Let’s get real: You don’t need to be everywhere—you just need to own your ZIP code. As a retailer or franchisee, your power isn’t in chasing a global audience. It’s in knowing your customers, showing up for your community, and building a brand that people can’t stop talking about right down the street. Local marketing […]
How Smart Nonprofits are Building Recession-Proof Revenue Streams
Let’s face it—if your nonprofit is still relying solely on grant applications and those annual galas where board members reluctantly bid on vacation packages they don’t want, you might as well be using a rotary phone to call potential donors. In today’s economic climate, diversification isn’t just smart—it’s survival. Several nonprofit CEOs I’ve spoken with […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Mitch Axelrod, Dr. Dan Young, and Rich Trotter
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces an engaging discussion with guests Rich Trotter, Mitch Axelrod, and Dr. Dan Young. The conversation kicks off with each guest sharing their favorite business podcast and app, revealing unique tools that aid their entrepreneurial journey. They then delve into timeless marketing strategies, discussing classic tips that still hold relevance […]
How to Tighten Your Sales Infrastructure (Before Your Bank Account Screams for Help)
If your sales swing between feast and famine every few months, the problem isn’t visibility, branding, or even marketing. It’s your sales infrastructure. Most coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs start out selling based on talent and hustle alone—no real system, no process, just vibes and referrals. And while that might get you to six figures, […]
50 Best Free Apps for Small Business Owners
Running a small business requires wearing multiple hats—operations, marketing, finance, customer service, and more. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of free tools that can help you streamline your processes, increase productivity, and save money. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a growing team, these 50 best free apps for small business owners are powerful, practical, […]
What KPIs Should You Track In Your Small Business?
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 […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with LaTanya White, Dov Gordon, and Anisha Robinson Keeys
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces a panel format featuring Dov Gordon, Dr. LaTanya White, and Anisha Robinson Keeys, who share their insights and experiences. The conversation highlights each guest’s favorite business books, offering listeners valuable recommendations to enhance their entrepreneurial knowledge. Dr. LaTanya White is a pioneering thought leader in Wealth Equity and a trailblazing researcher […]
How to Develop a Business Launch Timeline, Part II
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 […]
Building a Launchpad to Start Your Business: Part I
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. […]
How to Leverage Automation and AI to Boost Sales Efficiency
In today’s competitive business landscape, sales teams face the challenge of reaching more prospects, personalizing engagement, and closing deals faster—without increasing workloads. The solution? Sales automation and AI. By integrating AI-powered tools and automation into your sales strategy, businesses can streamline workflows, improve customer interactions, and drive revenue growth. This post will explore how automation […]
