In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with LaQuan McCarley, discussing how small businesses can become contractors for the federal government. They delve into the importance of networking, understanding government procurement strategies, types of federal contracts, and compliance issues. McCarley also shares his best business advice.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and the Small BizChat mission by Melinda Emerson

(2:32) Guest introduction: LaQuan McCarley

(5:43) How to become a contractor for the federal government

(9:37) The role of networking in government contracting

(14:49) Understanding government procurement strategies with LaQuan McCarley

(17:01) Types of federal contracts and compliance issues

(24:31) The best business advice from LaQuan McCarley

(26:08) Sponsor: Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months course

(27:05) Closing thoughts and remarks from Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses the Imposter Syndrome, sharing personal experiences from her entrepreneurial journey. She emphasizes the importance of individual contributions, celebrating small victories, and mentoring benefits. Melinda also explores confidence-boosting strategies like positive self-talk and music, plus reveals an upcoming course for entrepreneurs.

(0:00) Introduction and discussion on Imposter Syndrome

(1:44) Personal experiences with Imposter Syndrome in entrepreneurship

(3:21) Importance of individual contribution and celebrating small victories

(6:44) Sharing dreams, achievements, and the benefits of mentoring

(9:02) Boosting confidence through positive self-talk and music

(11:16) Encouragement for entrepreneurs and course announcement

(13:09) Course sign-up details

In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces a game, 'Hit it or Quit it'. Guests Joanne Black, David C. Barnett, and Eboni Bowman share their favorite podcasts, business apps, old school marketing tips, and business books. Melinda also recommends her favorite business book and introduces her new course, 'Become your own Boss'.

(0:00) Introduction and explanation of "Hit it or Quit it" game by Melinda Emerson

(1:45) Guests share their favorite podcasts

(3:11) Discussion on favorite business apps

(3:58) Sharing of favorite old school marketing tips

(5:39) Best business books as recommended by guests

(7:30) Melinda Emerson's favorite business book

(7:59) Acknowledgement of guests and their businesses

(8:24) Introduction to Melinda Emerson's new course: Become your own boss

(8:54) Closing remarks by Melinda Emerson

(9:10) Podcast closure by MC

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Chef Eboni Bowman discuss strategies for business funding and growth. They delve into the importance of systemizing, outsourcing, and time management in business scaling. They also touch on the role of marketing and networking in business growth. Chef Eboni shares the best business advice she's received. The episode concludes with an introduction to Melinda's new course and her mission statement.

(0:00) Introduction and Guest Chef Eboni Bowman

(4:55) Strategies for Funding and Growth in Business

(6:28) Importance of Systemizing in Scaling Businesses

(8:27) Outsourcing and Time Management in Business

(10:06) Role of Marketing and Networking in Business Growth

(12:18) Best Business Advice Received by Chef Eboni Bowman

(14:06) Conclusion and Introduction of Melinda Emerson's New Course

(14:51) Melinda's Closing Thoughts and Mission Statement

(15:12) Outro and Podcast Wrap Up

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with business brokerage expert, David C. Barnett. They delve into the journey of buying a business, understanding business valuation, and explore seller financing and earn-outs. They talk about assembling a team, maintaining confidentiality, top tips for selling, transition periods, and common mistakes to avoid. The episode wraps up with David sharing his best business advice.

(0:00) Introduction to The Small BizChat podcast and host Melinda Emerson

(3:32) Guest introduction: David C. Barnett, expert in business brokerage

(5:50) Topic 1: Starting the journey of buying a business

(9:14) Topic 2: Understanding business valuation

(11:34) Topic 3: Exploring seller financing and earn-outs in business buying

(13:18) Topic 4: Assembling your team and maintaining confidentiality when buying a business

(16:24) Topic 5: Top tips for selling your business

(20:38) Topic 6: The role of transition periods in business sales

(22:46) Topic 7: Common mistakes to avoid when buying a business

(25:11) Topic 8: Best business advice with David C. Barnett

(26:03) Sponsor: David C. Barnett's business consulting services

(26:29) Closing remarks and The Small BizChat podcast mission statement

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Joanne Black about the power of referrals in growing small businesses. They discuss the impact of introductions and referrals on revenue, how to leverage technology for referral research, and the importance of strong relationships for successful referrals. They also explore common missed opportunities in asking for referrals, and Melinda introduces her new course, "Become Your Own Boss."

(0:00) Introduction and overview of the episode

(1:18) How to grow your small business with referrals

(3:31) Guest introduction: Joanne Black's journey into sales and referral selling

(6:03) The impact of introductions and referrals on revenue and conversion rates

(8:11) Understanding the concept of a referral

(10:22) Leveraging technology for effective referral research and building trust with buyers

(13:43) The importance of a valid business reason in referral requests

(16:03) The role of strong relationships in successful referrals and the debate over incentives

(18:35) Identifying missed opportunities in asking for referrals and turning customers into an unpaid Salesforce

(20:50) Introduction to Melinda's new course, "Become Your Own Boss," in partnership with Drexel University

(21:49) Closing remarks and the mission of the Small BizChat podcast

In this episode, Melinda Emerson discusses current compensation trends affecting small businesses, strategies for employee retention, and the impact of company culture. She delves into team bonding in remote settings, strategic planning for growth, and the effects of employee turnover.

(0:00) Introduction to the episode

(1:16) Current compensation trends and their impact on small businesses

(3:08) Strategies to meet worker expectations and retain core employees

(7:42) Company culture's influence on employee satisfaction and retention

(9:21) Team bonding and employee development in remote environments

(10:40) Strategic planning's role in business growth

(12:26) Consequences of employee turnover on businesses

(13:14) Conclusion and closing remarks

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by Sarah Durham, Joel Libava, and Brandi Mitchell for a panel discussion. They share their favorite business apps, discuss old school marketing tips, and recommend business books. Melinda concludes with her personal recommendations and closing remarks.

(0:00) Introduction by MC & Welcome message from Melinda Emerson

(1:11) Panel Discussion with Sarah Durham, Joel Libava, and Brandi Mitchell

(2:08) Favorite Business App Discussion

(3:22) Old School Marketing Tips Discussion

(5:18) Business Book Recommendations

(6:42) Melinda's Personal Recommendations and Closing Remarks

(7:09) Acknowledgements and Guest Information

(7:52) Small Biz Chat Mission and Special Offer

(8:03) Closing Message from Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Brandi Mitchell, the Brand Producer, to discuss the importance of positioning and packaging in branding. They delve into Brandi's unique program, "Produce Your Own Brand Method", and explore the concept of a Brand U mentory. The conversation also navigates the challenges of promoting a business in an image-obsessed environment and shares advice on learning from the best. The episode concludes with a mention of the sponsor, Small Busland University's online marketing courses.

(0:00) Introduction to the Small Biz Chat with Melinda Emerson

(1:25) Guest introduction: Brandi Mitchell, the Brand Producer

(5:36) Importance of positioning and packaging in branding

(9:14) Introduction to Brandi's proprietary program: The Produce Your Own Brand Method

(13:17) Concept of a Brand U mentory and its impact on audience connection

(16:07) Navigating business promotion in a shallow, image-obsessed environment

(18:25) Business advice: learning from the best and looking the part

(20:02) Closing remarks from Melinda and Brandy Mitchell

(20:23) Sponsor: Small Busland University's online marketing courses

(20:43) The mission of the Small BizChat podcast

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Joel Libava, the Franchise King, about understanding franchising, including concepts, costs, and finding "winning franchises". They discuss financing options, downsides of franchising, and transitioning from corporate to franchise ownership. The episode concludes with advice for prospective franchise buyers.

(0:00) Introduction and mission of Small BizChat podcast

(1:51) How to access the Small BizChat podcast

(2:22) Guest introduction: Joel Libava, the Franchise King

(4:25) Understanding franchising: Concepts, costs, and "winning franchises"

(8:16) Discussion on financing options and downsides of franchising

(10:23) Transitioning from corporate to franchise ownership and self-understanding

(13:45) Navigating franchise brokers and why franchises fail

(15:56) The importance of location, financial planning, and system implementation in franchise success

(18:20) Predictability of profitability and advice for prospective franchise buyers

(19:09) Sponsor: Small Business University special offer

(19:42) Closing remarks by Melinda Emerson and outro