mistakes)