The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Kate Winkler, CEO of Ruby, about transitioning from a founder-run business to a larger scale operation. They delve into the importance of data analytics, trust, and reputation, and discuss differentiating sales and customer service systems. They also talk about balancing a full-time job with a new business, the value of outsourcing, and share valuable bu...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Jane Bolin about her journey from professional football to law, her political career, and her belief in entrepreneurship. They delve into Jane's real estate law practice, the challenges of balancing political and business roles, and her go-to resources.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson interviews Sharie Hendricks, founder of Laguna Candles. They discuss Sharie's journey, the ups and downs of running a family business, and the impact of the pandemic. Sharie also shares how Ruby, a lead management system, transformed her business and offers advice to fellow entrepreneurs. The episode wraps up with Sharie's top business resources and a book recommen...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Scott Jeffrey Miller about his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship and his new book, 'Marketing Mess.' They delve into small business marketing, discussing challenges, the importance of a niche focus, and cash flow. Scott also shares the best business advice he's received and his favorite business resources.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Kathey Porter, a small business strategist and diversity expert. They discuss the importance of business certification for diversity and the role of supplier diversity. Porter shares her top business advice, favorite tools, and impactful book recommendations. The episode concludes with Emerson's business philosophy: Win or Learn.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the realities of falling out of love with your business, the struggles of entrepreneurship, and the importance of relationships in a work environment. She also offers advice on balancing business and family life, improving profitability, and the significance of measuring business performance. The episode concludes with tips on website optimization and an...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and online advertising expert, Jim Banks, discuss the importance of product quality and Google advertising strategies. They delve into contextual advertising, crafting compelling ads, and mobile advertising strategies. They also explore customer segmentation, lifetime value, and affiliate programs. The episode ends with a workshop on marketing budgeting and a Q&A s...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Dr. Lorneth Peters about her entrepreneurial journey and role at the Small Business Development Center. They discuss the importance of mindset, understanding business terminology, and the benefits of mentorship for small business owners. The episode also covers misconceptions about the SBA, steps to start a business, and the necessity of home-based busin...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson speaks with Eric Brown, CEO of Urbane Apartments, about the impact of the pandemic on small businesses. They delve into online marketing challenges, post-pandemic business concerns, and strategies for success, focusing on employee management. They also discuss leveraging post-pandemic changes, rebranding, and the importance of personal development in business.

In this episode, Melinda chats with Felecia Hatcher about her journey into entrepreneurship, focusing on start-up success strategies for black entrepreneurs. They discuss starting a business with limited resources, the importance of digital tools during the pandemic, and the concept of "execution is personal". They also delve into the Center for Black Innovation and its goals.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Ryan McCrary, the funnel doctor, to discuss sales funnels. They delve into understanding, troubleshooting, and overcoming challenges associated with them. The conversation also touches on prioritizing business systems, crafting efficient email nurture sequences, and the growing importance of text message marketing.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Kathy Svetina, a part-time CFO for small businesses. They discuss the realities of running a million-dollar business, the role of a fractional CFO, and the importance of financial planning. They also delve into tax planning, strategies for business growth, securing bank financing, and tools like Spotlight Reporting and Fathom. The value of traditional ma...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Billy Polson about his business movement, Decardi. They discuss the importance of branding, mobile advertising, and engaging online customers. They delve into SEO changes, keyword usage, and sharing quality content. Billy shares his favorite business tools and tips and emphasizes authenticity in the fitness industry.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Susanne Mariga, a certified public accountant and author. They discuss common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, the significance of excellence in minority businesses, and strategic tax strategies for wealth increase. They further delve into the importance of financial management in small businesses and talk about the benefits of EIDL and PPP loans.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Jay Samit, author of "Disrupt You". They delve into the significance of mentoring, the power of a positive mindset, and how technology impacts small businesses. They discuss the importance of finding a niche, overcoming personal barriers, and the role education plays in business. The conversation concludes with a quick-fire round of Samit's favorites and...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Charisse Conanan Johnson about the impact of the pandemic on women's wealth creation. They discuss the redefinition of wealth beyond financial assets and the steps to living a wealthy girl life. Charisse also shares her insights on building investor mindset, confidence, and support infrastructure.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Liz Heiman discuss leadership and sales systems for small businesses. They cover common sales mistakes, the importance of a sales operation system, and lead generation strategies. Also discussed are tips on hiring your first salesperson, tech tools for sales, and Liz Heiman's best advice for small businesses.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks to Dr. Chloe Carmichael about coping strategies for pandemic-induced stress. They delve into traits of high-functioning individuals and discuss the "9 anxiety tool" and emotional to-do lists. Later, they cover the concept of mental shortlists and "worry time", and Dr. Carmichael introduces her book, "Nervous Energy".

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses with Dave Walker, founder of B to SMB Institute. They delve into challenges faced by minority and women-owned businesses, survival strategies during the pandemic, and the trust issues between small businesses and large enterprises. Melinda also shares details about her book giveaway initiative.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Tekoa Hash, discussing her transition from a makeup artist to a businesswoman. They delve into topics like personal branding, the impact of the pandemic, and tips for a successful digital pivot. Later, strategies to avoid burnout and Hash's future plans for the Technique Agency are discussed.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson hosts John Warrillow to discuss his book series and the importance of recurring revenue. They delve into strategies for successful business exits and the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses. The episode further explores the role of intermediaries, negotiation strategies, and the intricacies of business acquisition. It concludes with Warrillow sharing his preferr...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Dr. Catrise Austin about her journey and how to build a personal brand for doctors. They discuss cash flow management, selling a business, getting media interviews, and the importance of a book for credibility. They also explore social media brand opportunities, Instagram follower growth, and Dr. Austin's book and coaching program.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson converses with Eliot Buchanan, co-founder of Plastiq. They discuss Plastiq's founding story, the state of small businesses in 2021, and strategies for financial management. They also provide funding advice for struggling businesses, predict future trends, and address the year's challenges. Buchanan shares his favorite business resources in a personal segment.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Linda Hollander about how small businesses can attract and retain corporate sponsors. They cover identifying potential sponsors, utilizing LinkedIn, crafting sponsorship proposals, and building lasting relationships. They also delve into the role of brand ambassadorship and influencer marketing in securing sponsorships.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by marketing expert John Jantsch. They delve into the fundamentals of marketing and client attraction, problem-solving via products or services, and the impact of social media. They also discuss good website traits, SEO basics, and the role of blog posts and keywords in SEO. Lastly, they touch on budgeting for SEO and promote Jantsch's book "SEO for Gross...