Telly Mommsen, Founder @MiliMedia

Skype: telly.mommsen

Email: telly@milimediallc.com

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/taleatha-mommsen-97111478

Website: milimediallc.com

Let’s give a warm welcome to the pay-per-call star and founder of MiliMedia, Telly! When you think of the telephone, think of Telly! Telly, I am grateful to have met you at the AFFY Expo and Awards Gala in Los Angeles and I’m so excited to share how incredible you are with our audience! Your journey has taken you through various roles learning from the best-of-the-best, from Account Executive at A4D to Director of Pay Per Call at QUANTUM DIGITAL MEDIA. Can you share a bit about your career journey thus far? 

My journey into the digital marketing space began about ten years ago when I joined a traditional lead generation company to help create a life insurance offer. It was during my time at this company that my boss introduced me to pay-per-call marketing. He had me sign up for Invoca and tasked me with figuring it out. Within a day, I was able to find a student loan buyer and a traffic source. I made my first billable call that same week and from then on, I was hooked. I built out the call side of the business and later that year, the company was sold. Since then, I have worked in various roles at different networks until I finally started my own network in March 2023.

What inspired you to venture into starting your own company in the pay-per-call industry, what unique value do you believe MiliMedia brings to the market, and who should reach out to you?

The desire to challenge myself is what ultimately led me to start my own network. What sets us apart from other networks is our emphasis on building strong relationships. I've learned that doing what's right is more important than being right. Currently, I am actively seeking more advertisers in the financial, mass tort, and insurance sectors.

The name MiliMedia is distinctive and intriguing. Can you share the story behind choosing this name for your company? Does it hold any personal significance, or is there a specific message or vision you aimed to convey through the brand name?

I am originally from Milwaukee. I drew inspiration from there and the Lil’ Wayne song "A Milli".

In the professional world and beyond, individuals often acquire nicknames or titles that capture their essence. Have you acquired any interesting nicknames throughout your career, and if not, is there a particular nickname you would like to be known by or one that you feel resonates with your personality and accomplishments?

One of my favorite media buyers likes to call me Telly Montana, which is quite funny. The reason why this nickname resonates with me is not what you might expect. The main reason is that both of us started our careers from the bottom and worked our way up. Of course, Tony and I are also gangsters.

Transitioning from your role at QUANTUM DIGITAL MEDIA to starting your own venture at MiliMedia must have been a significant decision. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women looking to make a mark in the pay-per-call and performance marketing industry?

My advice to anyone starting out would be to be bold and not afraid to speak up or out. Advocate for yourself because no one else will.

The digital marketing landscape is ever-evolving - and fast. How do you stay ahead of industry trends, and what innovations do you see shaping the future of pay-per-call marketing?

That statement is absolutely true! I believe that pay-per-call will continue to grow in the future. However, it is crucial for networks and media buyers to focus on increasing their market share. Ownership will be the most important factor in the industry's success in 2024 and beyond.

In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, the pay-per-call model has gained substantial traction. Why do you believe pay-per-call is crucial and particularly lucrative in the current business environment? How does it offer a unique advantage compared to other marketing strategies?

The reason we are experiencing such significant growth is due to the nature of pay-per-call. The opportunity to close a deal is greater when the consumer is already on the phone. Pay Per Call is unique because everything happens in real-time, ensuring that the quality can be assessed instantly, leaving no room for guesswork.

Can you share what drives your strong work ethic and tireless dedication? Are there specific experiences or values that have shaped your approach to work?

I always strive to push myself to the limit. Whether it's in my personal or professional life, I am never satisfied and believe that there is always room for improvement. At 18, I was working as a customer service agent for an online clothing store in a call center. I had just broken up with my boyfriend and it was affecting my mood while on the phone. My manager noticed and pulled me aside to ask what was going on. I confided in him and he said something that completely changed my outlook. He reminded me that my work was the only thing I had complete control over. I couldn't control other aspects of my life, but I could control my work and the effort I put in. He encouraged me to treat work as an escape from my problems and to focus on doing my best.

Success often comes with the guidance and inspiration of others. Are there individuals in your professional journey whom you admire, have learned valuable lessons from, or would like to give a shout-out to for their impact on your career?

Tina Dixon is a remarkable individual whose accomplishments in the realm of business and philanthropy have been a source of inspiration to me. Her astute leadership and unwavering commitment to social good have made her a role model for entrepreneurs and philanthropists alike. The success of her company, along with the impact of her philanthropic endeavors, has been nothing short of remarkable, and serves as a testament to her vision, drive, and ingenuity. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from her example and aspire to follow in her footsteps.

Starting and running your own company comes with its set of challenges. What obstacles have you encountered in the process, and how have you navigated them? Additionally, what motivates and drives you to keep moving forward despite the inevitable hurdles that come with entrepreneurship? In other words, what’s your why?

Working for myself, my biggest challenge is work-life balance. It's easy to keep working when there's always something to do or someone to reply to. I used to struggle with this and my personal life suffered. Hiring help with admin helped, but I still work around the clock. I'm driven by my passion for the industry and love geeking out on data and angles.

As a current resident of Louisiana, what aspects of the state do you particularly love and appreciate? Are there unique cultural or lifestyle elements that have become a source of inspiration or joy for you?

People in Louisiana are some of the nicest people you’ll meet. And don't even get me started on the food - it's simply amazing! There's always something fun and exciting happening in New Orleans, and the city itself is just the perfect size - not too big, not too small. It's an old city that has a unique charm and makes you feel like you've stepped into a different world.

You mentioned you'll be attending Lead Generation World in Florida in January, and I hope to see you at the legendary Affiliate Ball in Vegas a couple weeks after on Jan 16th with a few thousand of your performance marketing peers. With exciting events on the horizon, what are you most looking forward to at the Affiliate Ball, and how do you see these gatherings contributing to your professional growth and network expansion?

I am excited to catch up with some familiar faces, some of whom I haven't seen since I launched MiliMedia. Attending conferences and networking events are crucial for acquiring new business and reinforcing existing partnerships. It's always beneficial to keep your pitching skills polished!

Aside from your professional endeavors, you've mentioned being a cat lover. Can you share a bit about your feline companions and how they contribute to your work-life balance?

I have been the proud owner of my cat, Luna, for eight years now. I found her as a stray in New Orleans. I often say that she saved me as much as I saved her. Luna accompanies me in my office throughout the day, providing me with a sense of calm. Even on my worst days, having Luna on my lap makes things a little better.

Beyond the professional realm, everyone has a quirky or unexpected side to their personality. Is there a unique or quirky aspect of your personality that people might not expect, and how does it add to the fun and dynamism of your professional life?

I love to laugh and consider myself a bit of a goofball. People often associate the business world with seriousness, but I believe that life is short and we should aim to enjoy it as much as possible. Even when it comes to work, there's no reason why we can't have some fun.