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

Hosted by Monica Allen

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363

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Aug 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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August 21, 2026Episode 31710 min

317 - The Business Asset that Every Entrepreneur Must Protect

After an annual physical reveals that her cholesterol is trending in the wrong direction, Monica gets an important reminder: business owners cannot separate their health from the health of their businesses. Entrepreneurs protect equipment, monitor finances, track sales, and create systems to prepare for problems, but they may postpone the very things that protect their own well-being. In this episode, Monica shares why preventative care deserves a place in every entrepreneur's business strategy. She explores the connection between personal health, leadership, and business continuity while challenging business owners to put themselves back on their priority lists. Episode Quote: Being healthy is a success that many people forget to celebrate. ~ OurMindfulLife.com Questions answered Why should personal health be part of a business continuity plan? What can preventative healthcare teach entrepreneurs about monitoring their businesses? How can business owners prioritize health when everything feels urgent? What example does an always-working leader set for a team and family? Where can entrepreneurs start if they have been putting their health last? Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Your business needs a healthy boss behind it. Listen to this episode for a reminder to protect the person who built the business in the first place. Then subscribe to Become Your Own Boss , leave a rating and review, and share the episode with another entrepreneur who needs this message.

August 14, 2026Episode 31611 min

316 - Will You Step Into Growth When Change Gets Uncomfortable?

Change can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even emotionally exhausting. In this throwback episode of Become Your Own Boss , Monica shares why this message remains just as important today. Drawing from changes in podcasting, her business, and her family, Monica explores what happens when the familiar is no longer an option. For entrepreneurs, change can show up through new technology, industry requirements, staffing, the economy, or unexpected shifts in a carefully made plan. Instead of retreating to what feels safe, Monica encourages business owners to recognize the opportunity hidden inside discomfort. She shares practical strategies for adjusting their mindset, staying persistent, protecting their well-being, and continuing to move forward even when moving forward feels hard. What you will learn in this episode How to shift your mindset when change feels overwhelming How to become more adaptable when your business or industry changes How to stay persistent when you feel tempted to give up How to embrace a new normal instead of wasting energy fighting it How to strengthen your emotional resilience during seasons of constant change How to prioritize yourself while navigating business and personal transitions Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠

August 7, 202611 min

315 - Do Your Customers REALLY Know What You Do?

Business owners spend so much time inside their businesses that it’s easy to assume customers, friends, and referral partners understand everything they sell. But that assumption could be costing them sales. In this episode of Become Your Own Boss , Monica shares an eye-opening experience that made her question how well people understand her own business. She explains why repetition is essential in marketing, how educating customers can create new opportunities, and why business owners shouldn’t assume that one purchase means a customer understands everything else they offer. Monica also gives listeners a simple challenge that can uncover surprising gaps in their marketing—and reveal opportunities hiding in plain sight. Episode Quote: Cultivate visibility because attention is currency. Chris Brogan Join me at the Ideas to Income Summit What you will learn in this episode: How to discover what people actually know about your business How to use repetition to make your products and services memorable How to educate customers without simply promoting finished work How to turn existing customers into opportunities for additional sales How to train referral partners to recognize the right opportunities for your business How to audit your website for clearer messaging How to use a “Did You Know?” series to highlight overlooked services ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠

July 31, 2026Episode 3148 min

314 - Are You Showing Your Work but Hiding Your Expertise?

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss , Monica shares a simple customer interaction at Zeus’ Closet that sparked a major marketing realization: business owners often show their work without teaching customers what they know. After more than 20 years in business, Monica discovered that something that seemed incredibly basic to her was not obvious to her customers. That knowledge gap revealed an opportunity every entrepreneur can use. Monica explains how answering common questions, clearing up misunderstandings, and teaching customers about an industry can turn everyday knowledge into valuable marketing content. More importantly, educational content can establish authority, build trust, and give customers another reason to choose your business over the competition. Episode Quote: Don’t just show people what you do. Teach them what you know. Episode Sponsored by: ⁠ ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment ⁠ What you will learn in this episode How to identify customer questions that can become educational content How to turn common misunderstandings into marketing opportunities How to demonstrate expertise without giving away your “secret sauce” How to use educational content to build trust and authority How to create simple content from knowledge you already have How to make your expertise more visible to potential customers Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Your knowledge is part of the value your business provides. Listen to this episode to discover how Monica is rethinking content at Zeus’ Closet—and how one simple shift could change the way potential customers see your business. Listen now, subscribe to Become Your Own Boss , and leave a rating and review to help more entrepreneurs discover the show.

July 24, 2026Episode 30916 min

313 - How You Can Turn Customer Frustration Into Business Growth

In this episode, Monica explores how unclear pricing, surprise charges, poor communication, and unanswered questions can slowly chip away at customer trust. She shares how entrepreneurs can use their own frustrating experiences as customers as free consulting for their businesses. Instead of competing only on price, business owners can create an advantage by making it easier for customers to understand what they’re buying, what it costs, and what happens next. Sometimes, one small change in the customer journey can make a major difference. Episode Quote: Building a good customer experience does not happen by accident. It happens by design. ~Clare Muscutt What you will learn in this episode How to identify uncertainty in your customer journey How to make pricing and expectations clearer How to turn frustrating customer experiences into business lessons How to improve communication with first-time customers How to build trust by reducing surprises and confusion Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ready to create a customer experience built on trust? Listen to the full episode, subscribe to Become Your Own Boss , and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs discover the show.

July 17, 2026Episode 31221 min

312 - How You Can Build a Business While Working Full Time?

Many entrepreneurs dream of turning a side hustle into a full-time business, but few have a clear strategy for making that transition. In this episode, Monica shares the lessons she learned while building her company after work, on weekends, and during lunch breaks before leaving her corporate career. She explains why success isn't about finding more hours in the day; it's about making better decisions with the time available. From prioritizing revenue-generating activities to building systems and knowing when to make the leap, this episode offers practical guidance for entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether listeners want extra income or hope to replace their paycheck one day, they'll discover how intentional choices today can shape the future they want tomorrow. Episode Quote: There are no downsides to a side hustle. There are only benefits to building more than one source of income. ~Forbes What You Will Learn in This Episode How to determine whether your side hustle is meant to stay a side hustle or become your full-time business. How to make the most of limited time while balancing a full-time job. How to identify the activities that actually grow your business. How to build simple systems that save time and reduce stress. How to protect your reputation while growing your customer base. How to recognize when it's financially and strategically time to leave your job. How to stay encouraged and avoid mistaking slow progress for failure. Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Enjoyed this episode? Share it with another entrepreneur or side hustler who needs encouragement. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found value in today's conversation, please leave a review. Your support helps more aspiring entrepreneurs build the confidence to become their own boss.

July 10, 2026Episode 31110 min

311 - What Are You Hiding From Your Customers?

Have you accidentally hidden the very thing that makes customers choose your business? A family trip to a famous amusement park sparks an unexpected marketing lesson every entrepreneur needs to hear. Monica shares how discovering an award-winning roller coaster that was barely highlighted on a company's website led her to examine a common business mistake: burying the feature that makes a brand truly stand out. Instead of chasing new ideas, business owners may already have their biggest competitive advantage. They just aren't putting it where customers can see it. This episode challenges entrepreneurs to view their marketing through fresh eyes and identify the one thing that creates lasting impressions before customers compare them on price. Episode Quote: Marketing is all about creating a sense of desire. ~David Ogilvy What you will learn in this episode How to identify the one feature that makes your business memorable. How to spot marketing blind spots that may be hiding your greatest strengths. How to position your biggest competitive advantage front and center on your website and social media. How to evaluate your business from a first-time customer's perspective. How to attract customers by leading with what makes your business different instead of everything you offer. Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss ⁠Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ If this episode challenges the way you think about your marketing, don't stop here. Listen to the full episode for practical insights, subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast for more business-building strategies, and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs discover the show.

July 2, 2026Episode 31016 min

310 - What You Should Be Measuring Beyond Your Business Goals?

In this episode, Monica shares the powerful SIMPLE framework that transformed the way she approaches business, family, health, finances, personal growth, and everyday life. Inspired by a presentation from her husband years ago, this practical system became the foundation for how she plans her weeks, sets priorities, and makes decisions with greater purpose. Rather than chasing the impossible idea of perfect balance, she explains why awareness and intentional recalibration lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Whether you're just starting your business or growing an established company, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what real success looks like—and why becoming your own boss means leading your entire life, not just your business. Episode Quote: The busier you are, the more intentional you must be. ~Michael Hyatt Take the SIMPLE Life Assessment Click here for Ethan's TEDx Talk What You Will Learn in This Episode How to identify the area of your life that needs your attention most. How to use the SIMPLE framework to make better decisions each week. How to recognize when your business is consuming too much of your life. How to prioritize your health, relationships, and personal growth without losing momentum. How to intentionally create a life that supports both your personal and professional goals. How to use regular self-assessment to recalibrate and move forward with purpose. Other Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ways to connect to Monica: Instagram: @themonicaallen @becomeyourownbosspodcast Email: monica@monicaallen.com Listen now to discover how one simple framework can help you become a stronger leader in every area of your life. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could benefit from this message. About Monica Allen Monica Allen is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of the Become Your Own Boss podcast. Growing up below the poverty line in rural Georgia, she was determined to create a different future. As the first person in her immediate family to earn a four-year college degree, she later completed her MBA before leaving corporate America in 2005 to pursue entrepreneurship. Today, Monica is the co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS, and Deuce Equity Group, and the owner of Monica Allen Interiors. She is passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners launch, grow, and scale successful businesses while avoiding common mistakes. Monica believes that faith, lifelong learning, and surrounding yourself with positive people are the foundation for lasting success.

June 26, 20269 min

309 - What You Might Be Missing in Your Pursuit of Success

What if true wealth has very little to do with the size of your bank account? In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica shares why Wealth Beyond Money by Ethan King has become one of the most influential books in her personal and professional journey. She explains how a simple six-dimension framework transformed the way she approaches success, helping her focus on growth, relationships, health, finances, and purpose instead of chasing balance. Monica also shares how these principles inspired the Become Your Own Boss Planner and continue to shape her daily life. If you're looking for a practical way to create a more fulfilling life while growing your business, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about what it truly means to be wealthy. Episode Quote: It always seems impossible until it's done. Nelson Mandela What you will learn in this episode How to redefine success beyond financial achievement. How to evaluate the six key dimensions of a fulfilling life. How to recognize when areas of your life need recalibration. How to create daily habits that support long-term personal and business growth. How to use intentional planning to stay aligned with your goals. How to build a life that feels both successful and meaningful. Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ready to rethink what success looks like? Listen to this episode to discover practical ideas you can apply right away. If you enjoy the Become Your Own Boss podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another entrepreneur who is ready to build a richer life.

June 19, 2026Episode 30811 min

308 - How You Can Discover Your Freedom Number and Build Around It

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of knowledge—but a lack of action? In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica Allen shares powerful insights from Noah Kagan's Million Dollar Weekend , a book that challenges entrepreneurs to stop waiting for the perfect plan and start testing ideas in the real world. She explores why successful business owners focus on action over perfection, embrace rejection as part of growth, and treat entrepreneurship as a series of experiments. Along the way, Monica reflects on lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey and reveals one concept that completely changed how she thinks about building a business and designing a life with more freedom. Episode Quote: Next time you're overthinking and not taking action, tell yourself to prioritize taking action now and don't worry about the how. ~Noah Kagan. Grab the book What You Will Learn in This Episode How to take action before you have everything figured out How to use experimentation to reduce fear and gain clarity How to ask for help, opportunities, and business with confidence How to identify a customer problem worth solving How to calculate your personal freedom number How to validate a business idea before investing significant money How to build a customer-first business instead of a founder-first business Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠ Level Up Living Newsletter ⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠ : 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Listen to this episode to discover practical ways to move from thinking to doing, gain momentum in your business, and create a clearer path toward the life you want. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who is ready to become their own boss.