Podcast Summary: The $100 MBA Show

Episode Title: Three Businesses You Can Start With No Money Up Front
Host: Omar Zenhom
Date: February 13, 2026

Overview

In this actionable episode of The $100 MBA Show, Omar Zenhom tackles a common entrepreneurial barrier: lack of startup capital. He systematically dismantles the “I don’t have enough money” excuse, outlining three businesses that anyone can launch with zero upfront investment. Drawing on over two decades of business experience, Omar emphasizes practical steps, real-life examples, and a no-fluff approach. This episode is a motivational call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting and start building.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Money Excuse: It's Off the Table (01:13)

• Premise: You don’t need money to start a business—so that excuse is invalid.
• Quote: “If not having enough money is the thing that's stopping you from starting a business, I've got good news and bad news. The good news is you don't need money to start a business. The bad news is the excuse is officially off the table.” – Omar Zenhom (01:13)

2. Business #1: The Event Business (02:15)

• Core Idea: Sell tickets to an event before booking anything; attendees’ money covers your costs.
• Types of Events: Ranges from dinners and networking lunches to casual mixers, go-karting nights, or walks.
• Why It Works:
  • Positive cash flow from day one; removes 90% of the risk.
  • No need for permission, certifications, or upfront costs—just organization skills.
  • Rapidly expands your network and establishes you as a ‘connector’.
  • Immediate market validation—if tickets don’t sell, you pivot.
• Memorable Example:
  • The Crazy Ones Christmas Party—an entrepreneurs-only event at a game venue.
  • Tickets sold before venue deposit; 120% profit margin. All proceeds went to charity.
• Quote:
  • “You're not selling a venue, you're not selling food, you're not even selling the activities. You're selling a complete experience and access to people, really.” – Omar Zenhom (04:29)
  • “You get paid before you spend any money. That's the dream.” (02:22)
• Tips:
  • Start small; the event doesn't need to be huge.
  • Becoming an organizer positions you as an authority.

3. Business #2: Coaching/Knowledge Business (13:36)

• Core Idea: Share your knowledge or experience as a service—even if you’re just a few steps ahead.
• What People Buy: Not information (that’s ubiquitous online), but implementation, clarity, structure, and accountability.
• How to Start:
  • Use free tools: Google Meet for live sessions, Google Drive for sharing recordings.
  • No need for subscriptions or fancy software—just your expertise.
• Immediate Steps:
  1. Choose one problem you can help solve.
  2. Structure a simple offer (e.g., group coaching for 4–12 weeks).
  3. Personally invite or post on social media for clients.
  4. Deliver live sessions, record, and share.
  5. Iterate and improve.
• Why Group Coaching?: Scales your income without scaling your workload.
• Quote:
  • “People don't pay for information anymore...they are paying for implementation, they are paying for clarity. They're paying for structure and accountability. And that's where coaching, I believe, is gonna skyrocket in the coming years.” – Omar Zenhom (15:54)
  • “You don't need to be the world's leading expert. In fact, it's better for you to be just a few steps ahead of your students.” (13:46)

4. Business #3: Service-Based Business (20:13)

• Core Idea: Offer a skill as a service—get paid, with no capital outlay.
• Examples: Website creation, graphic design, video editing, copywriting, party planning, babysitting—anything you can learn or already know.
• How Omar Started: Built websites after learning WordPress through free resources; no formal degree or mentor.
• What You Need:
  • Free website (e.g., via Canva)
  • Free payment processing (e.g., Stripe—only transaction fees)
  • Clear, outcome-based offer
• Progression: Start by selling your time; later, systemize and possibly build an agency.
• Quote:
  • “You sell your time, your skill first, and then later you can systemize it and start delegating it and turn it into something bigger, like an agency. This is how real entrepreneurs get started.” – Omar Zenhom (22:24)

5. The Real Barrier: Taking Action (24:01)

• Initiative Over Perfection: Momentum is more important than money or waiting for “perfect timing.”
• On Fear: Everyone feels scared starting out; acknowledge it and act anyway.
• Quote:
  • “Nothing's gonna change unless you change what you do every day. Stop waiting for funding. Stop waiting for confidence. Stop waiting for perfection, for the timing to be right. Stop waiting for permission. No one's going to give you permission. You need to give yourself permission.” – Omar Zenhom (25:16)
  • “Momentum beats money every time. If you get momentum, you're gonna feel motivated and you're gonna feel proud of yourself.” (26:25)

6. Parting Advice & Call to Action (28:35)

• Start Now: “The perfect time was yesterday...the next perfect time is now.”
• Regret Minimization: Every day you delay, you lose a day of your dream life.
• Recommended Follow-up: Past episode—Why People Turn Against You When You Start to Succeed.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “If not having enough money is the thing that's stopping you from starting a business...the excuse is officially off the table.” (01:13)
• “You get paid before you spend any money. That's the dream.” (02:22)
• “You're not selling a venue, you're not selling food, you're not even selling the activities. You're selling a complete experience and access to people, really.” (04:29)
• “You don't need to be the world's leading expert...it's better for you to be just a few steps ahead of your students.” (13:46)
• “People don't pay for information anymore...they are paying for implementation, they are paying for clarity.” (15:54)
• “You sell your time, your skill first, and then later you can systemize it and start delegating it and turn it into something bigger, like an agency.” (22:24)
• “Momentum beats money every time.” (26:25)
• “Stop stealing your dream life from yourself and start today.” (28:50)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:13 – The “no money” myth debunked
• 02:15 – The Event Business: How and why it works
• 09:50 – Real-life event example and profitability
• 13:36 – Coaching business: Knowledge as a product
• 18:22 – Step-by-step coaching business launch
• 20:13 – Service business: Getting paid for skills
• 22:00 – How Omar started with website services
• 24:01 – Overcoming fear and the importance of momentum
• 28:35 – Final motivation to start now

Episode Tone & Takeaways

Omar delivers this episode with his signature straightforwardness—empathetic yet no-nonsense. He reassures listeners about common fears, debunks myths, and empowers with actionable steps. The episode is filled with encouragement but doesn’t sugarcoat the work required, making it practical, inspiring, and easy to implement.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re considering starting an event, coaching, or service business, Omar Zenhom’s key message is clear: you don’t need money to get started—just the willingness to take the first step and commit. Momentum, not money, builds entrepreneurial success.

Recommended Action: Pick one of these business models and start today—no excuses, no more waiting.