In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with James Hunt, the Celebrity Credit Guru. They delve into his journey into credit repair, strategies for protecting credit during unemployment or business loss, and the importance of building business credit. They also discuss economic equity, wage gap, education, empowerment, and overcoming societal issues. The episode wraps up with quickfire questions, tips, and book recommendations.

(0:00) Introduction and mission of SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson

(1:13) Guest Introduction: James Hunt, the Celebrity Credit Guru

(2:17) Journey into Credit Repair: An Insight by James Hunt

(5:22) Strategies for Protecting Credit During Unemployment or Business Loss

(7:33) Building Business Credit: Importance of PAYDEX Score

(11:13) Economic Equity & Wage Gap: A Discussion

(14:39) Education, Empowerment, and Economic Parity

(16:29) Community Involvement, Mentorship, and Overcoming Societal Issues

(18:35) Personal Responsibility in Uplifting Others

(18:51) Quickfire Questions: Tips and Book Recommendations

(19:22) Closing Remarks, Mission Statement, and Acknowledgements

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes guest Nicole Snow, discussing her journey to social entrepreneurship, the secret to her business success, and her commitment to social entrepreneurship. They delve into strategies to drive online sales, the role of online ads, and the impact of contests on small businesses. The episode concludes with their favorite business books.

(0:00) Introduction to the SmallBizChat with Melinda Emerson and guest Nicole Snow

(1:27) Nicole Snow's background, business description and journey to social entrepreneurship

(5:56) The secret to Nicole's business success and financial management strategies

(8:43) Nicole's commitment to social entrepreneurship and its impact on her business

(10:52) Sponsor: Melinda Emerson's book "Fix Your Business"

(11:22) Strategies to drive sales to an online business and the importance of authenticity

(13:06) Focus on the most fruitful sales channels and the role of online ads

(14:07) The impact of contests on small businesses and Nicole's favorite marketing tips

(15:34) Nicole and Melinda's favorite business books

(16:05) Closing remarks and podcast outro

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Carroll Bernard delve into the world of government contracting for small businesses. They discuss the relevance of business size, opportunities in the government marketplace, and the process to pursue contracts. They also explore strategies for targeting agencies, contract vehicles for sales, the benefits of PTech Centers, and the role of past performance. Finally, they touch upon the influence of financial status and share a book recommendation.

(0:00) Introduction and guest Carroll Bernard's discussion on government contracting

(1:24) Understanding business size and its relevance in government business

(2:21) Carroll's recession experience and government marketplace opportunities

(3:46) Process to pursue government contracts

(5:21) Strategies for targeting government agencies

(6:22) Deep-dive into contract vehicles for sales efforts

(8:47) Benefits of PTech Centers in government contracting

(10:21) Role of past performance in securing government contracts

(12:00) Influence of financial status on government contracting

(13:30) Carroll's business book recommendation and marketing tips

(13:56) Podcast closure and final remarks

In this episode, Melinda and guest John Clidy discuss transitioning from full-time employment to entrepreneurship, the importance of a support system, and leadership strategies. They delve into marketing tips, the significance of business cards, and share their favorite business resources.

(0:00) Introduction and mission of SmallBizChat

(0:50) Starting as a side hustler

(1:14) Guest Introduction: John Clidy's transition from state trooper to business owner

(4:27) Balancing a full time job and a side hustle

(7:00) The importance of a support system in entrepreneurship

(9:42) Leadership and team motivation strategies

(11:59) John Clidy's favorite business resources

(13:18) Marketing tips and the importance of Business Cards

(14:06) Discussion on Leadership, Managing People and Favorite Business Book

(14:28) Closing Remarks and Motivational Quote

In this episode, Melinda Emerson is joined by HR expert Jennifer Leake. They discuss strategies for managing remote workers, using people analytics, and establishing communication expectations. Leake also shares her favorite resources, recommends her book "Who Moved My Cheese?" and provides an old school marketing tip.

(0:00) Introduction and SmallBizChat's mission

(1:17) Guest introduction: Jennifer Leake, HR expert and CEO of Assessment Pros

(2:02) Discussion: Managing remote workers and strategies for success

(8:48) Topic: Using people analytics to evaluate remote employees

(10:49) Sponsor: Commercial break

(11:50) Discussion: Zoom meeting protocols and remote workers' etiquette

(14:16) Topic: Managing communication expectations with remote workers

(15:26) Guest's recommendations: Favorite podcast, business app, and old school marketing tip

(17:20) Book recommendation: "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Jennifer Leake

(17:58) Closing remarks, inspirational quote, and outro

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Scott Miller discuss the importance of leadership skills, crisis management, and the transition from management mess to leadership success. They also cover the global impact of the pandemic, transforming bad leaders, and Scott shares his leadership disaster and lessons. The episode concludes with old-school marketing tips and useful business tools.

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome

(1:13) Guest Introduction: Scott Miller

(2:28) Importance of Leadership Skills and Crisis Management

(6:12) Transitioning from Management Mess to Leadership Success

(9:31) Discussing Global Impact of the Pandemic

(12:32) Transforming Bad Leaders into Great Leaders

(13:50) Sponsor: "Fix Your Business" by Melinda Emerson

(14:20) Scott Miller Shares his Leadership Disaster and Lessons

(17:24) Leadership Advice for Small Business Owners

(19:15) Old School Marketing Tips and Useful Business Tools

(20:59) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Lori M. Ruffin about the role of a COO team, employee motivation, company reset strategies, and creating an innovative environment. They also discuss maintaining connections with furloughed employees, future opportunities, effective business management, and strategic cutbacks.

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome

(1:36) Role of COO team and impact of recent events

(3:04) Employee motivation and revisiting company values

(4:37) Company reset versus restart and the role of vision and mission

(6:00) Creating a welcoming environment and encouraging innovation

(9:05) Keeping connection with furloughed employees

(10:47) Future opportunities and wrap up with Lori M. Ruffin

(13:27) Motivation strategies and favorite business resources

(14:54) Effective business management and strategic cutbacks

(15:48) Wrap up and Melinda Emerson's parting thoughts

(16:12) Outro and podcast closing details

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Andrew Andrews-Ramirez about his entrepreneurial journey, the role of veterans in business, and the challenges of reopening businesses during COVID-19. They delve into crisis leadership, honest communication, and applicable military lessons. The episode concludes with resources for veteran entrepreneurs and Andrew's recommendations.

(0:00) Introduction to the SmallBizChat Podcast with Melinda Emerson

(0:31) Guest Introduction: Andrew Andrews-Ramirez's Entrepreneurial Journey

(2:11) Overview of Andrew's Business and Role of Veterans in Business

(3:52) Challenges and Solutions in Reopening Businesses During COVID-19

(6:42) Leadership and Safety Decisions in Times of Crisis

(8:39) The Role of Honest Communication in Business Survival

(10:25) Military Lessons Applicable in Today's Business Environment

(11:05) Sponsor: Melinda Emerson's Book "Fix Your Business"

(11:54) Resources and Training Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs

(15:13) Andrew's Recommendations: Podcast, App, Motivational Strategy, and Business Book

(17:42) Closing Remarks by Melinda Emerson

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and Mary Fran Bontempo discuss strategies for navigating current challenges and financial stress in business. They explore Bontempo's 3-part strategy: Reset, Rise, Reveal. The conversation also covers coping mechanisms, importance of physical activity, favorite business tools, and motivational tips.

(0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction: Mary Fran Bontempo

(2:12) Discussion on Navigating Current Challenges and Uncertainties

(4:03) Strategies for Dealing with Financial Pressures and Stress

(5:29) Mary Fran Bontempo's 3-Part Strategy: Reset, Rise, Reveal

(10:08) Sponsor: Melinda Emerson's "Fix Your Business"

(11:12) Coping Mechanisms and the Power of Positive Recall

(13:40) Importance of Physical Activity and Managing Stress

(15:06) Favorite Business Tools and How to Stay Motivated

(16:46) Favorite Business Books and Closing Thoughts

(18:01) Melinda Emerson's Closing Statement

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Steve Bollar about the state of education, addressing the shift to virtual learning and the challenges it presents. They discuss the achievement gap, digital divide, and leadership challenges in the pandemic era. Bollar also introduces the results formula and emphasizes the role of positive reinforcement in leadership. The episode wraps up with book, app recommendations, and closing remarks.

(0:00) Introduction and the mission of Small Biz Chat

(1:40) Guest introduction: Steve Bollar on the state of education

(3:06) The shift to emergency virtual learning and parental concerns

(6:35) The challenges and options of virtual learning

(9:24) Addressing the achievement gap and the digital divide

(13:15) Dealing with educational leadership challenges during the pandemic

(14:47) Introduction and application of the results formula

(19:16) The role of positive reinforcement in leadership

(20:03) Podcast and business app recommendations

(21:25) Favorite books for business and leadership and closing remarks

(22:28) Podcast outro