School for Startups Minutes

The short vignettes are taken from School for Startups Radio. We release a quick thought to motivate or educate you about a different facet of entrepreneurship every day.

SFS Minute 753: Small Experiments 07/21/2025

SFS Minute 753: Small Experiments Use small experiments to test your different messages. Use A/B testing to try different variations of your copy, your price, your imagery. All of those things can be tested using Google Analytics and other tools. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37474650

SFS Minute 752: Talk Directly to Potential Customers 07/20/2025

SFS Minute 752: Talk Directly to Potential Customers One of the ways to do free or very cheap market research is to talk directly to your potential customers. You can do that by going to trade shows. There’s a trade show for every industry, and just walking up to people and asking if you can ask them a few questions — they will probably help you. Or you should have a list of your potential customers. Call one of them and say, “If I developed a tool that did this and this and this, would you be interested?” Get their feedback — it's worth gold. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37474640

SFS Minute 751: Conduct Surveys and Polls 07/20/2025

SFS Minute 751: Conduct Surveys and Polls One of the inexpensive tools that we can use to do market research is to conduct surveys and polls. Again, that sounds like it could be really expensive, but luckily, there are many free platforms that allow us to create short, simple, focused surveys that we can post on Facebook, in different groups, and put them in forums or on Reddit — another good place to post to get the data that you need. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37474615

SFS Minute 750: Analyze Your Competitors 07/20/2025

SFS Minute 750: Analyze Your Competitors Part of any market analysis will be a detailed analysis of your competitors, and luckily, so much of that can be done for free by studying their websites and their reviews. The customer feedback that they get will give you incredible insight into how their products are being received and how the customers think of them. Also, use Moz - it's a free SEO tool that will help you find out what keywords are working for your competitors. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37474575

SFS Minute 749: Free Online Tools 07/20/2025

SFS Minute 749: Free Online Tools We all know that market research is absolutely critical, but when you're just getting started, you usually don't have a budget for it. So, this week we are talking about how to do market research on a budget. I'll give my first tip right after this. When you are doing market research on a budget, we are very lucky because there are many free online tools and resources. Google Trends will help analyze your product based on keywords that people use on Google. It will tell you how popular your product or service is. Statista will provide incredible market stats for you. So, if you need to know the size of a particular industry or a particular company, that's a place to go. Pew Research is another great place for market and demographic data. Lots of free tools out there. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37474540

SFS Minute 748: Adjust the Experience Continuously 07/13/2025

SFS Minute 748: Adjust the Experience Continuously Now that we have talked to our customers and gathered their feedback, we need to make the adjustments that will make them happy. Whether it's rearranging our store, redesigning our website, adjusting our prices, or training our team to better serve customers—whatever it is, we have to do it. The importance of this process lies in learning, continually iterating, and making your company and its processes better. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37388655

SFS Minute 747: Collect Feedback in Natural Ways 07/13/2025

SFS Minute 747: Collect Feedback in Natural Ways After you have studied the customer profile, you need to collect feedback from them in normal ways—things that won’t freak them out. Offer them discount cards or talk to them casually and ask simple, natural questions, like “Why did you come back?” or “Would you recommend the store?” Also, be sure to monitor word of mouth and all social media platforms, and respond to everything you see online—especially negative complaints. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37388640

SFS Minute 746: Observe and Analyze In-Person & Offline Behavior 07/13/2025

SFS Minute 746: Observe and Analyze In-Person & Offline Behavior Once you have the customer profiles or avatars, you need to observe each group and learn their differences—both online and offline. Watch how they shop: do they linger, do research, compare costs, and evaluate different options and prices? Do they buy things in bundles? If they always buy A, does that mean they’re likely to buy B and C as well? If you learn these things, you can sell more. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37388635

SFS Minute 745: Build Real-Life Customer Profiles 07/13/2025

SFS Minute 745: Build Real-Life Customer Profiles The second step to understanding your customer journey is to build real-life customer profiles—or avatars. Start by talking to real buyers in your store, at events, or even by calling them on the phone. Ask why they chose your store and your product. Find out their common traits: lifestyle, shopping habits, budget, and values. Are they all eco-conscious? Is that the buying pattern of everyone? It's important that you know this, and that you understand the motivators. What makes them buy emotionally? Are they buying for comfort or beauty? These things are critical. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37388620

SFS Minute 744: Define the Stages 07/13/2025

SFS Minute 744: Define the Stages I hope you're having a great week, and I think understanding your customer’s journey will make it a better week because you will sell more. That's right. You need to know the path—the process that your customer goes through—and you should design that path so that it is a pleasant one. This week, I will talk about the five steps for understanding your customer’s journey better. Today, in the beginning, we need to define the stages of the journey. There are three: awareness—how do customers find out about you? Is it from a trade show, word of mouth, or advertising? Second, what considerations and influences finalize their decision? Is it the packaging, the reputation, or, unfortunately, the price? And finally, you—what makes them buy? What makes them come back? If you can define these three stages, your customer will buy. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37388595

SFS Minute 743: Kill Hobbies 07/07/2025

SFS Minute 743: Kill Hobbies Your hobby — that thing you do to relax, maybe just watching TV in the evening — is going to have to be put to the side. You're going to need to invest many hours in this new business. So, whatever you usually do to relax will have to go away. Your new joy is starting the business, and that’s what should occupy your free time and mind space. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37304030

SFS Minute 742: Set a Goal 07/07/2025

SFS Minute 742: Set a Goal Set a clear sales goal for when you will quit your job. That's right — we get to talk about actually leaving that job. But when? When you have a hundred thousand in sales, or when you can afford to buy your own independent health insurance? You need to have a clearly defined goal so you know what the end looks like. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37304020

SFS Minute 741: Change jobs 07/07/2025

SFS Minute 741: Change jobs As you prepare to start your new business, you may consider changing your job so that you have more free time. Can you take a lesser job for less salary, but work at home so you have free time to start your business—keeping your health insurance and some income? Maybe that's the route. Consider having an inferior job so that you have more time to start your business. It keeps the health insurance and a little bit of income coming in. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37304015

SFS Minute 740: Boss as Partner 07/07/2025

SFS Minute 740: Boss as Partner When you start a new business, one of your first and most unexpected partners might be your current boss. I know that sounds crazy—but hear me out. If possible, go to your boss and say, “I’m starting a business, and I’d like to adjust my hours. Can I work from 7:00 to 3:00 so I can handle my FedEx and UPS shipments in the afternoon?” You’d be surprised—many bosses will respect your initiative and be willing to support you. That’s the kind of partner you need: someone who believes in your drive and helps you create space to succeed. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37303995

SFS Minute 739: Define Buckets 07/07/2025

SFS Minute 739: Define Buckets This week, we're talking about reducing your risk. I want you to do everything you can to minimize risk so that starting a business becomes an absolute no-brainer. We'll walk through several ways to do that—so when you launch your business, you'll have transitioned gradually from your day job. Keep your current job so you maintain your insurance, and begin building your business on the side. When you start your side business, it’s important to set clear working hours—so both you and your family know when you're on the clock and when you're not. You need to divide your time into three clear buckets: your job, your new business, and your family. Each one deserves dedicated, well-defined time. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37303980

SFS Minute 738: Multi-Generational Businesses 06/30/2025

SFS Minute 738: Multi-Generational Businesses What makes America great is its multi-generational businesses. Second- and third-generation businesses earn my trust. If I see a plumber who’s been around for 50, 60, or even 70 years, I’m going to hire that company—I trust them more. Multi-generational business is a true American innovation. Yes, it existed in other countries before, but it didn’t become a cornerstone of the economy until the American system embraced and supported it. It’s one of the things that makes America unique. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37216175

SFS Minute 737: In Charge! 06/30/2025

SFS Minute 737: In Charge! Some of us don't work well with others. Some of us need to have our own business to be happy — and that’s one of the great things about American entrepreneurship: you get to be in charge. Wear what you want, work when you want, commute where you want. That freedom makes millions of people happy. If you don’t work well with others, consider becoming an entrepreneur. You might be a lot happier. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37216155

SFS Minute 736: No sexism, Ageism, Racism 06/30/2025

SFS Minute 736: No sexism, Ageism, Racism American small businesses are fighting racism, sexism, ageism — all of the “-isms.” When I buy a product, I don’t care about the personal details of the seller. I care about price, service, and quality. Entrepreneurship is one of the great equalizers. Small businesses make the American Dream accessible to all, regardless of race or any other label. The best way to create equality in America is through entrepreneurship. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37216145

SFS Minute 735: Providing Jobs 06/30/2025

SFS Minute 735: Providing Jobs According to the U.S. Department of Labor, small businesses contributed 55% of total net job creation in the past decade. There are currently 33 million small businesses in the United States, making up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. These businesses employ 62 million people, representing 45% of the entire workforce. Small business is America. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37216130

SFS Minute 734: Make the World a Better Place 06/30/2025

SFS Minute 734: Make the World a Better Place It’s so common these days to focus on what’s wrong with America — and yes, there are things to fix. But this week, I want to celebrate why America is the greatest country on Earth, and especially why it’s the best place to be an entrepreneur. The passion of small business owners makes both our country and the world a better place. So many entrepreneurs are driven not just by profit, but by a desire to make a meaningful impact. My first business helped kids become happy and confident. Many of them went home with their very first real friend. Because of that business, thousands of kids experienced joy — and the world became a little better. That’s what small business does. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37216120

SFS Minute 729: Lead Magnet 06/20/2025

SFS Minute 729: Lead Magnet The things you need to do to start a new business and this week we are focusing on a marketing project that you need to start. Surprisingly soon. I believe email marketing is one of the most effective strategies available. These are people who have visited your website and made the decision to follow what you're doing — which means they’re already interested and engaged. As a result, this group typically has a high retention rate and a strong likelihood of making a purchase. To take advantage of this, we need to start capturing email addresses. The best way to do that is by offering something of value in return — what's commonly known as a lead magnet. This could be a white paper, an eBook, or another useful resource that encourages visitors to subscribe. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37093235

SFS Minute 733: Value 06/20/2025

SFS Minute 733: Value Step five is to create an email system that delivers consistent value. Aim to send a fresh email every week (or so) filled with insights, helpful information, tips, and tricks. The key here is to build trust — don’t ask for a sale right away. Instead, focus on delivering value at least six or seven times before making a pitch. This approach builds credibility and increases the likelihood of conversions when the time is right. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37093200

SFS Minute 732: Promote 06/20/2025

SFS Minute 732: Promote Step four is to actively promote your email list, your website, and your lead magnet — the free gift you created. You want to promote it as widely as possible and give away as many lead magnets as you can. The more you give away, the more email addresses you’ll capture — and that means more potential customers for your business. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37093130

SFS Minute 731: System 06/20/2025

SFS Minute 731: System Step three is capturing the email addresses. Once someone submits their information, you’ll need an email marketing platform such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or MailerLite. These tools serve as a repository — a database where all captured emails are stored. Later on, they allow you to market directly to your audience through targeted email campaigns. And as I mentioned earlier, email marketing is likely the most effective strategy you can use — so start collecting those addresses now. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37093095

SFS Minute 730: Landing Page 06/20/2025

SFS Minute 730: Landing Page Step two is to build a landing page on your website where new visitors can learn about the benefits of signing up and sharing their email address. While the lead magnet is the immediate incentive, this step is crucial because it begins the relationship — setting the stage for effective marketing down the line. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37093080

SFS Minute 728: Get help! 06/16/2025

SFS Minute 728: Get help! One of the most common mistakes I see is failing to ask for help — and I don’t mean financial aid. I mean mentorship. There are so many organizations actively seeking mentees — people to train. There are also individuals who are excellent at mentoring and are actively advertising for new clients — entrepreneurs to guide and support. But the average entrepreneur is often too arrogant, too egotistical, or too afraid to ask. Don’t make that mistake. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37025810

SFS Minute 727: Ignoring Marketing 06/16/2025

SFS Minute 727: Ignoring Marketing When an entrepreneur is starting out and finally finds success with marketing, whatever channel brought that success often becomes their favorite. They become obsessed with it — overly in love with it. So, if their first success comes from Google Ads, they tend to forget about all the other options and focus only on Google Ads. That’s a huge mistake. You must use all marketing channels: word of mouth, online content, Google Ads, social media — all of it. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37025790

SFS Minute 726: Underpricing 06/16/2025

SFS Minute 726: Underpricing One common mistake that entrepreneurs make is in their pricing. You’re probably thinking they charge too much — but no, the exact opposite is usually true. Most entrepreneurs charge too little in the beginning. They don’t value their own goods and services enough. They try to fight for business by thinking a low price will win customers. In fact, I believe a higher price signals greater appreciation for quality. It says, “I am the best there is.” Charge a high price — and you’ll often get away with it. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37025730

SFS Minute 725: Serving too Many 06/16/2025

SFS Minute 725: Serving too Many Here's something to be careful of — a suggestion to avoid: Trying to serve everyone. As I said, you can’t do that. No matter what your product is, you have to find a niche. Even if it’s ice cream — and I assume 95% of the world loves ice cream — you still need a niche. Are you offering extra-fat, low-fat, homemade, or restaurant-quality? Whatever it is, you need to choose a specific angle, because no matter what you do, you can’t serve everyone. Not every group will be your audience. /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37025665

SFS Minute 724: Cash Flow 06/16/2025

SFS Minute 724: Cash Flow This year, we’re diving into every aspect of entrepreneurship, aiming to cover every single topic. And this week, we're talking about five mistakes that you should — or can — avoid. I hope you do avoid them during your first year in business. I’ll give you the first one right now: One of the most common mistakes is poor cash flow management. You can go bankrupt and run out of money, even if you're profitable on all your deals. It all comes down to managing the timing of your inputs and outputs. When do you have to pay rent? When will the income arrive? A client may be very happy, but still take three to six months to pay. Can you afford to go three months without income and still make rent? /episode/index/show/163694bd-abb8-4ee1-93da-cd2e799dc13a/id/37025620

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