Small Business

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...

Growing your subscriber list for a small business newsletter or blog is vital for expanding your reach, increasing engagement, and driving conversions. Building a robust subscriber base allows you to connect with your target audience, nurture relationships, and...

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...

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...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the world of transportation, moving motorcycles from place to place isn’t just about loading and unloading. It’s a specialized dance of planning, handling, and navigating unique challenges. Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles need extra care due to their smaller...

Efficiency Unleashed: How Automation Can Transform Your Business Workflow - Small Business Bonfire Home » Business Growth » Efficiency Unleashed: How Automation Can Transform Your Business...

Software as a Service (SaaS) startups have fast-emerged as pivotal players in the modern, tech-dominated business landscape. In fact, recent stats suggest the SaaS industry has burgeoned by roughly 500% over the past seven years, currently worth over $195 billion....

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...

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...

The RV park industry presents a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on the growing outdoor travel and adventure trend. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of providing unique experiences for RV enthusiasts or you’re keen to invest in a...

In this episode, Melinda Emerson chats with Angelique 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...

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...

Just wanted to say hello to the future accounting owners. When thinking about owning an accounting firm would be tiring right? A long road will surely come to mind and you’re not alone about it. Even those big accounting firms today already walked on it. The journey...

Boost Your LinkedIn Profile-Enhance Credibility with Strategic Online Course Listings - Small Business Bonfire Home » Content Marketing » Boost Your LinkedIn Profile-Enhance Credibility with Strategic...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

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...

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...

Streamlining Success: How FSM Software Drives Productivity and Efficiency - Small Business Bonfire Home » Productivity » Streamlining Success: How FSM Software Drives Productivity and...

Did you know that digital signage gets more than 400 percent more views than static signs? With that astronomical number in mind, it makes complete sense to incorporate it into your marketing and advertising plan. As a small business, you need visibility in your field...

Growing your subscriber list for a small business newsletter or blog is vital for expanding your reach, increasing engagement, and driving conversions. Building a robust subscriber base allows you to connect with your target audience, nurture relationships, and...

Dave Newell is on a mission to “align the misaligned” — connecting leaders with systems that foster outstanding work and personal fulfillment. He collaborates with small business leaders to implement the Five Facets of Business™ — a small business operating system —...

Mastering the art of sales is essential for driving growth and success. One key metric that directly impacts your bottom line is your sales closing rate—the percentage of leads or prospects that ultimately convert into paying customers. Improving your sales closing...

Dan Stalp is known as an energized entrepreneur, a business mentor, and a popular local and national speaker. Dan is the award-winning owner of Sandler Training of Kansas City, a renowned business development, coaching, and sales training business. Dan specializes in...

Beyond Press Releases: The Evolving Role of Public Relations Agencies - Small Business Bonfire Home » Marketing » Beyond Press Releases: The Evolving Role of Public Relations...

Many small businesses become successful at selling stuff but can’t seem to take it to the next level. Why? They have yet to build a brand. Building a brand is what all small business owners need to strive for to get noticed, gain recognition, repeat business, and...

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...

Surviving and thriving in the competitive landscape of running a small business is no small feat. I’m proud to say this month, we here at Quintessence Group are celebrating 25 years in business. Honestly, I can’t believe it. It really doesn’t feel like it’s been that...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

Small business owners face a multitude of challenges on their journey to success. From navigating challenges with the economy and gas prices to managing day-to-day operations, the path to building a thriving business can be daunting. However, one common thread unites...

You might be wondering how exactly you can attain such groundbreaking growth.  The path to increasing your business by 33% is filled with actionable strategies, innovative approaches, and untapped potential just waiting to be explored. Ready? Increase Your Prices by...

Melissa Muhammad is a Global Business Expert and International Tax Attorney who specializes in helping international businesses operate worldwide. For over 20 years, she has traveled to numerous countries negotiating billion-dollar transactions and has trained tax...

Podcasts have emerged as a powerful platform for becoming a brand in demand. By sharing knowledge, insights, and stories with a global audience, you can position yourself as a national brand. As a guest on a podcast, you have the opportunity to showcase your...

Sponsored by MetLife. Often as business owners, we think we know what is best for our employees, but things tend to work best when you ask for direct employee feedback. Today, we’ll discuss specific employee feedback and recommendations for small business owners on...

Just like most things in life, there are frameworks for goal setting. I would highly suggest NOT reinventing the wheel. Choose a framework and stick with it. S.M.A.R.TThe oldie but goldie, SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) have...

Olivia Thomas, The Brand Counselor, specializes in empowering seasoned founders to elevate their businesses through strategic branding. As the founder of the Wintentional Development Co., Olivia is dedicated to crafting compelling brand strategies that resonate with...

 When was the last time you evaluated your brand? For small business owners who need to stay relevant, competitive, and engaging, it is paramount to refine your brand and messaging as your business transforms. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your...

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of sales forecasting using a CRM. As a reminder, sales forecasting can mean the difference between sleepless nights. Sleepless Night A): Worrying about your businessSleepless Night B): Partying in Vegas with your sales on...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

February is more than just a month for romantic expressions; it’s an opportunity for businesses to extend love and appreciation to your most valuable asset – your customers. While the romantic spirit may be associated with couples, small businesses should embrace the...

Building a personal brand takes time and effort, but the following steps can help you get started: Step 1: Define Your Brand and Develop a GoalTo define your brand, start with introspection. Ask yourself: Who am I?What do I stand for? What do I want to be known...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

Define Your Niche Target Audience: Before diving into prospecting, clearly define your niche target audience. Understand their demographics, preferences, and pain points to tailor your approach. This will be critical for developing effective marketing messages. Build...

Before we dive into the most common sales objections, I’d like to take a moment to caveat something. Not everyone is going to buy from you (nor should they). “If you can’t help someone, don’t sell someone.” should be your new motto. If the timing isn’t right, or the...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

  Sponsored by MetLife. Early-2024 is the perfect time to outline goals for the year ahead. As business owners, many of us will have professional goals that are unique to our companies, such as growing our revenues, attracting and retaining talent, training and...

Here is a list of my favorite Psychological pricing techniques you can implement TODAY. Price AnchoringPrice anchoring refers to the practice of establishing a reference point (the “anchor”) for a product’s price, which consumers then use to assess the value of other...

Dr. Angela Pipersburgh is a dynamic figure in the fields of spiritual leadership and entrepreneurship. She is renowned for her Kingdom-centric approach to personal and professional development. She has successfully established four innovative brands, including the...

In an era where information is king, small businesses face a pivotal challenge: how to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Establishing a culture of data-driven decision-making is not merely an option; it is a necessity...

In the world of service businesses, your pricing model can significantly impact your business’s profitability and sustainability.The most common types of service pricing strategies include hourly, project, value-based, and performance pricing. Each strategy has unique...

Matt Ryder is a former special forces serviceman and Founder of Sales Sniper and, currently serving as CEO at 7th Level Inc. Matt’s rapid ascent in high-ticket sales showcased his own unique approach. His adoption of NEPQ, the 7th Level method, quickly propelled him...

Are you walking in your purpose in 2024? This past Summer, I got a message from God three times that I was playing too small. He asked me to create a goal so big for myself that only he and he only could make it happen for me. For weeks, I sat with it, trying to...

Here’s the step-by-step guide to cleaning your email list:Step 1: Identify Inactive SubscribersStart by identifying subscribers who haven’t opened or clicked on your emails in the last 90 days. These subscribers are considered inactive and are prime candidates for...

Running a pool service business often means juggling multiple tasks at once. You’ve got to handle appointments, dispatch team members, follow up with leads (and so much more). Lucky for you, Freshsales offers workflow automation to make things much easier. With...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

I’ve always been a firm believer in the phrase, “work smarter, not harder.” Monday.com makes it easy to do just that with its powerful automation creation capabilities. What’s great about Monday.com’s automation creation is its “When/Then” interface (shown...

A leadership mindset isn’t a fixed trait but a set of qualities that can be developed and refined over time. It involves a commitment to personal growth, effective communication, and a genuine desire to lead with integrity and purpose. Ultimately, a leadership mindset...

E-E-A-T sounds great as an acronym, but I like to think about it a bit backward, starting with Trustworthiness. Step 1: TrustworthinessThe best way to establish Trustworthiness with Google is by establishing Expertise, Experience, and Authoritativeness (more on these...

Dr. Angela Pipersburgh is a dynamic figure in the fields of spiritual leadership and entrepreneurship. She is renowned for her Kingdom-centric approach to personal and professional development. She has successfully established four innovative brands, including the...

  Sponsored by MetLife.    As we kick off 2024, you are likely spending time thinking about your company’s objectives and plans for the year ahead. What’s top of mind for you and your team? Q1 serves as a strategic time to engage with your employees and proactively...

As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, small business owners across the globe are filled with renewed hope, setting resolutions to make the coming year their best one yet. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of these aspirations fall by the wayside as...

Let’s break down the social selling process into manageable steps that can be easily implemented:Step 1: Start with Relevant Social ChannelsBegin your social selling journey by identifying and focusing on the social media platforms most frequented by your target...

Welcome to the “Best of SmallBizChat Podcast 2023”! As the year comes to a close, we’re excited to present the cream of the crop – our top 10 interviews that left a lasting impact. These insightful conversations feature industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs...

Here’s my step-by-step process for nurturing success. Step 1: Identify Your AudienceBefore creating your nurturing sequence, you must identify your target audience for the campaign. This includes understanding their needs, wants, challenges, and how your product or...

Automation can be daunting, but with Monday.com’s no-code automation builder, it’s a breeze. You can create custom automations to fit your specific business needs and automate repetitive tasks (in minutes). Here are some use cases for repair companies:Send automated...

Without any customers, you’re just a person with a set of garage door repair tools. Your clientele is the most important aspect of your business, so choosing a CRM that helps you manage them is vital.FieldPulse offers a user-friendly client management system that...

Managing customer relationships is crucial for banks. HubSpot CRM simplifies this process, allowing you to manage your client’s entire lifecycle—from prospecting to customer retention. With HubSpot, you can easily achieve the following:Create custom fieldsAssign tasks...

Kendra Lee is an author, speaker, and revenue generator. She is the founder of KLA Group, a sales consultancy and marketing agency that helps small and medium businesses get seen, get heard, and gain traction to achieve their dreams. She’s also the author of The Sales...

Without customers, you don’t have much of a locksmith business. Luckily, FieldPulse offers a robust client management solution to help you keep track of customer information, communication history, and job details.Here’s how a new client card looks (with some sample...

Lastly, I’ll offer some account-based selling tips and tricks I’ve used to improve my processes and close more deals! These tips include the following: Spend time understanding your point of contact Ensure everything is account-based Try to surprise your customers...

Next, I’ll cover the differences between enterprise, small business, and mid-market sales. For instance, some ways these sales processes differ include: Sales cycle length Ease of purchase Decision makers Pain points Impulsiveness Finding leads Buyer personas CAC to...

Lastly, I’ll review some tips and tricks I’ve used for marketing and sales alignment! These tips give you everything you need to improve and streamline sales and marketing functions! Let’s take a look. Meet Regularly with Sales and Marketing Teams Regular meetings...

I’ve always been a firm believer in working smarter, not harder.After all, you want to spend your time providing top-notch financial advice and growing your business—not doing repetitive tasks.With HubSpot’s workflow automation, you can accomplish the following:Create...

There are several ways the B2B and B2C sales strategies differ, including in the following ways: Length of the sales cycle Transaction value Number of decision-makers involved in the saleBuyer education levels Sales methodology Product knowledge Payment termsHere’s...

Lastly, I’ll cover the common challenges in B2C selling, which include the following: Building rapport Handling customer objections Overcoming face-to-face conversations Dealing with product returns Here’s more about these difficulties and how you can overcome...

There are numerous ways sales and marketing teams differ, including the following ways: Goals Processes Tactics Scope Teams and individual roles Tools Strategies and methodologies Let’s take a closer look at the ways these departments differ!Goals While sales and...

Effectively managing hot leads can drastically increase revenue for your lawn care business.After all, more leads equal more potential business. Zoho CRM offers powerful lead management tools that allow you to track, nurture, and convert more leads into paying...

Welcome to the “Best of Blogs 2023” on SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com! Discover the insights and strategies that stood out this year, covering essential topics for entrepreneurial success. From crafting a powerful brand position to mastering email marketing, diving into...

Monday.com offers easily some of the best automation creation in the biz.The CRM powerhouse makes it easy to create custom workflows that keep your team running like a well-oiled machine.You can choose from several pre-set automation templates (shown below) to get...

Automation is the well-known cheat code for unlocking unprecedented business growth. Monday.com’s automation creation features make it incredibly easy to create custom automations for various tasks, including lead management and project updates. Take a look at their...

Automation is the golden ticket to improving efficiency in any business. Monday.com offers some of the best automation tools out there, with a unique interface that’s perfect for beginners. Here’s a look at the “When/Then” automation creation, designed to be as easy...

Here’s my step-by-step process for outbound sales. Step 1: Choose a Demographic Choosing a demographic is an essential first step in the outbound sales process. You don’t want to scatter your efforts by targeting everyone; instead:Focus on one industry.Choose a...

Outbound sales is a traditional method of selling where a company initiates a conversation with potential customers. So, imagine if you were a pizza shop owner who gives out flyers to people passing by, hoping they’ll see your delicious pizza and decide to come in and...

The final thing I’ll go over is an inbound sales example! In this example, let’s consider a company called Bounce that sells high-end basketball shoes. Step 1: Create a Buyer PersonaBounce would analyze customer data to create a buyer persona, observing patterns and...

Precious L Williams is The Killer Pitch Master! She is a 13-time National Elevator Pitch Champion. Along with helping women entrepreneurs and business leader, she’s also a top corporate sales trainer, helping sales teams to create killer communication skills, private...

Below, I’ve listed the most popular CRM tasks and activities to ensure you understand how beneficial this software can be! Will your company need every single one of the features I mention? Probably not. Still, knowing how CRM improves various aspects of a company is...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

Here’s a foolproof way to get your first (or 50th) lead magnet on your website. Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Lead MagnetThe first step in creating a lead magnet is to choose the right type. The type should be something that your target audience will find valuable...

If you want to forge stronger connections with your audience, video is the way to go. In this article, I’m sharing eight creative video marketing ideas to help you build those crucial relationships. From the first hello on your homepage to a warm “thank you”...

What are some examples of CRM skills? What characteristics should you look for in a customer relationship manager?Some of the top CRM skills to look for in a manager include the following: Interpersonal skills Communication skills Leadership skills Analytical...

  Bernadette McClelland is a high-content and inspirational speaker on transformation and business growth, making booking a speaker easy and joyful. She has spoken in 12 countries across four continents, and 85% of her past clients have rebooked her in one capacity or...

Traditionally, when I use the Content Waterfall, I use it with the Leads Field Guide Newsletter. However, you could use it with any long-form piece of content. Just apply the below system to your style! Step 1: Ideate Topics Based on Your AudienceThe first step in the...

Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with friends and family to express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. As business owners, it’s also a perfect occasion to reflect on the value of gratitude within the context of our professional journeys. Let’s explore...

After learning about outside sales and how beneficial they can be, you’re probably looking to implement it into your own business! Fortunately, I’ve compiled several tips for outside sales teams, including the following things: Invest in CRM software Ensure your...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

What skills do inside sales teams need to be successful? Here are the essential characteristics your inside sales reps must have if you want to boost sales and build customer relationships! Active Listening Inside sales reps must possess active listening skills...

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, Pinterest has emerged as a powerful platform that can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility, engagement, and, ultimately, its success. With over 482 million monthly users worldwide, Pinterest isn’t just another social...

Inside sales happen when sales reps sell products or services remotely to clients. These remote communication channels can include the following outlets: Phone calls Emails Video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc.) Messaging Social media Inside sales are...

Kendra Lee is an author, speaker, and revenue generator. She is the founder of KLA Group, a sales consultancy and marketing agency that helps small and medium businesses get seen, get heard, and gain traction to achieve their dreams. She’s also the author of The Sales...

When it comes to landscape companies looking to grow, managing day-to-day activities is a must. That’s where Pipedrive comes in, taking the headache out of tracking your team’s actions and progress. You can easily set up activities like calls, meetings, or follow-ups...

Amidst the hustle of your busy holiday season and the drive to conclude 2023 on a high note, it’s crucial to turn your attention to planning for the upcoming year. The arrival of 2024 is imminent, and the strategic groundwork you lay now will pave the way for your...

I’ve managed several clients over the years who were still using antiquated, paper-based systems to manage their customer relationships. Needless to say, things can get disorganized quickly.I’m here to save you from making the same mistake.With FieldPulse’s client...

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing...

Are you ready to take your sales to the next level? Here’s my multi-million dollar process. Step 0: Create Customer Persona’s Before you start selling, you’ve got to know who you’re selling to. Customer personas allow you to create targeted messages, understand your...

In the world of business, word-of-mouth referrals are often considered the gold standard for acquiring new customers. There’s nothing quite like a glowing recommendation from a satisfied customer to instill trust and credibility in your brand. However, even the most...

Outbound sales techniques have several benefits, including the following: You can reach prospects faster It’s more predictableThere’s more precision and personalization Businesses have more control over the sales funnelHere’s what you need to know about each of these...