Unpolished MBA

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, hosts discuss the growing threat of AI scams, particularly targeting seniors, and how small business owners need to stay ahead of the curve to avoid falling victim. The conversation goes into emerging age tech solutions, bipartisan efforts in AI education for small businesses, and practical insights into how AI can both help and harm. With real-life examples, practical advice, and the latest policy developments, this episode offers listeners valuable tools to navigate AI risks and opportunities.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:AI Scams and Senior CitizensThe hosts discuss how scammers are using AI tools like voice cloning to target seniors and what families can do to protect their loved ones.Mentioned AI safety techniques: Voice verification codes for families.Age Tech and AI Developments in AtlantaDiscussion of age tech startups in Atlanta, including My Flock, a solution that helps families manage financial decisions for elderly relatives.Link: My Flock. https://www.myflock.io/Bipartisan Policy on AI for Small BusinessesIntroduction to the "Bipartisan Policy Center" and the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act of 2024 aiming to provide AI training resources to small businesses.Link: Bipartisan Policy Center https://bipartisanpolicy.org/Insurance Solutions for EntrepreneursIntroduction to Opolis, a decentralized employment organization (DEO) providing affordable health insurance for freelancers.Link: https://opolis.co/Direct Pay HealthcareDiscussion of direct pay healthcare models that bypass traditional insurance companies. Mentioned in the episode is Michelle Cooke, a physician leading the way in direct pay. LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-cooke-mdNotable Quotes:Monique Mills on AI Risks:“AI isn’t just a tool for productivity; it’s also a tool for fraud if you’re not careful. Small businesses and seniors are especially vulnerable, and it’s up to us to stay vigilant before it’s too late.”Caitlin Ferguson on Navigating AI Solutions:“The knowledge is accessible, but discernment still has to be human. You need to know where AI stops and where your expertise has to step in to make sure it all adds up.”Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website:

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, hosts invite Kacie Lett Gordon to discuss her diverse projects revolving around women-centered media aimed at redefining modern womanhood through storytelling and conversations. She shares her evolution from a corporate VP to founding a media company named 'It All Media' that intersects entertainment, education, and impact, showcasing narratives to reshape societal beliefs and actions. The episode highlights the systemic challenges women face, balancing professional and personal life, and the revolutionary efforts to change perceptions through impactful media. The discussion also touches on the societal shift towards authenticity over polished perfection, and the critical role of supportive communitiesSubmit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics:The power of women trusting themselves and challenging societal normsHow It All Media uses stories and conversations to drive systemic changeThe intersection of entertainment, education, and impactBalancing entrepreneurship with personal life, motherhood, and self-awarenessMemorable Quotes:"Trust women, and women trust yourselves—when we do that at scale, the world begins to trust us.""You can be a mess and still provide value and impact."Follow Kacie Lett Gordon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacielettgordon/Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, hosts discuss chat with Tas Bober, founder of Delphinium, a niche B2B SaaS digital marketing consultancy with focus on perfecting landing pages for B2B SaaS. Tas shares her transition from working in-house marketing to launching her own consulting business. The discussion covers her sales experience, challenges of ethical marketing, the power of niche focus, and how humor plays a role in her work. Tas discusses how to thrive in consulting, balancing work-life priorities, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:Key Topics:Tas’s transition from in-house marketing to running her consultancyChallenges in sales and how that shaped her marketing approachNiche B2B SaaS consulting for landing pages and digital marketing strategyThe value of humor and personality in B2B marketingHow to balance work-life priorities while scaling a businessInsights on influencer marketing and personal brand building on LinkedInCreating value for clients through strategy and ethical salesMemorable Quotes:"You can't shove something down someone's throat just to hit a quota—they have to be ready for it.""Being specific in your niche can make people curious about everything else you're good at."Resources Mentioned:Tas’s LinkedIn Landing Page Resource Hub (available on her LinkedIn profile)Follow Tas Bober on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasbober/Her company: Delphinium Solutions – B2B SaaS consultancy specializing in paid ads and landing pagesBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, hosts welcome Brandeis Marshall, PhD, who shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the pivotal moment that led her to leave a toxic work environment. She discusses how she now helps businesses navigate the ethical and practical challenges of AI and data. Brandeis also previews the upcoming Black Women in Data Summit happening on Sept 14, 2024 and its focus on data ethics and empowerment. Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:Brandeis' transition from academia to entrepreneurshipThe importance of mental and physical well-being when making career shiftsEthical data practices and the implications of AI in businessThe Black Women in Data Summit (Sept 14 2024) – Purpose and significanceNavigating business and leadership challenges with humorMemorable Quotes:"When they ask your opinion but never follow through – that’s when you know it’s time for change.""It’s not about the tech; it’s about how we ethically use the tech."Resources Mentioned:Black Women in Data Summit 2024 – Learn more hereBrandeis Marshall also appeared on UMBA Episode 083 here Follow Brandeis Marshall on LinkedIn---> https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandeis-marshall/Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayThis episode tackles critical questions about generating qualified leads, establishing effective sales strategies, and the importance of having a definitive business plan established by leadership. Additionally, there is an in-depth discussion on methods to find RFP opportunities, especially when you need to quickly development opportunities for revenue. They also discussed the significance of continuously assessing the business environment using the PESTEL framework and other business tips.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Covered:Caitlin’s experience with international NGOs and how that shaped her business journeyThe importance of positioning, vision, and structure in building scalable sales processesSales strategies: cold outreach, networking, and balancing effortsRevenue engines: ensuring predictability and scalability in your business modelHow empathy plays a vital role in business leadership and team performanceReal-world advice for dealing with lean financial times and building sustainable growth strategiesOpportunities for consultants and solopreneurs through RFP platforms like Bonfire and CatalantUsing the PESTEL framework for continuous business risk assessmentSubmit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, hosts discuss the challenges women face in balancing work and family, especially with the increasing return-to-office mandates and how many are turning to entrepreneurship instead of remaining in Corporate environments. They emphasize the importance of recognizing that business success is attainable for everyone, despite feelings of imposter syndrome. The episode also talks about the relevance of blogs in the age of generative AI, the strategic use of content, and the value of well-planned business strategies.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:00:01:48: Discussion on women going solo in business due to family responsibilities and return-to-office mandates.00:04:14: Encouragement for entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by business challenges.00:07:03: Debate on the relevance of blogs and SEO in the age of AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.00:11:55: Strategic use of YouTube and other content distribution channels.00:19:27: Thoughts on newsletters and their effectiveness.00:22:14: Importance of having a clear business strategy and vision.00:28:13: Discussion on product development, feature removal, and the importance of aligning business decisions with strategic goals.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode they discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on social media platforms like Instagram for business marketing, highlighting issues like shadow banning. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging multiple distribution channels, the conversation explores successful strategies, including the use of LinkedIn and professional networking. There is discussion around the evolution of business engagement, with a shift towards in-person interactions post-pandemic, and the need for authenticity in client relations. Strategies for effective pricing, the importance of customer discovery, and successful business models are also discussed, with references to insights from notable figures like Scott Galloway and methodologies such as those proposed by Pia Silva.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:01:09 Leveraging Social Media Platforms01:26 The Shift in Social Media Dynamics01:58 The Value of Authenticity04:48 In-Person Connections Post-Pandemic13:47 The Importance of Pricing Strategy30:33 Customer Discovery and DevelopmentBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.-Running from August 6th to September 19th-Episodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, the discussion revolves around consistent business fundamentals and the evolving approach due to technologies like AI. The conversation covers the importance of an aligned customer success strategy, keeping customer engagement alive, and the perils of constant comparison in relationships and marketing. They discussed self-promotion comfort for founders, overcoming imposter syndrome, effective sales, and the right ways to reach your audience without overloading them. The episode emphasizes the importance of building a recognizable brand and provides practical strategies for using ads to grow visibility and trust. The session wraps up with advice on leveraging digital assets, utilizing social proof, and making meaningful connections through platforms like podcasts.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleKey Topics Discussed:00:36 Aligning Customer Success with Financial Goals01:10 The Importance of Customer Engagement01:26 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Business01:57 Understanding Market Competition03:15 The Concept of Recency in Marketing03:54 Personal Story: The Influence of Recency06:05 Challenges of Self-Promotion for Founders07:47 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome09:15 Effective Marketing Strategies12:27 The Role of Sales in Marketing13:55 Navigating Digital Marketing Channels18:15 The Value of Podcasts and Social Proof19:16 Anonymous Question: Course Sales and Ad Strategies23:10 Leveraging Facebook for Business28:02 The Importance of Digital PresenceBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.Running from August 6th to September 19thEpisodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, the hosts discuss a variety of topics centered around entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by founders. They open with a light-hearted chat about a sarcastic AI bot designed to assist marketing efforts, before delving into the importance of empathy and constructive feedback in business environments. They critically examine the 'broetry' style of motivational posts and its impact on struggling CEOs. The hosts also emphasize the need for proper financial management in growing businesses, the pitfalls of abusive business coaching, and the significance of peer groups and supportive advisors. Practical advice for first-time founders navigating difficult freelance contracts and dealing with unreasonable clients is shared, highlighting the necessity of maintaining a positive and empowering approach in leadership.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleResources Mentioned in the Episode:Snarky CMO - a GPT inside of chatgpt.com (yes, it's free to use!)Recency Bias on previous episode of Unpolished MBA - https://unpolishedmba.captivate.fm/episode/thursday-thoughts-how-recency-bias-effects-brand-perception/Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.comFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ TPM Focus - Strategy Consulting Firm for Startups and SMBs launching NEW PRODUCTS and/or in NEW MARKETS: https://tpmfocus.com/Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.Running from August 6th to September 19thEpisodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, they take listeners on a wild ride through the strange intersection of Zoom’s ever-evolving (and sometimes infuriating) features, the importance of usability testing, and even some unexpected discussions about psychics predicting the future—both in business and beyond. The conversation touches on the complexities of pricing strategies, the challenges of changing business models, and why not all free advice is worth the cost.Key Topics Discussed:The quirks and frustrations of Zoom’s (and other B2B SaaS products)changing interface.The critical importance of usability testing for software.Musings on psychics, their predictions, and the odd overlaps with entrepreneurship.Chris Do and Alex Hormozi’s business strategies, and why positioning matters.The dangers of relying too much on affirmation rather than actionable advice for business owners.The value of paying for expert advice versus scrounging for free resources.Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.Running from August 6th to September 19thEpisodes released every Tuesday and ThursdayIn this episode, they chat with Tato Corcoran, a former Salesforce employee and real estate investor turned entrepreneur, who shares her unconventional journey from corporate luxury to blue-collar business ownership. Tato dives deep into the realities of acquiring a small manufacturing business, dealing with cash flow crises, and navigating the psychological shift from a corporate job to owning a hands-on business. They discuss the pros and cons of "buying a glorified job," and how Tato’s action-first mentality has been both a blessing and a curse in her entrepreneurial endeavors.Key Topics Discussed:The differences between corporate life and blue-collar entrepreneurship.The psychological and financial challenges of acquiring a business.Real-world tips on managing cash flow in a small business.The importance of taking action, even if it means learning from mistakes.How to adapt and lead authentically in a new industry.Resources Mentioned:Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz https://a.co/d/ieU1uL6Acquiring Minds PodcastDirect Mail strategies for business growth.FOLLOW GUEST TATO CORCORAN at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatocorcoran/Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.comFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

"Hustle & Humor" is a special Summer 2024 series under the Unpolished MBA ® podcast, hosted by seasoned Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson. We dive into the realities of running a business with candid conversations, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of humor.This series is only running from August 6th to September 19th 2024.Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday.In this episode, strategies for maximizing LinkedIn engagement using simple language and explore the intricacies of effective team meetings. Caitlin shares her accidental viral post experience and the power of 4th-grade level writing on LinkedIn. We also discuss the significance of structured meetings, the value of IDEO's resources for teams, Catalyst Cards for brainstorming, and the importance of humor in the workplace.Submit your business questions at unpolishedmba.com/hustle and we'll answer them in an upcoming episode.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.comFollow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Guest Co-Host : Caitlin FergusonFounder of CEOF Consulting - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/

In this episode, Monique Mills and guest co-host, Caitlin Ferguson, introduce their new podcast series, Hustle and Humor, which will provide listeners with a mix of real talk, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. They discuss the importance of aligning business efforts for financial goals, the realities of startup life, the significance of effective communication in teams, the intricacies of setting and managing OKRs in early-stage companies and offers insights into operational strategies.Hustle and Humor Series:Running from August 6th to September 19thEpisodes released every Tuesday and Thursday01:59 Startup Challenges and Lessons12:25 Hustle Hotline - Real Questions, Real AnswersWe also shared details on: Promotion and Marketing Strategies, Community and Networking Insights, and more!Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustleResources Mentioned in the Episode1. Crystal KnowsDescription: Crystal Knows is a tool that provides insights into personality profiles based on DISC assessment to help with communication and understanding in professional settings. It offers personalized advice on how to interact with team members, clients, and others based on their personality traits.URL: Crystal Knows2. DISC Personality AssessmentDescription: DISC is a behavior assessment tool that centers on four different personality traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. It helps individuals and teams understand their own and others' behavior, improving communication and collaboration.URL: DISC Personality Assessment3. Situational Leadership ModelDescription: The Situational Leadership Model is a framework for leaders to adapt their style to the performance readiness of their followers. It emphasizes flexibility in leadership based on the situation and the development level of team members.URL: Situational LeadershipAlso https://www.ceofconsulting.com/post/situational-leadership-fractional-coo-adapting-your-style-for-team-success4. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)Description: OKRs are a goal-setting framework used to define and track objectives and their outcomes. The main components are Objectives, which define what you want to achieve, and Key Results, which measure how you achieve those objectives.URL: OKRsOKRs and KPIs - https://www.ceofconsulting.com/post/the-real-deal-with-okrs-and-kpis-essential-metrics-for-founders-fractional-coo5. RACI Chart (Responsibility Assignment...

In this episode we dive into the intriguing world of laundromats with expert Mark Csordos. Mark, the author of the bestselling book "Laundromat Bible," discusses the reasons behind choosing laundromats, the impact of location, and the shift from cash to credit card operations. He also covers crucial aspects like customer service, common mistakes new owners make, and effective marketing strategies. Whether you're considering a laundromat venture or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights.02:01 Why Choose Laundromats?02:40 Location and Marketing Strategies04:11 Financial Considerations and Due Diligence13:31 Customer Service and Technology in Laundromats18:10 Common Mistakes and Advice for New Owners21:10 Reasons for Selling and Marketing Tactics23:47 Resources and Final ThoughtsUpcoming series alert--->Send your questions in for Unpolished MBA® "Hustle And Humor" Series starting Aug 6, 2024. Go to unpolishedmba.com/hustleFollow Mark CsordosMark Csordos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcsordos/Resources Mentioned: Coin Laundry Association - https://www.coinlaundry.org/Mark Csordos Website - https://www.markcsordos.com/"Laundromat Bible" by Mark Csordos on Amazon - https://a.co/d/4LitOg5Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Megan Bowen, CEO of Refine Labs, joined us to discuss innovative marketing strategies. Megan, a recognized figure in the marketing industry with a 17-year career in B2B SaaS companies, shares insights on common marketing leadership mistakes under pressure for revenue targets, the necessity of organizational alignment, and the importance of high-quality lead acquisition. The conversation touches on organic social strategies, collaborative forecasting for realistic goal setting, and the utilization of data for improved marketing decisions. The episode is filled with practical advice for business owners, marketing leaders, and those looking to optimize their company’s growth strategies within budget constraints.00:38 Discussion on Marketing Pressures01:39 Common Mistakes While Marketing Under Pressure04:37 Understanding Lead Gen vs. Demand Gen10:22 Transitioning from Lead Gen to Demand Gen18:50 Balancing Growth with Budget Constraints22:03 The Importance of Effective Ad Creative27:35 Collaborative Revenue ForecastingBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Upcoming series alert--->Send your questions in for Unpolished MBA® "Hustle And Humor" Series starting Aug 6, 2024. Go to unpolishedmba.com/hustleFollow Megan BowenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganwhitebowen/Company: Refine Labs https://www.refinelabs.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Welcome back to season nine of the Unpolished MBA®. After a six-week hiatus filled with new developments, the podcast returns with a lineup of remarkable entrepreneurs and CEOs sharing unfiltered business insights. The first guest is Scott Leese, a talented advisor to numerous SaaS companies. The episode covers transitioning to entrepreneurship, SaaS sales, navigating online scams, and the role of AI in business. Additionally, we introduce a new series this season called 'Hustle and Humor' being hosted by Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson, focusing on the entrepreneurial journey's highs and lows. For this series, listeners can submit their business challenges anonymously by going to unpolishedmba.com/hustle and we'll provide advice on an upcoming episode.Episodes will now be released twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.01:53 Exciting News: New Series coming 'Hustle and Humor'02:35 Get Involved: Submit Your Business Challenges07:16 Journey to Full-Time Entrepreneurship12:12 The Importance of Brand Building15:06 Bad Pieces of Advice Many People Get15:46 Debunking Common Startup Myths20:32 The Importance of Ideal Customer Profiles21:13 Navigating the World of Social Media Scams24:49 The Birth of Thursday Night Sales30:20 The Concept of Surfing Sales38:28 Introducing Personal BotsBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Upcoming series alert--->Send your questions in for Unpolished MBA® "Hustle And Humor" Series starting Aug 6, 2024. Go to unpolishedmba.com/hustleFollow Scott LeeseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleese/His Company - Scott Leese Consulting: https://scottleeseconsulting.comResources Mentioned:Scott Bot - grw.aiSurf and Sales in Costa Rica - https://www.surfandsales.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this special BONUS episode of the Unpolished MBA podcast, we welcome Igor Belagorudsky, founder and CTO of Fast CTO, who shares his insights on the pitfalls and scams tech startups face when working with development shops. He highlights common scam tactics, and provides actionable advice for founders looking to hire developers or CTOs. This episode serves as a valuable resource for tech startup founders, especially those new to the industry.00:57 Challenges Faced by Startups and Development Shops04:35 The Mission of Fast CTO07:07 Common Scams in Development Shops16:20 Types of Engagements with Development Shops23:44 Finding the Right CTO for Your Startup28:58 Mentorship and Community Involvement37:43 Conclusion and Contact InformationBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Igor BelagorudskyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igorbelagorudsky/His Company is FastCTO https://www.fastcto.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Episode HighlightsIn this episode Monique speaks on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing significance in various business sectors, particularly in tech. With AI becoming a mainstream tool, she discusses the multitude of applications of AI in businesses and how it leverages data for efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Guest, Dr. K, a data-driven growth consultant and business coach, shares her insights on leveraging data and AI transformation for businesses. Dr. K highlights the importance of understanding and preparing businesses for AI's future impact, advising on data management and the vital role of AI in decision-making processes. The conversation also explores Dr. K’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, emphasizing her passion for teaching and helping businesses harness the power of their data through workshops and consulting.Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Dr. Kruti LedenbauerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kruti-lehenbauer/Her Company is Analytics TX: https://analyticstx.com/Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/ Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode the discussion centers on the changing dynamics in the world of business, especially focusing on how services that were previously offered for free are now transitioning to paid models. It highlights how unexpected charges for services that were once free can alienate users and customers. Monique talks about the importance of distinguishing between users and customers, the impact of shifting business models on customer loyalty, and offers advice to businesses considering moving from a freemium to a paid model. The episode stresses the need for transparency, reasonable pricing, and ensuring added value when introducing paid features to previously free services.01:11 Understanding Users vs. Customers03:28 The Evite Experience: A Case Study08:45 The Impact of Changing Business Models13:55 Advice for Entrepreneurs on Freemium to Paid Transitions20:22 Closing Thoughts and Words of WisdomBecome an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com Follow Monique MillsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/