Financial Tip: He provides key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom and how AI can amplify your marketing.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest.

Summary of the Dave Charest Interview

In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, a leading digital marketing platform. Charest discusses the rising wave of entrepreneurship, the foundational importance of email and direct‑to‑customer channels, common mistakes new business owners make, and how AI is reshaping small‑business marketing. He provides practical guidance on marketing consistency, channel selection, building community relationships, and using technology to scale.

Throughout the conversation, Charest emphasizes that while small businesses often lack marketing expertise, they possess a valuable advantage: real, human relationships that can be strengthened through consistent communication.

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of Rushion McDonald’s conversation with Dave Charest is to:

1. Educate new and aspiring entrepreneurs

Charest breaks down the basics of digital marketing—email, social, SMS—and how to begin building a strong marketing foundation.

2. Highlight the key trends driving the entrepreneurship boom

He explains motivations like work–life balance, independence, and financial potential that inspire people to launch businesses.

3. Provide practical, actionable marketing advice

Especially around consistency, choosing marketing channels, and building direct customer relationships.

4. Introduce how AI can simplify and amplify marketing

Charest showcases tools that help business owners quickly generate content, develop campaigns, and analyze customer behavior.

Key Takeaways 1. Direct relationships (email/SMS) outperform social media

Email offers ownership, stability, and higher ROI—unlike social platforms that can change algorithms or visibility overnight. Charest stresses that “the money is in the list.”

2. You don’t need huge numbers to be effective

Small businesses often see high open and engagement rates because followers know and trust them.

3. Consistency matters more than platform choice

Whether you choose Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or email, the biggest driver of marketing success is showing up regularly.

4. Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. Begin with the basics and grow steadily.

5. Community is a crucial marketing asset

Local businesses thrive when they maintain strong connections with nearby businesses, customers, and community networks.

6. Entrepreneurs face challenges—but resilience wins

Charest notes that small business owners rarely have a “Plan B,” which pushes them to adapt and continue learning.

7. AI is transforming small‑business marketing

Constant Contact offers tools to:

Generate emails and content
Summarize content for social
Build full marketing campaigns
Analyze behavior from large email lists to recommend actions

Notable Quotes (from the transcript)

Here are direct paraphrases and key phrases—not copyrighted material but drawn from the transcript:

On email vs. social

“There’s a $36 return for every $1 invested in email—but what matters is that you own the relationship.”
“If a social platform goes away, so does your following. Email is a direct line.”

On audience size

“Big numbers aren’t necessary—small lists can see 50% open rates and strong engagement because those people actually care.”

On entrepreneurship motivations

“People want better work‑life balance, independence, and financial potential.”

On mistakes

“A big mistake is trying to do too much at once. Start small and stay consistent.”

On community

“Digital marketing should extend real relationships—not replace them.”

On choosing platforms

“Where your audience spends time matters, but so does where you can show up consistently.”

On AI’s role

“AI can generate emails, build campaigns, and analyze audience data—saving you time for what you’d rather be doing.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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FULL SHOW_ Pastor Kenion Henderson & Shaunie Henderson, Strawberry Letter_ I Want Him To Talk To Me - 1.21.26

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, January 21st, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "The Drs Visit" | Ask The CLO | Pastor Kenion Henderson & Shaunie Henderson Parts 1-3 | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "My Auntie's Bike" | Strawberry Letter - "I Want Him To Talk To Me" Pt. 1-2 | Junior's Sports Talk | Social Media Advice | Winter Weather | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Tammi 1h 32min

Money Tip: Her personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Cameka Smith. Founder of The BOSS Network, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass: Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Highlight The BOSS Network’s mission to empower women of color through entrepreneurship, career development, and community support. Share Dr. Smith’s personal journey from layoff to leadership, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship. Discuss strategies for business success, funding opportunities, and mentorship for Black female founders. Key Takeaways Origin of The BOSS Network Founded in 2009 during the recession after Dr. Smith was laid off from Chicago Public Schools. Initially started as local events in Chicago; now a digital community reaching 200,000 women nationwide. Mission: Bringing Out Successful Sisters (BOSS)—promoting small business spirit and career growth. Impact & Achievements Invested in 100 Black female founders through grants. Trained 50,000 women on business strategies. Coached 10,000 women on starting businesses. Created Boss Business University, offering mentorship and digital programs. Pivot During COVID Shifted from 35% event-based revenue to 75% digital. Launched Boss Impact Fund and Invest in Progress Grant: $10,000 grants + 4-year scholarships for recipients. Combined funding, mentorship, and marketing support for sustainability. Challenges & Mindset Entrepreneurship requires planning, resilience, and community support. Dr. Smith saved money before leaving her job and leveraged relationships for growth. Quote: “Entrepreneurs will work 80 hours for themselves but don’t want to work 40 hours for someone else.” Top 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make Lack of research: Understand your industry, competitors, and market. No revenue model: If you’re not making money, it’s a hobby, not a business. Ignoring relationships: Networking and partnerships are key to success. Unique Marketing & Partnerships Dr. Smith built direct relationships with brands, bypassing agencies that offered “pennies on the dollar.” Created a dual revenue model: B2B (corporate partnerships) + B2C (community engagement). Core Philosophy Motto: Believe, Plan, Win. Quote: “Those that show up, go up.” Success is rooted in faith, persistence, and leveraging community. Notable Quotes “I was born to be an entrepreneur. My mother told me, until you become your own boss, you have to follow the rules.” “Less than 1% of Black women get VC funding—so we created our own fund.” “Relationships are your key to success. When social media goes away, your audience remains.” “If you have a business and you don’t have money, you’ve got a hobby.” “God will not birth anything inside of you that He will not give you the tools to deliver.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Tammi 20min

Overcoming the Odds: Her workbook is designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing and prioritizing your own needs.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self. Key Takeaways People-Pleasing and Boundaries People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment. Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health. The Mirror Method A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self. Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace. Selfishness vs. Self-Care Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative. You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself. Health as a Wake-Up Call Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life. Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.” Letting Go of Toxic Relationships Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial. Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you. Therapy and Mental Health COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized. Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.” Workbook Details Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats. Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns. Notable Quotes “Boundaries are key.” “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.” “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.” “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.” “You’re never too old to return to yourself.” “Stress is that silent killer.” “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.” “The mind is a muscle too.” “Be okay with being okay.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Tammi 22min

FULL SHOW: Childhood Memories, Strawberry Letter: 1 Husband 3 Men - 1.20.26

20 Tammi 1h 31min

Celebrating The Life & Legacy Of Dr Martin Luther King Jr - 1.19.26

19 Tammi 1h 32min

FULL SHOW_ Steve Harvey's Birthday Eve, Strawberry Letter_ I Went Home Early & So Did He - 1.16.26

16 Tammi 1h 32min

FULL SHOW: Body Counts, Strawberry Letter: I Know What I Saw - 1.15.26

15 Tammi 1h 32min

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