Unpolished MBA

"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 FergusonFounder of COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 FergusonFounder of COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 FergusonFounder of COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 FergusonFounder of COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 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/hustle

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 FergusonFounder of COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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 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/ieU1uL6
• Acquiring Minds Podcast
• Direct Mail strategies for business growth.
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FOLLOW GUEST TATO CORCORAN at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatocorcoran/

Submit business questions to unpolishedmba.com/hustle

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 COO Pilots: COOPilots.io

"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.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 COO Pilots: COOPilots.io