The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson reflects on 2020 and discusses her book's global impact. She covers crucial considerations for starting a business, evaluating business concepts, and the significance of prior experience. Further, she delves into identifying target customers, crafting a unique value proposition, and the importance of a business plan. The episode concludes with financial preparation...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Tim King discuss financial strategies for small businesses during a pandemic. They delve into savings, investment, retirement planning, and repairing credit. They also explore the intricacies of EIDL loans, borrowing in an economic crisis, and how to make informed decisions for business and personal finance.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with business consultant Dee Taylor-Jolley. They explore Dee's transition from teaching to consultancy, the significance of back office structure in small businesses, and understanding business strengths and weaknesses. Also discussed are strategies for hiring and training the right support staff. The episode wraps up with a nod to Melinda's book and blog.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Brett Cooper about the challenges small businesses face during the pandemic. They discuss his book, "Solving the People Problem," the role of emotional intelligence in business, and managing millennial employees. The episode also delves into managing unproductive conflict, learning from business mistakes, and the practical application of the DISC framewo...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Steve Daily, discussing secrets to generating more money in business and how solopreneurs can reach seven figures. They delve into strategies to stop trading hours for dollars, tips to build a million-dollar business, and how to avoid the 80-20 trap in professional service businesses. Steve shares his '7 Triggers for 7 Figures' strategy and discusses t...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Elayne Fluker about balancing personal and professional life. They discuss the "I got it" syndrome, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of self-care. The conversation also covers traits of successful women business leaders, support essentials, and book recommendations for boss ladies.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Martin Harshberger discuss developing a robust business strategy for 2021. They delve into the importance and impact of business strategy, survival tactics, and discovering opportunities in the current economy. They also cover operational excellence, execution of business strategy, and the critical role of leadership in small businesses. The episode concludes w...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Kenny Harper, discussing his transition from music to business, and the importance of understanding business. They delve into growth strategies amid the pandemic, unique ways to differentiate your business in 2021, and online selling tactics. They also explore the significance of building business relationships, the value of podcasting, and share their...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Tonya M Evans discuss the importance of a solid business plan and effective marketing strategies for small businesses. They answer listener questions on entrepreneurship and explore the role of social media in business growth. The episode concludes with Melinda's final thoughts and advice.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with James Hunt, the Celebrity Credit Guru. They delve into his journey into credit repair, strategies for protecting credit during unemployment or business loss, and the importance of building business credit. They also discuss economic equity, wage gap, education, empowerment, and overcoming societal issues. The episode wraps up with quickfire questions, ti...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes guest Nicole Snow, discussing her journey to social entrepreneurship, the secret to her business success, and her commitment to social entrepreneurship. They delve into strategies to drive online sales, the role of online ads, and the impact of contests on small businesses. The episode concludes with their favorite business books.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Carroll Bernard delve into the world of government contracting for small businesses. They discuss the relevance of business size, opportunities in the government marketplace, and the process to pursue contracts. They also explore strategies for targeting agencies, contract vehicles for sales, the benefits of PTech Centers, and the role of past performance...

In this episode, Melinda and guest John Clidy discuss transitioning from full-time employment to entrepreneurship, the importance of a support system, and leadership strategies. They delve into marketing tips, the significance of business cards, and share their favorite business resources.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by HR expert Jennifer Leake. They discuss strategies for managing remote workers, using people analytics, and establishing communication expectations. Leake also shares her favorite resources, recommends her book "Who Moved My Cheese?" and provides an old school marketing tip.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Scott Miller discuss the importance of leadership skills, crisis management, and the transition from management mess to leadership success. They also cover the global impact of the pandemic, transforming bad leaders, and Scott shares his leadership disaster and lessons. The episode concludes with old-school marketing tips and useful business tools.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Lori M. Ruffin about the role of a COO team, employee motivation, company reset strategies, and creating an innovative environment. They also discuss maintaining connections with furloughed employees, future opportunities, effective business management, and strategic cutbacks.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Andrew Andrews-Ramirez about his entrepreneurial journey, the role of veterans in business, and the challenges of reopening businesses during COVID-19. They delve into crisis leadership, honest communication, and applicable military lessons. The episode concludes with resources for veteran entrepreneurs and Andrew's recommendations.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Mary Fran Bontempo discuss strategies for navigating current challenges and financial stress in business. They explore Bontempo's 3-part strategy: Reset, Rise, Reveal. The conversation also covers coping mechanisms, importance of physical activity, favorite business tools, and motivational tips.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Steve Bollar about the state of education, addressing the shift to virtual learning and the challenges it presents. They discuss the achievement gap, digital divide, and leadership challenges in the pandemic era. Bollar also introduces the results formula and emphasizes the role of positive reinforcement in leadership. The episode wraps up with book, app...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with guest, Dawn Brolin, an expert in small business finance. They discuss the importance of cash and PPP loans during Covid-19, offer organizational tips for accounting and document management, and explore SBA 7a loan and PPP loan forgiveness. They also delve into post-COVID financial management, the role of banks, election impacts on businesses, and advice...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with Kim J. Plyler, CEO of Shawcom Inc., about the importance of a clear company narrative. They cover handling businesses without a brand story, using failure as part of your story, and current communication trends. The discussion includes tips on refreshing your brand story and marketing advice for start-ups, concluded with Plyler's favorite business tools.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Kristin Judge discuss the current state of small business cybercrime, strategies for cyber resilience, and global efforts to combat cybercrime. They delve into the risks of scams, the importance of cyber insurance, and protocols after a cybercrime. The episode concludes with a discussion on COVID-related scams and resources available on Fraudsupport.org.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Sean McCool about maximizing website profitability. They delve into the three key components of a marketing campaign, explore various email templates for sales, and discuss the use of sales funnels. The episode also includes tips on hiring the right copywriter, old-school marketing advice, and an introduction to the Rev app. A giveaway contest is also an...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Vanessa A. Lindley about money mindset in personal and business finances. They delve into the role of an accountant, the importance of budgeting, and effective strategies for debt repayment. Vanessa also shares her favorite business app, a classic marketing tip, and recommends a podcast.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Carol Hodges, a financial expert, about the transition from business coaching to financial expertise. They discuss the concept of 'Menopause Millionaire' and its potential in retirement planning, especially for women business owners. Conversations also delve into determining retirement needs, considerations for life after 50, and managing finances in mar...