Trust is not a “soft skill.” It is not a vibe. And it is definitely not optional. Trust is one of the most powerful and overlooked drivers of business success. Strong small businesses don’t just sell products or services; they build confidence with everyone they touch. Employees trust leadership. Vendors trust commitments. Customers trust promises. […]
Why Small Businesses Succeed: What the Best Owners Get Right
Small businesses don’t succeed because their owners are luckier, louder, or more passionate than everyone else. They succeed because they are led with clarity, discipline, and intention. While hype culture glorifies hustle and constant motion, long-lasting businesses follow far more grounded principles. Over time, clear patterns emerge that explain why some businesses grow steadily while […]
For Better or Worse: The Vows Every Business Owner Eventually Learns
We rarely describe small business ownership as a love story. We dress it up as ambition, independence, or strategy. We talk about growth plans, revenue targets, and market positioning. But if you’ve owned a business long enough, you know the truth most owners eventually discover, often the hard way. Business ownership is one of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Best of the SmallBizChat Podcast 2026
The #SmallBizChat Podcast had a powerhouse year, delivering some of the most insightful conversations in entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, franchising, marketing, and small business growth. Whether you are a seasoned CEO or a professional woman stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time, these episodes unpack the strategies, tools, and mindsets needed to thrive in today’s rapidly […]
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 […]
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