MBA2654 Q&A Wednesday: Why Do You Rarely Talk About Marketplace Startups?

Think your business is safe because everything feels “fine”? That sense of calm might not be what you think. In this lesson, Omar pulls back the curtain on a silent danger that could be quietly slowing you down—and maybe even putting your growth at risk.This episode doesn’t just name the threat—it arms you with real strategies to fight back. From leveling up your expectations to finding the kind of feedback that actually helps, Omar shares practical steps to keep your business evolving, thriving, and unmistakably ahead of the curve.Feel like you’ve been coasting too long? Hit the play button at the top of this page and dive into the lesson that could shake things up for the better. It’s time to challenge what “fine” really means—and take back your edge.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

This week, Alex sent in a question that hits close to home for a lot of us: how do you deal with negative friends when you’re trying to grow?In this Q&A Wednesday episode, Omar shares real, honest insight into what happens when your personal growth outpaces the people around you. He explains how your environment shapes your outcomes, why distancing yourself from toxic energy is part of the journey, and what to do when friends don’t align with your goals anymore. You’ll get simple, actionable ways to build a support system that actually lifts you up—from shifting your energy to finding new circles that reflect the future you’re working toward.Feeling like it’s time to protect your progress? Tap the play button at the top of this page and hear Omar’s thoughtful advice for handling negativity while staying focused on your personal and business growth.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Feeling swamped by advice that’s all over the place? It’s tough to know what’s actually helpful—and what might lead you off course. If you've ever second-guessed your next move because of someone else's “must-do” tip, you're in good company.In this lesson, Omar dives into why most advice isn’t just unhelpful—it can be flat-out misleading. He shares how to spot the stuff that doesn’t apply to your situation, why it’s crucial to consider who’s giving the advice, and the five key questions to ask before you act on anything. It’s all about building sharper judgment so you can tune out the noise and focus on what really moves the needle.Ready to sharpen your judgment and stop second-guessing every headline or hot take? Hit the play button at the top of this page and dig into this refreshingly honest, takeaway-packed lesson that’ll help you lead with confidence.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Ever feel like you’re one big decision away from a breakthrough—or a facepalm moment? You’re not alone. In this lesson, Omar gets personal and shares the five biggest business mistakes he’s made over the years—and exactly how he bounced back from each one.From chasing passion without checking market demand, to ignoring the metrics that actually move the needle, this episode dives into the real stuff most entrepreneurs learn the hard way. But here’s the upside: Omar also breaks down the practical fixes that helped him turn those tough moments into growth. You’ll walk away knowing how to align what you love with what sells, why growing a team changes the game, and how to spot red flags before they trip you up.Don’t let those avoidable mistakes hold you back—tap the play button at the top of this page and get into this honest, no-fluff lesson that'll help you build smarter from day one.The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben HorowitzDownload the P&L Sheet here: Download LinkWatch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Why aren’t marketplace startups talked about more often as go-to business ideas? Frederick sent in this sharp question for today’s episode, and it’s one Omar was excited to tackle.In this lesson, Omar unpacks why marketplaces can be some of the most challenging business models to get off the ground—especially if you're bootstrapping or going solo. From the common pitfalls founders run into to the real stories behind companies like Udemy, Airbnb, Uber, and eBay, you’ll get an honest look at what makes these businesses tough. More importantly, you’ll hear about practical, alternative business models that are easier to launch and far more likely to lead to early success.Curious why Omar doesn’t hype marketplaces—and what he does recommend instead? Hit the play button at the top of this page and get ready for an eye-opening breakdown that could change how you approach your next big idea.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Thinking of diving into the world of online business, but not sure if your big idea will sink or swim? What if you could spot the business models that are most likely to succeed—before you even get started?In this lesson, Omar lays out the five types of online businesses that consistently deliver results. Backed by real-world experience and solid data, you'll get a clear look at what works, why it works, and how you can use these insights to choose the model that fits you best.Time to stack the odds in your favor—just hit play at the top of this page and jump into today’s lesson. You’re closer than you think to building something that really sticks.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

What would you do if you landed in a brand-new city with nothing but your phone? No website, no product, no audience—just 24 hours to make your first dollar. Think it's impossible? Think again.In this lesson, Omar breaks down exactly how to build and pitch a profitable offer from scratch—fast. You’ll find out how to spot an urgent problem, craft a solution on the fly, and start selling without any fancy tools or tech. It’s a no-fluff, step-by-step approach you can actually follow—even if you’re starting with zero.Curious how it’s done? Tap that play button at the top of this page and get ready to take action—your first sale could be closer than you think.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Scrolling through social media can sometimes leave you feeling like you don’t measure up. Seeing everyone’s highlight reels can make your own business (or life) seem ordinary in comparison—but it’s time to break free from the comparison trap.Sally sent in this question, wondering how to stop comparing herself to everyone else online, and Omar is tackling it head-on. He dives into the reality behind those perfect photos and big wins, sharing practical strategies to shift your focus, boost your confidence, and protect your mindset while growing your business. You’ll learn how to turn envy into research, celebrate your own progress, and curate your online space for positivity and growth.Ready to break free from the cycle and reclaim your motivation? Hit the play button at the top of the page and dive into this lesson—it’s time to focus on your own journey, no filters needed.To submit your questions, visit 100mba.net/q.Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Curious about how to actually get Google Ads to work for your business—without wasting your budget or waiting forever for results? Not sure where to start, or why your current ads aren’t converting? If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by Google Ads, this interview is exactly what you’ve been looking for.In today’s episode, Omar sits down with Google Ads educator Aaron Young—better known as the #1 Google Ads YouTuber—to break down the essentials of running high-performing ad campaigns. You’ll learn the rookie mistakes to avoid, why the “Done With You” approach is perfect for smaller budgets, and how smart strategies like tailored landing pages and clear metrics lead to real conversions.Plus, Aaron shares actionable insights on leveraging YouTube for business growth and how upcoming changes in Google’s AI will shape the future of ads and SEO.Ready to level up your Google Ads game? Hit the play button at the top of this page and soak up the practical insights you need to make your ad spend count.Aaron Young’s free Google Ads Optimization ChecklistWatch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

Feeling stuck and wondering why your business just doesn’t excite you anymore? Questioning why your motivation burnout is quietly holding you and your business back? You’re not alone—every entrepreneur faces those days (or weeks) when the spark just isn’t there.In this lesson, Omar breaks down the real root causes of burnout and explains why it’s not just about working too much—it’s about working without purpose, support, or rest. You’ll discover the three distinct types of burnout, clear ways to overcome each, and practical strategies to reignite your excitement for your business.This lesson is all about getting you back to the work you love! Hit the play button at the top of the page and let Omar guide you through actionable steps to beat burnout and rediscover your passion!Feel Good Productivity by Ali AbdaalWatch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed