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, […]
What to Stop Doing in Your Business This Year
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 […]
Your 2026 Game Plan – How to Stop Reacting and Start Building a Profitable, Intentional Business
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 […]
How to Become a Business Owner Through Acquisition
Would you like to go from resume to revenue? Are you a corporate refugee looking for a new path to financial freedom? I’ve got the answer. The Next ACT CEO Summit is for you. It’s a three-day virtual conference taking place January 22–24, 2026, that will guide senior women leaders age 45+ to become entrepreneurs […]
The Great App Consolidation: How to Cut SaaS Spend by 40%
If you feel like you’re paying “SaaS tax” every month, you’re not imagining it. Most small businesses have quietly accumulated 20–30 subscriptions, many overlapping, plus add-ons, per-seat fees, and stealth renewals. The result: app sprawl, duplicate costs, manual work, slow cash collection, and rising risk. The antidote is consolidation, fewer apps that do more, with […]
26 Great Ideas to Market Your Coaching Business
Marketing your coaching business isn’t an afterthought, it’s a designed system that blends authenticity, clarity, and deliberate outreach. In a crowded market, remember that coaching is different: you’re not just selling sessions, you’re inviting someone into a trusting relationship that catalyzes change. Because your offer is intangible, your marketing must make outcomes tangible, share client […]
From RFP to Purchase Order with Corporate Contracts
Winning a corporate contract isn’t about dazzling a room and waiting for magic. It’s a structured march, from the first conversation to a cleanly issued purchase order (PO), timely payment and ultimately, repeat business. Below is a practical, end-to-end playbook you can follow to turn interest into revenue without getting lost in procurement purgatory. A […]
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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