Author: Nicole Baldinu

Refund requests happen. They’re unavoidable. But how you respond can make all the difference in the success of your business.

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener learn how to turn those refund requests into opportunities — to keep the sale, to keep the customer, or to improve your company’s reputation in the long run. You won’t stop every refund, but you’ll make a positive impact on your customer relationships no matter what.

We’ll discuss the most common reasons customers request refunds, and how to address those reasons so the customer is more likely to change their mind. We’ll also explain what to do when a refund is appropriate, so that it’s not a total loss. Plus, we’ve got tips on preventing customers from wanting refunds in the first place.

Customers need the option of a refund to feel secure in their purchases. But that doesn’t mean every refund is a good idea, or a lost cause. Find out why — Click Play!

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Today’s Sponsors

smartwater

smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart!

Earth Class Mail

Transform the daily piles of mail, checks, invoices, and correspondence into digital documents.  Earth Class Mail office mail automation is the easiest way to set up a physical business address. Earth Class Mail will process paper mail into digital format, and put it on the on cloud for easy access. Get your first month free at earthclassmail.com/mbamonth

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WebinarNinja

So. Little. Time.

It’s every entrepreneur’s curse. But there might be more time than you think — if you know how to manage it properly. We all wish there were more than 24 hours in a day, and we’ve all hit our pillows anxious about what we didn’t accomplish. 

But there is hope. There is time you haven’t been using. And we’ve got 3 ways to find it.

As we like to say, time is not money; it’s way more valuable. Today, we’ll explain the three methods anyone can use to make the most of those precious 24. You can improve productivity for your business, and add more R&R time to your life. You can use one, two, or all three of these tricks to finally have the time you need to succeed. 

We use all 3 methods ourselves. From endless long days at the beginning, we’ve finally found ourselves with some time to enjoy existing while building our businesses. You can too — Click Play!

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Today’s Sponsors

smartwater

smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart!

MailChimp

Ready to grow your business? MailChimp is your all-in-one marketing platform. MailChimp lets you manage more of your marketing from one place, without all the extra tools. Market smarter and grow faster with one tool that helps you create, publish, manage, and measure multi-channel marketing campaigns. Let MailChimp help you market smarter — learn more at mailchimp.com

The business meal: effective relationship builder, or Mad Men throwback?

While the 3-martini lunches of the past may no longer be in vogue, buying someone a meal can be an incredibly good investment. A meal can add a layer of personal connection that’s often missing from today’s mostly virtual business relationships. It can open doors. It can even be the start of a long-term partnership.

Of course, you have to do it right.

Today, we’ll discuss how the modern business lunch or dinner works. From choosing the restaurant to setting your expectations, the casual bite requires thought and planning. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it’s even a little old-fashioned. But it’s a strategy, one with serious business potential. 

With a little forethought, you might be one falafel away from moving your business forward. Click Play!

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Today’s Sponsors

smartwater

smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart!

Onnit

Alpha Brain by Onnit is a clinically studied nootropic that helps healthy adults with memory, focus, and mental speed. Whether it’s a work project, a test, or an athletic event, taking Alpha Brain is like having another gear for your brain. It’s made of Earth-grown, stimulant-free ingredients that you can feel good about. Plus, it’s cheaper than a daily cup of coffee. Alpha Brain is free to try — just pay shipping. Get a two week supply free at onnit.com/100mba now!

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EasyCourse

We usually think of content as something we give away. But should you be getting something in return, besides exposure?

Today, we discuss whether to build the wall — the paywall, that is. Or at the very least, whether you should require an email address or other opt-in to access your premium content. Does it deter people from accessing your content, and possibly being converted? 

Or does a gate have the opposite effect, signifying value and moving visitors closer to becoming customers?

Whether you host a podcast, create videos, or write guides and e-books, a solid gate may be ironic; rather than separating you from your audience, this barrier might actually bring people closer. When someone chooses to exchange something for content, they’ve bought more than access — they’ve bought in. 

Tune in, and decide if some of your content would be more effective if it wasn’t just given away. Click Play!

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Today’s Sponsors

smartwater

smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart!

Kronos

Kronos is workforce innovation that works. Kronos puts HR, payroll, talent, and timekeeping on a single, cloud-based platform specially designed to give HR professionals supporting a blended workforce a whole new
level of confidence. Learn more at kronos.com/hrswagger

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WebinarNinja

Success requires the right tools. For entrepreneurs, tool #1 is usually the laptop. 

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and we’re helping one listener decide which laptop is best for her business. She’s an online coach, so her window to the online world will have a major effect on her business. 

With so many options and so many features available, the mind can boggle at the sheer variety of computers out there. Fortunately, we know a thing or two about online business, and the tech available.

Today, we’ll explain what really matters when it comes to laptops. From screen size to RAM to storage space, your choice has to fit your needs. Whatever your budget, there’s a laptop out there can help you reach your goals. You just have to distinguish it from the other (approximately) billion laptops on the market. 

Tune in, and hear what specs actually make a difference. Plus, we’ll share our favorite laptops at various price points — and don’t worry, these recommendations are sponsorship-free. Click Play!

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Bank of America

Feeling stuck in your job? Bank of America’s Academy for Consumers and Small Business can help. Bank of America can help you start on a long term career path through peer mentoring, immersive programs, and a variety of clear and distinct paths. Take the first step towards your long term career  at careers.bankofamerica.com now!

smartwater

smartwater alkaline has 9+ ph to help keep you hydrated while you’re on the move — whether you’re climbing a mountain, or doing mountain climbers on your mat. If you’re looking for a moment of zen, smartwater antioxidant with added selenium helps you find balance for body and mind. Plus, there’s a new way to order smartwater; just ask “Alexa, order smartwater,” and the rest is taken care of. smartwater – that’s pretty smart!

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Logitech C920 Webcam

WebinarNinja

MacBook Pro

Surface Book 2

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo Yoga

We work from home. Why? More importantly, should you?

Some of the reasons are obvious, like the convenience of having no commute and the money saved on renting a space. But those aren’t the only reasons we’ve chosen to run our entire business — remote team included — from the same building in which we sleep and eat. 

There’s a lot more to it.

We’ve been doing it this way for about 6 years. We’ve also tried the alternatives: coworking spaces, cafes, and even a full-on office. After all our experimenting, we don’t only know that working from home is our best option. We know why it’s our best option.

Today, we’ll discuss how working from home affects our productivity, sanity, and success. We’ll also be clear about what can go wrong with a home office, and why this one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. 

Listen in, and decide where your business should call home. Click Play!

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Today’s Sponsors

M&M’S Hazelnut Spread Chocolate Candies

Work got you bogged down? Treat yourself to new M&M’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies. They’re an instant classic, guaranteed to deliver a delicious combo of hazelnut spread and milk chocolate in every bite-sized piece. Add a little  luxury to your workday — go Hazel-nutty and try the new MM’S Hazelnut Spread chocolate candies today!

Earth Class Mail

Transform the daily piles of mail, checks, invoices, and correspondence into digital documents.  Earth Class Mail office mail automation is the easiest way to set up a physical business address. Earth Class Mail will process paper mail into digital format, and put it on the on cloud for easy access. Get your first month free at earthclassmail.com/mbamonth