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You are here: Home / Archives for Starting A Small Business

20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Buying an Existing Business

December 8, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Buying an existing business can be one of the fastest ways to become an entrepreneur. Instead of starting from scratch, you’re stepping into a company that already has customers, cash flow, employees, and brand recognition. But before you sign the purchase agreement, you need to ask the right questions to make sure the deal is […]

Filed Under: Branding & Marketing, Cash Flow & Finance, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: business questions, buy an existing business, buying a franchise, entreprenuership

10 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do Before 2026

December 1, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Developing Your 2023 Small Business Strategy Part 2: 6 Steps to Build a Business Strategy review business performance

Small businesses face both challenges and opportunities as we prepare for 2026. With limited resources, the ongoing tariffs, and inflation, it’s crucial to focus on strategies that can maximize growth, enhance efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Here are ten essential actions every small business should take before then. Conduct a Comprehensive Business Audit Before implementing […]

Filed Under: 10 Things Lists, Branding & Marketing, Cash Flow & Finance, Customer Service, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, Human Resources, Leadership, Starting A Small Business, Technology, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: automation, business audit, cash flow management, customer experience, cyber security, digital marketing strategy, economic change, Employee Well-being, goal setting, KPIs, partnerships

How to Finance the Purchase of an Existing Business or Franchise

November 24, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Buying a business or franchise can be one of the smartest moves you ever make. You are stepping into ownership with systems, customers, and revenue already in place. But for most new entrepreneurs, the biggest question is simple: how do you pay for it? The good news is that there are multiple financing options available […]

Filed Under: Cash Flow & Finance, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: business financing, community development funds, financing a small business, purchase a franchise, small business finance

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: How to Decide Whether to Buy an Existing Business or Invest in a Franchise

November 17, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Branding & Marketing, Business Inspiration, Cash Flow & Finance, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, Leadership, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: business acquisition, buy an existing business, buying a franchise, franchise business

How to Champion a “Better Together” Culture in a Small Business

November 10, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, Human Resources, Leadership, Starting A Small Business, Teams, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: authenticity, better together, celebrate wins, collaboration, development and growth, empowerment, encouragement, integrity, leadership, leadership in action, learn from losses, next act ceo summit, sense of belonging, sustainability, team communication, trust in teams

How to Keep Your Employees When You Buy an Existing Business

November 3, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Buying an existing business can feel like stepping onto a moving train. It’s already in motion, with its own rhythms, culture, personalities, and quirks, and you’re expected to take the conductor’s seat without derailing the ride. You’ve just signed the deal of a lifetime. Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of a business that’s already […]

Filed Under: Branding & Marketing, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: build trust, buy existing business, evolve in business, leading a team, reassure, reinvent, retain

10 Workflows Systems Every Small Business Needs

September 15, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: 10 Things Lists, Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: appointment scheduling, business proposal, client communication, cloud storage, collaboration, CRM, electronic contract, lead generation, online invoicing, online reputation, payment collection, project management, sales automation, task tracking

15 Ways to Be More Profitable in Your Small Business

September 8, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Everyone wants to be more profitable. After all, profit is how we keep score in business. It’s not about what you make—it’s about what you keep. Many small business owners confuse revenue with success, but true sustainability comes from consistent profit. The good news is that you don’t always need a complete overhaul to boost […]

Filed Under: 15 Things Series, Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: automation, customer files, financial statements, follow-up, money-making activities, pricing, Productivity, profitable business, referrals, upsell

How to Reinvent Your Business: A 7-Step Guide to Starting Fresh and Scaling Online

September 1, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Sometimes, a business runs its course. What once brought joy, profit, and purpose begins to feel like a burden. Maybe the market changed. Maybe your heart changed. Or maybe the model you built simply doesn’t work anymore in the digital age. Whatever the reason, it’s okay to start over. Reinvention doesn’t mean failure. In fact, […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: automate, business ideas, Business reinvention, Business Values, business vision, home office, reinvent business, scale, signature offer, starting over

30 Best Small Business Podcasts of 2025

August 18, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Profitable podcasting show notes

Podcasts are the new MBA for small business owners. Whether you’re a solopreneur building your brand from scratch, a seasoned business coach, or a product-based business scaling up, the right podcast can change everything. The best ones provide mentorship, industry insight, tactical tips, and tough-love motivation—all in under an hour. In 2025, there’s no shortage […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Sales, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Technology, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: best podcasts of 2025, build your business, business podcasts, get started with podcasts, grow your business with podcasts, growth library

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Latest #SmallBizChat

The SmallBizChat Podcast: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise with Nancy Williams

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Nancy Williams to explore the world of franchising for aspiring business owners. Nancy shares insights from her own franchising journey, addressing common misconceptions and the importance of self-assessment before becoming a franchisee. The discussion covers financial considerations, evaluating the health of franchise systems, and tips for finding […]

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Recent Posts

  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise with Nancy Williams
  • 20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Buying an Existing Business
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: The High-Value Offer Makeover with Melinda Emerson
  • 10 Things Every Small Business Owner Should Do Before 2026
  • How to Finance the Purchase of an Existing Business or Franchise

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