About 20% of businesses, fail in their first year; about 50% by the 5th year. By the time we reach the 10th year, a full 70% of businesses fail. But what if you have a formula, what if you had a secret to becoming a success story? Would you try your hand in business and take a leap of faith?

What's In Store For You

Our guest today is America's number one small business expert. She is the host of the longest-running live chat on Twitter for small business owners, #smallbizchat.

Forbes says that she's the number one woman for entrepreneurs to follow. She's also a former New York Times columnist. She's an Entrepreneur magazine contributor. She's also a best-selling author.

Let's chat with Melinda Emerson and find out the secret to making your business thrive and survive.

• [04:52] What is Melinda excited about at the moment?
• [06:58] Why is Melinda so thrilled to have her revised and expanded book "Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months" still on the shelf after 11 years?
• [08:30] How did hiring a publicist become the catalyst for Melinda becoming a Twitter guru for small business owners?
• [10:24] What caused Melinda's life to detour which paved the way for her success?
• [13:43] An unexpected medical emergency caused Melinda's business to suffer, what were her realizations?
• [17:26] Is there such a thing such as oversaturation for small business owners?
• [18:51] What was it that gave Melinda a clue that her Small Biz Chat movement was gaining ground on Twitter?
• [22:03] How did Melinda stand out in Twitter and made #smallbizchat a success?
• [25:49] While people see success as an overnight thing, what is it that made Melinda go from good to being the best?
• [27:43] We learn more about Small Biz Lady University and how it can help you launch your dream business or get on the road to making big money online.

RESOURCES

1. My Office Professionals - Are you a small business owner struggling to get your work done? Fret no more and let them help you focus on what matters; Growing Your Business.
2. Magnify Your Message - join myself, Shannon Busse, Aurora Gregory, as we share with you how to take your story from undiscovered to visible.
3. Text 410-936-4049 and be a part of Robert's community.
4. Support the show, buy Robert a coffee!
5. Storytellers Growth Lab - get guidance about how you can CONFIDENTLY CONNECT, PRESENT POWERFULLY & ENGAGE EFFECTIVELY!
6. What's My Story Live episode replay
7. Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months (Revised and Expanded) by Melinda Emerson
8. Small Biz Lady University
9. Succeed As Your Own Boss - Melinda's site on how you can make your business thrive and survive