The SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

Hosted by Melinda Emerson

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Episodes

350

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 35319 min

How to Grow a Coaching Business with Malcolm Reid, Sr.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Malcolm Reed Sr. to explore his journey into business coaching and the common challenges faced by coaches. They discuss the critical role of building robust business systems and the importance of establishing a solid business infrastructure. Malcolm shares insights on the risks of positioning oneself as a guru and offers strategies for building trust and authority without relying on social media. The conversation highlights integrity within the coaching industry and recommends the first system overwhelmed coaches should implement.

June 3, 2026Episode 35219 min

How to Transition from Business Owner to CEO with Michelle Snow

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Michelle Snow to explore the transition from business owner to CEO, highlighting key differences and necessary mindset shifts. They discuss the importance of delegation, training, and effective business operations, along with systems and tools for scalability. The conversation delves into the role of integrity and accountability in leadership, the significance of building a transparent business culture, and offers advice on operating with full integrity.

May 27, 2026Episode 35119 min

How to Evaluate an Existing Business to Buy with Andrea Palacio

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Andrea Palacio to share her journey of purchasing and transforming a business. Andrea discusses the challenges and red flags she encountered post-acquisition and the lessons learned from early struggles. She details her efforts in rebuilding the team and revising the business strategy, including the implementation of AI automation. Andrea updates on the business transition and the current status, and introduces her new venture, Run Crewless, identifying its target audience.

May 20, 2026Episode 3508 min

Hit It and Quit It with Milton Hunt, Sharif Small and Lorraine Marchand

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces the panel, Sharif Small, Milton Hunt, and Lorraine Marchand, who share their favorite business podcasts, apps, and marketing tips. They also highlight some of the best business books that have influenced their entrepreneurial journeys.

May 13, 2026Episode 34915 min

How to Run a Business Without Fear with Lorraine Marchand

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Lorraine Marchand to discuss overcoming fear in business, inspired by Lorraine's book. They address the fear of failure in innovation and Lorraine shares her personal experiences with fear in business. The conversation explores the concept and benefits of fearlessness in decision-making and how fear can impact business strategies. Lorraine introduces the five Cs as a method to overcome fear, offering practical strategies for small business owners to conquer their fears and make confident business decisions.

May 6, 2026Episode 34830 min

What You Need To Know If You Want To Sell Your Business with Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson explores the intricacies of selling a business, starting with the impact of positive reviews and word of mouth. She discusses the importance of mergers and acquisitions in building a lasting enterprise and outlines crucial questions to ask before selling. Melinda emphasizes the need for a well-planned exit timeline and setting financial goals. She delves into sale price considerations, earnouts, and ensuring operational independence. The episode also covers maintaining accurate financials, creating diversified revenue streams, and evaluating company culture and leadership. Melinda concludes with legal housekeeping and preparing for due diligence.

April 29, 2026Episode 34718 min

How to Grow a Business Right Now with Sharif J. Small

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Sharif Small to discuss essential growth strategies for small business owners. They explore the significance of financial planning and efficient systems, highlighting common areas where entrepreneurs may be missing out on potential income. The conversation shifts to building generational wealth and effective tax strategies for safeguarding and increasing profits. Sharif also elaborates on the benefits of employing a fractional CFO. Sponsored by Zoho One.

April 22, 2026Episode 34618 min

How to Become a High-Performance Business Owner with Milton Hunt

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Milton Hunt, who shares his inspiring journey as a business owner. They delve into the common obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and what distinguishes high-performing business owners from the rest. Milton emphasizes the importance of daily habits for maintaining focus and productivity, as well as the value of leveraging networks, partnerships, and mentors. He shares the best advice he has received: the importance of self-improvement. Sponsored by Zoho One.

April 15, 2026Episode 3458 min

Hit It and Quit It with Syama Bunten, Kellé Thorpe, and Sarah Ohanesian

In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off with an introduction and underscores the importance of podcast subscriptions. The core of the discussion features a panel where Melinda, Syama Bunten, Kellé Thorpe, and Sarah Ohanesian share their favorite podcasts, apps, marketing strategies, and books that inspire and drive their success. This episode is sponsored by Zoho One.

April 8, 2026Episode 34431 min

Navigating through the Technology Transformation

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Raju Vegesna to explore the future of small business in the digital economy. They discuss Zoho's evolution, pivotal growth strategies, and its commitment to addressing internal and market needs. The conversation covers data privacy, AI, and robotics in business transformation. Raju shares insights on how small businesses can remain competitive, avoid technology adoption mistakes, and maximize Zoho tools. The episode also highlights Zoho's dedication to small business stability, the importance of owning core components, and the top three ways to future-proof a business.