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, […]
February 2026 #SmallBizChat: How to Get Paid for Making Connections
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 […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Business Development in 2026 with Michelle Walker-Davis
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Dr. Michelle Walker-Davis, exploring her journey and the significance of her title, “$850 Billion Boss.” They discuss common myths about grants and the competitive nature of government contracts. The conversation delves into the role of AI and generative technology at Imperial Management Group, emphasizing the importance of documentation for […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Government Contracting with Your Small Business with LaQuan McCarley
LaQuan McCarley is a government contracting expert who provides consulting services to help small businesses start doing business with the federal government. Her firm, Verve Consulting, Inc., provides business development, compliance, proposal management, and certification services for companies interested in doing business with the federal government. Through her 20+ years of experience, she is familiar […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Landing Government Contracts with Carroll Bernard
Carroll Bernard is a government marketing coach and trainer, and co-founder of Govology.com. He has worked as a buyer for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has provided mentorship to hundreds of businesses in procuring government contracts when working at the Oregon Government Contract Assistance Program. As both an entrepreneur […]
Is a Recession the Time to Target the Government for Business?
I recently interviewed government contracting expert Carroll Bernard on #Smallbizchat Live, he gave so many juicy tidbits on how to leverage government contracting vehicles right now. His interview was so important I wanted to share it on this blog without edit. Carroll Bernard is a government market coach and trainer, and the co-founder of Govology.com, […]
How to Develop a Plan to Pursue Government Contracts!
Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with Gloria Larkin. She is the President and CEO of TargetGov. Gloria is the creator of the FAST™ Process, and KickStart […]
How to Sell Your Products and Services to the Federal Government
Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with LaShonda Bracey on selling your products and services to the Federal Government. She is an author of Your A-Z Guide […]
How To Win Federal Government Contracts
Many small businesses often overlook, readily discard, or become immediately intimidated by federal contracting, but the federal government is one of our nation’s largest purchaser of goods and services. One of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s TOO hard to win a government contract. That’s not true. By failing to see the lucrative possibilities afforded […]
How To Do Business With The Federal Government
As Smallbizlady, I recently interviewed Gloria Larkin, President of http://www.targetgov.com/ on SmallBizradio, my monthly Blogtalkradio Show, on How to Do Business with the Federal Government. Her company Targetgov, a national company, provides government procurement, business development, and marketing services. She’s a federal procurement expert who authored “The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government […]