Is it possible to bootstrap a high-level business if you’re broke? Listen to Dan & Ian’s take on what kinds of businesses are best to start when you’re starting with basically nothing. Also, what the hell does a visionary do? Dan suggests that the best visionaries have integrator tendencies. They’ll consider how Kevin Kelly’s “100 True Fans” can lead to sustainable revenue through a concept called “The Death of the Follower”. Lastly, Dan pitches a business idea that requires zero startup cost, 3 days a week of effort, and could easily net you $250K. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [Our book: Before the Exit](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:39) Introduction and companies over title’ing ● (00:04:00) Starting a Bootstrap Business When You're Broke ● (00:08:29) The Role of Visionaries in Company Success ● (00:14:55) The Death of the Follower & Engaging with Social Media Algorithms ● (00:19:54) The Future of Search: AI and Personalization Links: - [Nick Huber Twitter](https://twitter.com/sweatystartup?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) - [Kevin Kelley - Article - A Thousand True Fans](https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/) - [The Death of the Follower](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zUndMfMInc) 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: [What is the Most Simple OS for

The hard part shouldn’t be how to implement an OS in your organization. The hard part is answering the question: Are the right people in the right roles at your company? In this episode, Dan and Ian share their own OS that’s extremely simple. It’s called GPS. They’ll explain how GPS helps you put a plan in place to meet your goals, and deliver on that plan. That’s it. Also, hiring for specific tasks, the impact of remote work on hiring, and more. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [Our book: Before the Exit](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:41) Introduction and 'Meaty Shorts' Format ● (00:06:48) Hiring for Specific Tasks in a Business ● (00:15:55) Minimum Viable EOS (GPS) Implementation ● (00:16:27) Implementing the EOS System: The GPS Framework ● (00:18:54) Using Scorecards for Clarity and Accountability ● (00:25:06) The Importance of Regular Check-ins and Standing Meetings Links: - [Dan Martell - Who to Hire Next](https://www.danmartell.com/who-to-hire-next/) - [The EOS Business Model ](https://www.eosworldwide.com/eos-model) - [Scorecard template (G doc)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vJdgiTXIrtnGJB-ywe4goraLyQhp3oHMOCeKHbBOuAY/edit?usp=sharing) 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: [Do Things That Don’t Scale](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/things-dont-scale) [Three Phases to 1 Million in Revenue](https://tropicalmba.squarespace.com/config/) [Quiet Crypto, The Demand Question, and Difficult Decisions ft. Jordan Gal](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/quiet-crypto-difficult-decisions)

In this episode, Ian and Dan discuss the concept of doing things that don't scale, inspired by Paul Graham's influential article 'Do Things That Don't Scale.' They explore the idea of taking risks and gambling in entrepreneurship, and how it relates to increasing one's locus of control. The conversation covers various strategies for founders, including recruiting users manually, building something fragile, delighting users, focusing on experience, and niche marketing. In this conversation, Ian and Dan discuss Paul Graham's article 'Do Things That Don't Scale' and explore the principal themes and takeaways. They cover topics such as the idea of scaling, fabricating products yourself, consulting and acting as an anchor client, going manual and doing unscalable laborious tasks, the illusion of big launches and partnerships, vectors vs. scalars (ideas and execution), and the temptation to gamble and the importance of locus of control. [Our book: Before the Exit](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:47) Introduction and Waking Up Early ● (00:01:58) The Concept of Taking Risks and Gambling ● (00:03:52) Introduction to Paul Graham and Y Combinator ● (00:05:37) The Importance of Doing Things That Don't Scale ● (00:10:00) Recruiting Users Manually ● (00:12:48) Building Something Fragile ● (00:20:48) Niche Marketing ● (00:23:02) The Facebook and the Idea of Scaling ● (00:24:53) Consulting and Acting as an Anchor Client ● (00:27:17) Going Manual and Doing Unscalable Laborious Tasks ● (00:30:08) The Illusion of Big Launches and Partnerships ● (00:34:54) Vectors vs. Scalars: Ideas and Execution ● (00:38:36) The Temptation to Gamble and the Importance of Locus of Control Links: - [Paul Graham’s Article “Do Things That Don’t Scale”](https://paulgraham.com/ds.html) - [Lao Tzu - Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/laozi/) 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: [Three Phases to 1 Million in Revenue](https://tropicalmba.squarespace.com/config/) [Quiet Crypto, The Demand Question, and Difficult Decisions ft. Jordan Gal](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/quiet-crypto-difficult-decisions) [“3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone)

Dan and Ian discuss the different phases of bootstrapping a business and the common challenges that arise at each stage. They walk through three phases: “The Mindset” (zero to $250k); “The Scalability Factor” ($250k to 1 million); and “The Enterprise” ($1 million +) to explore everything from adjusting the offer to the marketplace and developing a strong customer base to making a rule that the founder should be responsible for growth up to $5M. They also explore the crucial role that team composition plays in the professionalization of the company. Finally, they discuss the decision between maximizing profitability and scaling the business. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [Our book: Before the Exit](https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs/dp/1980628823/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E5PMCCM0TDZ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GnIb36rltn6NgcjHBCs8zg.waeKvE3zKoAbCt6Adoo5o5vv7M4PDyOj9pMXE7dM82A&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+the+exit+dan+andrews&qid=1711510466&s=books&sprefix=before+the+exit+dan+andrews%2Cstripbooks%2C101&sr=1-1) [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters ● (00:00:43) Introduction and Era Change ● (00:04:28) Mindset for Early Stage Bootstrapping ● (00:08:35) Running a Shit Ton of Experiments ● (00:19:34) Customer Development and Adjusting the Offer ● (00:23:37) Founder's Responsibility for Growth ● (00:24:28) Founder's Role in Growth Until $5 Million ● (00:25:29) Following Strategies That Work for the Majority ● (00:26:41) Celebrating the Achievement of $1 Million in Revenue ● (00:29:18) Transitioning from $1 Million to $5 Million ● (00:34:07) The Importance of Team Composition ● (00:34:22) Shifting Focus to Managing a Team ● (00:39:19) Maximizing Profitability vs. Scaling Links: - [Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree](https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Numbers-Straight-Talk-Profits/dp/1608320561) - [Exploitative Play in Live Poker](https://www.amazon.com/Exploitative-Play-Live-Poker-Manipulate/dp/1909457922) 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: [Quiet Crypto, The Demand Question, and Difficult Decisions ft. Jordan Gal](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/quiet-crypto-difficult-decisions) [“3 Million in Revenue is a Death Zone" - Financial Strategy with Greg Crabtree](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/3-million-death-zone) [A Podcast About Shiny Object Syndrome](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome)

Dan talks to Jordan Gal, founder of Rally and co-host of the Bootsrapped Web podcast about challenges in the ecommerce space, product-market fit and demand, partnerships and veto power, the quietness of crypto, risking other people’s money, and more… There’s one thing that founders tend to really struggle with when it comes to growing their business and that’s getting the right team in place. Listen as Jordan shows Dan how and why he fires unfit team members. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters - (00:04:22) News Update - (00:05:58) From Player to Coach - (00:06:50) Jack Welch - (00:12:10) Bootstrapping vs Raising Money - (00:15:52) Product-Market Fit and Adjustments - (00:18:57) Partnerships and Veto Power - (00:20:42) Deciding When to Pivot - (00:36:27) Firing and Personnel Decisions - (00:43:30) The Quietness of Crypto - (00:48:05) Challenges in E-commerce - (00:57:30) Impact of Having a Family Links: - [Bootsrapped Web podcast](https://bootstrappedweb.com/) - [Jordan on Twitter](https://twitter.com/JordanGal) - [Rally ](https://rallyon.com/) - [Winning](https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Jack-Welch/dp/0060753943/ref=asc_df_0060753943/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312243616995&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11970474335439880872&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007527&hvtargid=pla-450103671560&psc=1&mcid=a2b7a51b49653a50bccb79bc40fad30e&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAdfAqSQ363qg9bY5hlyYGlv0cq2jEW-yDnybdlYnB8VXaJLA1SiDbBoCpEAQAvD_BwE) 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: [A Shopify Software Business Success Story (Jordan Gal)](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/jordan-gal-carthook-shopify) [How Transparent Should You Be? Thoughts on Queen Bee Roles & a Ticket Giveaway](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/transparent-queen-bee-role) [A Podcast About Shiny Object Syndrome](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome)

Dan & Ian talk to John Doherty, the founder of Editor Ninja, former owner of Credo, and cohost of the Working Sessions podcast about three major trends he’s seeing in the agency space that could impact your strategy and profitability for the year and beyond. John talks about the challenges of running a full-service agency, a shift towards specialization in productized services, the need for outsourced strategic layers, focusing on profitability, and more. Stick around for the guys to reveal six productized-service business ideas. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters - (00:02:04) News with Dan & Ian - (00:05:20) Introducing John Doherty - (00:06:46) Starting Credo and EditorNinja - (00:09:30) Trends in the Agency Space - (00:11:27) Building a Strategic Program - (00:28:10) Focus on Profitability - (00:30:40) Importance of Work Quality - (00:31:55) Categories for Business Opportunities - (00:32:42) Software Quality Assurance as a Service - (00:35:57) TikTok Titan: Leveraging TikTok for Business - (00:38:54) SAAAS: Systems Automation as a Service - (00:40:28) Managed VA Service for Social Media - (00:43:57) Fractional Business Strategist - (00:45:23) Financial Dashboard as a Service - (00:50:44) Workbooks for Business Metrics Links: - [Find John on Twitter](https://twitter.com/dohertyjf?lang=en) - [EditorNinja](https://editorninja.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 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) [How Transparent Should You Be? Thoughts on Queen Bee Roles & a Ticket Giveaway](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/transparent-queen-bee-role) [A Podcast About Shiny Object Syndrome](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome)

Transitioning through the death zone requires careful execution and a focus on profitability. The $3 million dollar mark is a critical milestone for businesses, and many struggle to push through it. In this episode, Dan talks to Greg Crabtree, author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! about how founders can push through the death zone (otherwise known as the messy middle) and grow their profit far beyond that $3M mark. Some of the common mistakes made by founders include not understanding profit truth, not investing in finance and accounting, and not effectively managing labor efficiency. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Chapters - (00:00:39) Introduction and the Death Zone - (00:05:26) The Impact of Paying a Market-Based Wage - (00:06:53) Behavioral Economics and Profit Truth - (00:10:34) The Definition of a Fully Capitalized Business - (00:12:39) Transitioning through the Death Zone - (00:13:16) The Three Steps to Business Success - (00:15:04) Remaining Profitable in the Death Zone - (00:15:50) Different Capital Profiles and Cashflow - (00:16:53) The Emotional Challenge of Spending in the Death Zone - (00:19:52) The Executional Problem of Growth - (00:20:27) Getting Through the Black Hole - (00:21:51) The $3 Million Mark - (00:23:15) The Worth of Going Through the Zone - (00:26:22) Managing a Marketing Agency Past $5 Million - (00:31:16) Common Mistakes Made by Founders - (00:33:25) Understanding Profit Truth - (00:40:23) Investing in Finance and Accounting Links: -[ Apply to win a free ticket to DC Mexico!](https://forms.gle/WwhhV1Qax4axKuj67) - [Simple Numbers, Straight Talk. Big Profits!](https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Numbers-Straight-Talk-Profits/dp/1608320561/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=simple+numbers&qid=1629149662&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVlo4RVBLT0FMUFhTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDkwMjA5MTJKMTgxTFhRUVlETCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk1ODE0MTRWWldFWFhTNlBDUiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=) 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: [How Transparent Should You Be? Thoughts on Queen Bee Roles & a Ticket Giveaway](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/transparent-queen-bee-role) [A Podcast About Shiny Object Syndrome](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) [Spotting Taboo Business Ideas Through the Overton Window](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/building-business-ideas)

This week Dan & Ian share a few thought experiments you can do to improve your business and reach your next breakthrough. They cover the value of a writing-first culture, the Queen Bee Role & how transparent should you be with your team? Plus, a ticket giveaway to one qualified founder. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:41) Intro - (00:01:33) Business-changing events for founders - (00:10:54) Writing is more important than you think - (00:14:57) Writing culture vs meeting culture - (00:20:49) The Queen Bee Role exercise - (00:32:37) Thoughts about sharing revenue with team members Links: - [Apply to win a free ticket to DC Mexico!](https://forms.gle/WwhhV1Qax4axKuj67) - [Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz](https://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Revised-Expanded-Design-Business/dp/059353817X/ref=asc_df_059353817X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564832755269&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14688969837843805374&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007527&hvtargid=pla-1458241186746&psc=1&mcid=fac3caaaf3b230ca867fab0bb153b2c4) 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: [The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) [A Podcast About Shiny Object Syndrome](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) [Spotting Taboo Business Ideas Through the Overton Window](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/building-business-ideas)

Going deeper on shiny object syndrome, Dan & Ian open the mailbag to read responses to last week’s episode. A listener shares his success story with shiny object syndrome, revealing how he pursues his entrepreneurial impulses without growing crazy. The listener emphasizes the value of muscle memory when it comes to going from zero to one successfully. Dan & Ian will also discuss how to use societal and scene shifts to gain traction on an idea and even build a successful business out of an idea that might seem a little stupid (to everyone else) at the time. Plus, we’re looking for our next TMBA team member! If you love reading and writing about business topics and think working alongside Dan & Ian might seem like fun (or a little stupid!), let's talk. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:54) Intro - (00:01:13) If you love reading and writing about business, come work with us at the TMBA. - (00:09:17) The two most popular roles that bootstrapped companies are hiring for right now and how much they're paying. - (00:14:55) How founders get derailed by the Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect - (00:19:50) Why even your heroes’ businesses are shit shows - (00:20:33) How one listener channels his shiny object syndrome to grow his million-dollar business - (00:26:27) What founders often regret about selling their business - (00:30:30) Identifying societal disruptions can be a way for bootstrappers to be disruptive and successful - (00:30:42) What Mark Manson, Patt Flynn, and Muhammad Ali have in common - (00:39:54) Having a strong perspective could be what you’re missing Links: [Sign up for a DC Black Q&A virtual meeting (open to all) ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiQICoIOs5q_Ut6__qzlSN2dwxEDHrN_AfHufjP9zr2Czkiw/viewform) [Join us in Playa del Carmen, Mexico this May](https://dynamitecircle.com/event-collection/dcmexico-2024) [The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) [Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Working-Backwards-Insights-Stories-Secrets/dp/B088MFRK1H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MXQBAQIK8D5G&keywords=working+backwards&qid=1707870869&s=books&sprefix=working+backwards%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1) [The score takes care of itself (Bill Walsh)](https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy/dp/1591843472) [You can have two Big Things, but not three](https://longform.asmartbear.com/two-big-things/) 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

Dan & Ian delve into the complexities of combating shiny object syndrome, a challenge that plagues all entrepreneurs at one time or another (or all the time). They’ll talk about six strategies for tackling “the syndrome” and how to harness your skill of going zero-to-one to grow your business to the next level. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes: - (00:00:33) Intro - (00:03:05) How to connect with other founders by the beach (come to DC Mexico in May) - (00:11:08) DC Black is now accepting new members year-round - (00:17:54) Can shiny object syndrome be cured? Or am I doomed? - (00:20:31) Why entrepreneurs are great at the 0 to 1, and how to apply that skill set towards the next phase of your goals - (00:26:27) Six approaches to solving and harnessing your shiny object syndrome Links: [Sign up for a DC Black Q&A virtual meeting (open to all) ](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiQICoIOs5q_Ut6__qzlSN2dwxEDHrN_AfHufjP9zr2Czkiw/viewform) [Join us in Playa del Carmen, Mexico this May](https://dynamitecircle.com/event-collection/dcmexico-2024) [The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Acquisition](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi) [Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Working-Backwards-Insights-Stories-Secrets/dp/B088MFRK1H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MXQBAQIK8D5G&keywords=working+backwards&qid=1707870869&s=books&sprefix=working+backwards%2Cstripbooks%2C105&sr=1-1) [The score takes care of itself (Bill Walsh)](https://www.amazon.com/Score-Takes-Care-Itself-Philosophy/dp/1591843472) [You can have two Big Things, but not three](https://longform.asmartbear.com/two-big-things/) 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

In this episode Dan uncovers what he is referring to as The Ultimate TMBA Business: a productized service business based on a skill set. Tom Kent started his business based on a very specific skill set of his: he was good at getting jobs. Now Tom is the founder and CEO of Career Nerds, a 7-figure productized coaching service that helps military academy grads land high paying jobs. Tom shares how he went from one client five years ago to over 200 clients paying for an $8K+ product and why he refuses to launch into other verticals just quite yet. Tom understands the power of “niching til it hurts” if you want to grow a successful business. All the while living in Prague, managing his US team, and traveling as he pleases throughout the year. It doesn’t get more TMBA than that. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - Intro - Links: - [Career Nerds](https://careernerds.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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan, Mike Michalowicz, Vince Nguyen Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

Vince Nguyen joins Dan to share how he resurrected his agency from semi-retirement and in the first month resumed making 5+ figures per client. He runs his agency solo and shares some of his biggest hacks for success. Vince essentially delivers a masterclass in running a successful solo-agency as well as how to improve Facebook Ads for your business (hint: it’s pretty simple!). But first, Dan & Ian have some fun catching up about some big company news and how to operate on a profit-first system from day one and why that’s actually critical for scale. They also talk about two trending ways for finding and connecting with customers that are leading to more sales, that you can implement as early as today. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:45) Intro - (00:03:16) Profit first and financial modeling for businesses - (00:07:53) Scaling your business with financial rigor - (00:14:05) Hiring a full-time producer for the Tropical MBA podcast - (00:15:33) The new DC Black coaches - (00:19:10) Masterminds, business growth, and clarity of goals - (00:25:46) Sold out an event in under an hour using WhatsApp - (00:27:04) Why aren’t more businesses talking to their clients on WhatsApp? - (00:32:32) Outsourcing SDRs in LatAm is what SEO was 10 years ago - (00:49:04) Why more isn’t better when it comes to your agency’s skillset - (01:02:58) How to get premium clients for your agency - (01:20:55) Advice for running profitable Facebook Ads from an expert Links: - [Profit First](https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/B0C9NPP4ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WPFNGE0FG2LI&keywords=profit+first&qid=1706649874&sprefix=profit+firs%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1) - [Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!](https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Numbers-Straight-Talk-Profits/dp/1608320561/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=simple+numbers&qid=1629149662&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVlo4RVBLT0FMUFhTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDkwMjA5MTJKMTgxTFhRUVlETCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk1ODE0MTRWWldFWFhTNlBDUiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=) - [Hire an SDR in LatAm](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/hire-sdr-in-latin-america) - [Growth Ninja](https://www.growthninja.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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan, Mike Michalowicz, Vince Nguyen Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

Dan interviews business author and entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz, delving into the transformative concepts from Mike's books — "Profit First," "The Pumpkin Plan," Clockwork", and more. They explore the power of prioritizing profit and why most small businesses are often “crushed” by the owner. Mike discusses his concept of the Queen Bee Role and advocates for specialization to scale effectively. Stick around as Mike reveals the three horsemen that keep businesses right on the brink of success, often never finding breakthrough. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:49) Intro - (00:07:10) Take profit first and hide it from the business to force it to run within expenses - (00:13:35) Profit First case study: What happened to the Savannah Bananas - (00:17:44) The most important function in a business is the one that supports the brand promise - (00:23:53) Owners try to be the “superhero” instead of stepping back and building structure - (00:29:33) A minority of customers represent the majority of profitability - (00:30:20) Focus on becoming a specialist in your market - (00:35:50) Each stage of growth requres different levels of management and leadership - (00:38:03) Over-selling can lead to organizational death - (00:41:50) Three common causes of businesses not achieving success Links: - [More about Mike](https://mikemichalowicz.com/) - [Profit First](https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/B0C9NPP4ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BYR120EW2QLF&keywords=profit+first&qid=1706071513&sprefix=profit+%2Caps%2C472&sr=8-1) - [The Pumpkin Plan](https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Plan-Strategy-Remarkable-Business/dp/B082FQGMWZ/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2RDBYOP0537OA&keywords=fix+this+next+book&qid=1706071549&s=audible&sprefix=fix+this+next+%2Caudible%2C186&sr=1-8) - [Clockwork](https://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Revised-Expanded-Design-Business/dp/B0B2B7WLXV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VNLTUEXR628Z&keywords=clockwork&qid=1706071594&s=audible&sprefix=clockwork%2Caudible%2C150&sr=1-1) - [Fix This Next](https://www.amazon.com/Fix-This-Next-Mike-Michalowicz-audiobook/dp/B082LLS1L9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W2UD3LBA2VTD&keywords=fix+this+next&qid=1706071649&s=audible&sprefix=fix+this+next%2Caudible%2C5262&sr=1-1) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan, Mike Michalowicz Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

“Noah’s new book, Million Dollar Weekend, has so many nuggets for aspiring and mature entrepreneurs alike. Specifically, if you’re launching a new product, starting a new business, or you want to keep things simple for your team, you’ll find tangible guidance in this book.” - Dan In this episode, TMBA host Dan Andrews sits down with Noah Kagan to talk about operating an 8-figure company at scale, something Noah does every day as the CEO of AppSumo. Noah dives into specific processes around leadership, managing team members, setting achievable goals, making room for creativity, personal growth habits, and a whole lot more. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:33) Intro - (00:02:47) Setting goals and managing expectations for a successful business. - (00:07:43) Setting and achieving business goals with room for experimentation. - (00:08:51) Tracking progress on goals and regularly reviewing progress to avoid anxiety and stay motivated - (00:13:46) The importance of personal inputs relative to the company's top priorities, with each leader in the company having their own top three priorities to focus on. - (00:15:02) Everybody can see everybody’s scorecards - (00:17:34) Leadership means setting clear priorities and empowering others to choose their own destinations. - (00:20:09) Motivating employees through optimism, rather than demotivating them with criticism. - (00:22:03) The importance of consistency in personal and professional settings - (00:25:15) Monthly leadership survey to gather feedback and improve as a leader, with a focus on providing solutions rather than complaining. - (00:28:31) Core operational documents and processes needed to run a business - (00:30:11) Find your own “AppSumo” way Links: [Million Dollar Weekend](https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Weekend-Surprisingly-7-Figure/dp/B0C6YF9YJX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SX1TWA2A1MA1&keywords=million+dollar+weekend+noah+kagan&qid=1705448385&sprefix=million+dollar%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1) 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Business Basics: Revenue Durability, “Small” Goals, & High-Leverage Meetings](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/revenue-durability-meetings) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

Today Dan & Ian challenge you to consider: How durable is your revenue? They’ll explore the concepts of profit now vs profit later, investing profits to build durability, network effects, marginal profitability calculation, and more. But first, in some lighter conversation, Dan argues that setting smaller goals and reconfiguring your team meetings can lead to higher productivity and higher yield in your business. Plus, the 6 principles to a high-leverage meeting learned from running millionaire masterminds. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:43) Intro - (00:02:15) A strategy for higher productivity and higher yield in 2024 - (00:03:29) Focus on three things: Who, what, and when. - (00:04:15) Make your meetings so good you could sell them - (00:10:08) 6 principles we learned from running millionaire masterminds - (00:11:34) Common blind spots for founders - (00:13:34) “I don’t know how to set goals” - (00:15:26) Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely - (00:24:59) Are boring businesses as durable as they seem? - (00:25:54) Investing profits to build durability & adapt fast - (00:29:45) Profit now vs profit later Links: - [Jean-Baptiste Say](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Say) - [The Bezos 6-page meeting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e47wAgIhZ7o) - [Bill Gurly’s article](https://abovethecrowd.com/2011/05/24/all-revenue-is-not-created-equal-the-keys-to-the-10x-revenue-club/) - [7 Powers](https://www.amazon.com/7-Powers-Foundations-Business-Strategy/dp/0998116319) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan. Additional episodes you might enjoy: [How to Have Your Best Year $$$Wise Ever](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/have-your-best-year) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

This week, Dan reveals a strategic approach to decision-making intervals for achieving top-line revenue and personal income goals. Join him as he explores how this decision-making cadence serves as a compass in navigating the challenging 'messy middle' of entrepreneurship. What’s the messy middle? You’ve found some type of product-market fit, customers are buying, and you've set revenue and profit goals. Yet, you lack an exit strategy, millions in your bank account, and an executive team running your company. In this episode, Dan invites you into his end-of-year meeting with co-founder Ian Schoen, unveiling the inner workings of their quarterly reviews. Discover the three key questions they always address and learn how this framework can guide you out of the messy middle, ensuring this is your best year money-wise ever. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:01:16) 14 years of the Tropical MBA - (00:01:38) Setting and achieving business goals in the messy middle - (00:05:01) The framework for 90-day quarterly reviews - (00:07:30) Does your business make financial sense? - (00:11:36) Do you have the right people in the right chairs? - (00:21:55) Are you performing well in the business? - (00:24:08) How to focus on the one thing you’re best at Links: - [Public Quarterly Review Framework](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nV-AaMBqn7o88WnYVkjPk8Xvr_Ouq8mxNyppNGQtDM/edit?usp=sharing) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan. Additional episodes you might enjoy: [An 8-figure exit and revisiting the 1,000-day principle](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/1000-day-principle) [Non-Obvious Ways to Grow Your Business + Favorite Moments of 2023](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/favorite-moments-of-2023) [End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming)

Can you make a life-changing decision based on assumptions that you pulled off the internet? This question and many others are answered in today’s fascinating interview with two of Dan’s mentors and longtime friends, Carrie & Dave McKeegan. They recently exited one of their businesses (they’re still running the other!) for 8-figures and they share the details of their process from deciding to sell, preparing for the sale, vetting acquirers, and what happens after. Hear how they spun up another business on the side and are maintaining the cash flow from that as they sit on the cash pile from the sale. But perhaps their biggest accomplishment of them all is raising three thoughtful, curious kids while running their two incredible businesses and living all over the world in places like Bali, Costa Rica, Spain, and more. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - (00:00:42) Intro - (00:03:03) Revisiting the 1,000 day principle and questioning the 3,000 day principle - (00:03:52) Career milestones in entrepreneurship - (00:09:18) Maintaining pricing power in a productized service - (00:10:24) Setting financial goals and getting real with personal expenses - (00:16:36) Retirement planning with financial planners - (00:19:05) Selling a business: approach to sales process - (00:21:48) Selling a business: acquisition process and unexpected offer - (00:28:59) Selling a business: legal and financial aspects - (00:34:46) Selling a business: emotions and negotiation process - (00:37:10) Scaling a new business and selling a golden egg - (00:44:05) Parenting, wealth, and financial priorities - (00:46:06) Raising entrepreneurial children Links: - [DC Mexico tickets](https://dynamitecircle.com/event-collection/dcmexico-2024) - [Greenback Tax Service](https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/?utm_agid=50399785149&device=c&placement=&utm_source=google-ads&utm_campaign=&utm_term=greenback%20tax&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=5600283327&hsa_cam=1037640375&hsa_grp=50399785149&hsa_ad=383750717455&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-350021491337&hsa_kw=greenback%20tax&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAvoqsBhB9EiwA9XTWGX3yjEL3T5cUl3IWqbREs2F6GPX-Q2ek3cnxzSZyxgq_zloZahFq0RoClgMQAvD_BwE) - [Cleer.tax](https://www.cleer.tax/) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter, Carrie & Dave McKeegan. Additional episodes you might enjoy: [#733 End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/end-of-year-brainstorming) [#618 Exploring Alternative Education Options for Nomadic Families](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/carrie-mckeegan-alternative-education) [#565 The Origins of the 1,000 Day Principle](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/david-mckeegan-1000-day)

As 2023 comes to a close, Dan & Ian reflect on how their business did in 2023 and share some of their favorite moments from the year. They’ll also talk about what makes a compelling offer, the “non-obvious ways” to grow your business in 2024, and why you should dream bigger than the numbers when goal setting. But first, Dan shares the top business books and podcast episodes that inspired him this year just in time for your holiday travels. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: The Newsletter “The DC” DC Black Global events Hire remote talent Find a remote job Listen on YouTube Follow on Instagram @TropicalMBA @AnythingIan Show Notes: - Intro - Dan’s favorite business books in 2023 - The podcast episodes that inspired business decisions this year - Gift list for entrepreneurs - An undervalued business-improving idea that anyone can do - Why did our tweet go viral? Our search for speakers and facilitators is turning into quite the contest - Our new product and how you can copy it - 2023 business updates - Favorite moments from the year Links: - DC Mexico tickets - DC Black Facilitator position - DC conversation cards 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 Additional episodes you might enjoy: End-of-Year Brainstorming, Goal-Setting, and a Mexico Meltdown What is the Michael Jordan of Business Models? Insights from DCBKK 2023: The UI vs API of a Location, How Bootstrappers Are Getting Wealthy, 2024 Business Strategy, and More

Dan & Ian offer up some end-of-year thought experiments for founders, including how to re-visualize your business, capitalize on strategy, and ensure that you are in the right role in your business. Most founders assume they are the “executive” in the business, but more often than not, their daily behaviors are that of a director or manager. Understanding where you sit in your organization can make a huge difference in your ability to scale. Plus, explore the business diagnostic: what would a PE firm do with your business? A helpful exercise to get you thinking objectively about the decisions that need to be made in your business. Lastly, the guys relive the Mexico Meltdown, otherwise known as the DC Mexico launch. Tune in to hear what went down. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - 0:00:52 Intro - 0:01:22 We’re hiring mastermind facilitators - 0:02:20 DC Mexico meltdown - 0:08:10 What would a PE firm do with your business? - 0:15:32 Using org charts to change your business - 0:26:47 New trends and a business idea - 0:30:13 3-year goal setting for year-end Links: - [DC Mexico tickets](https://dynamitecircle.com/event-collection/dcmexico-2024) - [DC Black Facilitator position](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g3xhYYZ2TaqK0FnTkM8fCFQ7XfqLUeY-waKQAChlYso/edit) - [Personal budget spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Li7LuETq2k8tfXSC9WrB-xTwtm_YOkxZOFBOT-bk8CM/edit#gid=1403848959) - [Lighted par 3 golf courses are the future](https://twitter.com/DoerflerJared/status/1734275376984052205?s=03) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Can Org Charts Be Sexy? + NYC Drinking Stories](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4j1RqZGwG2YjJS98sTajDK?si=0a14af6b700c487b) [What is the Michael Jordan of Business Models?](https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hFJQOO1u8bLaGhgYoYcuh?si=c84515d1ce834f02) [Dissecting the American Dream & Business Lessons from the Elon Musk Bio](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RXLdCW0pxKFdrjfWU32PT?si=8fb1984eba354acd)

Dan & Ian unravel the complexities of job titles and organizational frustrations post-DC Black event, offering solutions through org chart brainstorming, a new business idea, and how much you should be investing into networking strategies based on your income. Plus, see what UI and API score they give NYC after spending the weekend there. Dan & Ian’s Stuff: [The Newsletter](https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) [“The DC”](https://dynamitecircle.com/join-dc/) [DC Black](https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) [Global events](https://dynamitecircle.com/events) [Hire remote talent](https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) [Find a remote job](https://dynamitejobs.com/) [Listen on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialTropicalMBA) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) [@TropicalMBA](https://twitter.com/TropicalMBA) [@AnythingIan](https://twitter.com/AnythingIan) Show Notes - 0:00:59 Intro - 0:08:05 UI & API score for NYC - 0:11:01 The danger of inaccurate titles for employees - 0:18:55 How to use org charts as a brainstorming tool - 0:25:47 New business idea: Be the money person - 0:28:46 How much $$ to invest in your network - 0:37:21 Meet us in Mexico in May Links: - [Get your tickets to DC MEXICO 2024](http://dynamitecircle.com/news-and-blog/dc-mexico-2024) - [Jeremy Giffon on Invest Like the Best](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Vdv5i250hF6EfzOTML9RE) 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, Dana Lindahl, Anthony Fasano, Adam Palmeter Additional episodes you might enjoy: [Insights from DCBKK 2023: The UI vs API of a Location, How Bootstrappers Are Getting Wealthy, 2024 Business Strategy, and More](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dcbkk-2023) [The Freedom Line, 7+ Figure Founders, and Extended DCBKK Recap](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dcbkk-recap-2023) [What is the Michael Jordan of Business Models?](https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/michael-jordan-business-model)