It's Your "Make It" Season

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 to marketing priorities and effective networking strategies, alongside enhancing customer experience and embracing innovation. The episode concludes with reflections on faith and gratitude, offering a holistic perspective on navigating the business landscape.

Hit It Or Quit It with Joanne Eriaku, Yvonne E.L. Silver, and Dr. Robert Needham

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes back guests Joanne Eriaku, Yvonne E.L. Silver, and Dr. Robert A. Needham, JD, for an engaging discussion on tried-and-true marketing strategies and impactful business literature. The conversation kicks off with each guest sharing their favorite old school marketing tips, followed by a lively discussion on the best business books they've encountered.

How to Select a Franchise Business with Dr. Robert Needham

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Dr. Robert Needham to explore overcoming economic slavery and fear in entrepreneurship. They discuss the advantages and downsides of franchising and highlight the importance of maintaining a high gross margin in business. Dr. Needham shares his best business advice, providing listeners with valuable insights for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

How to Have 300% Increase in Sales Connections with Yvonne E.L. Silver

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.

How to Leverage AI to Grow Your Business with Joanne Eriaku

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.

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, old school marketing tips, and best business book recommendations.

Appreciated Branding with Reid Holmes

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.

How to Provide Great Videos with Leticia Crippen

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. 

I Have Evidence

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.

Hit it or Quit It with Elaine Podfeldt, Maggie Lord, and Valdez Lasartemay

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.

How to Have Better Sales Results with Valdez Lasartemay

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.

How to Have a Successful Exit with Maggie Lord

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.

How to Run a 7-figure Solo Business with Elaine Pofeldt

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.

The Dangers of Poor Customer Service

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.

Hit It or Quit It - Steven Pope, Alicia Miller, and Thomas Young

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

Helping Philadelphia Area Businesses Export with Thomas Young

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.

How to Franchise Your Business with Alicia Miller

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.

Strategies for Your Amazon Business Success with Steven Pope

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.

What Can We Do Post-Fearless Fund Case?

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.

Hit It or Quit It with Lisha Bell, Alyson Caffrey, and Mickie Kennedy

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.