The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Yvonne E.L. Silver, who shares her expertise on sales strategies tailored for women entrepreneurs. They discuss the art of influence in sales and effective methods for approaching potential sales targets. Yvonne highlights common sales mistakes and provides valuable advice for small business owners to overcome them.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Joanne Eriaku, who brings her expertise in AI to the discussion. They explore common misconceptions about AI and its practical applications for small businesses. Joanne outlines steps for implementing AI effectively while emphasizing the importance of data security. The conversation also delves into the challenges, risks, and potential future impacts of AI on small business operations.

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. The episode wraps up having provided valuable resources for small business owners looking to enhance their strategies and knowledge.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes guest Reid Holmes, who shares his journey and search for impact in small businesses. They delve into the concept of appreciated branding, discussing its key components and how to implement it effectively across products and services.

In this episode, Melinda welcomes Leticia Crippen, who shares her journey in media and insights on video production. They discuss key components for getting started, including planning, scripting, and determining video style. Leticia covers essential tools and software to make videos stand out. The episode includes a discussion on using ChatGPT and the pros and cons of short-form vs. long-form content. Leticia also offers storytelling tips and advice for beginners in video content creation.

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 episode also focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and offers safety tips for homeowners and thoughts on staying motivated through adversity.

Melinda introduces guests Elaine Pofeldt, Maggie Lord and Valdez Lasartemay. The guests share their favorite podcasts, business tools, marketing tips, book recommendations providing practical advice for small business owners.

Melinda Emerson introduces the episode and welcomes guest Valdez Lasartemay. Valdez shares his passion for sales and fundamental techniques that drive success. They discuss the importance of building relationships and personal branding in sales. The conversation covers strategies for handling objections and tools for effective sales engagement. Valdez also explains how to leverage social media and key metrics for measuring sales performance. He concludes with his best business advice, followed by closing remarks.

In this episode, Maggie Lord shares her entrepreneurial journey and insights into exit strategies, focusing on planning and financial preparation for selling a business. She and Melinda discuss how to identify potential buyers and ensure a fair valuation, and Maggie covers the importance of confidentiality and outlines the timeline of the sales process.

Melinda's guest this week is 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.

In today's solo podcast, 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.

Melinda hosts a panel discussion with Steven Pope, Alicia Miller, and Thomas Young. They share old school marketing tips and their favorite business tools.

Melinda Emerson introduces Thomas Young and explores the World Trade Center Association and STEP Grants. They discuss exporting challenges, success strategies, and financing international deals.

Melinda Emerson chats with Alicia Miller about her journey in franchising and key factors to consider when franchising a business. They discuss the steps to start, initial investments, setting franchise fees, and building a community within a franchise network.

Steven Pope shares his journey to becoming the Amazon Guy, offers tips on selecting products, conducting market research, and competitive analysis. He discusses pricing strategies, Amazon fulfillment vs. self-shipping, and ways to drive traffic and sales on Amazon.

Melinda Emerson discusses the Fearless Fund lawsuit, systemic inequities faced by black entrepreneurs, and alternative support methods for minority and women business owners. She also shares resources for grants, venture capital, angel investors, and corporate initiatives.

Melinda Emerson welcomes listeners and introduces guests Lisha Bell, Alyson Caffrey, and Mickie Kennedy. They share their favorite business apps and top business books. The "hit it and quit it" segment provides rapid-fire insights. Sponsored by SmallBizLadyAcademy.com, the episode concludes with final advice.

Melinda Emerson and guest Alicia Miller discuss the essentials of franchising a business. Topics include Alicia's background, key factors in franchising, initial steps, capital requirements, and setting franchise fees. Alicia also shares the best business advice she's received.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, about securing local press for small businesses. They discuss Mickie's journey, tips for effectively pitching to local media, common mistakes, and his best business advice. The episode concludes with a word from the sponsor, SmallBiz Lady Academy.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Alyson Caffrey about her journey as a solo entrepreneur and the importance of setting boundaries. They delve into the Sabbatical Method, overcoming guilt in business, and maintaining work-life balance through self-discipline. The discussion concludes with the best business advice Alyson has received.