Although this is the End of Season 4 message, Monique answers an incoming question from a listener: "Is it all about the money?"
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Hello everyone.
Monique Mills:And welcome back to the unpolished MBA podcast.
Monique Mills:And I'm your host, Monique mills.
Monique Mills:Now, if there are any first time listeners today, just know that today.
Monique Mills:Marks the end of season four.
Monique Mills:Yes.
Monique Mills:Season four.
Monique Mills:So you got to go back and you got to go and listen to some of
Monique Mills:the blasts from the past, right?
Monique Mills:So this would be episode 65.
Monique Mills:And this is representing the end of season four.
Monique Mills:So there's tons of stuff from the previous seasons that I know you'll enjoy.
Monique Mills:And just with, just as with anything.
Monique Mills:Okay.
Monique Mills:It evolves over time.
Monique Mills:So some of the earlier episodes from let's say season one and season two.
Monique Mills:May feel different than the most recent ones from season four, because as
Monique Mills:you guys know who has been listening for a while, I switched things up.
Monique Mills:I'm like, Hey, I'm getting bored.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:I'm getting bored with the same old way of doing a podcast.
Monique Mills:I mean, it's.
Monique Mills:It's time for me to remix and mix things up a bit.
Monique Mills:And so that's what I did.
Monique Mills:right in the middle of season four, one of the things that I used to do,
Monique Mills:if you listen to earlier episodes is I would ask people the same two questions.
Monique Mills:are you an entrepreneur or corporate employee MBA or no MBA?
Monique Mills:And that was important because I would get that's really the
Monique Mills:whole premise of this podcast.
Monique Mills:I would get so many questions from folks that were.
Monique Mills:want to be entrepreneurs.
Monique Mills:Or we're currently entrepreneurs and we're like, Hey, I'm just not doing this.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:Like something must be wrong, is it because I don't have MBA?
Monique Mills:And I don't know the things that.
Monique Mills:Other people know, like I'm not really sure.
Monique Mills:And I'm just like, no.
Monique Mills:That is not it.
Monique Mills:I do not believe you need an MBA to be successful in business.
Monique Mills:What you need is to surround yourself with other people who
Monique Mills:have done it and who are doing it.
Monique Mills:And that's all of us that are on this podcast.
Monique Mills:And I talk about other things as well, I'm a mother, I'm a wife like raising
Monique Mills:kids, the craziest things, as far as like, things that they've been willing to do and
Monique Mills:just kind of go out there and take risks.
Monique Mills:And it's really because of what they see me doing, my husband doing a C us.
Monique Mills:Taking risks and things in our careers.
Monique Mills:And so one of the things that I mentioned in season four, and I actually have
Monique Mills:a episode with my daughter, she just randomly, it seemed random to me, but,
Monique Mills:And it wasn't random to her.
Monique Mills:She applied to Stanford university and got in.
Monique Mills:And so she completed a full semester as a she's still in high school.
Monique Mills:She was only a 10th grader when she decided she was going to apply, to take
Monique Mills:summer classes there for credits, in her.
Monique Mills:Aspirations to one day become a surgeon.
Monique Mills:So that's her, her school that she loves and all of that.
Monique Mills:And so she applied and then she told us later, after she got
Monique Mills:And then, we went through that whole thing where it's okay,
Monique Mills:how much is it going to cost?
Monique Mills:And so, but she ended up going, she got straight A's and, so
Monique Mills:she's completed a semester of college, one of the other Episodes.
Monique Mills:I talk about my son.
Monique Mills:And my husband almost making it to, top chef.
Monique Mills:Family version.
Monique Mills:So there was one time my, my son had asked if he could go to the
Monique Mills:auditions for master chef junior.
Monique Mills:And that's when he was maybe like 10.
Monique Mills:And he made it all the way through to the final round.
Monique Mills:And then they ended up canceling that season.
Monique Mills:So he didn't end up going on and it was like, no big
Monique Mills:Well, during a pandemic.
Monique Mills:we got a message from top chef.
Monique Mills:It's a different show on TV.
Monique Mills:And he was like, sure, why not?
Monique Mills:I know how to cook.
Monique Mills:I've been through this thing before, blah, blah, blah.
Monique Mills:And this kid along with my husband had to be his partner
Monique Mills:because this was a family edition.
Monique Mills:This kid.
Monique Mills:Ended up making it all the way to the pilot episode.
Monique Mills:So they flew him out to LA and they was at the studio, a secret location,
Monique Mills:like all of this crazy stuff.
Monique Mills:so I share those stories on the podcast because number one, they're interesting.
Monique Mills:And it's over to the regular mundane stuff and we're just regular people.
Monique Mills:And I always want to show people.
Monique Mills:Just what's possible.
Monique Mills:You just say what's the worst that can happen and just try stuff you, right.
Monique Mills:So I share, some of those things, does that are personal stories because.
Monique Mills:People have told me that it has impacted them in their lives and your kids.
Monique Mills:And that's why I'm continuing to do it.
Monique Mills:I do the podcast and I, for me, I do it so that I'm able to have
Monique Mills:an impact with other people.
Monique Mills:And so that's what we accomplish here.
Monique Mills:So I want you to go back and listen to some of the old episodes.
Monique Mills:And, I used to do this thing in season.
Monique Mills:For call Thursday thoughts.
Monique Mills:And those don't actually have episode numbers.
Monique Mills:it's just called Thursday thoughts and it's like, assess title.
Monique Mills:So if you're kind of interested in some of those like thoughts I have about things.
Monique Mills:real life situations, entrepreneurship.
Monique Mills:parenthood, whatever it is, being a working mom.
Monique Mills:Thursday, thoughts is really where it's at.
Monique Mills:So go back and listen to some of those.
Monique Mills:I can tell you that in season four, there were really very memorable guests.
Monique Mills:And I will just say, if you are like, kind of curious about some of the
Monique Mills:guests, just go ahead and Google them.
Monique Mills:Like, you know what I'm, you know how people say, Google me, Hey, just go
Monique Mills:ahead and Google some of these folks.
Monique Mills:But if we're not connected on LinkedIn, Then you probably
Monique Mills:wouldn't see that some of these people are actually my connection.
Monique Mills:So if we're not connected on LinkedIn, go ahead and search me up on LinkedIn,
Monique Mills:connect with me, and then you can connect and actually see in real life.
Monique Mills:some of these people and actually reach out to them as
Monique Mills:But there are some really interesting people just in the world.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:And just doing stuff.
Monique Mills:And I just said, not too long ago on Twitter, I had posted something
Monique Mills:and I'm like, you know what?
Monique Mills:I woke up from a And this is going to come up on an app on an upcoming episode that
Monique Mills:we've already recorded for season five.
Monique Mills:But I'm just going to tell you this right now is that, I woke up
Monique Mills:out of a nap and, for some reason, Episodes of the hope or show.
Monique Mills:I was playing on my TV, like the YouTube channel.
Monique Mills:So we have a smart TV.
Monique Mills:you can play YouTube from it.
Monique Mills:And it was old episodes of the Oprah Winfrey show playing.
Monique Mills:When I woke up, I'm like, how'd that
Monique Mills:I know how it happens with the algorithm.
Monique Mills:And one thing leads into the, another leads into another.
Monique Mills:But I don't remember watching anything now was even a tad bit
Monique Mills:related to the Oprah Winfrey show.
Monique Mills:Needless to say.
Monique Mills:I woke up and of course I am watching now I'm watching the Oprah
Monique Mills:Winfrey show and I'm like, oh wow.
Monique Mills:I remember.
Monique Mills:this episode or this point that was made from this episode when I was a little kid.
Monique Mills:So I was thinking I'm like, wow, these are just regular people on her show.
Monique Mills:Like she would put out, calls for people, Hey, if you're having
Monique Mills:this problem or that problem, or if you've been in this situation,
Monique Mills:And people would respond to the call and show and be on the show and actually
Monique Mills:know a couple of people who were on the Oprah show when she was still on the air.
Monique Mills:And as I was watching it, it was just so much more interesting than
Monique Mills:constantly watching celebrities talk about themselves and all that stuff,
Monique Mills:which is what we get a lot now, like,
Monique Mills:So many celebrities have their own podcast and, Netflix, not Netflix.
Monique Mills:what's the other one, like YouTube channel where they recorded near show.
Monique Mills:and then.
Monique Mills:There are just like different little, networks where basically they're
Monique Mills:using their podcast or their platform.
Monique Mills:Just to really interview their friends and just spotlight themselves even more.
Monique Mills:And it's just like, all right, cool.
Monique Mills:Like I love Kevin Hart.
Monique Mills:He's funny.
Monique Mills:I love all the slavery's.
Monique Mills:Don't get me wrong.
Monique Mills:They're funny.
Monique Mills:They're great.
Monique Mills:But I'm tired of hearing about them.
Monique Mills:And if I want to hear about them, I can literally just go on Instagram
Monique Mills:and see the same version of them that they're giving on these podcasts.
Monique Mills:They are not.
Monique Mills:Besides, if you were into like a pop culture, if you know the one like
Monique Mills:podcast show called shrink champs.
Monique Mills:Like folks, for whatever reason they get on that show.
Monique Mills:And they like spill beans that they never really spilled before.
Monique Mills:Now I'm not doing an endorsement of that.
Monique Mills:I'm just trying to give you an example of one that's a little bit
Monique Mills:different, but for mostly everybody else is like celebrities viewing
Monique Mills:celebrity, interviewing celebrities.
Monique Mills:And this list enough is boring.
Monique Mills:So I actually miss.
Monique Mills:Hearing the stories and the insights and the feelings and
Monique Mills:thoughts of just regular people, because that's what most of us are.
Monique Mills:And the term regular doesn't mean that the celebrities are any better than us.
Monique Mills:Like, no, they're just putting themselves out there in a way
Monique Mills:that, they're using their.
Monique Mills:popularity.
Monique Mills:to, make money.
Monique Mills:Okay.
Monique Mills:That's cool.
Monique Mills:The rest of us, aren't doing it.
Monique Mills:Like we're actually trying to provide a certain type of value or service.
Monique Mills:two people in kind of a business sway or something like that.
Monique Mills:And we're not necessarily interested in everyone.
Monique Mills:Knowing our name, like, that's just not what we're about.
Monique Mills:And that's.
Monique Mills:That's I consider us regular people.
Monique Mills:We're living lives and we're taking care of families and ourselves, and we're
Monique Mills:going to the gym and hanging out with our friends and, going to our kids' games
Monique Mills:or, going to work, driving in to work.
Monique Mills:some people are back to doing that and have long commutes
Monique Mills:and things of that nature.
Monique Mills:And these types of podcasts, especially like mine.
Monique Mills:Like I'm hoping to just kind of give you some little.
Monique Mills:Like, Hey, there's other people that have done what you're doing right now.
Monique Mills:And, they have climbed to even a higher level than where you are,
Monique Mills:and this is how they've done it.
Monique Mills:And you can get that message in like 30 minutes flat or less.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:And so that's what this podcast is about, but I'm just so
Monique Mills:thankful to like, make it to.
Monique Mills:Episode, this is 65 right now.
Monique Mills:And the next ones to come up are going to be equally as inspiring and
Monique Mills:thoughtful and things of that nature.
Monique Mills:So.
Monique Mills:If you guys want to text me a question, you also know you have
Monique Mills:that option and that's something new I added in season four.
Monique Mills:Right now I am going to answer a question that came to me today.
Monique Mills:and I know I don't put the answers to questions on every episode, but this
Monique Mills:one right here, it really kind of, I don't know, it was kind of like shade.
Monique Mills:I considered it a low shade.
Monique Mills:But that's the problem with written communication is you cannot discern.
Monique Mills:The intent of it.
Monique Mills:Like you read it in the voice that you think the other people,
Monique Mills:the other person may have.
Monique Mills:And.
Monique Mills:And I could be totally wrong in thinking that.
Monique Mills:this question was kind of shade because.
Monique Mills:If you guys, know a little bit about me, I'm focused on revenue for companies
Monique Mills:like my, I'm all about strategy.
Monique Mills:Of course.
Monique Mills:And the strategy leads to the revenue.
Monique Mills:Like if it's not going to lead to revenue in these businesses,
Monique Mills:then what is the point?
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:And so.
Monique Mills:You're in business to make money you're in business to employ
Monique Mills:people so that they can make money.
Monique Mills:And so that everyone can take care of their families.
Monique Mills:take care of themselves that they get sick, buy groceries, retire,
Monique Mills:whatever it is like, that's the way of our capitalistic society.
Monique Mills:So.
Monique Mills:Someone message and said, Why don't you focus so much on revenue?
Monique Mills:Is it all about the money?
Monique Mills:So at first I'm like, okay, I am a consultant.
Monique Mills:And I don't let just anybody book meetings with me and, take up all my time.
Monique Mills:Picking my brain.
Monique Mills:Like I don't give those kinds of meetings.
Monique Mills:So some people.
Monique Mills:Are offended that they.
Monique Mills:I don't, Just do complimentary calls and there is a fee.
Monique Mills:If you want to get any kind of advice.
Monique Mills:from me rather as career wise or business wise, like if you're taken away from
Monique Mills:me being able to do something else with my time that provides for my family.
Monique Mills:So if I decide to volunteer my time, I'll volunteer my time, but
Monique Mills:it doesn't mean it'll be with you.
Monique Mills:Okay.
Monique Mills:and I.
Monique Mills:I, I have the ability to choose how and when, and with whom I decide to do that.
Monique Mills:And so sometimes people get offended and be like, oh, she's just all about the
Monique Mills:money and is that's what I do for living.
Monique Mills:Hi, this is a business.
Monique Mills:TPM focuses a business and also have the acquisition company, focus
Monique Mills:innovation group, their businesses, and exists to make money, to hire people
Monique Mills:so that they can make money to take care of their families, X, Y, and Z.
Monique Mills:Right?
Monique Mills:All the things I just
Monique Mills:And so.
Monique Mills:Of course, because I get those kinds of messages and summit.
Monique Mills:Oh, sentiments is huh?
Monique Mills:Well, I just got a quick question.
Monique Mills:Like, first of all, when talking to me, there's no such thing as a quick question.
Monique Mills:Any of you who listened to this podcast or have worked with me or have met me
Monique Mills:in person or have done projects with me.
Monique Mills:There's no such thing as a quick question with me because.
Monique Mills:Everything is deeper than what you think it is.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:And so your question.
Monique Mills:you may think is simple one, but there's so much more to it.
Monique Mills:Layers.
Monique Mills:To it.
Monique Mills:That I You know, I would be remiss to just overlook it and give
Monique Mills:you a very surface level answer.
Monique Mills:I'm not a surface level.
Monique Mills:Person.
Monique Mills:I'm an in-depth person.
Monique Mills:So be, I don't know how to turn it on and off.
Monique Mills:Maybe if I knew how to turn it on and off.
Monique Mills:It wouldn't be so bad, but there's no such thing as a, a question about
Monique Mills:business with me that takes, five minutes there, there is no such thing.
Monique Mills:There's so much more to it.
Monique Mills:so anyways, that question comes in.
Monique Mills:Why do you focus so much on revenue?
Monique Mills:Is it all about the money?
Monique Mills:So, you know what?
Monique Mills:I was like Listen, I'm focused.
Monique Mills:On the translation of innovation results to society.
Monique Mills:Okay.
Monique Mills:And that's that on that?
Monique Mills:I even put this on my LinkedIn.
Monique Mills:Feed today because I couldn't wait for the episode to be released.
Monique Mills:Answered.
Monique Mills:That question.
Monique Mills:So I'm like, okay.
Monique Mills:I can understand when someone says it's all about the money.
Monique Mills:you can take that a couple of ways.
Monique Mills:So I said I'm focused.
Monique Mills:Here I'm telling you I'm focused on the translation of
Monique Mills:innovation results to society.
Monique Mills:And the way results are shown in our capitalistic society is through revenue.
Monique Mills:Somebody has to be willing to pay for it; whatever it is that you're
Monique Mills:selling or whatever idea that you have.
Monique Mills:Now, this one may seem like a little bit of a clap back, but.
Monique Mills:It was really my response to that question.
Monique Mills:Right.
Monique Mills:So build a business.
Monique Mills:somebody has to be focused on revenue, and if it's not you as the
Monique Mills:CEO and the founder, You won't be in business for long and that's for sure.
Monique Mills:And also outside of that, just remember why you're in business.
Monique Mills:You're in business to have an impact, right.
Monique Mills:So if you don't focus on revenue and of course revenue is a complex thing.
Monique Mills:It includes serving people and having customer success and all of
Monique Mills:those things, marketing sales, like all of that is tied into revenue.
Monique Mills:Okay.
Monique Mills:It's all connected and it all needs to be in alignment in order for revenue to even
Monique Mills:be the result of all of those actions.
Monique Mills:So.
Monique Mills:If you're not focused on revenue, you won't be in business for
Monique Mills:And also with that.
Monique Mills:Your desired impact on society, won't be realized.
Monique Mills:My question to anyone who is listening to this and whoever submitted that question.
Monique Mills:Especially is what difference does it make?
Monique Mills:If your great idea.
Monique Mills:Doesn't do anything to improve, simplify or enhance the lives of others.
Monique Mills:Like what's the point in doing all of this then?
Monique Mills:Entrepreneurship is tough.
Monique Mills:What's the point in doing all of this?
Monique Mills:You have to know that the outcome of a business has to be revenue.
Monique Mills:most of the companies I work with are just starting to, or want to
Monique Mills:put a new innovation into the world or they want to enter a new market.
Monique Mills:And so basically both things they're starting from scratch.
Monique Mills:So with that.
Monique Mills:You may not be profitable at first.
Monique Mills:So I just want people to understand that.
Monique Mills:There's a difference between having revenue and having profitability
Monique Mills:to go list to have profitability.
Monique Mills:But when you're first getting started, you have costs that typically exceed the
Monique Mills:amount of revenue you have coming in.
Monique Mills:But I want to guarantee that revenue is not zero because I know way too
Monique Mills:many companies that could be great.
Monique Mills:If they follow through on some of the ideas and things that they have in a more
Monique Mills:strategic So that the company was able to generate revenue and sustain itself.
Monique Mills:So.
Monique Mills:I'm going to end this episode and thank you all so much for joining me for wow.
Monique Mills:65 episodes.
Monique Mills:And, Hanging in there through the breaks and a hiatus and the changes, and the
Monique Mills:balding, way that the podcast is set up.
Monique Mills:I really appreciate all of you who listen and who contact me to be on the podcast.
Monique Mills:that's the cool part.
Monique Mills:So all of you guys that have been on here and I've interviewed over
Monique Mills:the years, just thank you so much.
Monique Mills:And if any of you guys have a new message and you want to
Monique Mills:come back and share, other.
Monique Mills:Things that you're working on, feel free to do so because I have
Monique Mills:a good time talking to you all.
Monique Mills:So with that, I want to thank you all for listening to the unpolished MBA.
Monique Mills:And I'll catch you on the next episode.