The $100 MBA Show - Episode MBA2634: The Easiest Business To Start

Host: Omar Zenhom
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Description: Awarded Best of Apple Podcasts, The $100 MBA Show delivers practical business lessons for the real world. These no-fluff episodes are packed with only the pure business-building training you want. Omar Zenhom shares lessons, strategies, and insights from over 20 years of entrepreneurship, offering actionable advice on everything from validating your idea to scaling your business with minimal resources.

Introduction

In Episode MBA2634, titled "The Easiest Business To Start," host Omar Zenhom delves into the most accessible and practical business models for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from his extensive experience in building and scaling service-based businesses, Omar provides a comprehensive guide on why and how to launch a service-oriented venture efficiently and profitably.

Why a Service-Based Business is the Easiest to Start

Low Risk and Low Startup Costs

Omar emphasizes that service-based businesses present significantly lower risks compared to other business models such as e-commerce, dropshipping, crypto trading, or print-on-demand. The primary advantage lies in the minimal startup costs—“there's a lot lower risk with service based businesses because there's a low startup cost. You don't need inventory, you don't need tech, you don't need ads. You just need a skill and time” (00:50).

Quick Revenue Generation

One of the standout benefits is the ability to generate revenue swiftly. Unlike product-based businesses that may require extensive setup and inventory management, service-based businesses can land clients quickly. Omar points out, “You can land a client this week and no need to build an audience first or anything like that. You're going to get paid immediately” (02:10).

High Margins and Market Validation

Service-based ventures typically enjoy high profit margins, especially when starting solo. Omar notes, “It's high margin, especially if you're starting out solo just by yourself. Basically you're just trading your time for money at the start in order for you to earn exponentially” (02:30). Additionally, these businesses provide immediate market validation, allowing entrepreneurs to understand what customers truly want by directly serving them.

Educational Value

Beyond financial incentives, service-based businesses offer immense educational value. They hone entrepreneurial instincts and provide deep insights into customer needs and market dynamics. “It’s educational. It sharpens your business instincts. You get to learn a lot about your customers by serving them” (03:20).

Steps to Start a Service-Based Business

Omar outlines a clear, step-by-step approach to launching a service-based business quickly and effectively:

1. Pick a Service You Can Deliver

   “Just throw perfection out the window. No six month certification needed. Can you do something now for somebody that needs that service?” (04:00)
   Identify a skill you possess or can acquire swiftly, such as website building, video editing, email writing, ad management, or bookkeeping.

2. Package It into a Simple Offer

   “Don't sell your time. Sell an outcome.” (07:30)
   Create standardized packages that deliver specific results. For example, offering a four-page WordPress website for a fixed price ensures clarity and value for clients.

3. Get Your First Three Clients with Zero Ads

   “Business is a contact sport. The more contacts you make, the more chances of success.” (09:00)
   Utilize direct outreach by contacting at least 50 people within your network. Engage with potential clients through value-driven content and offer free audits or consultations to build trust and secure initial clients.

4. Ask for Referrals Strategically

   “Ask them who do you know that would benefit from my service...” (10:00)
   Instead of vague referrals, request specific introductions to individuals who can directly benefit from your services, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing new clients.

Scaling Your Service-Based Business

To transition from a solo entrepreneur to a scalable business, Omar recommends the following strategies:

1. Productize Your Service

   “Turn your service into a repeatable standardized package. Stop reinventing the wheel.” (11:00)
   Develop templates and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and efficiency in service delivery.

2. Delegate and Outsource

   “Delegate, delegate, delegate, delegate.” (12:15)
   Outsource low-value tasks to virtual assistants or specialists, allowing you to focus on high-impact activities that drive revenue. Omar suggests prioritizing the delegation of tasks that don’t directly contribute to income generation.

3. Raise Your Prices and Fire Bad Clients

   “Raise your rates with every new client... Replace clients that drain your time and energy with those who bring fulfillment and are willing to pay higher prices.” (13:45)
   Implement a "Velvet Rope" policy, ensuring that your client base comprises those who value your services and are prepared to pay for quality outcomes.

4. Build Systems for Sustainability

   “Build boundaries. Build a business that you're proud of, but one that you are looking forward to working in.” (14:30)
   Design your business operations to be sustainable, preventing burnout and ensuring long-term success.

Host’s Personal Experience and Final Advice

Omar shares his journey from a teacher to a full-time entrepreneur, highlighting the pivotal role his first service-based business played in his success. By starting with building WordPress websites, he was able to validate his business model, refine his skills, and establish a steady revenue stream without significant upfront investment.

“If I had to start from scratch today, I'd start with a service based business. Again, it's the fastest way to revenue and to skill development... your skills as an entrepreneur.” (16:00)

For those feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Omar offers parting advice:

“If you are broke, if you are stuck, if you are tired of overthinking, start by offering a service. Help someone solve a problem they already know they have. Start with something simple, deliver it well, do what you say you're going to do, get paid and then build the systems you need to scale it, raise your prices, buy back your time and then watch it grow.” (16:45)

Conclusion

Episode MBA2634 of The $100 MBA Show provides a thorough and actionable blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs to kickstart a service-based business. Omar Zenhom's insights underscore the advantages of low-risk, high-margin ventures that offer rapid revenue streams and invaluable market insights. By following his step-by-step guidance on launching and scaling a service-based business, listeners are equipped to build sustainable and profitable enterprises with minimal initial investment.

For more resources and coaching, consider subscribing to Omar's "Three Things" newsletter, which offers weekly tips to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.

Notable Quotes:

• “Don't sell your time. Sell an outcome.” — Omar Zenhom (07:30)
• “Business is a contact sport. The more contacts you make, the more chances of success.” — Omar Zenhom (09:00)
• “Delegate, delegate, delegate, delegate.” — Omar Zenhom (12:15)
• “If I had to start from scratch today, I'd start with a service based business.” — Omar Zenhom (16:00)

Note: The timestamps are approximations based on the transcript provided.