Learn from your mistakes. How many times have you heard that tired old phrase? But the truth is that it’s a very true phrase that describes why those who succeed in business DO succeed. They make mistakes. Nothing wrong with that. But they learn from them, they grow from them, and they don’t make them again. That’s the message you’ll hear loud and clear from Melinda Emerson, the Small Biz Lady who has made million dollar business hum along on the back of her own mistakes. She’s turned those mistakes into lessons that she now uses to help other women entrepreneurs start the business that will give them happiness and freedom. Join Rosetta on this episode as she and Melinda chat about business, life, regrets, and the will to succeed.   Trusting yourself when nobody else will.   If you want to start a business that can create the lifestyle you want, you have to have thick skin at times. Not everyone is going to support you. Sometimes the ones who should be cheering you on the most will be the ones who are the most negative about your dreams. Are you ready for that? Are you able to trust yourself, your ability, and your desire to make yourself succeed to the point that you can keep going when everyone says you’re crazy? That’s what Melinda Emerson had to do and her persistence has paid off with a million dollar business. Hear her story of pain and triumph, on this episode of Happy Black Woman.   Don’t start a business by quitting your job!   Your dream is not enough to justify you quitting your day job. That’s one of the messages Melinda Emerson shouts from the rooftops. You’ve got to take care of yourself and your family while you build that business dream. It’s typically going to be a side hustle you do in your spare time while you keep on working at the job you want to leave. It’s how you do things wisely, securely, and in a way that enables you to learn your lessons and make your mistakes while you have something secure to fall back on. Hear more of Melinda’s practical advice for starting your own business on this episode.   You don’t have to be everywhere on social media.   You just have to be in the right places. What ARE the right places? The social media sites that are right for you are the social media sites where your ideal customers hang out. It doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite or the one you hate. If it’s where your ideal customers are, you’ve got to be there. In this episode, the small biz lady, Melinda Emerson shares how she learned that principle and how it’s leveraged her business into a million dollar brand that has become well known and very successful. You’ll love her practical approach.   You never lose in business. You either win, or you learn.   That’s Melinda Emerson’s favorite mantra for her business and that attitude of learning from mistakes has carried her to the heights of success. She’s made all kinds of mistakes, which she’s outlined in her book, “Becoming Your Own Boss in 12 Months,” and it’s those mistakes that have given her the expertise and education to turn the corner toward success and help others build their businesses without making the same mistakes. If you take the time to listen to this episode you’ll see why Melinda is The Small Biz Lady, so be sure you do it.   Outline of this great episode:   [0:29] Rosetta’s welcome to this episode and her introduction of her guest, Melinda Emerson. [1:22] The work Melinda does and the mission she’s about. [3:39] The turning point that got Melinda into helping other business people. [11:00] Trusting yourself when nobody else will. [14:05] Why you have to be steadfast and determined. [16:44] Advice to those who are looking to launch a business this year. [20:44] How Melinda runs a productive business. [26:26] Why “team” is one of the most important words in Melinda’s business. [31:00] A favorite book or two from Melinda. [34:40] A personal mantra or motto. [35:47] The #1 tip for the Happy Black Women community. Resources mentioned in this episode: