In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Dr. Stephanie West, who shares her journey from veterinarian to business advisor. They discuss common traps business owners fall into and introduce the SOAP framework, which is crucial for business assessment and problem prioritization. The conversation highlights the role of AI in evaluating business issues and finalizing the SOAP framework.

Dr. Stephanie West, author of SOAP for Success: A Simple Method to Manage Your Business and Revitalize Your Mission. A Cornell-trained veterinarian turned executive leader, Dr. West brings a powerful, practical framework to help business owners cut through chaos, diagnose what’s really wrong, and build clear action plans using her S.O.A.P. method. For more information: www.DrStephanieFWest.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website:  www.DrStephanieFWest.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: Grow Your Business with the S.O.A.P. Method with Dr. Stephanie West appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Angela Williams to discuss the origin and growth of Detail Experts. Angela shares the challenges and successes faced during the international expansion of the franchise, shedding light on the financial investments involved and the current state of the business. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture and the advantages franchising offers. Angela addresses common misconceptions about franchising, including absentee ownership, and provides valuable advice for potential franchisees.

Angela L. Williams, President and co-founder of DetailXPerts Franchise Systems, LLC, an innovative, eco-friendly mobile cleaning franchise redefining automotive and commercial cleaning. They are a fast-growing mobile detailing franchise with more than 90 units. With deep expertise across finance, technology, and operations, Angela is leading the company toward an ambitious vision of 1,100 franchises while building a business rooted in impact, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information: https://www.DetailXperts.net

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://www.DetailXperts.net

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Franchise Your Business Overseas with Angela Williams appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Carson Wagner to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the development of confidence in business. Carson shares insights into the services and growth of her company, Lifetime of Love Nannies, and delves into the challenges and lessons she’s encountered in franchising. The conversation touches on the criteria, costs, and benefits for franchisees, offering valuable insights for those considering this path.

Carson Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Lifetime of Love Nannies, an emerging childcare franchise based in Reno, Nevada. A college dropout who started her company at just 19, Carson built her business from the ground up with no safety net and no shortcuts. In 2025, she made the bold decision to franchise. Today, Lifetime of Love employs more than 100 women, has sold 10 franchises in just 90 days, and operates with a powerful mission: We are accepting of all children of all capabilities. For more information: https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Become an Emerging Franchise with Carson Wagner appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the importance of resolve over resolutions when setting business goals. She emphasizes the need to establish three significant goals for your business and the role of effective sales systems and tracking metrics in achieving them. The conversation includes insights on systematizing business operations and determining the value of services with strategic pricing. Melinda also touches on preparing for business exit strategies, providing guidance on ensuring a smooth transition.

Listen to the podcast below:

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: No Resolutions with Melinda Emerson appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Barry Moltz to explore the essentials of buying a business. They delve into the key questions and steps involved in business acquisition, emphasizing the importance of understanding cash flow and valuation. The discussion also highlights the challenges associated with absentee ownership and management. Financial considerations and lending options for business purchases are examined, alongside strategies for finding businesses for sale and taking initial steps toward purchase.

Barry Moltz is an exit advisor. He now helps small business owners sell their companies for the highest price. He has started and run three small businesses with both success and failure over the past 30 years. He is the author of 8 award-winning books. Barry is the host of the nationally known “The Small Business Radio Show” for the past 17 years and a member of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He most recently can be seen on the History Channel’s “The Booze, Bets and Sex that Built America”. https://barrymoltz.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://barrymoltz.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: What You Need to Know About Buying a Business with Barry Moltz appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Nancy Williams to explore the world of franchising for aspiring business owners. Nancy shares insights from her own franchising journey, addressing common misconceptions and the importance of self-assessment before becoming a franchisee. The discussion covers financial considerations, evaluating the health of franchise systems, and tips for finding and assessing franchise resales. Nancy also highlights the significance of due diligence and common mistakes in franchise buying.

Nancy Williams founded NValuable Franchise Consulting 10 years ago out of her passion for helping women and people of color explore entrepreneurship. Recognizing that franchising was one of the best pathways to building generational wealth, Nancy decided that becoming a Certified Franchise Consultant would enable her to educate and assist underrepresented communities in attaining the goal of franchise ownership. She has solidified her position as an expert in the industry with high profile roles including being a 10-year Content Contributor for Black Enterprise Magazine interviewing over 100 Black franchisees and franchisors, a Staff Writer for Franchise Dictionary Magazine, a Chairperson on the IFA’s Black Franchise Leadership Council, and in March of 2023, taking over Franchise Development for the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream brand here in the US. For more information: https://www.nvaluablefranchiseconsulting.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://www.nvaluablefranchiseconsulting.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise with Nancy Williams appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson delves into the art of crafting a high-value offer using the Five P’s framework. She begins with an overview of the framework, which includes Problem, Promise, Process, Proof, and Price. Each component is explored in detail, providing insights on how to effectively address customer pain points, deliver on promises, outline processes, present proof, and determine pricing strategies.

Listen to the podcast below:

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: The High-Value Offer Makeover with Melinda Emerson appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Kathi Burns to discuss the importance of digital decluttering for small business owners. Kathi shares her journey and offers practical tips on email organization, including utilizing Google Workspace effectively. They explore the balance between accessibility and security in Google Drive, and Kathi provides actionable first steps to organize your inbox.

Kathi Burns is a board-certified professional organizer, personal stylist, and best-selling author. As the founder of OrganizedandEnergized.com, she helps people simplify their surroundings or digital clutter and amplify their confidence. Featured on Good Morning America, Kathi’s advice has appeared in Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur, and Better Homes & Gardens. She empowers clients to turn chaos into clarity. For more information: www.organizedandenergized.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://www.organizedandenergized.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Organize Your Digital Clutter with Kathi Burns appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Chris Williams, who shares his entrepreneurial journey and transition into group coaching. They discuss the structure and pricing strategies essential for successful group coaching programs, along with marketing tactics and key considerations for launching such initiatives. Chris offers insights on certification processes and actionable steps for starting a group coaching program.

Chris Williams is the Founder and CEO of Group Coach Nation, and he’s on a mission to help coaches, trainers, and subject-matter experts turn their know-how into thriving, high-ticket group coaching or mastermind programs. Whether you’re exploring your first group offer or scaling your sixth, Chris offers practical strategies for creating breakthrough results. He’s here to talk about the art and business of group coaching. For more info: groupcoachnation.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://groupcoachnation.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Build a Group Coaching Program with Chris Williams appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Mary Kennedy Thompson, who shares her journey from military service to a thriving career in franchising. Mary discusses her experience running a Cookies by Design franchise and her transition to the franchisor side, highlighting her leadership roles at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Neighborly. She also delves into her current role at BNI, emphasizing key leadership values and insights.

Mary Kennedy Thompson is CEO of BNI (Business Networking International), the world’s largest networking franchise. A true business trailblazer, she’s a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a licensed plumber, and a dynamic leader who has guided major franchise brands, including Neighborly and BNI. As Chair of the International Franchise Association, Mary exemplifies how leadership rooted in service, discipline, and vision can transform entire industries. She is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose. For more information: https://www.bni.com

Listen to the podcast below:

Online Courses:  https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/nextactceosummit

Website: https://www.bni.com

Want to hear more episodes of The SmallBiz Chat Podcast? Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!

​

The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: Could Franchising Be For You with Mary Kennedy Thompson appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.