Become Your Own Boss: Tips for Starting and Growing Your Own Small Business

Hosted by Monica Allen

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354

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Dive into entrepreneurship with Monica Allen, an entrepreneur with over 23 years of business ownership. This podcast is for you if you desire to start your own business & defy the odds of failure or you are less than 5 years into your business & desire to grow your revenue and profit. Learn from diverse entrepreneurs and experts about marketing, team dynamics, finances, social media, and more. Entrepreneurship might feel isolating at times, but with this podcast by your side, you'll never walk alone. Elevate your business game and master your entrepreneurial life and truly become a BOSS.

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June 12, 2026Episode 3079 min

307 - The Simple Questions That Can Help You Get What You Want

Have you ever wondered if the key to solving a problem isn’t having the right answer—but asking the right question?In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica Allen revisits Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything by Alexandra Carter. As a law professor and negotiation expert, Carter challenges the traditional view of negotiation by showing how meaningful conversations begin with self-reflection. Monica explores the powerful questions that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people gain clarity before difficult conversations and better understand the needs of others. From business partnerships to family relationships, this episode reveals how thoughtful questions can create stronger communication, deeper understanding, and better outcomes.Episode Quote: The ability to answer questions is the greatest resource in learning the truth. ~Carl Jung.What you will learn in this episodeHow to identify the real problem before trying to solve itHow to uncover your true needs without self-censorshipHow to recognize the role emotions play in decision-makingHow to use open-ended questions to create better conversationsHow to listen with the goal of understanding instead of respondingHow to build confidence by learning from past successesHow to determine the first step toward resolving a challengeHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a commission for the purchase of the book above. Listen to this episode to discover how asking better questions can transform your business, relationships, and leadership. Be sure to subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

June 5, 202615 min

306 - What If the Growth You Want Is Already in Front of You?

In this episode, Monica reflects on her conversation with Earl Fields, co-owner of Apples Gone Wild, and uncovers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs across industries. From recognizing hidden opportunities to building meaningful relationships, Monica shares why growth often comes from intentional action rather than waiting for success to arrive. She explores the importance of finding customers where they gather, creating a memorable brand experience, and building systems that support long-term growth. Along the way, she challenges business owners to think differently about opportunity, visibility, and the habits that create lasting success.Episode Quote: Systems beat goals. ~ James ClearClick here to take the Brand Experience AuditWhat You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to recognize business opportunities that others overlookHow to find and connect with your ideal customersHow to use networking to create meaningful business growthHow to strengthen your brand beyond just a logoHow to improve before making major changes in a businessHow to create systems that support growth and scalabilityHow to become more intentional about pursuing new opportunitiesHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Listen now to discover practical lessons that can help you grow your business with greater purpose and clarity. Be sure to subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

May 29, 2026Episode 30528 min

305 - How You Can Scale a Business Without Starting From Scratch with Earl Fields

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica sits down with Earl Fields, co-owner of Apples Gone Wild, to discuss how he transitioned from research scientist to business owner by acquiring an existing company and expanding it into a growing regional brand. Earl shares how relationships, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities helped him step into entrepreneurship in an unexpected way.From building systems that support growth to creating a memorable customer experience through branding, Earl reveals lessons that apply to entrepreneurs at every stage. He also shares insights on scaling a seasonal business, growing e-commerce sales, supporting local communities, and preparing a company for long-term expansion.Episode Quote: The biggest surprise for me is just the amount of opportunities that actually exist in the world. ~Earl FieldsShop Apples Gone WildWhat You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to identify business acquisition opportunities that others overlookHow to build systems that make scaling easier and less stressfulHow to create a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplaceHow to grow revenue during slower seasons of businessHow to use e-commerce to expand beyond local customersHow to balance growth, operations, and customer experienceHow to turn community partnerships into brand awareness opportunitiesHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠

May 22, 2026Episode 30412 min

304 - When Do You Push Through… and When Do You Pause?

In this personal and honest episode, Monica opens up about her decision to take a temporary break from her doctoral program after recognizing the warning signs of burnout. As entrepreneurs, many people wear hustle like a badge of honor, but Monica challenges the belief that constantly pushing harder always leads to success. She shares why strategic pauses, self-awareness, and protecting your peace are essential for long-term sustainability in business and life.This episode encourages entrepreneurs to reassess their priorities, stop glorifying exhaustion, and recognize that not every season is meant for acceleration. Sometimes slowing down creates the clarity and energy needed to move forward stronger than before.Episode Quote: Now and then, it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. ~UnknownWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to recognize the warning signs of burnout before it impacts your business and healthHow to give yourself permission to pause without feeling like a failureHow to prioritize what matters most in your current season of lifeHow to stop trying to build every dream at the same timeHow to use self-awareness as a powerful business skillHow to protect your energy, peace, and long-term visionHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ways to reach Monica:Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcastEmail: monica@monicaallen.comIf this episode speaks to you, take a moment to listen, subscribe, and leave a review for the Become Your Own Boss podcast. Share this episode with another entrepreneur who may need permission to slow down and recalibrate for the season they are in.

May 15, 2026Episode 30312 min

303 - How Bigger Thinking Can Change the Future You Build

In this episode, Monica Allen shares the unexpected inspiration she gained while researching two powerful business leaders for a doctoral leadership paper: Canva co-founder Melanie Perkins and Ebony Life TV founder Mo Abudu. Their stories challenged the way she thinks about persistence, leadership, partnerships, and the size of the vision entrepreneurs allow themselves to pursue.From investor rejection to reshaping global industries, these women built businesses that started with bold ideas long before the world understood them. Monica reflects on the lessons their journeys revealed and why entrepreneurs must learn to protect their vision, embrace diverse perspectives, and think beyond survival mode.Episode Quote: Sometimes the vision is given to you before anyone else can understand it. Your job is to keep building anyway. ~Monica AllenWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to stay persistent when rejection and setbacks appear repeatedlyHow to recognize when you are limiting your own business visionHow to use diversity of thought to create innovation and growthHow to think bigger when making business and partnership decisionsHow to build with long-term legacy in mind instead of short-term survivalHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Follow on Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

May 8, 2026Episode 30213 min

302 - What Early Lessons Still Impact Your Success?

Who helped shape the way you think, lead, and dream bigger?In this heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Week episode, Monica Allen reflects on the educators who left lasting impressions on her life and entrepreneurial journey. From teachers who encouraged creativity and confidence to those who taught discipline, resilience, and critical thinking, she shares the moments and lessons that still influence how she leads today.This episode is a reminder that success rarely happens alone. Behind many entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers are teachers who challenged them to grow, ask questions, believe in themselves, and see possibilities they never imagined. Monica’s personal stories will inspire listeners to reflect on the people who helped shape their own path and appreciate the power of guidance, encouragement, and education.Episode Quote: Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher. ~Japanese proverbWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to turn setbacks into lifelong lessonsHow to become more solutions-oriented in business and lifeHow to advocate for yourself by asking better questionsHow to think like your customer when building a businessHow to recognize the people who helped shape your successHow to use encouragement and mentorship to inspire othersHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ways to reach Monica:Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcastEmail: monica@monicaallen.comIf this episode inspired you, take a moment to listen, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with a teacher, mentor, or friend who helped shape your journey.

May 1, 2026Episode 30146 min

301 - How AI Can Save You Weeks of Work with Ethan King

Monica Allen welcomes entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author Ethan King back to the show to unpack the newest wave of artificial intelligence and what it means for small business owners right now. He explains how AI has moved beyond simple chat tools and into action-taking assistants that can organize data, manage inboxes, draft outreach, and save serious time. Monica also shares her own real-life experiences using AI in business and why the results left her speechless. This episode challenges listeners to think bigger about productivity, leadership, and the future of work. If you’ve wondered whether AI is hype or a real opportunity, this conversation gives you practical insight and a fresh perspective. Episode Quote: The purpose of AI is to amplify human ingenuity, not replace it. ~Satya NadellaGuest: Ethan KingGet access to Ethan's new book: https://ethansbook.com/Need to get your Open Claw set up, check out Youropenclawstrategy.comWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to use AI to save time on repetitive business tasksHow to train AI tools like a team member for better resultsHow to organize leads, emails, and data faster than everHow to use AI to increase efficiency without adding staffHow to prepare yourself and your business for the future of workHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ways to reach Monica:Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcastEmail: monica@monicaallen.com

April 24, 2026Episode 30014 min

300 - How You Build Something Bigger Than Yourself

In this milestone episode, Monica celebrates 300 episodes and her 6th year of podcasting by reflecting on the power of consistency, growth, and personal ownership. She shares what it really takes to build something meaningful over time not through bursts of motivation, but through steady action. Monica opens up about the lessons learned along her journey and challenges listeners to think about where they need to grow, what legacy they want to create, and how they can take control of their lives. This episode is both a celebration and a call to action for anyone ready to move forward with purpose.Episode Quote: Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come. ~Dwayne "The Rock" JohnsonWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to stay consistent when motivation fadesHow to identify areas where you need to level upHow to build a legacy that goes beyond moneyHow to take ownership of your time and decisionsHow to move forward with small, steady stepsHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ways to reach Monica:Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcastEmail: monica@monicaallen.comMonica Allen is an entrepreneur, business coach, and host of the Become Your Own Boss podcast, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners launch, grow, and scale successful businesses. Raised in a small town in Georgia by her single mother, alongside her grandmother and uncle, Monica grew up below the poverty line, but she was determined to rewrite her story.As the first in her immediate family to attend a four-year university, she built a strong foundation in business, spending eight years in the insurance industry as a benefits broker while earning her MBA. In 2005, Monica took a leap into entrepreneurship and never looked back.Today, she is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Zeus’ Closet, stuff4GREEKS, and Deuce Equity Group, as well as the owner of Monica Allen Interiors. She is also an Amazon bestselling author of The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More.Through her work, Monica empowers side hustlers and business owners with practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls and achieve sustainable success. She believes that faith, self-belief, and a strong support system are key drivers of personal and professional growth.

April 17, 2026Episode 29916 min

299 - How You Turn Everyday Moments Into Wins for Your Business

In this episode, Monica shares a powerful reminder that branding isn’t complicated, but it’s about being seen consistently. Inspired by real-life moments from her own business, she shows how simply wearing your brand can spark conversations, build recognition, and create opportunities without a sales pitch. Her experiences reveal that branding isn’t just about logos...it’s about presence, consistency, and making it easier for people to remember and trust you. This episode challenges entrepreneurs to rethink how they show up daily and use simple strategies that quietly grow their business. Click here to take the free brand audit. Episode Quote: Branding is simply a more efficient way to sell things. ~Al RiesWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to turn everyday errands into marketing opportunitiesHow to build brand recognition without being salesyHow to create simple, go-to branded pieces that work for youHow to check if your brand is consistent across platformsHow to make your brand more memorable and trustedHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ways to reach Monica:Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcastEmail: monica@monicaallen.com

April 10, 2026Episode 30511 min

298 - Are You Letting Small Things Hold You Back?

In this episode, Monica reflects on powerful insights sparked by her conversation with Dr. Ashley Wood and her own 20+ years in business. She challenges how entrepreneurs view struggle, reminding listeners that growth often looks like uncertainty, discomfort, and real-time learning. From navigating financial ups and downs to building confidence and making decisions before feeling fully ready, she shares honest truths that many business owners experience but rarely talk about. This episode encourages entrepreneurs to shift their mindset, stay focused on what truly matters, and keep moving forward...one step at a time.Episode Quote: You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. ~ Zig ZiglarWhat you will learn in this episodeHow to move forward even when you don’t feel readyHow to stop overthinking small challenges in your businessHow to handle financial uncertainty with confidenceHow to design your business around your life and energyHow to strengthen your mindset to grow your businessEpisode Sponsor - Zeus' Closet Use BOSS20 to save 20% on your orderHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own BossSign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business SuccessGet your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠Ready to stop stumbling over small things and start building something great? Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another entrepreneur on the journey.