The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with business brokerage expert, David C. Barnett. They delve into the journey of buying a business, understanding business valuation, and explore seller financing and earn-outs. They talk about assembling a team, maintaining confidentiality, top tips for selling, transition periods, and common mistakes to avoid. The episode wraps up with David sharing his bes...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Joanne Black about the power of referrals in growing small businesses. They discuss the impact of introductions and referrals on revenue, how to leverage technology for referral research, and the importance of strong relationships for successful referrals. They also explore common missed opportunities in asking for referrals, and Melinda introduces her n...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses current compensation trends affecting small businesses, strategies for employee retention, and the impact of company culture. She delves into team bonding in remote settings, strategic planning for growth, and the effects of employee turnover.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Sarah Durham, Joel Libava, and Brandi Mitchell for a panel discussion. They share their favorite business apps, discuss old school marketing tips, and recommend business books. Melinda concludes with her personal recommendations and closing remarks.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Brandi Mitchell, the Brand Producer, to discuss the importance of positioning and packaging in branding. They delve into Brandi's unique program, "Produce Your Own Brand Method", and explore the concept of a Brand U mentory. The conversation also navigates the challenges of promoting a business in an image-obsessed environment and shares advice on learning...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Joel Libava, the Franchise King, about understanding franchising, including concepts, costs, and finding "winning franchises". They discuss financing options, downsides of franchising, and transitioning from corporate to franchise ownership. The episode concludes with advice for prospective franchise buyers.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Sarah Durham delve into the topic of exit planning for small businesses. They discuss Sarah's entrepreneurial journey, the various types of employee ownership, and the decision-making process. They also explore the challenges of making a business saleable and the financial and emotional impacts of exiting a business. The episode concludes with wisdom sharing on...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces her 'Hit it or Quit it' panel, including Melanie Greenough, Scott J. Miller, and Brooke Daniels. The group shares their favorite podcasts, business apps, and books. They explore the "Profit First" book with author Mike Mccalliewicz and discuss Melinda's favorite business book, "Disrupt You".

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Scott J. Miller about his career journey, including why he left Franklin Covey. They delve into the importance of strategic planning and mentorship in business, emphasizing on the role of humility and a conducive environment in leadership. They also discuss Scott's new book, "Master Mentors" and the concept of making individuals feel valued as a leader.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Melanie Greenough about generating multiple revenue streams for small businesses. They delve into Melanie's journey from homelessness to success, her strategy for location-neutral income, and the role of spirituality in business. They wrap up with Melanie's key takeaways from her entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Brooke Daniels about various funding options for small businesses. They discuss the importance of understanding business credit, timing and sources of first funding, the differences between Angel investing and Venture capital, and strategies for diverse groups to gain access to funding. They also delve into crowdfunding and its potential risks.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson converses with guests Paul Getter, Catherine Brown, and Dawnna St. Louis about their favorite podcasts and business apps. They share old-school marketing tips and discuss their best business books, including Melinda's favorite. The episode concludes with a promotion of the guests' websites, a word from the sponsor, boss quiz.com, and closing remarks.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Dawnna St. Louis, a renowned coach. They discuss the challenges and strategies in online marketing for coaches, attracting leads, and launching new programs. Dawnna shares her email marketing strategy, insights on identifying an ideal client, and the power of niche focus. She also shares some contrary business advice she's received.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Catherine Brown about the transformation in sales, stressing the importance of sales for small business owners. They discuss self-awareness, the sales funnel stages, and effective sales conversation tools. They also explore when and how to hire a salesperson, and Catherine shares her top business advice.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with internet marketing expert, Paul Getter, about his journey, the comparison between traditional and social media, and the essentials of internet marketing. They delve into building a brand on Instagram, transitioning to paid ads, testing ads, choosing the right platform, and strategies to stand out on Amazon. The conversation concludes with Paul's favorite...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the impact of inflation on small businesses, including shipping, delivery, and supply chain issues. She shares strategies for dealing with inflation, refining business operations, re-evaluating financial management, and handling debt. She also talks about cash flow strategy, supply chain management, and employee management during a labor market crisis, be...

In this episode of Small BizChat, Melinda Emerson is joined by Brynne Tillman and Michelle Snow for a panel discussion on the "hit it and quit it" strategy. They share their favorite business apps and podcasts, discuss old school marketing tips, and recommend insightful books for entrepreneurs. The episode concludes with an introduction to Bossquiz.com and Small Business Lady University.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson invites Michelle Snow to discuss her entrepreneurial journey with 'Grow with Snow'. They delve into the significance of leadership in business success, the value of a reliable team, and faith in business. The conversation also covers the necessity of a business coach, how to identify a bad one, and the best business advice they've received.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Brynne Tillman about the significance of LinkedIn for B2B sellers. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, handling spam messages on LinkedIn, and the art of engaging potential connections. The conversation also explores the benefits of utilizing a Sales Navigator and Social Sales Link.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with entrepreneur Darren Moffatt. They delve into Moffatt's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of sales and marketing in small businesses, and his top internet marketing books. The discussion also covers the role of human connection in business, lead generation tips, and best practices for tracking marketing activity. The episode concludes with Moffatt's...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with Rebecca Monet about the role of peer mentoring in small businesses and the potential of franchising as a business model. They delve into psychographics, financial considerations, and the value of legal support in franchising. Rebecca also shares her favorite business resources and problem-solving strategies.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Zachary Green about his transition from the Marine Corps to entrepreneurship. They delve into overcoming business failures, the impacts of leadership change, and succession planning. They also discuss the role of adversity in business transformation, and essential questions every entrepreneur should ask themselves.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Laurie Barkman, CEO of Small Dot Big, about her business transition experiences. They discuss preparing for business transition, estate planning, and tax consequences. Emotions in selling a business, determining business worth, and M&A strategies for scaling up are also covered. Lastly, they discuss the role of transaction intermediaries and share busine...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Molly Gimmel delve into the importance of a growth mindset, facing challenges during rapid business growth, and the role of authenticity in leadership. They discuss strategies to improve leadership skills, overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and the value of quick decision-making. The episode concludes with a discussion on digital pivot and an introduction to S...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes guest Sirena Thomas, discussing her transition into federal contracting. They delve into the benefits of federal contracting, strategies for winning contracts, and leveraging relationships. They also discuss deciding between products vs services in government contracts, and share their favorite books, apps, and marketing tips.