Tropical MBA: Entrepreneurship & Founder Lifestyle

Dan Andrews; Ian Schoen
Tropical MBA: Entrepreneurship & Founder Lifestyle

With 10M+ downloads and thousands of listener meetups worldwide, the TMBA Podcast is the hub for 7 & 8-figure founders who’ve built life-changing businesses while attaining personal freedom. New episodes every Thursday morning.

  1. 24 OCT

    #778 - Agencies vs. Products + What Happened in the Amazon Aggregator Space?

    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 Connect with other entrepreneurs Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job 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” “You’re Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It?

    53 min
  2. 17 OCT

    #777 Create and Communicate an Offer (That Doesn’t Suck) in 30 Minutes

    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, 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 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 Connect with other entrepreneurs Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job 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” “You’re Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It?

    36 min
  3. 10 OCT

    #776 The 4 Most Eye-Opening Lessons I’ve Learned From My Coaching Clients

    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. 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 from 2010. And an updated list 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 Connect with other entrepreneurs Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job 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 “You’re Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It?

    30 min
  4. 3 OCT

    #775 A Business Idea That Might Actually Work

    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 lifestyle brand. This week’s episode brought to you by Smash Digital. 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 Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job Listen on YouTube Follow us on Instagram 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 “You’re Gonna Mess It Up The Way Everybody Messes It Up” “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers $100K MRR in 12 Months… Can They Do It?

    52 min
  5. 19 SEPT

    #773 6 Keys to a Successful Bootstrapped 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 or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job Listen on YouTube Follow us on Instagram 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 “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do

    36 min
  6. 12 SEPT

    #772 “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers

    “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. This week’s episode brought to you by Remote First Recruiting. Hire your next team member in 30 days or less. From the episode: Paul Graham’s Founder Mode. ‘Old Man River’ reference from The 5 Approaches for Getting Rich + Budgeting for Wealth Connect with us: Dan: @TropicalMBA or dan@tropicalmba.com Ian: @AnythingIan or ian@tropicalmba.com Useful links: Connect with other entrepreneurs Coaching for $250K+ founders Community for 1M+ founders Hire remote talent Find a remote job Listen on YouTube Follow us on Instagram 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 “Lifestyle Business” vs “Real Business” Only 3 Ways to Grow…What Would Plato Do

    29 min

Acerca de

With 10M+ downloads and thousands of listener meetups worldwide, the TMBA Podcast is the hub for 7 & 8-figure founders who’ve built life-changing businesses while attaining personal freedom. New episodes every Thursday morning.

Para escuchar episodios explícitos, inicia sesión.

Mantente al día con este programa

Inicia sesión o regístrate para seguir programas, guardar episodios y enterarte de las últimas novedades.

Elige un país o región

Africa, Oriente Medio e India

Asia-Pacífico

Europa

Latinoamérica y el Caribe

Estados Unidos y Canadá