The concept of the side hustle has gained significant traction in the last few years. No one is confined to the traditional nine-to-five grind these days. Especially since 2020, people have been increasingly developing side hustles to supplement their income, pursue their passions, and, yes, even build empires. I’m asked the question often, “Can a side hustle truly evolve into a thriving business empire?” My answer is Yes, but this question lies at the intersection of ambition, dedication, and strategic thinking. By examining statistics on the prevalence of side hustles and success stories of ..read more

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Angelique Williams and Aprelle Duany for a lively discussion. They delve into their “Hit it and Quit It” philosophy, share favorite business apps, and offer some old school marketing tips. The discussion wraps up with their best business book recommendations, including a favorite from Melinda. Angelic Williams is an Executive Consultant with J. Galt Finance. She is a creative Swiss Army knife, business consultant, business credit builder, and recovering perfectionist. With a diverse background spanning architecture, real estate, and entrepreneurship ..read more

Join me and the Small Business Administration for National Small Business Week from April 28 – May 4, 2024. This is our nation’s celebration of the 33.5 million small businesses across the country. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this is our week to shine as entrepreneurs, employers, and innovative startups. The last few years have seen unprecedented growth of entrepreneurship in the United States, marked by 16 million new business applications since the Biden-Harris Administration took office. This surge highlights the dynamism and innovation that America’s entrepre ..read more

In this episode, Melinda Emerson talks with Aprelle Duany about the role of AI in businesses. They discuss Duany’s journey into AI, practical applications, and the challenges encountered in its adoption. Also, they explore how AI improves customer experience and the importance of diversity and accessibility in AI development. Aprelle Duany is a technology expert who brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and technological expertise to produce excellent results. Her robust skillset and unique experiences allow her to navigate complex business and technical landscapes, transform busin ..read more

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a valuable investment for small business owners looking to streamline operations, increase productivity, and focus on core business activities. Whether you need help with administrative tasks, customer support, or specialized projects, finding the right virtual assistant requires careful planning and consideration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hire a virtual assistant:   Step 1: Define Your Needs Identify Tasks: Make a list of the tasks you need assistance with, including administrative tasks, email management, scheduling, research, social ..read more

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Angelic Williams about the nuances of business credit. They delve into its difference from personal credit, the significance of the Paydex score, and the steps to build a business credit profile. They also discuss common mistakes, the link between corporate credibility and business credit, and the role of a credit building agency. The importance of timely payroll and understanding underwriting criteria are also covered. Angelic Williams is an Executive Consultant with J. Galt Finance. She is a creative Swiss Army knife, business consultant, business ..read more

Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey as much as anything else. It requires making commitments that often extend beyond the promises made to employees, vendors, and clients; it also encompasses the pledges we make to ourselves. These internal commitments are the cornerstone of personal integrity, driving us toward our goals, shaping our work ethic, and ultimately determining our success. Yet, in the chaos of running a business, it’s easy not to make it onto your own to-do list. You can overlook your personal commitments, such as getting a life outside of your business, finding time for famil ..read more

  In this episode, Melinda Emerson shares a personal story about a failed purchase attempt, highlighting the importance of well-managed inventory and transparent pricing. She discusses strategies for handling customer dissatisfaction and the art of engaging potential customers. Melinda emphasizes the role of professionalism in small businesses and shares holiday season recommendations. She concludes with final thoughts and advice for small business owners. Listen to the podcast below:   This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Plan for holiday business demands at least four months in adv ..read more

Embarking on the path of entrepreneurship is not merely about having the drive and passion; it’s also about channeling that energy into the right business opportunity. Once you’ve scrutinized your abilities, identified your strengths, and visualized your entrepreneurial future. Now, you must determine What kind of business you should start. Answering this requires introspection, strategic evaluation, and industry analysis. Exploring Your Passions  Begin with your passions. What ignites your soul? What activities do you excel at effortlessly? What would you do for free? Your passions and i ..read more

Gloria Chou is an award-winning Small Business PR coach and host of the top-rated Small Business PR Podcast. Her untraditional yet proven PR methods that allow anyone to gain top-tier, earned media without needing to hire an agency, have industry connections, or any PR experience have been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Crunchbase, and on over 50+ podcasts. Gloria helps early-stage founders “hack their own PR” to go from unknown to being seen, heard, and valued with her proprietary 3-step CPR Pitching Method™— one that’s helped 10,000+ small businesses get over a combined 1 Billion fre ..read more