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You are here: Home / Archives for Melinda Emerson

The Team you Need to Buy a Business or Franchise (And Why Going Solo Is a Costly Mistake)

February 2, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Buying a business or franchise is one of the smartest ways to step into entrepreneurship, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to lose money if you try to do it alone. Too many first-time buyers focus only on the deal, the price, the brand, and the opportunity, without considering the team needed to […]

Filed Under: Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Franchise, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Teams, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: attorney, business broker, business coach, buy a business, buying a franchise, CPA, financial planner, HR expert, insurance broker, leadership, legal support, lender support, Team

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Carson Wagner, Angela Williams, and Dr. Stephanie West

January 29, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Angela Williams, Dr. Stephanie West, and Carson Wagner for a panel discussion on their favorites in the world of podcasting, top apps for small business owners, marketing tips to enhance business growth, and must-read business books that have influenced their journeys. Carson Wagner, is the Founder and […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Leadership, SmallBizChat, Teams, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business books, business growth, entrepreneurship, expert panel, favorite apps, marketing strategies, Podcasting Tips, small business, small business advice, upcoming events

10 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs in 2026

January 26, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Does your life seem like one giant setback right now? Be still and know, God knows what’s in you. He is turning things around right now. Joy will be yours again, you will rise again, you will breathe again, and you will dance again. He’s worth the wait. Why do we praise God? Do we […]

Filed Under: 10 Things Lists, Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business Tagged With: Bible for entrepreneurs, Bible verses for business, business growth 2025, Christian business owner tips, entrepreneurial mindset, faith and entrepreneurship, faith in business, grow your faith, Martin Luther King Day inspiration, small business and faith

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Grow Your Business with the S.O.A.P. Method with Dr. Stephanie West

January 22, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Stephanie West, who shares her journey from veterinarian to business advisor. They discuss common traps business owners fall into and introduce the SOAP framework, which is crucial for business assessment and problem prioritization. The conversation highlights the role of AI in evaluating business issues and finalizing the SOAP […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: AI in business, business advice, Business Assessment, business books, business traps, entrepreneurship, problem prioritization, Small Business Management, SOAP framework, veterinary business

How to Generate True Financial Freedom in America

January 19, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

For decades, Americans were taught a simple formula for security: earn a degree, work hard, climb the corporate ladder, and stay loyal to one employer. If you followed the rules, stability would follow. But over the last decade, that promise has quietly expired. Wages have failed to keep pace with inflation. Layoffs are now routine, […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: building wealth, buy a business, buy a franchise, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, franchise, next act ceo summit

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Franchise Your Business Overseas with Angela Williams

January 15, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Angela Williams to discuss the origin and growth of Detail Experts. Angela shares the challenges and successes faced during the international expansion of the franchise, shedding light on the financial investments involved and the current state of the business. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture and […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: absentee ownership, Business Strategies, company culture, Detail Experts, entrepreneurship, financial investment, franchise advice, franchise misconceptions, international franchising, small business advice

What to Stop Doing in Your Business This Year

January 12, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

January is full of noise. New planners. New goals. New promises to “do more.” But if you’re serious about growth this year, the smartest move you can make isn’t adding more to your plate; it’s deciding what to stop doing. This is a contrarian guide to reclaim your time, sharpen your focus, and lead your […]

Filed Under: AI for business, Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Sales, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: AI tools, bottleneck in business, business plans, Business tasks, creating offers, lead management, new plans, partnerships, revenue, sales process, strategy, systems

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Become an Emerging Franchise with Carson Wagner

January 8, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Carson Wagner to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the development of confidence in business. Carson shares insights into the services and growth of her company, Lifetime of Love Nannies, and delves into the challenges and lessons she’s encountered in franchising. The conversation touches on the criteria, costs, and benefits […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business advice, business growth, Confidence Building, entrepreneurial journey, Franchise Benefits, Franchise Costs, Franchisee Criteria, franchising challenges, Lifetime of Love Nannies, small business strategies

Your 2026 Game Plan – How to Stop Reacting and Start Building a Profitable, Intentional Business

January 5, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Branding & Marketing, Business Inspiration, Cash Flow & Finance, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: accountability, game plan, launch plans, revenue goals, sales engine, SWOT analysis, systems growth, target customer list, team support

The SmallBizChat Podcast: No Resolutions with Melinda Emerson

January 1, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business, Leadership, SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business exit strategies, business goals, business planning, entrepreneurship, pricing strategies, Sales Systems, small business advice, Small Business Management, systematizing business, tracking metrics

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Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
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Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
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Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

Latest #SmallBizChat

The Team you Need to Buy a Business or Franchise (And Why Going Solo Is a Costly Mistake)

Buying a business or franchise is one of the smartest ways to step into entrepreneurship, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to lose money if you try to do it alone. Too many first-time buyers focus only on the deal, the price, the brand, and the opportunity, without considering the team needed to […]

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Recent Posts

  • The Team you Need to Buy a Business or Franchise (And Why Going Solo Is a Costly Mistake)
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Carson Wagner, Angela Williams, and Dr. Stephanie West
  • 10 Bible Verses Every Small Business Owner Needs in 2026
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Grow Your Business with the S.O.A.P. Method with Dr. Stephanie West
  • How to Generate True Financial Freedom in America

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