If the last few years have taught business owners anything, it’s this: hoping things will “settle down” is not a strategy. 2026 will reward the businesses that plan with precision, manage with discipline, and execute with confidence. If you want next year to look different from this one, you need a real game plan, not […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Jared Kallen and Trae Bodge
In this episode, Melinda Emerson engages in an insightful conversation with guests, Jared Kallen and Trae Bodge, sharing their favorite podcasts and indispensable business apps, providing listeners with fresh resources for their entrepreneurial journey. The episode continues with a look at favorite old school marketing tips and impactful business books, offering a blend of classic […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: No Resolutions with Melinda Emerson
In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the importance of resolve over resolutions when setting business goals. She emphasizes the need to establish three significant goals for your business and the role of effective sales systems and tracking metrics in achieving them. The conversation includes insights on systematizing business operations and determining the value of services […]
Best of the SmallBizChat Podcast 2026
The #SmallBizChat Podcast had a powerhouse year, delivering some of the most insightful conversations in entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, franchising, marketing, and small business growth. Whether you are a seasoned CEO or a professional woman stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time, these episodes unpack the strategies, tools, and mindsets needed to thrive in today’s rapidly […]
Are You Minding the Gaps in Your Small Business
Most small business owners are so busy working in their business that they rarely stop to look at it. They chase sales, juggle clients, manage teams, and somehow still squeeze in a little sleep. But here’s the truth most entrepreneurs overlook: if you ever want to build wealth or sell your business someday, you need […]
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: How to Decide Whether to Buy an Existing Business or Invest in a Franchise
If you have ever dreamed of owning a business but did not want to start from scratch, it may be time to explore Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. This strategy lets you buy a business that is already generating revenue or invest in a franchise with a proven model. For professionals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond […]
How to Champion a “Better Together” Culture in a Small Business
Every small business owner dreams of having a team that works like a family, where people trust one another, collaborate seamlessly, and go above and beyond because they care about the mission. But creating that kind of environment does not happen by accident. It happens through intentional leadership and a daily commitment to culture. A […]
Scarcity: The Silent Business Killer Holding Women Back
If you’ve been in business for more than five minutes, you’ve heard this phrase: “There’s not enough.” Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough opportunity. Not enough good employees out here. That mindset, my friends, is called scarcity, and it’s the silent business killer that keeps too many women entrepreneurs stuck, spinning their wheels […]
How to Transition Your Free Community into a Paid Membership
Selling through community is a way to always be able to get instant feedback on offers and print money. But turning a free community like a Facebook group into a paid membership isn’t just about adding a paywall. It’s a careful shift in positioning, value delivery, and member experience. Do it well and you’ll gain […]
10 Workflows Systems Every Small Business Needs
Running a successful small business takes more than talent, passion, or a good product. It requires systems, specifically workflow systems that guide how work gets done, from attracting prospects to delivering your service or product and getting paid. These systems help you operate more efficiently, reduce errors, enhance the customer experience, and ultimately grow your […]
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