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If you’re struggling with inconsistent revenue, unpredictable sales, and missed opportunities, you’re not alone. Many small business owners face this challenge, and the culprit is often a lack of a defined sales process. Without a structured approach to converting...

We’ve all heard a gazillion motivational quotes. Sure, they give us a quick boost of inspiration, but how lasting is their impact? In contrast, consider the quiet power of daily habits. They might not sound as inspiring as a well-crafted quote, but their influence on...

Has it ever crossed your mind, “Have I found my life partner?” Sure, your relationship might not resemble the ones you’ve seen in Disney movies or read about in romance novels. But who said it has to? We often get caught up in the illusion of what a ‘perfect’...

Understanding the nuances of human interaction can be as tricky as solving a complex math problem. Imagine being drawn to a person, but they’re building walls instead of bridges, leaving you in a state of constant guessing. You’ve been down this road before, trying to...

Navigating social situations can be like walking through a minefield, especially when you suspect someone isn’t as fond of you as they’re letting on. A colleague at the office, a friend in your circle, or even a family member may harbor hidden resentment while...

Ever heard the saying, “class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky”? Truth be told, it’s not just about etiquette or the right outfit. Class, my dear friends, speaks volumes about self-awareness. But here’s the rub. While some people project...

It’s Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit. In my line of work, I’ve interacted with men from all walks of life. Some appear tough as nails on the surface, but I’ve learned that real strength isn’t about brute force or a gruff exterior. Mental strength, now...

There is a stark difference between appearing to be good and genuinely being good. This difference is often overlooked, but it’s the key to understanding the true value of a person. When it comes to women, this distinction becomes even more critical. Spotting a truly...

We’ve all been there. In the middle of sharing an exciting story or expressing an important point of view, when suddenly, you’re interrupted. Someone cuts you off and takes over the conversation. It can feel frustrating, disrespectful, even hurtful. Here’s a...

I remember the first time I encountered a guilt-tripper in my professional life. On the surface, this person seemed polite, even helpful. Yet whenever they wanted something — from a project favor to a weekend errand — they’d lace their words with a heavy dose of...

When you trip and fall, you can either stay down or get back up. That’s life in a nutshell. Now, I’m sure you’ve stumbled a few times, we all have. But have you ever wondered how the highly successful ones handle their falls? They don’t just get up… they bounce back...

My granddad, a man of few but impactful words, once told me, “Not all that glitters is gold.” Intriguing, isn’t it? And it wasn’t until I ventured into the world of relationships and interactions that I really understood what he meant. It’s a world where kindness...

There’s a profound difference between someone being in love with the real you and someone who’s merely in love with the idea of you. The difference? It’s all about authenticity and acceptance. When someone is in love with the idea of you, they tend to idealize you,...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off with the engaging “Hit It and Quit It” segment, setting the stage for a lively discussion. The conversation shifts to a sharing of favorite business tools and tips, offering practical insights for small business owners...

I once found myself in the middle of a corporate training session, noticing the room’s tension rise whenever one manager began to speak. He never yelled or openly disrespected his colleagues, but something in his tone and choice of words made everyone else anxious,...

If someone struts into a room, we might think they’re confident. If they look you straight in the eye when talking, we may be convinced. But is that the whole story? Not quite. Confidence is a subtle characteristic, more complex than meets the eye. It’s revealed in...

We often think confidence is all about body language — standing tall, maintaining eye contact, or offering a firm handshake. Sure, those things help. But your words play just as big a role in how your coworkers, clients, and boss perceive you. You might be undermining...

Ever wondered how some people never seem to run out of motivation? It’s like they’re powered by some kind of inexhaustible energy source that keeps them going, no matter what. I’ve been curious, too. So, I started observing these motivation powerhouses closely, and...

Feeling lost in life can be a gut-wrenching experience. I get it. Sometimes, you’re in a place where nothing seems to make sense, and a fog of confusion surrounds you. It’s like you’re stuck in the middle of a labyrinth with no clear path ahead. But hang on, it’s not...

Have you ever heard the saying, “Words are powerful?” Indeed, they are. They can inspire us, move us, and even change the course of our lives. But, on the flip side, they can also be used to manipulate our thoughts and emotions. Now, imagine this scenario. You’re in a...

In the grand stage of public life, we all play our parts. Some play it big, some play it small, but there’s a distinct difference between a man with a healthy self-esteem and a man with a toxic ego. You see, a man with a dangerously toxic ego isn’t just full of...

When you’re feeling stressed, you might think you’ve got your coping mechanisms down pat. You do things like stay busy to avoid thinking about your problems, or convince yourself that everything’s fine even when it’s not, right? Well, you might be surprised. The...

The world of freelancing is exciting, but turning it into a full-time, profitable business requires more than just talent—it requires building a strong niche brand online. In today’s crowded digital marketplace, success isn’t about appealing to everyone. It’s about...

Communication is an art, and it’s also a science. As someone who’s always been fascinated by how words can impact our relationships and interactions, I’ve often found myself delving into the depths of psychology to learn more about this. Great communicators don’t just...

I still remember working with a leader who seemed brilliant on paper but turned out to be relentlessly condescending in meetings. Back then, I was focused on results, so I brushed off the behavior—until it spread to the rest of the team. Morale plummeted, and I...

There’s a fine line between a good morning routine and a great one. Especially when it comes to relationships. Delving into the world of psychology uncovers some truly fascinating insights into what happy couples do every morning, without fail. It’s not about grand...

I’ve always found that people’s behavior stems from their experiences, especially those that occurred during their formative years. Take empathy, for instance. It’s a trait that allows us to connect with and understand others, but what if a man shows no empathy? It’s...

If someone tells you “You’re too sensitive,” you might just think they’re right. If someone says, “You’re always overreacting,” you might start to question your reactions. Welcome to the world of narcissistic interactions. But, let me tell you, it’s not as...

I once heard a therapist say, “Children who aren’t loved consistently don’t stop loving their parents. They stop loving themselves.” That line stuck with me for years. Not because I had a dramatic childhood. I didn’t. But even in a relatively stable home, there were...

Every generation has its quirks, and baby boomers are no exception. Born between 1946 and 1964, these folks have seen tremendous societal changes and technological leaps. However, some of their well-meaning behaviors can seem a little out of touch in today’s...

Growing older can be a transformative journey, one that often leads to a richer and more profound understanding of oneself. But have you ever wondered why some individuals seem to navigate this path with grace and authenticity, truly growing into themselves as they...

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? But, have you ever wondered why some people seem to handle these challenges more calmly than others? The secret ingredient is emotional resilience—the ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. It’s the...

Growing up with little warmth and affection can shape the lens through which we see the world — and not always in obvious ways. Maybe you learned early on to handle tough emotions alone, or you discovered that sharing your needs didn’t result in the care you deserved....

There’s quite a divide between being emotionally intelligent and not. The difference? Awareness. People with low emotional intelligence often speak without considering the impact of their words, oblivious to their hidden messages. When someone’s emotionally...

Ever wondered if you could gauge a person’s quality within minutes of meeting them? Well, according to psychology, it’s possible. It turns out there are a few key indicators that reveal a lot about someone’s character almost instantly. As someone who values meaningful...

Loneliness is a feeling most of us experience at one point or another. It can be fleeting or persistent, but it’s always deeply personal. However, recognizing loneliness in others can be challenging, as it often manifests in subtle behavioral traits. Some individuals...

There’s a profound difference between wanting to change your life and actually taking the steps to make it happen. The difference rests on action – and more specifically, what behaviors you’re willing to let go of. See, if you truly want to shake things up, it’s not...

Have you ever met someone who seems to consistently misread the emotional atmosphere in a room? Maybe they’re the ones who make a joke at an inappropriate moment or fail to pick up on a friend’s subtle cues of discomfort. You might not realize it, but these...

We all feel a little lonely sometimes, don’t we? It’s a part of life, an emotion that can strike even when surrounded by others. But for some, this feeling of loneliness becomes their everyday companion. Now imagine if this constant companion was a result of certain...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Brynne Tillman to discuss the transformative role of AI in sales. They explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when integrating AI and introduce the features of askSSL.ai. The conversation highlights how AI can be leveraged...

If someone is constantly complaining, you know they’re not content. If someone is always blaming others, you know they’re refusing to take responsibility. That’s the ABCs of happiness. Yet, as we age, finding joy and contentment isn’t always a walk in the park. The...

The line between success and stagnation is often defined by our habits. I’ve noticed that people who struggle to progress in life tend to fall into the same destructive patterns. These patterns, or habits, are almost always self-inflicted barriers that prevent growth...

It’s a curious thing, personality types. They can be like little roadmaps to understanding why we think, feel, and act the way we do. Take the INFJ personality type, for instance – the world’s rarest, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Peeling back the...

Success isn’t just about luck or talent. More often than not, it’s about what you do every day.  And if you look at some of the most successful people in the world, you’ll find that their mornings play a huge role in setting the tone for the rest of their day. The way...

#Smallbizchat Podcast LIVE is a monthly video interview show where small business owners can get answers to their questions. The focus of #Smallbizchat is to end small business failure by helping participants succeed as your own boss. Please join us live every third...

Life’s pace can feel relentless. We rush through morning commutes, grind away at work, handle errands, and juggle countless responsibilities. By the time evening rolls around, we’re often running on fumes — yet it’s precisely this time of day that can make or break...

Life is a beautiful puzzle, full of intricate pieces that we’re constantly trying to fit together. And sometimes, one of those pieces is a person, someone we love deeply, someone we’re ready to move mountains for. Love, in its purest form, is unconditional and...

When someone presents you with a gift, you know they care. If they forget your birthday, you might think they don’t. Simple, right? Not always. Unraveling the tapestry of our past experiences, particularly our childhood, can be a complex journey filled with nuanced...

My mother used to say, “Happiness is an inside job.” And isn’t it just? It’s about finding joy in the small things, taking time for self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. But what happens when happiness feels out of reach? Well,...

Have you ever felt like you’re capable of more—but something keeps holding you back? I’ve been there.  For years, I focused on what I should be doing to grow—reading, setting goals, optimizing my habits. But what I didn’t realize was that just as important as the...

Politeness can be a tricky thing. We grow up learning that certain phrases are universally kind or considerate, but sometimes they end up doing more harm than good. Words meant to soften a conversation can unintentionally dismiss someone’s feelings, gaslight them, or...

It’s incredible how much we can learn about people through their character traits. There’s a significant difference between someone who is just nice and a genuinely lovely person. It’s not just about being polite or friendly, it’s about displaying qualities that make...

If someone constantly procrastinates, you know they’re unproductive. If someone always blames others, you know they’re not accountable. This is the bare bone truth of human behavior. But alas, things aren’t always that simple. The human psyche is so fascinating and...