In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with guest, Dawn Brolin, an expert in small business finance. They discuss the importance of cash and PPP loans during Covid-19, offer organizational tips for accounting and document management, and explore SBA 7a loan and PPP loan forgiveness. They also delve into post-COVID financial management, the role of banks, election impacts on businesses, and advice for freelancers. The episode concludes with a discussion on the effects of COVID on African American businesses and resources for businesses.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to SmallBizChat

(1:45) Guest introduction: Don Bollin's experience and expertise

(2:06) Importance of cash and PPP loans for small businesses during Covid-19

(7:32) Organizational tips for small businesses: Accounting and Document Management

(12:53) Exploring SBA 7a loan and PPP loan forgiveness for small businesses

(13:45) Sponsor: Fix Your Business book by Melinda Emerson

(14:14) Post-COVID financial management with Dawn Brolin

(16:22) Role of banks and impact of the upcoming election on small businesses

(19:02) Financial management advice for freelancers and gig workers

(25:23) The impact of COVID on African American businesses and financial literacy

(27:14) Adapting to COVID-19: Shifting business models and pivoting to meet customer needs

(30:03) Business resources: Favorite podcasts, apps, and books

(31:02) Podcast closing and outro

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with Kim J. Plyler, CEO of Shawcom Inc., about the importance of a clear company narrative. They cover handling businesses without a brand story, using failure as part of your story, and current communication trends. The discussion includes tips on refreshing your brand story and marketing advice for start-ups, concluded with Plyler's favorite business tools.

(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction: Kim Tyler, CEO of Shawcom Inc.

(1:38) The importance and understanding of a company narrative

(2:50) Handling businesses without a clear brand story

(4:39) Using business failure as a part of a brand story

(6:30) Current communication trends beneficial for small businesses

(7:17) How to refresh your brand story

(8:11) Marketing advice for start-ups

(9:15) Kim J. Plyler's favorite business tools and tips

(10:41) Conclusion: Melinda Emerson's final thoughts and advice

In this episode, Melinda Emerson and guest Kristin Judge discuss the current state of small business cybercrime, strategies for cyber resilience, and global efforts to combat cybercrime. They delve into the risks of scams, the importance of cyber insurance, and protocols after a cybercrime. The episode concludes with a discussion on COVID-related scams and resources available on Fraudsupport.org.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome with guest Kristin Judd

(1:37) Discussion on the current state of small business cybercrime

(5:40) Strategies for small businesses to become cyber resilient

(10:37) Global efforts in combatting cybercrime

(13:00) Risks of various types of scams and how to avoid them

(16:42) Importance of cyber insurance for small businesses

(19:30) Protocol for small businesses after falling victim to a cybercrime

(24:04) Rise of COVID-related scams and preventive measures

(26:15) Discussion on scams related to the CARES Act and unemployment fraud

(27:38) Conclusion and introduction of resources available on Fraudsupport.org

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Sean McCool about maximizing website profitability. They delve into the three key components of a marketing campaign, explore various email templates for sales, and discuss the use of sales funnels. The episode also includes tips on hiring the right copywriter, old-school marketing advice, and an introduction to the Rev app. A giveaway contest is also announced.

(0:00) Introduction and guest background: Sean McCool

(1:30) Making big money with your website

(3:13) Three components of any marketing campaign: Copy, offer, audience

(7:20) Different types of email templates for sales

(11:55) SmallBizChat podcast giveaway contest announcement

(14:39) Utilizing sales funnels for business growth

(17:35) How to identify and hire the right copywriter for your business

(19:02) Old-school marketing tips and app introduction: Rev

(20:10) Closing remarks and mission of SmallBizChat

(20:31) Podcast outro

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Vanessa A. Lindley about money mindset in personal and business finances. They delve into the role of an accountant, the importance of budgeting, and effective strategies for debt repayment. Vanessa also shares her favorite business app, a classic marketing tip, and recommends a podcast.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Vanessa A. Lindley

(2:00) Discussion on money mindset in personal and business finances

(5:00) The role of an accountant and understanding wealth

(9:00) Importance of budgeting and separating personal and business finances

(12:00) Topic of debt and strategies for debt repayment

(15:00) Best business finance advice and introduction to Vanessa's book

(16:00) Vanessa's favorite business app and old school marketing tip

(17:00) Vanessa's favorite podcast recommendation

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Carol Hodges, a financial expert, about the transition from business coaching to financial expertise. They discuss the concept of 'Menopause Millionaire' and its potential in retirement planning, especially for women business owners. Conversations also delve into determining retirement needs, considerations for life after 50, and managing finances in marriage from a business owner's perspective.

(0:00) Introduction and guest Carol Hodges

(1:16) Shift from business coaching to financial expertise

(2:07) Menopause millionaire: A new perspective on retirement planning

(4:34) Women business owners and retirement planning statistics

(6:14) Explanation and potential of 'menopause millionaire'

(8:41) Determining your retirement needs

(10:39) Life after 50: What to consider

(12:16) Sponsor: Fix Your Business by Melinda Emerson

(13:01) Women in business: To borrow or not to borrow

(14:49) Managing finances in a marriage: A business owner's perspective

(17:07) Business tools and resources: Recommendations from Carol Hodges

(19:06) Closing remarks and final thoughts

Delatorro McNeal joins me today to discuss goal-setting and why it is important to pace yourself as you work toward your vision. He shares the importance of consistency, why less is often more, and tips for developing better motivation. Delatorro also highlights why you should execute first and feel second, the power of accountability, and how to operate at your best by making continual improvements over time.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson converses with Delatorro McNeal about his career and unconventional advice for the new year. They delve into peak performance tips for 2020, motivation strategies for solopreneurs, and the concept of "performance beyond gold". They also discuss the 1% improvement rule and McNeal's recommended resources for business growth.

(0:00) Introduction and guest Delatorro McNeal's career discussion

(1:56) Delatorro McNeal's unconventional advice for the new year

(3:24) Peak performance tips for 2020 by Delatorro McNeal

(6:34) Motivation tips for solopreneurs by Delatorro McNeal

(9:05) Operating at peak performance: A discussion

(11:10) Understanding "performance beyond gold" with Delatorro McNeal

(12:16) The 1% improvement rule in personal and professional life

(12:59) Delatorro McNeal's recommended podcast and business app

(14:14) Favorite business book recommendation: Profit First

(14:27) Conclusion, thank you note, and closing remarks by Melinda Emerson

Naly Rice joins me today to discuss what you need to know about rebranding your business in 2020.  She shares some of her best advice for brand visibility and the importance of consistency in your branding efforts. She discusses how to approach branding, even with a small budget, and explains what a “brand guide” is and why every company should have one. Naly also highlights resources for creating brand assets that are consistent across all platforms and why you need to consider brand experience, not just brand appearance.

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Naly Rice about the significance of branding for small businesses. They delve into brand alignment across social platforms, the role of video, visuals, and voice marketing, and creating a consistent brand experience. They also discuss strategies for changing your brand and the importance of embodying your brand as a CEO.

(0:00) Introduction and guest speaker Naly Rice's background

(1:38) Branding for small businesses: importance, refresh strategy, and budgeting

(6:43) Brand alignment and consistency across social platforms

(9:14) The role of video, visuals, and voice marketing in branding

(12:04) Sponsor: Melinda Emerson's book "Fix Your Business"

(13:05) Creating a consistent brand experience for customers

(15:00) Changing your brand across platforms: strategies and tips

(15:48) Embodying your brand as a CEO

(16:15) Sharing favorite podcasts, business apps, and books

(18:01) Closing remarks and show outro