The BusinessZone with Crystal & Gilbert

Hosted by Crystal Mitchell and Gilbert Buchanan

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

120

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Tune in for a curated and high-quality content designed for the entrepreneur and small business owner.A weekly online video radio show that brings businesses, entrepreneurship, supplier diversity, information, and opportunities through collaboration with contract providers and lenders. At The BusinessZone, we educate, encourage, inform and inspire the business owners and entrepreneurs in our global communities. This platform can help you grow your business through heightened visibility “on-air” and via YouTube.com and Facebook.com. Check out our schedule and never miss your favorite show again!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 15, 2026Episode 1481 hr 46 min

Voting Rights Power and The Economic Future of Minority Business

Voting Rights, Power & Economic... Replaying because we are five days out from Primary In-Person Voting Day, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Voting is our lifeline to freedom for everyone. Break down the ruling in simple terms 1. What the Court Just Did (Plain Language) The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision—joined by Chief Justice John Roberts—significantly weakened the Voting Rights Act (1965). • It narrowed Section 2, which used to allow challenges to laws that resulted in discrimination. • Now, courts may require proof of intentional discrimination, which legal experts say is much harder to prove. • The ruling also limits the use of race in drawing voting districts, which could potentially reduce majority-Black or Latino districts. Join us!!!!

August 15, 2026Episode 1471 hr 37 min

The E-Myth The Small Business Trap

“Can Your Business Survive Without You?” Could your business run for 30 days without you? Are your processes written down? Could someone else duplicate your service quality? Are you building income or building dependency? Most small business owners don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they lack systems. In this episode of The BusinessZone, Crystal Mitchell and Gilbert explore the powerful lessons from The E-Myth Revisited and why so many entrepreneurs become trapped working inside their businesses.

August 15, 2026Episode 1462 hr 12 min

The Women Business Owner's Playbook: AI, Authority & Communication in 2026

This Women's History Month, we're not just celebrating—we're EQUIPPING. In this episode of BusinessZone, Crystal & Gilbert break down the exact skills, communication strategies, and AI tools that women business owners need to become powerful leaders in their field in 2026. From emotional intelligence to AI productivity tools, this is your playbook. 💜 Topics covered: ✅ Leadership skills that separate good from great ✅ How to communicate with authority and confidence ✅ The top AI tools leveling the playing field for women entrepreneurs ✅ Certifications and resources to grow your women-owned business #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #AITools #BusinessZone #WomenInLeadership #SupplierDiversity #BlackWomenInBusiness

August 15, 2026Episode 1451 hr 49 min

The Innovation Behind Black Million-Dollar Dynasties

“Black History Month is often taught as a struggle alone, but today, we’re talking about strategy, ownership, innovation, and power. Because Black history is business history.” #BlackHistoryMonth, #BlackPioneers, #MadamCJWalker, #BlackWallStreet, #BlackBusinessDynasties, #BlackBusinesses, #CarterG.Woodson, #100YearsOfBlackHistory

August 15, 2026Episode 1441 hr 41 min

Black Innovation The Architects of the Digital Age

Before Silicon Valley had power… Black minds were building the future. In this powerful Black History finale, we highlight the following: The mathematicians who made space travel possible. The engineers who helped build the personal computer. The women who coded before it was mainstream. The founders and investors shaping today’s tech ecosystem This episode is about legacy, ownership, and the next frontier. Black history is not a sidebar to innovation. It is innovation. Watch to the end for a dramatic closing message you don’t want to miss. Like. Comment. Share with a young innovator. #Black History, #NASA, #Women in Tech, #ai future, #ai revolution, #ai vision, #black excellence, #cyber future, #cyber security, #deep science, #deep tech, #digital frontier , #digital world, #engineer, #founder story, #founders, #future ai, #future science, #future tech, #future vision, #innovation, #investors, #legacy, #mathematicians, #ownership, #quantum leap, #startup funding, #tech blueprint, #tech frontier, #tech horizon, #venture capital, #famous african american scientists and inventors

March 29, 2026Episode 1431 hr 37 min

Collaboration Over Competition | The Women's Business Mindset Shift

Celebrating Women's History Month What happens when women stop competing and start collaborating? In this Women's History Month special, we explore how women entrepreneurs are realizing their power and potential through the strength of collaboration. 🔥 In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why collaboration—not competition—is the key to women's success in business ✅ How women in business are building networks that create real wealth ✅ The mindset shift every woman entrepreneur needs in 2026 ✅ Inspiring stories of women's empowerment through partnership and community Whether you're a woman entrepreneur just starting out or scaling your business, this conversation will change how you think about growth. 💬 Drop a comment: Who is a woman in business who inspires YOU?

March 29, 2026Episode 1421 hr 38 min

Hidden Architects: Black Innovators Who Built the Digital Age

Hosts Crystal and Gilbert celebrate Black History Month by highlighting lesser-known Black innovators who shaped technology — from the architects of the personal computer and GPS to pioneers in spaceflight, rocket design, and modern startup funding. The episode features stories of Mark Dean, Katherine Johnson, Annie Easley, Roy L. Clay Sr., Tope Owanicwa (Calendly founder), Arlan Hamilton, and others and stresses the importance of telling and owning these histories while preparing the next generation for STEM and AI-driven futures.

December 8, 2025Episode 1411 hr 43 min

How Small Businesses Are Winning Big with Olympic Marketing

Discover the ultimate guide to navigating the LA 28 Olympics with Lila Brown's expert tips and secrets. Lila S. Brown, Olympic & Paralympic Sports Agent, Founder/CEO, Ella Bee Media Group, believes that Olympic sports marketing isn't just for Fortune 500s—it's a powerful opportunity for small businesses to align with purpose-driven storytelling and global excellence. Discover the power of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses. Can smaller companies really succeed with this type of marketing strategy? In this video, we'll explore the possibilities and challenges of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses and discuss whether it's a viable option for reaching new customers and growing your brand. Learn how to leverage the excitement and prestige of Olympic sports to promote your business and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're a startup or an established small business, this video will provide valuable insights and tips on how to make Olympic sports marketing work for you. #LilaBrown, #Olympic-Paralympics, #EllaBeeMediaGroup

December 8, 2025Episode 1401 hr 41 min

“AI & Small Business: The Opportunity vs. The Reality”

“AI is here—and it’s not just for Silicon Valley. From automating bookkeeping to designing social media posts, AI tools are quietly changing how we run small businesses. But are entrepreneurs really ready for this shift? Today on The BusinessZone, we’re talking about the opportunities, the myths, and the mindset needed to make AI work for you, not against you.” Key facts/framing: Over 60% of small business owners say they’ve heard of AI tools, but only 25% actively use them in daily operations (source: SCORE/Forbes 2024 survey). Top barriers: lack of understanding, fear of cost, and worry about replacing people. Many small business owners think “AI = robots,” when in truth it’s about efficiency and insights. “AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to take your busywork.” Segment 2: The Opportunity—"Big Business Tech, Small Business Advantage" Key facts/framing: AI levels the playing field. Tools that once cost thousands are now low-cost or free. Small businesses can personalize marketing, predict cash flow, and save hours of admin time. Wrap-up message: “AI isn’t a threat to small business—it’s a tool for freedom. But only if we learn how to use it with wisdom and integrity. The real opportunity is not artificial intelligence—it’s augmented intelligence, where people and technology work together to create something powerful.”#AiforMarketing, #ChatGPT,#Aibusinesstools, #“AI&SmallBusiness: #TheOpportunityvs.TheReality”

November 15, 2025Episode 1391 hr 45 min

Cultivate Team Engagement

Learn the secrets of high-performing teams and cultivate a collaborative environment that stimulates team engagement and group synergy with our guest, Desiree Saddler, Principal/Owner of Saddler Consulting Group, a firm specializing in human resources, executive coaching, organizational development, and learning and development needs. With over 25 years of experience, she has served the needs of global organizations across industries such as banking, entertainment, manufacturing, and non-profits. She is passionate about helping businesses build strong teams that communicate clearly and work efficiently. A productive team is the backbone of any successful organization, and fostering workplace synergy that promotes group cohesion is crucial to achieving team-building goals. In this video, we'll explore team strategies and practical techniques to help you build a highly engaged workforce that consistently delivers exceptional results. By implementing these team effectiveness principles, you can create a positive and productive work environment that encourages open communication, creativity, and innovation, ultimately leading to improved team performance and success. Whether you're a team leader or an HR professional, this video will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to boost team engagement, enhance group synergy, and create a high-performing team that achieves outstanding results.