To kick off the new year, Melinda Emerson breaks down the top 10 things to incorporate into your business practice this year to stay ahead of the competition, from AI to Customer Experience to Your website. The discussion covers leveraging AI for business automation, strengthening cybersecurity, and building a resilient supply chain. Listen […]
Best of Blogs of 2024
As the year winds down, it’s time to reflect on the invaluable insights shared on the SmallBizLady blog. From sales strategies to leveraging AI and building thriving online communities, we’ve covered everything you need to run and grow your small business. Here’s a roundup of some of the most impactful blog posts this year. Join […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Leverage Supplier Diversity to Grow Your Business with Sharon Manker
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces guest Sharon Maker, an expert in supplier diversity. Sharon shares insights from her career path, emphasizing the importance of positioning small businesses for opportunities with large companies. The discussion highlights major certifying bodies crucial for small businesses seeking to enhance their marketability and competitiveness. Sharon Manker, M.Ed is an […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: I Have Evidence with Melinda Emerson
In this episode, Melinda Emerson shares her personal story about dealing with home disasters, including experiences with insurance, Servpro, and moving her office. Melinda recounts a gas leak incident, highlighting a neighbor’s alert and the troubleshooting process. She reflects on the gas leak source and other recent incidents and their impact on her perspectives. The […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: It’s Your Make It Season with Melinda Emerson
In this episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the challenges posed by current economic pressures and how small business owners can adapt. The discussion covers the importance of reassessing revenue models and the potential of leveraging AI in business operations. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a resilient mindset and setting clear business goals. The conversation shifts […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It or Quit It with Leticia Crippen and Reid Holmes
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces guests Leticia Crippen and Reid Holmes and sets the stage for a lively discussion on favorite podcasts and business apps. The conversation shifts to old school marketing tips, where practical advice and best business book recommendations are shared. Leticia Crippen is an award-winning creative strategist and video producer. As […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: The Dangers of Poor Customer Service with Melinda Emerson
In this episode, Melinda discusses the importance of subscribing to services and shares personal experiences with service providers. She delves into communication, professionalism, and challenges in the service industry. The episode highlights the consequences and importance of customer retention, as well as legal risks and strategies for responding to reviews. Listen to the podcast […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Run a 7-figure Solo Business with Elaine Pofeldt
In this episode, Melinda introduces Elaine Pofeldt, who shares her background and insights on non-employer businesses. They delve into the growth trends of million-dollar solopreneurs and identify top industries for solo businesses, including the impact of AI. The conversation also covers the challenges solopreneurs face and the importance of personal branding. Elaine Pofeldt is an […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It & Quit It with Steven Pope, Alicia Miller, and Thomas Young
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces guests Steven Pope, Alicia Miller, and Thomas Young. They share old school marketing tips and their favorite business tools. The episode concludes with closing remarks and guest acknowledgements. Steven Pope is the founder of My Amazon Guy, a marketing agency managing 300+ active brands. Steven is a best-selling author with his […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Franchise Your Business with Alicia Miller
In this episode, I chat with Alicia Miller about her journey in franchising and key factors to consider when franchising a business. We discuss the steps to start, initial investments, setting franchise fees, and building a community within a franchise network. Alicia Miller is the Managing Director of Emergent Growth Advisors. She helps new franchise […]