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The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Joe Mindak and Michelle Walker-Davis

February 19, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off The SmallBizChat with a discussion on favorite business tools and tips. She shares her own recommendations and invites listeners to explore new strategies for enhancing their business operations. The conversation transitions to recommended business books, highlighting influential reads that have shaped successful entrepreneurs. Joe Mindak is a connector, operator, […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Leadership, SmallBizChat, Teams, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: AI in business, business funding, business grants, business management tips, business networking, business tips, entrepreneurship, financial readiness, first-time funding mistakes, government contracts, maintaining business relationships, minority entrepreneurs, monetizing relationships, Nolodex platform, referral strategies, revenue channels, small business advice, small business resources, women entrepreneurs

February 2026 #SmallBizChat: How to Get Paid for Making Connections

February 13, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

The SmallBizChat Podcast is a weekly interview show dedicated to helping small business owners. Each episode features practical insights, expert guests, and actionable strategies designed to help entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses. Hosted by Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” the mission of SmallBizChat is to end small business failure. From sales and marketing to finance, leadership, and […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, SmallBizChat Live+ Tagged With: AI in business, business funding, business grants, business management tips, business networking, business tips, entrepreneurship, financial readiness, first-time funding mistakes, government contracts, maintaining business relationships, minority entrepreneurs, monetizing relationships, Nolodex platform, referral strategies, revenue channels, small business advice, small business resources, women entrepreneurs

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Monetize Connections with Joe Mindak

February 12, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Joe Mindak to discuss the art of monetizing relationships. Joe shares insights into his background and emphasizes the importance of treating referrals as a viable revenue channel. They explore strategies for converting referrals into revenue and the practice of paying for introductions while maintaining strong relationships. The conversation highlights […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business networking, business tips, entrepreneurship, maintaining business relationships, monetizing relationships, Nolodex platform, referral strategies, revenue channels, small business advice, small business resources

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Carson Wagner, Angela Williams, and Dr. Stephanie West

January 29, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Angela Williams, Dr. Stephanie West, and Carson Wagner for a panel discussion on their favorites in the world of podcasting, top apps for small business owners, marketing tips to enhance business growth, and must-read business books that have influenced their journeys. Carson Wagner, is the Founder and […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Leadership, SmallBizChat, Teams, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business books, business growth, entrepreneurship, expert panel, favorite apps, marketing strategies, Podcasting Tips, small business, small business advice, upcoming events

How to Generate True Financial Freedom in America

January 19, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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, […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, How to Start, Leadership, Pink Slip Entrepreneurs, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: building wealth, buy a business, buy a franchise, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, franchise, next act ceo summit

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Grow Your Business with the S.O.A.P. Method with Dr. Stephanie West

January 22, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Stephanie West, who shares her journey from veterinarian to business advisor. They discuss common traps business owners fall into and introduce the SOAP framework, which is crucial for business assessment and problem prioritization. The conversation highlights the role of AI in evaluating business issues and finalizing the SOAP […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: AI in business, business advice, Business Assessment, business books, business traps, entrepreneurship, problem prioritization, Small Business Management, SOAP framework, veterinary business

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Franchise Your Business Overseas with Angela Williams

January 15, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Angela Williams to discuss the origin and growth of Detail Experts. Angela shares the challenges and successes faced during the international expansion of the franchise, shedding light on the financial investments involved and the current state of the business. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture and […]

Filed Under: SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: absentee ownership, Business Strategies, company culture, Detail Experts, entrepreneurship, financial investment, franchise advice, franchise misconceptions, international franchising, small business advice

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Jared Kallen and Trae Bodge

October 23, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Fix Your Business, Grow Your Business, Leadership, Sales, SmallBizChat, Teams, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business advice, business apps, business books, business promotions, entrepreneurship, marketing tips, podcast recommendations, small business, Small Business Management

The SmallBizChat Podcast: No Resolutions with Melinda Emerson

January 1, 2026 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the importance of resolve over resolutions when setting business goals. She emphasizes the need to establish three significant goals for your business and the role of effective sales systems and tracking metrics in achieving them. The conversation includes insights on systematizing business operations and determining the value of services […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Grow Your Business, Leadership, SmallBizChat, The SmallBizChat Podcast Tagged With: business exit strategies, business goals, business planning, entrepreneurship, pricing strategies, Sales Systems, small business advice, Small Business Management, systematizing business, tracking metrics

Best of the SmallBizChat Podcast 2026

December 22, 2025 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: Business Inspiration, Featured Post, Grow Your Business, How to Start, My Recommendations, Sales, Side Hustle, Solopreneurs, Starting A Small Business, Women in Business, Your Small Business Tagged With: AI, best of #smallbizchat, entrepreneurship, franchising, leadership, marketing, small business growth

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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
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Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
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Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
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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

Why Trust Is the Ultimate Growth Strategy in Business

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. […]

Fix Your Business Q&A Video

Recent Posts

  • Why Trust Is the Ultimate Growth Strategy in Business
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Joe Mindak and Michelle Walker-Davis
  • Why Small Businesses Succeed: What the Best Owners Get Right
  • February 2026 #SmallBizChat: How to Get Paid for Making Connections
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Monetize Connections with Joe Mindak

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