Become Your Own Boss: Tips for Starting and Growing Your Own Small Business

Monica Allen
  • 5.0 (74)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Dive into entrepreneurship with Monica Allen, an entrepreneur with over 23 years of business ownership. This podcast is for you if you desire to start your own business & defy the odds of failure or you are less than 5 years into your business & desire to grow your revenue and profit. Learn from diverse entrepreneurs and experts about marketing, team dynamics, finances, social media, and more. Entrepreneurship might feel isolating at times, but with this podcast by your side, you'll never walk alone. Elevate your business game and master your entrepreneurial life and truly become a BOSS.

  1. 3d ago

    309 - What You Might Be Missing in Your Pursuit of Success

    What if true wealth has very little to do with the size of your bank account? In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica shares why Wealth Beyond Money by Ethan King has become one of the most influential books in her personal and professional journey. She explains how a simple six-dimension framework transformed the way she approaches success, helping her focus on growth, relationships, health, finances, and purpose instead of chasing balance. Monica also shares how these principles inspired the Become Your Own Boss Planner and continue to shape her daily life. If you're looking for a practical way to create a more fulfilling life while growing your business, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about what it truly means to be wealthy. Episode Quote: It always seems impossible until it's done. Nelson Mandela What you will learn in this episode How to redefine success beyond financial achievement.How to evaluate the six key dimensions of a fulfilling life.How to recognize when areas of your life need recalibration.How to create daily habits that support long-term personal and business growth.How to use intentional planning to stay aligned with your goals.How to build a life that feels both successful and meaningful.Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ready to rethink what success looks like? Listen to this episode to discover practical ideas you can apply right away. If you enjoy the Become Your Own Boss podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another entrepreneur who is ready to build a richer life.

    9 min

  2. Jun 19

    308 - How You Can Discover Your Freedom Number and Build Around It

    What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't a lack of knowledge—but a lack of action? In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica Allen shares powerful insights from Noah Kagan's Million Dollar Weekend, a book that challenges entrepreneurs to stop waiting for the perfect plan and start testing ideas in the real world. She explores why successful business owners focus on action over perfection, embrace rejection as part of growth, and treat entrepreneurship as a series of experiments. Along the way, Monica reflects on lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey and reveals one concept that completely changed how she thinks about building a business and designing a life with more freedom. Episode Quote: Next time you're overthinking and not taking action, tell yourself to prioritize taking action now and don't worry about the how. ~Noah Kagan. Grab the book What You Will Learn in This Episode How to take action before you have everything figured outHow to use experimentation to reduce fear and gain clarityHow to ask for help, opportunities, and business with confidenceHow to identify a customer problem worth solvingHow to calculate your personal freedom numberHow to validate a business idea before investing significant moneyHow to build a customer-first business instead of a founder-first business Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Listen to this episode to discover practical ways to move from thinking to doing, gain momentum in your business, and create a clearer path toward the life you want. If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who is ready to become their own boss.

    12 min

  3. Jun 12

    307 - The Simple Questions That Can Help You Get What You Want

    Have you ever wondered if the key to solving a problem isn’t having the right answer—but asking the right question? In this Boss Up Books episode, Monica Allen revisits Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything by Alexandra Carter. As a law professor and negotiation expert, Carter challenges the traditional view of negotiation by showing how meaningful conversations begin with self-reflection. Monica explores the powerful questions that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday people gain clarity before difficult conversations and better understand the needs of others. From business partnerships to family relationships, this episode reveals how thoughtful questions can create stronger communication, deeper understanding, and better outcomes. Episode Quote: The ability to answer questions is the greatest resource in learning the truth. ~Carl Jung. What you will learn in this episode How to identify the real problem before trying to solve itHow to uncover your true needs without self-censorshipHow to recognize the role emotions play in decision-makingHow to use open-ended questions to create better conversationsHow to listen with the goal of understanding instead of respondingHow to build confidence by learning from past successesHow to determine the first step toward resolving a challengeHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a commission for the purchase of the book above. Listen to this episode to discover how asking better questions can transform your business, relationships, and leadership. Be sure to subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

    10 min

  4. Jun 5

    306 - What If the Growth You Want Is Already in Front of You?

    In this episode, Monica reflects on her conversation with Earl Fields, co-owner of Apples Gone Wild, and uncovers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs across industries. From recognizing hidden opportunities to building meaningful relationships, Monica shares why growth often comes from intentional action rather than waiting for success to arrive. She explores the importance of finding customers where they gather, creating a memorable brand experience, and building systems that support long-term growth. Along the way, she challenges business owners to think differently about opportunity, visibility, and the habits that create lasting success. Episode Quote: Systems beat goals. ~ James Clear Click here to take the Brand Experience Audit What You Will Learn in This Episode How to recognize business opportunities that others overlookHow to find and connect with your ideal customersHow to use networking to create meaningful business growthHow to strengthen your brand beyond just a logoHow to improve before making major changes in a businessHow to create systems that support growth and scalabilityHow to become more intentional about pursuing new opportunitiesHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Listen now to discover practical lessons that can help you grow your business with greater purpose and clarity. Be sure to subscribe to the Become Your Own Boss podcast and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

    15 min

  5. May 29

    305 - How You Can Scale a Business Without Starting From Scratch with Earl Fields

    In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica sits down with Earl Fields, co-owner of Apples Gone Wild, to discuss how he transitioned from research scientist to business owner by acquiring an existing company and expanding it into a growing regional brand. Earl shares how relationships, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities helped him step into entrepreneurship in an unexpected way. From building systems that support growth to creating a memorable customer experience through branding, Earl reveals lessons that apply to entrepreneurs at every stage. He also shares insights on scaling a seasonal business, growing e-commerce sales, supporting local communities, and preparing a company for long-term expansion. Episode Quote: The biggest surprise for me is just the amount of opportunities that actually exist in the world. ~Earl Fields Shop Apples Gone Wild What You Will Learn in This Episode How to identify business acquisition opportunities that others overlookHow to build systems that make scaling easier and less stressfulHow to create a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplaceHow to grow revenue during slower seasons of businessHow to use e-commerce to expand beyond local customersHow to balance growth, operations, and customer experienceHow to turn community partnerships into brand awareness opportunitiesHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠

    29 min

  6. May 22

    304 - When Do You Push Through… and When Do You Pause?

    In this personal and honest episode, Monica opens up about her decision to take a temporary break from her doctoral program after recognizing the warning signs of burnout. As entrepreneurs, many people wear hustle like a badge of honor, but Monica challenges the belief that constantly pushing harder always leads to success. She shares why strategic pauses, self-awareness, and protecting your peace are essential for long-term sustainability in business and life. This episode encourages entrepreneurs to reassess their priorities, stop glorifying exhaustion, and recognize that not every season is meant for acceleration. Sometimes slowing down creates the clarity and energy needed to move forward stronger than before. Episode Quote: Now and then, it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. ~Unknown What you will learn in this episode How to recognize the warning signs of burnout before it impacts your business and healthHow to give yourself permission to pause without feeling like a failureHow to prioritize what matters most in your current season of lifeHow to stop trying to build every dream at the same timeHow to use self-awareness as a powerful business skillHow to protect your energy, peace, and long-term visionHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ways to reach Monica: Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast Email: monica@monicaallen.com If this episode speaks to you, take a moment to listen, subscribe, and leave a review for the Become Your Own Boss podcast. Share this episode with another entrepreneur who may need permission to slow down and recalibrate for the season they are in.

    13 min

  7. May 15

    303 - How Bigger Thinking Can Change the Future You Build

    In this episode, Monica Allen shares the unexpected inspiration she gained while researching two powerful business leaders for a doctoral leadership paper: Canva co-founder Melanie Perkins and Ebony Life TV founder Mo Abudu. Their stories challenged the way she thinks about persistence, leadership, partnerships, and the size of the vision entrepreneurs allow themselves to pursue. From investor rejection to reshaping global industries, these women built businesses that started with bold ideas long before the world understood them. Monica reflects on the lessons their journeys revealed and why entrepreneurs must learn to protect their vision, embrace diverse perspectives, and think beyond survival mode. Episode Quote: Sometimes the vision is given to you before anyone else can understand it. Your job is to keep building anyway. ~Monica Allen What you will learn in this episode How to stay persistent when rejection and setbacks appear repeatedlyHow to recognize when you are limiting your own business visionHow to use diversity of thought to create innovation and growthHow to think bigger when making business and partnership decisionsHow to build with long-term legacy in mind instead of short-term survival Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

    12 min

  8. May 8

    302 - What Early Lessons Still Impact Your Success?

    Who helped shape the way you think, lead, and dream bigger? In this heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Week episode, Monica Allen reflects on the educators who left lasting impressions on her life and entrepreneurial journey. From teachers who encouraged creativity and confidence to those who taught discipline, resilience, and critical thinking, she shares the moments and lessons that still influence how she leads today. This episode is a reminder that success rarely happens alone. Behind many entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers are teachers who challenged them to grow, ask questions, believe in themselves, and see possibilities they never imagined. Monica’s personal stories will inspire listeners to reflect on the people who helped shape their own path and appreciate the power of guidance, encouragement, and education. Episode Quote: Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher. ~Japanese proverb What you will learn in this episode How to turn setbacks into lifelong lessonsHow to become more solutions-oriented in business and lifeHow to advocate for yourself by asking better questionsHow to think like your customer when building a businessHow to recognize the people who helped shape your successHow to use encouragement and mentorship to inspire othersHelpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss Sign Up for the ⁠Level Up Living Newsletter⁠ ⁠KICKSTART YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM⁠ ⁠⁠Monica's FREE ebook⁠⁠: 11 Essential Secrets for Small Business Success Get your⁠ ⁠Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠⁠ Ways to reach Monica: Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast Email: monica@monicaallen.com If this episode inspired you, take a moment to listen, subscribe, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with a teacher, mentor, or friend who helped shape your journey.

    14 min
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About

Dive into entrepreneurship with Monica Allen, an entrepreneur with over 23 years of business ownership. This podcast is for you if you desire to start your own business & defy the odds of failure or you are less than 5 years into your business & desire to grow your revenue and profit. Learn from diverse entrepreneurs and experts about marketing, team dynamics, finances, social media, and more. Entrepreneurship might feel isolating at times, but with this podcast by your side, you'll never walk alone. Elevate your business game and master your entrepreneurial life and truly become a BOSS.

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