The $100 MBA Show: MBA2478 – How To Switch From How to Who & Grow Faster

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Hosts: Omar Zenhom & Co-host

Introduction

In episode MBA2478 of The $100 MBA Show, host Omar Zenhom delves into a transformative mindset shift essential for entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses efficiently. Titled "How To Switch From How to Who & Grow Faster," this episode emphasizes moving from a solitary problem-solving approach ("how") to leveraging the expertise of others ("who") to accelerate business growth.

Understanding the 'How' vs. 'Who' Mindset

Omar begins by highlighting the common scenario many entrepreneurs face in the early stages of their ventures: managing every aspect of the business themselves. This "how" mentality, while useful for learning, can hinder exponential growth.

Omar Zenhom (01:11): "In your first few years in entrepreneurship, you are pretty much doing everything yourself. You're trying to figure out how do."

He explains that persisting in this approach limits scalability and can lead to burnout, as entrepreneurs attempt to master every function without leveraging available resources.

The Power of Shifting to 'Who'

Transitioning to a "who" mindset involves identifying and collaborating with experts who can handle specific tasks more efficiently. This shift allows entrepreneurs to focus on their core strengths and strategic vision.

Omar Zenhom (02:19): "Trying to figure out who can do this for me. Who's the best at solving this particular problem?"

By asking "who can help me with this project?" entrepreneurs tap into specialized skills, leading to higher quality outcomes and faster execution.

Benefits of Embracing the 'Who' Approach

1. Time Efficiency: Delegating tasks to experts significantly reduces the time required to complete projects.

   Omar Zenhom (05:00): "This is going to save you time and get you results faster so that you can get that return on investment faster."

2. Enhanced Quality: Professionals bring a higher level of expertise, ensuring better results compared to DIY efforts.

3. Focus on Core Competencies: Entrepreneurs can concentrate on areas where they excel, driving innovation and business growth.

Strategies to Identify and Engage the Right 'Who'

Omar provides actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs find and connect with the right experts:

1. Networking: Building a robust network of fellow entrepreneurs and professionals is crucial.

   Omar Zenhom (06:03): "This is why it's so important to have a network of friends in entrepreneurship. People that you can ask."

2. Leveraging Existing Connections: Utilize current relationships to gain introductions to potential collaborators.

   Omar Zenhom (06:10): "Who’s doing that for you? Can you give me an introduction?"

3. Utilizing Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram can be effective for reaching out to experts.

   Omar Zenhom (06:41): "Or even just posting it on Twitter or Instagram. Hey, I need some help in this area."

4. Engaging with Your Team: Often, team members possess hidden talents and interests that can be harnessed for various projects.

   Omar Zenhom (10:08): "You might find some hidden talented people that love to do this on the side and would love to have a little fun and do something different at work."

5. Attending Industry Events: Participating in conferences, meetups, and workshops can open doors to new connections and opportunities.

   Omar Zenhom (10:46): "Meet people that would know how to do this? Is there an industry conference? Is there a party I need to be a part of?"

Practical Application: Building a Home Studio

To illustrate the "who" approach, Omar shares his personal experience of setting up a professional home studio. Instead of immersing himself in tutorials and research, he reached out to a friend who connected him with a studio expert. This collaboration not only expedited the setup but also ensured a high-quality outcome.

Omar Zenhom (02:59): "I asked a friend in the business who has a great home studio. I've noticed it in his Zoom calls. I had coffee with him and he said, hey, you should speak to this person."

Overcoming Challenges in Adopting the 'Who' Mindset

While the benefits are clear, Omar acknowledges potential obstacles:

• Financial Costs: Hiring experts may require a higher upfront investment.

  Omar Zenhom (03:57): "It's going to cost you a bit more with the who... to hire an expert to do it for you, to consult, to even coach you through it."

• Building a Network: Entrepreneurs with limited connections may find it challenging to identify the right "who."

Omar encourages proactive efforts in expanding networks and being open to reaching out beyond immediate contacts.

Cultivating the 'Who' Mindset Daily

To reinforce this shift, Omar suggests simple habits:

• Visual Reminders: Placing sticky notes with "Who, not How" near workstations to prompt delegation.

  Omar Zenhom (09:03): "They feel like it's an easy thing to say, hey, yeah, I can help you and do an introduction."

• Team Engagement: Regularly communicating with team members to uncover hidden skills and interests.

  Omar Zenhom (10:26): "You might find some hidden talented people that love to do this on the side and would love to have a little fun and do something different at work."

Conclusion

Omar Zenhom wraps up the episode by reiterating the transformative impact of adopting a "who" mindset. By strategically collaborating with experts, entrepreneurs can streamline operations, enhance quality, and accelerate growth.

Omar Zenhom (11:04): "Building your network so that you can have people to talk to to help you find that who... it's magical."

He encourages listeners to embrace this shift as a pivotal strategy for sustainable and rapid business expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from a "how" to a "who" mindset is crucial for scaling businesses efficiently.
• Leveraging the expertise of others saves time, enhances quality, and allows focus on core strengths.
• Building and nurturing a robust network is essential to identify and collaborate with the right experts.
• Practical strategies include proactive networking, utilizing social media, engaging team members, and attending industry events.
• Adopting daily habits can reinforce the "who" approach, leading to sustained business growth.

For more actionable business lessons and strategies, subscribe to The $100 MBA Show and stay tuned for future episodes.