Some of us were livestreaming, building, and showing up long before digital became the standard. Not to trend—but to tell the truth. But what happens when the frameworks you quietly shared become tools others use—with no trace of your name?

In this episode of Business Tech Unraveled, I unpack what it means to be the origin in a world full of echoes. I shares what gets "borrowed", why it matters, and why it's time to stop leaving your name out of your own legacy.

Plus: Get access to the Live Stream Tool Comparison Guide—the resource that helped her cut through the noise and build with clarity.

Download it now: https://businesstechlab.com/9-best-live-streaming-software-for-small-business-owners/

You’ve got the talent, the clients, and the receipts. But are you actually running a business—or just stuck in motion? In this episode of Business Tech Unraveled, Zakia unpacks the difference between being great at what you do and actuallybeing in the business of doing business. No fluff. No motivational clichés. Just the clarity most business owners never get but desperately need.

Ready to move from technician to true business owner?

Download the Business of Doing Business Starter Guide for actionable steps you can take this week to shift how you operate: https://businesstechlab.com/the-business-of-doing-business-what-it-really-means-to-run-a-business-not-just-do-the-work/

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t starting—it’s finishing. This episode unpacks what happens when building becomes a form of protection. Behind the checklists and systems is a quiet fear: what if sharing the finished work means facing silence, or worse, rejection? For entrepreneurs caught between motion and meaning, this is a reminder that peace, not perfection, can be the goal.

Submit your questions and feedback at: https://businesstechlab.com/askzakia/

In this episode, I unpack something I’ve felt—but couldn’t always name: the difference between genuine support… and quiet extraction.

When you’re building, teaching, and showing up in your business, not everyone who gravitates toward you has pure intentions. Some want to be close to your glow—but not the work. Others call themselves supporters, but leave you drained.

This episode introduces the idea of the Quiet Anchor—a kind of presence that holds space without trying to hold you hostage.

If you’ve ever felt used, overly leaned on, or just tired of performing strength for others, this one’s for you.

Selling online isn’t just about having a great product or service —it’s about having the right systems in place. You’ve got people asking how to buy, but do you have a website to send them to? Can you accept payments smoothly? Do you have a process for shipping orders? If you're a consultant, how easy is it for clients to book time with you? And if you're selling courses or eBooks, is there a simple way for people to purchase and access them instantly?

In this episode of Business Tech Unraveled, I share why every entrepreneur needs a digital home base beyond social media. I'll share my own journey from losing 75,000 followers overnight to offering VEDA Shops, VEDA Booking, and VEDA Courses—solutions designed to help small business owners run their business online.

How to move beyond social media and create your own digital storefront

The key systems every business needs for selling products, services, or digital content

Why live streaming and posting on social media alone isn’t enough—you need a backend that works

 Best platforms for different types of businesses and how to pick the right one

Don’t let missed sales and lost opportunities hold you back. Tune in to this episode and learn how to set up your business online for long-term success.

• Learn More:
• Discover how to create a stable digital home base and our solutions by visiting https://businesstechlab.com/solutions/

• Tech Match Quiz:
• Take the quiz on our website to identify the best tools for your business https://businesstechlab.com/find-your-tech-match/

What separates an online course that learners love from one that falls flat? In this episode of Business Tech Unraveled, host Zakia Ringgold breaks down the essential ingredients for creating impactful courses that resonate with adults. You’ll learn how to design with purpose by understanding adult learning principles, catering to different learning styles, and setting clear objectives. Zakia also shares practical tips for outlining your modules and lessons, helping you build a course that’s not just effective but transformational. Whether you’re just starting or refining an existing idea, this episode will inspire and equip you to turn your expertise into a course that makes a difference.

Course Resource Hub -> https://links.businesstechlab.com/onlinecoursetoolkit

Creating an online course that delivers results starts with understanding your audience. In this kickoff episode of her 4-part series, Zakia Ringgold dives into the critical step of validation. Whether you’re a corporate trainer or a small business owner, Zakia shares actionable strategies for uncovering what your audience truly needs, from lead magnets to LinkedIn polls.

Discover how generative AI tools simplify the process, removing the guesswork and helping you build a solid foundation for your course. Learn from Zakia’s real-world examples, get inspired to take action, and download the Course Validation Blueprint to guide your next steps.

This episode is packed with insights to help you turn your ideas into impact. Tune in and get ready to build something that delivers real results.

Key Takeaways:

• Why validation is essential for successful courses.
• How lead magnets and polls can shape your ideas.
• The role of AI in simplifying and accelerating validation.

For Your Action:

Download the Course Validation Blueprint and submit your questions for a chance to have them answered live at https://links.businesstechlab.com/onlinecoursetoolkit

In this episode, we discuss the core values that drive our brand and help shape every decision we make. From the importance of empowerment through knowledge to the significance of purpose-driven growth, Zakia shares her insights to help you build a business that not only thrives but also stays true to its mission. Tune in to discover how aligning your daily actions with your core values can transform your business and community.

Links Mentioned in the episode:

Show Notes: https://zakiaringgold.com/podcast

What if AI could tell your business story for you? In this episode we explore Google's NotebookLM tool as an innovative approach to storytelling through AI.

Using Google’s NotebookLM tool, we turn a blog post, into this podcast while also, revealing insights from Zakia's journey of transforming challenges into a connected, purpose-driven business ecosystem. Join us for an inspiring, AI-curated conversation that brings her entrepreneurial story to life, with behind-the-scenes reflections that illustrate how a business founded in resilience can uplift an entire community.

To read the full blog post visit: https://zakiaringgold.com