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You are here: Home / Archives for How to Start

What KPIs Should You Track In Your Small Business?

May 5, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Running a small business successfully requires more than intuition—it demands tracking performance metrics that guide decision-making. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide measurable insights into your business operations, helping you optimize lead generation, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies. By focusing on the right KPIs, small business owners can identify strengths, pinpoint inefficiencies, and increase profitability. This […]

Filed Under: Grow Your Business, How to Start, Sales, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: business growth metrics, key performance indicators, kpi, performance metrics, tracking data

How to Develop a Business Launch Timeline, Part II

April 28, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Welcome to Part II of Building a Launch Pad to Start Your Business. In this post, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive 12-month roadmap to launch your business with clarity and confidence. From refining your idea and setting up finances to marketing and making your first sale, this plan is designed to help you stay […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, How to Start, Sales, Side Hustle, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Your Small Business Tagged With: build your brand, business planning, business research, business scaling, grow and audience, marketing strategy, sales strategies

Building a Launchpad to Start Your Business: Part I

April 21, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Do you think that you have a million-dollar idea? Building a Launchpad to Start Your Business is just the first step. Starting a business is thrilling—but let’s be real, it’s also a high-stakes move that impacts your money, time, energy, and relationships. That’s why you need more than just a good idea—you need a plan. […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, How to Start, Sales, Side Hustle, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Your Small Business Tagged With: assess finances, personal goals, Plan B, professional goals, start a small business, work schedule

How to Master the Art of Discovery Calls

December 16, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Discovery calls are a critical step in the sales process, especially for service-based businesses and consultants. They’re your chance to connect with potential clients, understand their needs, and demonstrate the value you can provide—all while determining if they’re a good fit for your services. But for many business owners, these calls can feel daunting, especially […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, Customer Service, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Your Small Business Tagged With: business growth tips, client acquisition, closing deals effectively, consultative selling techniques, discovery calls, high-ticket closing, how to sell services, lead generation tips, sales strategies, small business owners

URGENT: Is Your Business Compliant with the Corporate Transparency Act?

December 9, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Small business owners there’s one new regulation that needs your immediate attention before the end of 2024. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires most small businesses operating in the United States to create transparency in business ownership to prevent illicit activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, and financing of terrorism. The CTA is a […]

Filed Under: Fix Your Business, How to Start, Starting A Small Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: anti-money laundering compliance, avoid CTA penalties, beneficial ownership information, business transparency law, Corporate Transparency Act, CTA filing requirements, financial crimes prevention, FinCEN BOI report, new business regulations, ownership disclosure law, small business compliance, small business owners, U.S. business compliance

Is Your Self-Esteem Holding Back Your Small Business?

October 28, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Self-esteem is the way we perceive and value ourselves. It is a critical component of our personal well-being. But did you know that it also plays a significant role in the success or failure of your small business? For many entrepreneurs, particularly women business owners, low self-esteem can be a silent saboteur, preventing us from […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Staying Productive, Uncategorized, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: building confidence in business, business growth strategies, decision making for entrepreneurs, female entrepreneurs, innovation in small business, leadership and self-esteem, networking for entrepreneurs, overcoming low self-esteem, self-esteem in business, small business success

SmallBizLady Summer Reading List 2024

July 29, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

It’s Summer, and that means it’s time to grab to good book and grow your expertise. There are many business books that have delivered an array of insightful and actionable reads. Here are a particular set of books that I find valuable for small business owners seeking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Here are […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, Branding & Marketing, Business Inspiration, Cash Flow & Finance, Customer Service, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Mompreneurs, My Recommendations, Social Media, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Teams, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: AI in business, Business Book Recommendations, business coaching, business knowledge, business leadership, business owner resources, Business Strategies, business success tips, customer centricity, entrepreneurship, financial management, innovation, leadership books, marketing books, must-read business books, small business books, small business growth, smallbizlady, summer reading list, sustainable business

Can You Turn a Side Hustle into an Empire?

May 6, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

The concept of the side hustle has gained significant traction in the last few years. No one is confined to the traditional nine-to-five grind these days. Especially since 2020, people have been increasingly developing side hustles to supplement their income, pursue their passions, and, yes, even build empires. I’m asked the question often, “Can a […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business Tagged With: business empire, business growth, digital age, entrepreneur journey, entrepreneurship, financial independence, online business, passion project, scaling, side hustle, small business, Success Stories

How to Find the Perfect Business Idea

April 8, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship is not merely about having the drive and passion; it’s also about channeling that energy into the right business opportunity. Once you’ve scrutinized your abilities, identified your strengths, and visualized your entrepreneurial future. Now, you must determine What kind of business you should start. Answering this requires introspection, strategic […]

Filed Under: Become Your Own Boss Tips, Branding & Marketing, Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: business models, entrepreneurial aspirations, entrepreneurship, financial preparedness, guidance, industry experience, lifestyle aspirations, monetization, passions, remote work, routines, self-analysis, self-discipline, self-motivation, skills, support

Turning Resolutions into Reality: A Blueprint for Small Business Success in 2024

January 1, 2024 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, small business owners across the globe are filled with renewed hope, setting resolutions to make the coming year their best one yet. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of these aspirations fall by the wayside as the year progresses. The biggest goal killer in business is […]

Filed Under: 15 Things Series, Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Melinda Emerson @SmallBizLady, Your Small Business Tagged With: business growth, business planning, business strategy, Clear Goals, coaching, Consultation, customer loyalty, entrepreneurship, Failure to Implement, Financial Goals, goal setting, Health and Well-being, New Year Resolutions, personal growth, Productivity, Professional Development, Resolutions Into Reality, Small Business Coaching, Small Business Resolutions, small business success, strategic planning, Team Building, Technology in Business, Time management, work-life balance

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Testimonials

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
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
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 SmallBizChat Podcast: How Giving a TEDx Talk Can Benefit Your Business with Dr. Dan Young

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Dan Young to discuss the art of crafting and promoting a successful TED Talk. Dr. Dan shares insights into his own TED Talk journey, detailing its background and the impact it has had. He provides valuable strategies for aspiring speakers on how to effectively convey their message and […]

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  • What KPIs Should You Track In Your Small Business?
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