Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
  • SmallBizLady University
  • Subscribe to Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • We’re Hiring!
You are here: Home / Business Inspiration / On The Road To Oprah’s Own Network

On The Road To Oprah’s Own Network

May 31, 2010 By Melinda Emerson 22 Comments

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Vote for Smallbizlady!Many of you may not know this but Oprah Winfrey is who inspired me to become an entrepreneur.  When I was in college she opened Harpo Studios.  That planted the seed and really gave me the confidence that one day I could own my own production company.

I will never forget that time.  I was interning that summer in New York for the Today Show and back then, Lexisnexis was the way you looked up information. I used to hide in the ladies room until everyone went home so I could get onto the Lexis system and look up articles about Oprah’s new business. What fascinated me most about Oprah’s business acumen was not her number 1 talk show, but the fact that she owned her own creative product and negotiated her own syndication deal with King World.

It was the summer of my sophomore year in college when I caught the entrepreneurial bug and I started making plans. I even came up with the name of my first company – Quintessence Entertainment, Inc. I chose Quintessence because it means perfection I also thought it sounded kind of feminine (which I liked).

One of the things I knew about business was that I needed to get some experience before I started my own business. So I finished my broadcast journalism degree at Virginia Tech and then I got a job as a news producer. I worked in the industry six years as a producer and learned every job I could. Then I started thinking back on my business idea. After years of writing about murders and fires and working every Christmas in the news business, I knew that I was meant to do something else. It was a strange feeling as it was my dream job – and I hated it.

While I was still working for the television station, I got a freelance gig working for a production company and then after February sweeps, I walked away from the news business and decided to start my own production company. The Oprah show was always one of my favorites.  I was very lucky I worked at a TV station where I got to watch her show most days before the news.

One of my favorite episodes was one show where a woman in the audience came to return a pair of Oprah’s shoes. Each year, Oprah auctions all of her clothes and shoes to raise money for charity. One year, a woman who was quite down on her luck, bought a simple pair of flat shoes in the sale. She didn’t even wear Oprah’s size. But she wanted the shoes for encouragement. She said whenever she felt depressed she would just stand in Oprah’s shoes until she felt better. She came to the show to give Oprah back her shoes because she didn’t need them anymore. I talked about this episode so much that when I started my production company, one of my best friends bought me a pair of slippers that Oprah said was one of her favorite things and told me that now I was walking in Oprah’s shoes.  It’s been almost 12 years, and I still have and love those slippers.

In 2005, in addition to running my multimedia production company, I became a professional speaker and small business coach.  It was an unintentional business. So many people called me for business advice and to present workshops and participate on panel discussions that after losing precious work hours each month, I realized that I’d better figure out a way to monetize my expertise. I started with my special report 44 Things To Do Before Going Into Business and that led to my book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months which was released in March 2010 by Adams Media.

In 2008, I decided to use Twitter to grow my speaking and coaching business, but when I got to the social networking site, my name was taken.  After I got over the initial shock, my friend Cathy Larkin came up with the idea that I should call myself “SmallBizLady” which has turned out to be the best thing that happened to my brand. In January 2009, I launched this blog as a resource for small business owners.

In early 2010, around that time was book was released, I had an idea for a reality TV show that would send me across the country helping America’s small business owners with their biggest small business challenge and leaving them with an action plan for success. Think of my show as a cross between The Suze Orman Show on CNBC and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover on the Bravo Network.

On May 4, 2010, Oprah partnered with mega producer Mark Burnett, the creator of Survivor and The Apprentice, to find a reality star to create a show for her new cable channel the Oprah Winfrey Network which will begin airing in 2011.

I happened to see the announcement live on TV that day.  I had a strange feeling as I watched the contest announcement; it was like Oprah was talking directly to me.  In an instant, my cell phone was ringing from three different friends wanting to know if I saw it. They also thought that Oprah was looking for me.   Last week, I posted my show concept video to Oprah.com. Here’s the link http://bit.ly/9z13IT .  Please vote for me. There are no restrictions on voting. You can vote as many times as you want each day until July 3, 2010.

Oprah is also hosting live casting calls in four cities across the country at Kohl’s stores.  Several friends have agreed to go to the casting with me on June 5th.  I am going to get in line on June 4th, as they only promise to see the first 500 people. We are going to camp out in the parking lot — like back in the day for concert tickets.  I will be in line by 10 am Friday morning at the Kohl’s in Linden, NJ feel free to come and hang out with me and my friends in line as we continue this journey to win a show on the OWN Network.

I believe everything that I’ve been through in business and in the television and production industry has prepared me for this moment–and I’m bringing along my Oprah slippers for good luck!

Please tell everyone to vote and leave me a comment below about what you think about my pitch video on Oprah.com.

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Mompreneurs, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, Solopreneurs, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: Kohl's, Mark Burnett, Oprah Winfrey, OWN Network Star, smallbizlady, Suze Orman, Tabatha's Salon Takeover

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing consulting firm serves Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Clients include Amazon, Adobe, Verizon, VISA, Google, FedEx, Chase, American Express, The Hartford, and Pitney Bowes. She also has an online school, www.smallbizladyuniversity.com, that teaches people online marketing and how to start and grow a successful small business and publishes a blog SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Her advice is widely read, reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She hosts The Smallbizchat Podcast and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.

Comments

  1. Maureen (Emily Press) says

    May 31, 2010 at 10:59 am

    What an amazing story. It gave me goosebumps reading it. I love the standing in the slippers. You are so inspirational – you have had a great mentor. ;o)

    Sending you good vibes that this next step is the one that fulfills your dream. Good luck and I’m off to vote!

    Reply
    • Melinda Emerson says

      June 2, 2010 at 1:43 pm

      Maureen—

      Thank you so much for your comment. Oprah and I are destined to meet, and I believe we will some day soon. I really do want to raid her closet. I appreciate your support.

      Here’s to your business success.

      Melinda

      Reply
  2. Sheel Patel says

    May 31, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    Love the video, i can see the passion radiating off you.

    Good luck keep us updated on twitter.

    Reply
    • Melinda Emerson says

      June 2, 2010 at 1:40 pm

      Sheel–

      I’m glad you liked the video. Thank you so much for your support.

      Here’s to ending small business failure.

      Melinda

      Reply
  3. Kevin Scott says

    June 1, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Great blog! – much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Melinda Emerson says

      June 2, 2010 at 1:39 pm

      Kevin–

      I’m glad you like what I’m doing.

      Here’s to ending small business failure.

      Melinda

      Reply
  4. Debbie Steg says

    June 1, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    Love your story, passion, enthusiasm!!!! I think you’d be amazing on OWN!! Oprah – are you listening??? As a fellow broadcast journalism major in college – you inspired me to start tweeting when I met you at the NAWBO national conference last year! You have my vote and I’m spreading the word.

    Reply
    • Melinda Emerson says

      June 2, 2010 at 1:38 pm

      Debbie—

      Thank you so much for the support. I have known that Oprah would be part of my future for a long time, but I wasn’t sure how it would happen. It think now it that time.

      Here’s to ending small business failure.

      Reply
  5. Kip Schweiger says

    June 1, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    Excellent website! I’m pleased I stumbled onto it because of my friend’s site. I want to add one more blog to the breakfast schedule.

    Reply
  6. pam perry says

    June 3, 2010 at 11:25 am

    YOU Got this Girl! I voted for you…and I know you GOT NEXT!

    Pam Perry
    http://www.brandingsuperstar.com

    Reply
  7. Womens Shoe Tips says

    May 26, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Great blog and interesting content, thanks for share!

    Reply
  8. Yvonne Kemp says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    I loved your story and like the way you have your business set-up on this site. I have really got to learn how to use twitter and other sites to become successful in my business. I have been fighting for two years trying to help restore Gary Indiana using my own money and have create over 1oo jobs and clean up a lot of debris which is destoring this city and the lives of many children,well if you go to my website you will see some of thethings we do.But so far I have spent $850,000.00 of my own money and can’t get any city state or government funding to help in this flight from blight and slum proverty. I hope people don’t just forget about Gary Indiana.

    Reply
  9. Yvonne Kemp says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I loved your story and like the way you have your business set-up on this site. I have really got to learn how to use twitter and other sites to become successful in my business. I have been fighting for two years trying to help restore Gary Indiana using my own money and have create over 1oo jobs and clean up a lot of debris which is destoring this city and the lives of many children,well if you go to my website you will see some of the things we do.But so far I have spent $850,000.00 of my own money and can’t get any city state or government funding to help in this flight from blight and slum proverty. I hope people don’t just forget about Gary Indiana.Dr.yvonne S. Kemp

    Reply
  10. Yvonne Kemp says

    June 26, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Melinda if you got any advice to help me please reply soon.Thank you for having this blog. Yvonne

    Reply
  11. Jeffry Willert says

    August 18, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.

    Reply
  12. adalat xl 60 mg says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    Cool story!

    Reply
  13. Michelle Jaffee says

    March 21, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    First, I love the post and the video – AWESOME!
    Now, call me silly, how exactly do I vote for you??
    I will be voting every single day and sending every
    good thought that YOU are the one. You are
    an inspiration, Melinda. XO

    Reply
    • Michelle Jaffee says

      March 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

      Oh geez…. I clicked thru from Twitter and thought this was CURRENT. Oopsie daisy! You STILL have my vote for being an inspiration to ALL of us. Thank you for everything!!

      Reply
    • Melinda Emerson says

      March 21, 2012 at 9:26 pm

      Michelle—

      You are so sweet. Hard working entrepreneurs like you are my inspiration. Oprah Winfrey is the reason I became an entrepreneur. I wish her success with OWN.

      Melinda

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner

We’re proud to be part of the Mediaplanet Empowering Small Business campaign! The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship and ruin on the nation’s small businesses, but there’s now reason for hope. Learn about the resources, support, and tools available to help your small business bounce back and grow stronger than ever by picking up a copy of the campaign in USA Today and reading it online here.

Get a FREE Chapter of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded"!

Become Your Own Boss

Sign up for the SmallBizLady Buzz Newsletter by Clicking
the Button Below:

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

Bloomberg News Interview
How to Support Small Businesses During the Holidays

“12 Principles of Highly Profitable Businesses with Melinda Emerson” from Sonia Dumas
October 2020

MSNBC Interview
Top Tip: Never Let a Customer Down

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference 2016

Fox 29 Philadelphia
'Small Biz Lady' gives best advice for starting a new business in the New Year

Fox Business
Starting a Business

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Google
Best Practice for Social Media

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

20 Email Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners Featured Image

20 Email Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners

Email marketing is a powerful tool for small businesses to engage with their audience, drive traffic to their website, and ultimately increase sales. But with so many emails flooding inboxes every day, it can be tough to make your message stand out. To help you create effective email campaigns, I’ve compiled 20 of my favorite […]

Fix Your Business Q&A Video

Recent Posts

  • 20 Email Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Building and Running a Strong Family Business with Christine Noh
  • March 2023 #SmallBizChat: What Your Customer Wants and Can’t Tell You
  • How to Create an Email List to Grow Your Small Business
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Growing Your Business in Uncertain Times with Brian Johnson

Categories

  • 10 Things Lists
  • 12 Things
  • 15 Things Series
  • 31 Ways to Boost Your Small Business
  • Ask Smallbizlady
  • Become Your Own Boss Tips
  • Branding & Marketing
  • Business Inspiration
  • BYOB2011
  • Cash Flow & Finance
  • Customer Service
  • Featured Post
  • Featured SmallBizChat
  • Fix Your Business
  • Grow Your Business
  • Guest Articles
  • How to Start
  • Leadership
  • Melinda Emerson @SmallBizLady
  • Mompreneurs
  • My Recommendations
  • Pink Slip Entrepreneurs
  • Q & A Interview
  • SmallBizChat
  • SmallBizChat Live+
  • SmallBizLady Recommends
  • SmallBizRadio
  • Social Media
  • Solopreneurs
  • Special Reports
  • Starting A Small Business
  • Teams
  • Technology
  • Telesummit
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • Women in Business
  • Your Small Business

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

Products

Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • Write For Us
  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2023
Quintessence Entertainment, Inc
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner