The SmallBizLady Buzz - Issue 175

Should we all stop using Gmail?

Whether or not to stop using Gmail for email depends on your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider when making this decision:

Security and Privacy:?Gmail.com has a robust security infrastructure, including features like two-factor authentication and spam filtering. However, if you have specific concerns about privacy or prefer to use an email service with stronger privacy policies, alternatives may be worth exploring.

Branding:?Using a custom email domain, such [email protected], can contribute to a more professional and branded image. It allows you to align your email address with your business or personal brand. If branding and customization are important to you, switching to a custom email domain might be beneficial.

Control and Independence:?Relying solely on a third-party service like Gmail means you are subject to their terms of service and potential changes in policies or features. Using a custom email domain with a dedicated email hosting provider gives you greater control and independence over your email service.

Cost and Scalability:?Gmail offers free email accounts with a generous storage capacity. However, if you require additional storage or advanced features, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan in the Google Workplace. Using a custom email domain may involve associated costs for domain registration and email hosting services.

Integration and Productivity:?Gmail integrates seamlessly with other Google services, such as Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). This integration can enhance productivity and collaboration. If you heavily rely on these services, it might be more convenient to continue using Gmail.

Ultimately, the decision to stop using Gmail for email depends on your specific requirements and priorities. It's essential to evaluate your needs and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision that aligns with your objectives.

Now check out the featured article of the week,?Getting Started with Profitable Podcasting.

-----------------

Getting Started with Profitable Podcasting

Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for sharing content, reaching audiences, generating revenue, and building a national brand. If you’re passionate about a topic and want to dive into the world of podcasting, this article will teach you how to build a brand through podcasting and monetize your podcast successfully. Continue reading....

-----------------

It’s not too late to Get Your Ticket to Brand in Demand Live.

Come join me in Philadelphia this Sept 21-23, 2023, to learn the secrets to?elevate yourself to a National Brand. It’s easier to sell anything when your client already knows who you are. Let me show you how to position yourself as the #1 thought leader in your industry.?Use this code - SBLSCHOOL - for $100 off the ticket price. Register here.

-----------------

Quickly overcome obstacles to year-round accounting, bookkeeping, and income taxes.

Hurdlr?is an automatic business expense & mileage tracker. Hurdlr automatically tracks all your mileage, expenses, income streams, and tax deductions in real-time. On average, people find over $5,600 in tax deductions.

-----------------

Podcast: Why Invest In Yourself with Melinda Emerson

Checkout my recent podcast:?Why Invest In Yourself with Melinda Emerson

In this special solo episode, Melinda discusses the importance of being proactive in self-development to improve and grow your business. By developing yourself, you will be able to grow in confidence, in skill, open bigger doors, and so many more things. Listen in for some great truths and amazing tips.

-----------------

9 Sales Funnels to Engage, Delight, and Convert Customers - Free Webinar

Mark your calendars for an exclusive free webinar with @Thryv on?Wednesday, August 23rd, at 1 pm ET/12 pm CT.?I’ll teach you how to close the deal with 9 sales funnels to engage, delight and convert customers. Learn the ins and outs of sales funnels and how using them correctly will help you gain new customers and increase revenue. From lead generation to mastering email marketing, I’ve got you covered! Get ready to take your business to new heights! Secure your spot now!

-----------------

Today is the day that we're live on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube at 8pm ET.

Tonight, we'll do #SmallBizChat LIVE with three guests. You can see it live on my?SmallBizLady Facebook Page,?Twitter, or?Youtube?at 8pm ET sharp.

We'll discuss?Getting Started with Story Selling?with Bernadette McClelland, @bernadettemcclelland on LinkedIn,?How to Reinvent Your Business in Uncertain Times?with Ted Santos, @TedSsantos140 on Twitter, and?How to Grow Your Business Brand?with Barry Moltz, @BarryMoltz on Twitter.

About our guests:

Bernadette McClelland?is a High Content Speaker on Sales Leadership and StorySelling. Bernadette offers her clients a unique experience in helping them sell in this new Connection Economy. She is a natural storyteller and very inspirational speaker on leadership, sales, and motivation. She is currently a Sales Mentor for Harvard MBA students. She has been rated as one of the Top 50 sales speakers, been the Master Coach for Anthony Robbins and the US Government has recognized her in the top 1% of sales leaders globally. Her new book is SHIFT and DISRUPT: Stop Selling Widgets. Start Selling Wisdom. For more information:?www.BernadetteMcClelland.com

Mr. Ted Santos?is skilled at reinventing companies. Over the past 25 years, he has reinvented himself several times. He has experience as a sales trainer, executive manager, entrepreneur, and executive coach, and is currently Chairman & CEO of Turnaround Investment Partners in New York City which provides high-value consulting services to midsize and large corporations. Mr. Santos coined the term Disruptive Leadership Model, which is designed to empower companies to innovate and penetrate untapped markets. He uses this proprietary methodology to work with CEOs who are committed to driving innovation at the enterprise to support a new strategic direction. For more information:?www.turnaroundip.com

Barry Moltz?is an entrepreneur, business expert, and family business advisor dedicated to getting small businesses unstuck. He is the author of several small business books, including?You Need To Be a Little Crazy?and?How to Get Unstuck.?His latest work,?ChangeMasters,?is the winner of the 2022 International Book Award. Barry has founded and run small businesses with a great deal of success and failure for more than 20 years. After successfully selling his last business, he gets business owners growing again by unlocking their forgotten potential. For more information:?www.BarryMoltz.com

-----------------

Subscribe and don't forget to leave a comment below!

Melinda F. Emerson,?“SmallBizLady”?is America’s?#1?Small Business Expert. She?is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, marketing and social selling. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.?In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of?#Smallbizchat?LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog?www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of?Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded?and?Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.