In this episode, Monique Mills and 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 19th
• Episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday
• Co-hosts: Monique Mills and Caitlin Ferguson

01:59 Startup Challenges and Lessons

12:25 Hustle Hotline - Real Questions, Real Answers

We also shared details on: Promotion and Marketing Strategies, Community and Networking Insights, and more!

1. Crystal Knows

• Description: 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 Knows

2. DISC Personality Assessment

• Description: 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 Assessment

3. Situational Leadership Model

• Description: 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 Leadership

4. 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: OKRs

5. RACI Chart (Responsibility Assignment Matrix)

• Description: A RACI chart is a matrix used to assign roles and responsibilities in a project. It clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
• URL: RACI Chart

6. PMP (Project Management Professional)

• Description: PMP is a globally recognized certification for project managers, validating their skills in...

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 Strategies

04:11 Financial Considerations and Due Diligence

13:31 Customer Service and Technology in Laundromats

18:10 Common Mistakes and Advice for New Owners

21:10 Reasons for Selling and Marketing Tactics

23:47 Resources and Final Thoughts

Mark 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/4LitOg5

LinkedIn: 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 Pressures

01:39 Common Mistakes While Marketing Under Pressure

04:37 Understanding Lead Gen vs. Demand Gen

10:22 Transitioning from Lead Gen to Demand Gen

18:50 Balancing Growth with Budget Constraints

22:03 The Importance of Effective Ad Creative

27:35 Collaborative Revenue Forecasting

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

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

Company: Refine Labs https://www.refinelabs.com/

LinkedIn: 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