Melinda F. Emerson (www.succeedasyourownboss.com), known as “SmallBizLady,” is one of America’s leading small business experts. She is a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, social media strategist whose mission is to end small business failure. Melinda has lectured for The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, MIT, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship, National Association of Women Business Owners, Pennsylvania Conference for Women, International Association of Business Communicators, the Small Business Administration, and the Center for Women’s Business Research. Her firm has worked with marketing brands including: Pitney Bowes, Chase, Bloomberg, FedEx, American Express, Facebook, Walmart, Xerox, IKEA, Verizon, and Wells Fargo. Her areas of expertise include small business start-up, business development and social media marketing strategy.