Growing a small business is challenging. Most entrepreneurs inevitably struggle with time and/or money in the early years. When Melinda Emerson launched her business, she realized there were no visible advisors available to aid her on her journey to grow a small biz. As she grew her own company, she recalled her experience and wanted to make sure future entrepreneurs had a resource that could help them on their journey. Eventually, Melinda wrote her first book, "Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months." The book went on to become an international #1 bestseller. As a result of the book's success, Melinda, was urged to share more content on social media on a new platform called Twitter. She used the handle, @SmallBizLady and has amassed over 300,000 followers for her willingness to assist others with the tips she has learned along the way. In this episode, Melinda shares lessons from her small biz journey, why every small business owner needs a “kitchen cabinet” of advisors, and how to grow and cultivate a following on social media.
Melinda Emerson's Secrets to Grow A Small Biz
Launched first business at 26 and could not find anyone giving entrepreneurial advice
Joined national speaker convention and was told to write a good book to be taken seriously
FedEx’d first four chapters to a publisher, which became, “Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months”
The publisher delayed the book release due to the economy, so she turned to Twitter to start building her brand
The Twitter handle for "MelindaEmerson" was taken so she ended up going with SmallBizLady
As a business owner, your two most important jobs are sales and collections
Business owners need to know how their business is doing each month
All small business owners should have a kitchen cabinet of 5 advisors
1. Someone in the business, 2. a customer, 3. a mentor who really knows you, 4. a lawyer, and 5. an accountant
Before focusing on social media, you need to ensure your website is optimized for mobile with 3 ways for customers to engage
Focus on 1-2 social media platforms only where your niche target customer is spending their time
4 Keys to Social Media Success: 1. Share things that are helpful, 2. Listen, 3. Engage with people and 4. Promote yourself with care
Share other people’s content at a 4 to 1 ratio
Key to winning: Sharing relevant content consistently
Bull’s Eye Tips:
Resources:
Become Your Own Boss by Melinda Emerson
Fix Your Business by Melinda Emerson
Apparent Failure:
Don’t believe in failure, people believe if their business fails that they are a failure. You lose or you learn.
Most Recommended Book:
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Most Recommended Digital/Mobile Resource:
Zoom
Daily Habit:
Pray over her business each day
Wish I Knew Starting Out:
Niche marketing
Wish I Knew 12 Months Ago:
More astute on the new advertising options on Instagram
Advice for Smart, Driven College Students:
Start saving your money
Current Curiosity:
The next decade
Best Place to Grab a Bite in Philadelphia:
Tequila’s Restaurant
Connect with Melinda:
Website: SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com
Twitter: @SmallBizLady
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