Unpolished MBA

Irit Levin does the stuff that gives most entrepreneurs a headache to do themselves---automation, integrations, and workflow systems. It may sound boring, but it's a gamechanger.

Some Topics Discussed In This Episode Include:

• How Irit opened her business with $100 right when the COVID-19 pandemic began
• How your content sells for you (if done right)
• How giving detailed information away for free affects business
• How social media is "rented" space
• Several tech tools that you should be using in your business (many are free!)

Company website: https://www.day-by-day.biz/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irit-levi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Trusted Business Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this episode, Monique discusses the current ability and future of AI tools, particularly in copywriting.

• The drawbacks to using AI tools in copywriting
• Being guilted into not using AI
• Surviving as a nascent and/or small business owner
• How you've already been duped by AI tools
• How people get in their feelings about being replaced by AI tools
• Using Jasper and getting it for free at tpmfocus.com/jasper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Trusted Business Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this episode, Monique discusses bringing on Advisors as a startup founder. She answers an incoming question and elaborates with more information.

Topics Discussed Include:

• Pre-seed And Seed Companies May Need Different Advisors
• Having Outside Advisors Once You're Funded
• Why Taking Advice From Too Many People Is An Issue
• Equity Given to Advisors
• How Board of Directors Are Involved
• Creating Balance With Advisors From The Start
• Going Down Rabbit Holes Due To Advice Received

The FAST agreement mentioned in this episode can be found here: tpmfocus.com/fast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Trusted Business Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Andre Barnes is a senior software consultant who partners with non-technical individuals to help them bring their ideas to market and achieve business outcomes. By translating highly technical concepts for the nontechnical, Andre helps bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and successful businesses.

• The Concept of No-Code and the Pros and Cons
• STEM Trained Thinking and Problem-Solving for Business
• Testing the Market with Your Idea
• The Different Types of Developers and Languages to Consider
• Front End vs Back End vs Full Stack Developer
• How To Engage A Developer to Keep Scope/Costs in Check
• Founder Mistakes with Developers
• Technical Debt
• All New Software Has Bugs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreqb/

Website: https://www.andreqb.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Trusted Business Strategy for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this epsiode, Monique talks about a little change of direction in the show and what you can expect moving forward.

To submit your questions to be read and answered on a future episode, text them to 470-400-8008.

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: moniquemills.biz

In this week's installment of Unpolished MBA, Monique shares some crucial business advice that she has been posting about with her Linkedin community over the past several weeks. If you're like most people who follow the media, financial podcasts, and publications, you know how much time and attention is devoted to the importance of venture capital. 

Monique is here to remind us that too many founders and business owners become fixated on the pursuit of investors, at the potential peril of their company. The reality is that far fewer successful businesses take on venture capital or angel investments than the media tends to portray. 

In fact, it's far more important for companies to spend their precious time and resources finding the product market fit for their new innovation or product rather than continuing to generate unfocused content in an attempt to target venture capital. Many new founders and small business owners have found themselves on this hamster wheel of courting quick cash while neglecting the potential customers and markets that are right under their noses. 

In this episode, Monique sets the record straight on why this is a mistake and what to do about it.

Topics Include:

• The Importance of A Self-Sustainable Business
• Myths Regarding Venture Capital 
• The Importance of Finding Market Fit 
• The Need to Stop Advertising to Investors  
• Alternative Methods for Courting Investment 

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

On this week's special Mother-Daughter edition of Unpolished MBA Monique welcomes her daughter Amerie to the show to discuss an upcoming opportunity that she will be participating in at Stanford University. Alongside a number of high school students from around the world, Amerie will be studying at Stanford as part of a special summer program targeted toward gifted students in areas of STEM and medicine. 

In this episode, Monique and Amerie discuss this program while unpacking the importance of college prep and how this opportunity promises to open a number of doors for Amerie in the area of networking and mentorship. 

In addition to discussing the Stanford program, Monique and Amerie also reflect on a recent trip they took to Martha’s Vineyard to attend a conference held by Bwise for diverse women in the field of medical innovation. Monique was invited to speak at this conference and decided to bring Amerie along in order to expose her to some of the incredible women who were both attending and presenting at the event. 

In this episode, you will hear both Monique and Amerie’s reflections on the conference and their discussion on the importance of mentorship and strong leadership for minority women in the field of medical research and ongoing innovations! 

Topics Include:

• Women of Diversity in STEM 
• The Importance of College Prep
• How Networking Can Shape Your Future
• The Need for Solid Mentorship 
• The Future Faces of Medicine 

Link to Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-035-augusta-uwamanzu-nna-destined-for-greatness/id1525373601?i=1000544776791

Bwise Website: http://www.bwiseusa.org/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

On this week's episode of Unpolished MBA, Monique was thrilled to welcome Farah Allen, founder and CEO of The Labz, an Atlanta based company whose revolutionary new design tools are making it easier for creatives and companies of all shapes and sizes to create highly interactive and immersive web experiences.

In this conversation, Monique and Farah discuss the emergence and impending dominance of web 3.0 technologies such as virtual reality, the Metaverse, and blockchain-based applications. Farah describes how new technologies that she and her team at The Labz have been developing are changing the way that companies and creative voices share content and provide unique virtual experiences for potential clients and consumers without the need for cumbersome VR headsets or gear. 

In addition to discussing a variety of emerging technologies, Farah also shares the challenges of developing new platforms in a rapidly changing world and how the ability to reinvent or adapt your ideas or innovations is a must-have skill for any business leader or entrepreneur competing in today's market.  

Topics Include:

• The Future of Websites & Social
• The Dawning of Web 3.0
• How Virtual Is Changing Business
• Designing Platforms for the Future
• The Importance of Continued Innovation
• The Challenges of Developing New Platforms

Connect with Farah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farahallen

The Labz Website: https://www.thelabz.com/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

On this week's episode of the Unpolished MBA, Monique speaks with Mike DiCioccio about his unique journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurial podcast innovator. Mike is the Founder, President, and Head Producer for Social Chameleon, a podcast production, distribution, and content agency that focuses on producing, distributing, and marketing best-in-class podcasts and media for a range of corporate and private clients. 

In this conversation, Mike shares his passion for creativity, love of music & media, and vision for the future of the podcast industry both for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Mike also shares how his faith and inspiration from fellow content creators helped him overcome challenging times when his future was uncertain. 

In addition to leading Social Chameleon, Mike is the host of MIKE’D UP!, a podcast that showcases inspiring entrepreneurs, award-winning authors, thought leaders, business & mindset coaches, peak-performers, entertainers, and other talented individuals who join the show to share their personal stories and deliver key insights to provide the ammo needed to level up and achieve your greatest dreams.

Topics Include:

• Setting Up Success in Sales 
• Creativity Within Entrepreneurship 
• Overcoming Your Uncertainty 
• The Current State of Podcasting 
• Leveraging Podcasts for Your Business 
• Leading From a Place of Passion 

Connect with Mike:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mikedicioccio

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedicioccio

Mike’D Up! Podcast: https://linktr.ee/mikedicioccio

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/

On this week's episode of Unpolished MBA, Monique spoke with fellow entrepreneur and passionate farm-to-table innovator Duane Slyder. Duane is the founder and CTO of Seasonal Roots, an innovative and eco-conscious online farmers market that serves the metro Washington DC area and surrounding suburbs. 

Duane and his team at Seasonal Roots are providing ways to make healthy eating easy with their simple-to-use online farmers market and convenient year-round local, home delivery. Members customize their weekly orders in their online menu, shopping a wide range of the freshest local produce, meats, eggs, dairy, and artisan goods.

In this conversation, Monique and Duane discuss the challenges of establishing the business, how the gig economy has empowered many in his part-time workforce, and developing the technology, software, and mobile logistics required for such a time-dependent and multi-faceted service.

Duane also addresses the need for greater awareness when it comes to local agriculture and produce and how services like Seasonal Roots can both better serve their community's health and happiness while properly compensating local farmers and artisans. 

Topics Include:

• The True Value of an MBA 
• Leveraging The Gig Economy 
• Disrupting Grocery Delivery Services
• Where Technology Meets Innovation
• The Importance of Supporting Local Agriculture 
• Making Organic Foods More Accessible 

Follow Duane and Seasonal Roots: 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/duaneslyder/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Website: https://www.seasonalroots.com/

Follow Monique:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Website: https://unpolishedmba.com/