Unpolished MBA

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Key Topics Discussed:

AI Scams and Senior Citizens

• The 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 Atlanta

• Discussion 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 Businesses

• Introduction 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 Entrepreneurs

• Introduction to Opolis, a decentralized employment organization (DEO) providing affordable health insurance for freelancers.
• Link: https://opolis.co/

Direct Pay Healthcare

• Discussion 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-md

Notable 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 Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

In 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 communities

Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustle

Key Topics:

• The power of women trusting themselves and challenging societal norms
• How It All Media uses stories and conversations to drive systemic change
• The intersection of entertainment, education, and impact
• Balancing entrepreneurship with personal life, motherhood, and self-awareness

Memorable 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 Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Key Topics Discussed:

Key Topics:

• Tas’s transition from in-house marketing to running her consultancy
• Challenges in sales and how that shaped her marketing approach
• Niche B2B SaaS consulting for landing pages and digital marketing strategy
• The value of humor and personality in B2B marketing
• How to balance work-life priorities while scaling a business
• Insights on influencer marketing and personal brand building on LinkedIn
• Creating value for clients through strategy and ethical sales

Memorable 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 pages

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Key Topics Discussed:

• Brandeis' transition from academia to entrepreneurship
• The importance of mental and physical well-being when making career shifts
• Ethical data practices and the implications of AI in business
• The Black Women in Data Summit (Sept 14 2024) – Purpose and significance
• Navigating business and leadership challenges with humor

Memorable 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 here
• Brandeis 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 Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

This 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/hustle

Key Topics Covered:

• Caitlin’s experience with international NGOs and how that shaped her business journey
• The importance of positioning, vision, and structure in building scalable sales processes
• Sales strategies: cold outreach, networking, and balancing efforts
• Revenue engines: ensuring predictability and scalability in your business model
• How empathy plays a vital role in business leadership and team performance
• Real-world advice for dealing with lean financial times and building sustainable growth strategies
• Opportunities for consultants and solopreneurs through RFP platforms like Bonfire and Catalant
• Using the PESTEL framework for continuous business risk assessment

Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustle
Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

In 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 Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson
Founder 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Key Topics Discussed:

01:09 Leveraging Social Media Platforms

01:26 The Shift in Social Media Dynamics

01:58 The Value of Authenticity

04:48 In-Person Connections Post-Pandemic

13:47 The Importance of Pricing Strategy

30:33 Customer Discovery and Development

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson

Founder 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Key Topics Discussed:

00:36 Aligning Customer Success with Financial Goals

01:10 The Importance of Customer Engagement

01:26 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Business

01:57 Understanding Market Competition

03:15 The Concept of Recency in Marketing

03:54 Personal Story: The Influence of Recency

06:05 Challenges of Self-Promotion for Founders

07:47 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

09:15 Effective Marketing Strategies

12:27 The Role of Sales in Marketing

13:55 Navigating Digital Marketing Channels

18:15 The Value of Podcasts and Social Proof

19:16 Anonymous Question: Course Sales and Ad Strategies

23:10 Leveraging Facebook for Business

28:02 The Importance of Digital Presence

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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 Ferguson

Founder 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 Thursday

In 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/hustle

Resources 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.com

Follow Monique Mills

LinkedIn: 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/