In this behind-the-scenes episode, Monica opens her playbook to share the real-time strategies she’s using to grow her small business team—after going three years without hiring, she is jumping back in the saddle. From mindset shifts to practical hiring steps, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to bring the right people on board. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or rebuilding after a tough season, Monica gives you the raw truth on what works, what doesn’t, and why hiring is so much more than filling a role. It could be the pathway to level up your business.

Episode Quote: Hire character. Train skill. ~ Peter Schutz

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to shift from a “do-it-all” mindset to a leadership mentality

• How to use job platforms like Indeed effectively without breaking the bank

• How to structure a hiring process that finds culture-fit, not just skillset

• How to conduct work interviews that benefit both you and the candidate

• How to use SOPs to simplify and strengthen your training

• How to avoid the common trap of rushing a hire under pressure

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

In this powerful episode, host Monica welcomes financial expert and Young Money podcast host Tracie Bissett to talk about one of the most stressful aspects of entrepreneurship, cash flow. With real talk and clear advice, this episode uncovers the common money mistakes entrepreneurs make, how to fix them, and why understanding your numbers can literally save your business. Whether you're in your first few months or pushing toward seven years or seven figures, this is the money conversation you didn't know you needed.

Episode Quote: Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it's the lifeblood of business. ~ Richard Branson.

Episode Sponsor: Kickstart Your Business Program

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to stop feeling confused when looking at your P&L

• How to manage your cash flow with confidence—not fear

• How to avoid the most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make

• How to start paying yourself without guilt or guesswork

• How to use pricing strategy to improve your bottom line

Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

Join the ⁠Become Your Own Boss Community⁠

⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

Get your⁠ Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠

Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

Sometimes, the losses we face aren’t the end—they’re actually redirection. In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica shares a powerful story about her daughter’s recent run for class president. She gave it her all, worked hard, and still came up short, but just days later, an unexpected win changed everything.

This story is more than just about her; it’s about you as an entrepreneur. Business is full of wins and losses: clients say no, campaigns flop, and doors close. But sometimes those losses open new doors we could never have imagined.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on setbacks, resilience, and how to keep showing up when things don’t go your way.

You win some, you lose some. But always keep fighting. ~Unknown

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Why losing isn’t failure—it’s preparation for your next big win✅ How to reframe setbacks as redirection instead of roadblocks✅ Practical ways I reset and refocus when business feels overwhelming✅ The key questions every entrepreneur should ask to grow smarter (not just bigger)

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What happens when your message doesn’t match your audience? In this episode, Monica shares a powerful insight sparked by her return to the classroom and how it reminded her of a critical truth every entrepreneur needs to hear. With humor, honesty, and experience from over 20 years in business, she unpacks why how you say something matters just as much as what you’re saying. From academia to email marketing, this episode is a must-listen reminder that your words have the power to build bridges or barriers.

Episode Quote: The art of communication is the language of leadership. ~James Humes

Questions answered:

• Why is simple communication so important in business?

• How does academic communication differ from customer communication?

• What should every business owner keep in mind when writing or speaking to customers?

• What’s one mistake that might be causing your customers to walk away?

Episode Sponsor: ⁠Kickstart Your Business

Join the ⁠Become Your Own Boss Community⁠

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

  
  

Ready to sharpen your communication game and connect better with your audience?Listen to the full episode now, subscribe to the show, and leave a review to help more business owners like you find these valuable insights.

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica shares a message every entrepreneur needs to hear: seasonality is normal. Whether you’re in your first year or your fifteenth, slower seasons are part of the journey, but they don’t have to be scary. Monica opens up about her own experience navigating over two decades of business ups and downs, offering practical, powerful strategies to help you stay afloat and even thrive when sales take a dip. From building a financial buffer to planting seeds for future success, this episode will change the way you see the “off” season.

Episode Quote: In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity." ~Albert Einstein

Questions answered:

• What causes seasonal slowdowns in small businesses?

• How can you predict when your business will have a lull?

• What should you do when revenue drops unexpectedly?

• How do you know if a downturn is seasonal or a red flag?

• How can you make slow seasons less stressful and more productive?

Episode Sponsor: Kickstart Your Business

Other Entrepreneur Resources

⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

Get your⁠ Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠

Get the 30 point checklist for building a clothing brand at www.zeuscloset.com/checklist

Who's Monica?

Monica Allen grew up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom who had her at age 18, her grandmother and uncle. Living below the poverty line for all of her young life, Monica was determined to break the cycle. Being the first in her immediate family to attend a 4 year university, Monica worked in the field of insurance as a benefits broker for 8 years and earned her Masters in Business Administration.

Leaving to set out on her entrepreneurial journey in 2005, she is now a serial entrepreneur owning several businesses. She is co-founder of Zeus' Closet, stuff4GREEKS and Deuce Equity Group. She is the sole proprietor of Monica Allen Interiors and an Amazon Bestseller (The Fearless Entrepreneurs: Fear Less; Be More).

She loves equipping aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers and small business owners with tips to launch, grow and scale their business while avoiding the many pitfalls of entrepreneurship. She believes that being surrounded by positive people, believing in yourself, and having faith in God has led to her success.

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

  
  

  
  

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica welcomes back business partner and resident AI expert Ethan King to unpack the latest AI breakthroughs that every small business owner should be using right now. From AI agents that can take real actions on your behalf, to study modes that quiz your team (or your kids), to building full-blown apps without writing a line of code—this episode will open your eyes to what’s really possible with today’s AI tools. If you’ve ever thought “I wish I had an app for that,” or “there’s got to be an easier way,” this conversation is for you.

Episode Quote: Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence. It is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity. ~Fei-Fei Li.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• How to use AI agents to handle tasks like a digital assistant

• How to train your team using ChatGPT’s new study mode

• How to run deep research on people and companies in minutes

• How to build a working app or game using one simple prompt

• How to use AI to create videos, images, and even Super Bowl-worthy ads

• How to get your AI model to truly know you for smarter, faster results

Guest: Ethan King - Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author & more.

Grab the book ChatGPT to Double your Business in 90 Days

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

In this throwback episode, Monica gets real about one of the least glamorous, yet most powerful tools for building a business that lasts: Standard Operating Procedures. Whether you’re a one-person show or leading a team, documenting your processes might be the difference between staying stuck and scaling smart. Monica shares her own journey from handwritten scripts to training software, and how SOPs became the backbone of her company’s growth.

This episode is for anyone who's tired of repeating themselves, wasting time, or feeling like no one else can do the job “right.” Spoiler: they can... if you show them how.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to create simple SOPs that save you time and money

• How to make training new employees easier and more consistent

• How to use tools like Google Docs, Trello, and Trainual for documentation

• How to avoid common mistakes that hurt productivity and quality

• How to prepare your business for growth — even if you’re solo right now

Tune in now and take the first step toward building a business that runs smoothly — with or without you.
Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show and join a growing community of entrepreneurs like you!

Episode Sponsor - Zeus' Closet

Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

Get your⁠ Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠

Get the 30 point checklist for building a clothing brand at www.zeuscloset.com/checklist

Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com

In this episode, Monica reflects on a simple but powerful truth her daughter shared: “Things are so much easier when you learn them.” Through the story of Imana stepping into a challenging new role (literally and figuratively), Monica draws a brilliant parallel to business ownership and personal growth. Whether it's learning to dance, play piano, or build out a promotional product arm of your business, success often comes down to patience, persistence, and the courage to begin. This episode is your reminder that the hard things get easier when you stop avoiding and start learning.

• How to reframe difficult tasks so they feel less overwhelming

• How to practice consistently even when you’re unsure

• How to break business challenges into manageable steps

• How to lean on mentors, tools, and support to move forward

• How to give yourself grace while you grow

Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

Get the Kickstart Your Business Course

⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

Get your⁠ Become Your Own Boss Planner⁠

Get the 30 point checklist for building a clothing brand at www.zeuscloset.com/checklist

Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: monica@monicaallen.com