In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off with the engaging “Hit It and Quit It” segment, setting the stage for a lively discussion. The conversation shifts to a sharing of favorite business tools and tips, offering practical insights for small business owners looking to enhance their operations. Oginga Carr is a dynamic AI expert, Certified High-Performance […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Grow Your Business with Expert Market Positioning with Debbie Allen
In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Debbie Allen to discuss her journey in business and the art of expert positioning. They explore how the pandemic has influenced the creation of experts and delve into the essentials of content creation and defining expertise. Debbie shares insights on building a strong business foundation and offers valuable advice […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Use AI to Grow Your Small Business with Oginga Carr
In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Oginga Carr to explore the intersection of AI and small business branding. The discussion delves into the opportunities AI presents for creating signature content and achieving deep personalization in marketing. They evaluate the pros and cons of free versus paid AI tools and highlight common mistakes to […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Karla Trotman and Sandra James
In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces a dynamic “hit it and quit it” panel discussion, where guests share their favorite podcasts and business apps. The conversation highlights old school marketing tips and delves into the best business books that have influenced the panelists. Karla Trotman is the President and CEO of Electro Soft, Incorporated (ESI), […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Be a Boss Chick for Over 40 Years with Sandra James
In this episode, Melinda Emerson speaks with Sandra James about her journey in leadership and the evolution of her career. Sandra discusses the challenges she faced as a woman and a parent in business, offering insights into overcoming these hurdles. The conversation also touches on strategies for navigating economic downturns and the importance of mentorship […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Take Over a Family Business with Karla Trotman
In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Karla Trotman to discuss her journey with Electrosoft and the transition into the family business. Karla shares insights on leadership changes, building an advisory board, and overcoming skepticism. The conversation delves into family dynamics, succession planning, and financial strategies essential for sustaining a family business. Karla also discusses her […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Top 10 Things Small Business Owners Need to Focus on in 2025 with Melinda Emerson
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 […]