The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Barry Moltz, discussing his journey to business expertise. They delve into common business struggles, enhancing customer experience, and effective money management. They also share insights on becoming change masters, improving personal productivity, and habits for better business management, including Moltz's favorite app, marketing tip, and business book...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses pricing strategy before introducing guest Bridget Brown, who shares her business journey, tactics, and challenges. They delve into the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program's impact on Brown's business, and Brown offers advice, her favorite podcast, business app, and book.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Liam Martin about his entrepreneurial journey and his insights on the future of work. They delve into the benefits of remote work for small businesses and discuss asynchronous management. They also share tactics for onboarding remote workers and tips for work-life balance in remote settings.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with guest Stephanie Chandler about the realities of traditional book deals and the rise of self-publishing. They delve into goal-setting for writing a book, Chandler's book marketing master course, and effective marketing strategies. Chandler also shares her best business advice, confidence tip, and favorite business resources. The episode wraps up with an i...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and John Lawson discuss pricing strategies for online selling and the importance of market research for small businesses. They also talk about the role of social media in business growth, financial management basics, remote work benefits and challenges, and the potential of e-commerce. The episode concludes with answers to listeners' questions about small business...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Misty Megia about overcoming the fear of public speaking, securing speaking gigs, leveraging podcasts for practice, and strategies for positive self-talk. Megia shares her proven "NPR" formula to manage speaking anxiety and recommends programs for beginners.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Donna Maria about her entrepreneurial journey and the concept of a Lifestyle CEO. They discuss the transition to a membership-based business model, core values, customer engagement strategies, and designing success on your own terms.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Renée Johnson discuss the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and the Reimagined Main Street initiative. They delve into the Backing Black Business Grant program and challenges faced by Asian American businesses. The conversation takes a turn towards Access to Capital, advocating for improved lending models, and issues with CDFI's loan policies. Renée shares...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with entrepreneur Eric Brown about his business ventures and decision for a second act in entrepreneurship. They delve into the perks and considerations for older entrepreneurs, discuss Brown's book "The Second Act Entrepreneur", and gain insights into his hot sauce business, Urbane Farm. Brown also shares business trends and valuable advice.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Barbara Casey delve into the world of mobile marketing for small businesses. They discuss the importance of understanding text marketing rules, choosing the right provider, and the differences between SMS and MMS marketing. Additionally, they explore the future of text messaging in business, the pros and cons of using apps for customer engagement, and sha...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson converses with Carole Copeland Thomas about the importance of adapting to technology, maintaining diverse revenue streams, and building a supportive team. They delve into hiring virtual staff, managing operations across time zones, and fostering relationships. They also discuss a personal story about fundraising for a deceased assistant's family, underscoring the r...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Michelle Washington about the creation and unique aspects of the Women of Moore brand. They discuss women empowerment, self-awareness, and challenges in women-owned businesses. The conversation also delves into maintaining positivity, future plans for Women of Moore, and their favorite business tools.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with author John Warrillow about managing cash flow, selling a business, and the impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses. They delve into the strategies of selling, timing, negotiation and positioning your business for acquisition. They also discuss personalizing business books as gifts and share their favorite recommendations.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with business transformation coach, Jeff Chastain, about developing leadership and sales systems to scale a business. They delve into the necessary pillars for successful scaling, the importance of vision and employee buy-in, and considerations like financing and staffing. They also discuss the concept of shortcuts in business scaling and the need for growth...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Angel Johnson about her transition from military service to entrepreneurship, her sales strategies and partnership with Amazon, and her business's philanthropic efforts. They also discuss the impact of being featured in Oprah's Favorite Things, operating a business on a lean budget, and the introduction of Iconnie's new spring line.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with Alfred Mai, CEO of MS Games, about his entrepreneurial journey in the card game business. They discuss selling on Amazon vs. their own website, the importance of online marketing, strategies for product promotion on Amazon, and the role of customer reviews and Amazon's Vine program. Alfred also shares his top business advice.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Carolyn Crummey discuss the significance of content marketing for small businesses. They delve into optimal content channels, video platforms, and the process of content creation. They also discuss the future of AI in content creation, the importance of adding value, and strategies for updating and repurposing content. The episode concludes with business advice...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Lynnette Khalfani-Cox discuss tax deductions, changes in tax for 2022, and common tax mistakes for small business owners. They also introduce Spruce Money by H&R Block, and Lynnette shares a tribute to her sister. They delve into handling tax issues, IRS negotiations, and the new course at Small Biz Lady University.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Brian Ostrovsky about the importance of local marketing for small businesses. They discuss optimizing online presence for local searches, managing customer reviews, and leveraging geo-tracking ads. The conversation also covers business advice, favorite podcasts, apps, networking tips, and book recommendations. They wrap up with highlights from Small Busi...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with trauma recovery specialist, Michelle Rosenthal. They discuss the impact of stress on small business owners, identifying stress triggers, and strategies for managing chronic stress. The conversation also covers mindfulness, work-life balance, setting boundaries, and integrating self-care into a busy schedule. Michelle shares her business advice, favorite...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the potential of TikTok for business growth. She discusses the future of marketing with short form videos, the use of TikTok University, hashtag strategies, and the power of trending sounds. She also shares tips on driving engagement, recording videos for multi-platform sharing, and the importance of TikTok for business growth.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Liz J. Simpson about the Big Money Movement and effective LinkedIn strategies for B2B sales. They discuss common LinkedIn mistakes, the importance of clear positioning, and how to utilize marketing assistance on the platform. They also share business advice, favorite apps, and recommended books.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses micro marketing strategies for small businesses, setting specific business goals, and the relationship between profit margins and micro marketing. She explores sales as a customer solution, understanding your worth, and setting rates. The episode concludes with a focus on visualization, goal setting, and minimizing distractions to achieve goals, emphasizi...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Kirsten Franklin to discuss the importance of mindset in business success. They delve into taking personal responsibility, reframing negative self-talk, and learning from failures. Kirsten shares her best business advice and a favorite book recommendation. Melinda concludes with her wisdom on the absence of losing in business.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with guest Ramon Ray about the rise of solo entrepreneurship and the gig economy. They discuss strategies for building a million-dollar solo business and offer financing tips for scaling. Ramon introduces his book "Grow Your Solo" and they share common mistakes and time management advice for solo business owners. Recommended reading is 'Profit First' by Mike...