Executive Function Support with Jared Kallen
E320 • Oct 8, 2025 • 24 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Jared Kallen to discuss the nuances of executive function coaching. Jared shares his journey into this field, distinguishing it from traditional tutoring and therapy. The conversation explores how to identify when someone needs executive function support and compares coaching strategies for students and adults, highlighting the role of parent involvement. Jared outlines the typical duration of coaching engagements and shares the tech tools that aid in coaching.
How Small Businesses Solve Real-World Problems with Jim Beach
E319 • Oct 1, 2025 • 28 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Jim Beach to explore various facets of entrepreneurship. Jim discusses the role of creativity, risk, and passion in building a business and shares his insights on the impact of ChatGPT on business productivity. The conversation also delves into his radio show and media presence, highlighting top mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Jim introduces his new book, "The Real Environmentalist," and discusses responsible entrepreneurship concerning environmental issues. He concludes by sharing the best business advice he has received.
Hit It & Quit It with Toni Harris Taylor and Michelle Songy
E318 • Sep 24, 2025 • 13 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson presents the "Hit It and Quit It" segment, engaging in lively discussions on key business topics with Toni Harris Taylor and Michelle Songy. Each guest shares their favorite podcast, a business app they find indispensable, a marketing tip, and a business book that has impacted them.
How to Make Networking Pay Off with Toni Harris Taylor
E317 • Sep 17, 2025 • 25 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Toni Harris Taylor to discuss strategic networking for small business owners. Toni shares insights on common misconceptions about networking and her transition into franchising. The conversation highlights how Network in Action operates and its success stories, emphasizing the art of follow-up in networking. Toni provides strategies for both in-person and online follow-ups, offering practical advice for effective networking.
How to Grow Your Revenue with Retreats with Sheri Rosenthal
E316 • Sep 10, 2025 • 36 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Sheri Rosenthal to discuss the power of retreats as business growth tools. Sheri shares her expertise on how retreats can serve as effective revenue streams and strengthen client relationships. The conversation covers key aspects of planning and marketing successful retreats, including avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring participant engagement. Financial and legal considerations are also discussed, along with strategies to prevent burnout for retreat leaders.
Will AI Replace the SmallBizLady
E315 • Sep 3, 2025 • 16 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the challenges and opportunities SaaS brands face in building brand awareness. She explores the evolving landscape of AI versus human coaching in business, sharing insights on her unique strengths and the future role of AI in coaching. The discussion extends to integrating AI into business strategies, offering practical advice for small business owners.
Hit It & Quit It with Ryan Hogan and Michelle Songy
E314 • Aug 27, 2025 • 11 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson presents a dynamic discussion in the "Hit It and Quit It" segment, where she explores various favorite business topics with her guests. The conversation provides valuable insights and perspectives on achieving small business success.
How to Secure PR for Small Businesses with Michelle Songy
E313 • Aug 20, 2025 • 24 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Michelle Songy, CEO of Presshook, to explore the world of public relations for small businesses. Michelle addresses common misconceptions about PR and emphasizes the importance of preparation and crafting an effective pitch. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding your audience to prevent typical PR blunders and the value of nurturing media relationships while exploring nontraditional media avenues. Michelle shares insights on starting PR efforts for small businesses, focusing on the importance of customer relationships.
How to Protect Your Business Legally with Sharon Tasman, Esq.
E312 • Aug 13, 2025 • 23 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Sharon Tasman to discuss crucial legal aspects for small businesses. Sharon outlines the top legal mistakes entrepreneurs often make, emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual property. The discussion covers selecting the right business name and entity type, alongside legal essentials for startups. Sharon also highlights the significance of privacy policies and contractual agreements. The episode concludes with Sharon sharing her best business advice and an invitation to the Small Biz Lady Academy.
How to Hire Effectively with Ryan Hogan
E311 • Aug 6, 2025 • 24 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Ryan Hogan, founder of Talent Harbor, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and expertise in hiring strategies for small businesses. Ryan shares insights on the necessary mindset shift for effective hiring and common mistakes made when hiring sales staff. The conversation delves into attracting talent in a small business environment and evaluating candidates based on experience, potential, and personality. Ryan also offers guidance on choosing between contractors and full-time employees and identifying red flags during the hiring process.
Hit It & Quit It with Toni Johnson, Sherill Mosee, and Natalia Caylor
E310 • Jul 30, 2025 • 9 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson hosts a panel discussion with Natalia Caylor, Sherill Mosee, and Toni Johnson. Each guest shares their favorite podcast, a business app they find indispensable, a marketing tip, and a business book that has impacted them.
Why SMBs Need to Research Their Target Customers with Dr. Natalia Caylor
E309 • Jul 23, 2025 • 19 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Natalia Caylor to discuss the importance of understanding customers in small business success. Dr. Caylor shares her background and insights from her company, Hola Insights, highlighting common mistakes businesses make and tools that can aid in better customer understanding. The conversation includes the significance of updating customer personas and the value of incorporating psychographics. A market research case study is presented, along with often overlooked feedback sources.
How Do You Create a Product in the Culinary Industry with Toni Johnson
E308 • Jul 16, 2025 • 16 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Toni L. Johnson to share insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Toni discusses her inspiration and experiences with Target's Forward Founders Program, which helped shape her business approach. The conversation highlights her unique food flavors and vegan options, reflecting her innovative culinary style. Toni outlines her business model, which encompasses a restaurant, catering, and wholesale operations. She candidly addresses the challenges faced and strategies for scaling her product line.
How to Manufacture Products in the Trump Era with Sherrill Mosee
E307 • Jul 9, 2025 • 20 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Sherrill Mosee to discuss the journey of creating and scaling her brand, Minky Blue. Sherill provides an overview and demonstration of her innovative products, sharing insights from her experience participating in a Macy's contest. The conversation delves into the initial steps of creating a minimum viable product and the process of finding a reliable manufacturing partner. Sherrill candidly discusses the challenges faced in manufacturing in China and explores alternative solutions.
Mission Delivery With Sustainability with Melinda Emerson
E306 • Jul 2, 2025 • 17 minsIn this solo episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the world of nonprofits and social enterprises, exploring the challenges nonprofits face and the benefits social enterprises offer. The discussion highlights how social enterprises can provide financial stability while making a community impact. Melinda addresses common misconceptions and shares operational strategies for nonprofits, supported by case studies of successful social enterprises. The episode provides guidance on starting a social enterprise and debunks prevalent myths surrounding them.
Hit It and Quit It with Leyanis Diaz and Tara Landes
E305 • Jun 25, 2025 • 10 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson presents highlights from the Hit It and Quit It Panel, where experts share quick insights and strategies for small business success. The discussion includes top business book recommendations, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs seeking knowledge and inspiration. Melinda offers acknowledgments and shares information about Small Biz Lady University, a resource for further learning and development. The episode concludes with final business advice aimed at empowering small business owners to achieve their goals.
How to Have Maximum Impact in Your Business with Tara Landes
E304 • Jun 18, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Tara Landes to explore the multifaceted role of a business president. Tara discusses the impact and priorities that come with the position, emphasizing the importance of balancing day-to-day operations with strategic planning. The conversation covers effective hiring and team-building strategies, highlighting the role of leadership and the benefits of advisory boards.
How to Position Your Brand with Multicultural Markets with Leyanis Diaz
E303 • Jun 11, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Leyanis Diaz to discuss key insights into multicultural marketing. Leyanis addresses common marketing mistakes and the critical distinction between inclusive marketing and tokenism. The conversation highlights the impact of the current climate on multicultural marketing strategies and the importance of leveraging influencers and community leaders. Leyanis emphasizes the need for multicultural marketing to become a mainstream strategy.
How to Turn Your Divine Gifts into a Business with Michelle Kopper
E302 • Jun 4, 2025 • 17 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson engages with Michelle Kopper to explore her entrepreneurial journey and how she overcame fear to succeed. Michelle delves into the role of divine gifts and spirituality in business, offering insights into integrating personal beliefs with professional goals. The conversation addresses imposter syndrome, providing strategies for validation in the market.
Hit It and Quit It with Mitch Axelrod, Dr. Dan Young, and Rich Trotter
E301 • May 28, 2025 • 9 minsIn this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces an engaging discussion with guests Rich Trotter, Mitch Axelrod, and Dr. Dan Young. The conversation kicks off with each guest sharing their favorite business podcast and app, revealing unique tools that aid their entrepreneurial journey. They then delve into timeless marketing strategies, discussing classic tips that still hold relevance today, and highlight their top business book recommendations.