The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson
The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson
A series focused on small business advice and strategies, by Melinda Emerson, known as "SmallBizLady", discussing various aspects of entrepreneurship and small business management. Get insights from experts about topics relevant to small business owners.
Melinda Emerson
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Grow Your Business with the S.O.A.P. Method with Dr. Stephanie West

E333 • Jan 21, 2026 • 18 mins

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Stephanie West, who shares her journey from veterinarian to business advisor. They discuss common traps business owners fall into and introduce the SOAP framework, which is crucial for business assessment and problem prioritization. The conversation highlights the role of AI in evaluating business issues and finalizing the SOAP framework.

Key Points

  • Understanding and managing the human element in business operations is crucial for identifying potential issues and maintaining a healthy work environment.
  • Objective data and measurable metrics are essential for informed decision-making and enhancing business instincts.
  • Prioritizing problems based on urgency and alignment with the business mission is key to efficiently addressing issues and maintaining focus on core objectives.

Dr. Stephanie West, author of SOAP for Success: A Simple Method to Manage Your Business and Revitalize Your Mission. A Cornell-trained veterinarian turned executive leader, Dr. West brings a powerful, practical framework to help business owners cut through chaos, diagnose what’s really wrong, and build clear action plans using her S.O.A.P. method. For more information: https://www.DrStephanieFWest.com

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