Every entrepreneur has a defining moment. A moment when life forces you to stop, reflect, and decide whether to give up or level up. For me, that moment came when I least expected it—flat on my back, on bed rest, pregnant with my only child, facing the very real possibility of losing everything I had […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Toni Johnson, Sherill Mosee, and Natalia Caylor
In this episode, Melinda Emerson hosts a panel discussion with Natalia Caylor, Sherill Mosee, and Toni Johnson. Each guest shares their favorite podcast, a business app they find indispensable, a marketing tip, and a business book that has impacted them. Toni Johnson is the Head Chef and CEO of The Jamaican Pattie Shop. A plant-based […]
What Eagles Can Teach Us About Being Effective Business Leaders
Now listen, I don’t just love Eagles because I’m from Philadelphia. Sure, I bleed green every football season (Fly, Eagles, Fly!), but today we’re talking about the other kind of eagle — the one with wings, razor-sharp vision, and an inspiring leadership style that business owners can actually learn a thing or two from. Eagles […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Why SMBs Need to Research Their Target Customers with Dr. Natalia Caylor
In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Natalia Caylor to discuss the importance of understanding customers in small business success. Dr. Caylor shares her background and insights from her company, Hola Insights, highlighting common mistakes businesses make and tools that can aid in better customer understanding. The conversation includes the significance of updating customer personas […]
The New Form of SEO: GEO Secrets to Be Listed as a Trusted Resource in AI Searches
Search engine optimization (SEO) is no longer just about ranking on page one of Google. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the search landscape has changed dramatically. AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and the latest voice assistants Siri and Alexa are now helping people find answers—not just websites. But what does that mean for your business? […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How Do You Create a Product in the Culinary Industry with Toni Johnson
In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Toni L. Johnson to share insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Toni discusses her inspiration and experiences with Target’s Forward Founders Program, which helped shape her business approach. The conversation highlights her unique food flavors and vegan options, reflecting her innovative culinary style. Toni outlines her business model, which encompasses […]
Newsflash: No One Cares About Your Brand—Yet. Why Businesses Must Invest in Brand Awareness
Let’s start with a harsh but liberating truth: No one cares about your brand. Not your logo, not your clever name, and certainly not the “About Us” section you spent two weeks writing. This is especially true if you’re a startup or SaaS brand just entering the market. Your product might be the next game-changer, […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Manufacture Products in the Trump Era with Sherrill Mosee
In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Sherrill Mosee to discuss the journey of creating and scaling her brand, Minky Blue. Sherill provides an overview and demonstration of her innovative products, sharing insights from her experience participating in a Macy’s contest. The conversation delves into the initial steps of creating a minimum viable product and the […]
How to Build a Lead Generation and Nurture Process That Converts
Most businesses don’t actually have a sales problem—they have a nurturing problem. While many entrepreneurs are actively collecting leads, running ads, and growing their email lists, those leads often fail to turn into paying customers. Why? Because there’s no follow-up strategy. Leads go cold. Opportunities get missed. And the business ends up stuck in a […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Mission Delivery with Sustainability with Melinda Emerson
In this episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the world of nonprofits and social enterprises, exploring the challenges nonprofits face and the benefits social enterprises offer. The discussion highlights how social enterprises can provide financial stability while making a community impact. Melinda addresses common misconceptions and shares operational strategies for nonprofits, supported by case studies of […]