Opt In

If you blinked and somehow it's already May, and you have no idea if you're on track to hit your goals this year, you're not alone, and you're not behind. There's one thing you need to do this week, and you need to do it fast. In this episode, Melissa Franks unpacks why May is the most overlooked month in a founder's year, and why it's the only clean window you have to course-correct before summer slows everything down. You'll walk away with a simple, repeatable mid-Q2 audit you can run on your business in less than an hour.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy May is a setup month, not a coast month, and the "summer cliff" most founders never see comingThe 5 numbers every founder should be looking at right now (revenue vs. plan, gross margin trend, cash on hand, Q3 pipeline coverage, and team capacity)The 3 honest questions to ask about Q1 and Q2 so far: what worked, what broke, what you've been avoidingHow to find the one bottleneck that's actually slowing your business down (and why fixing five things means fixing nothing)Two real client stories, one that almost hit a brick wall from succeeding too fast, and one that nearly went bankrupt from flying blindThe 4 things to lock in before June so your business runs without you all summerHow to install a weekly operating rhythm that carries you past summer and into a calmer Q4Want help running this audit on your business?Book a free 30-minute Mid-Year Audit consultation with our team. Walk through your 5 numbers and pinpoint your one bottleneck before summer slips away. Visit www.melissafranks.com to grab a time.Connect with MelissaWebsite: www.melissafranks.comLinkedIn: Melissa FranksInstagram / TikTok: @melissafranksYouTube: Optin PodcastAbout the showThe Optin Podcast is where business owners go from surviving to thriving. Hosted by Melissa Franks, founder of On Call COO — fractional COO services for founders who want to get out of the weeds, build scalable operations, and make faster decisions backed by real data. If this episode hit home, follow the show, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with the founder friend who keeps saying "I'll look at the numbers later."Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

If you started your business for freedom and somewhere along the way it started running you instead of you running it, this episode is for you. Melissa walks through why founders really stay stuck in the weeds (it's almost never the reason you think), introduces the four-tier CEO Time Audit framework, and gives you a 7-day assignment that will change how you spend every hour of your week. Plus: a free worksheet that does the math for you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe three unmistakable signs you're operating in the weeds (not just busy)Why "just delegate" is useless advice, and the five real reasons founders stay stuckHow to calculate what your hour is actually worth (and why you're hemorrhaging money you don't see)The four-tier CEO Time Audit framework: $1,000 / $100 / $25 / $10 per hour workThe three-step process to free up 10–20 hours a week: audit, categorize, reassignThe honest truth about why this exercise feels uncomfortable, and why that's the point CEO Time AuditReady to find out what your week actually looks like? Download the free CEO Time Audit, run the 7-day exercise, and bring the results to a free 30-minute consultation. We'll find your biggest leverage point together — no pitch, no pressure. Just one operator helping another founder figure out the next move.https://oncallcoo.myflodesk.com/ceoauditABOUT MELISSAMelissa Franks is the founder of On Call COO and host of the Optin Podcast. Before launching her fractional COO practice, she served as COO of a Fortune 100 financial services business, where she helped grow the company from $50M to $350M. She now works with small business founders to help them grow, scale, and actually love the life they've built — without being the hardest-working employee in their own business.Book a free consultation https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

What if the culture that makes your company feel like home is the exact thing keeping the right people from ever walking through the door? In this episode, Melissa Franks — founder of On Call COO and 25-year operator — tackles one of the most under-examined growth levers in small business: company culture. Drawing on real client work, her own corporate-turned-startup experience, and lessons from companies like Hobby Lobby and Ben & Jerry's, Melissa makes the case that the culture that got you to your first ten employees is rarely the one that will carry you to your first hundred. You'll hear the two truths every founder has to hold in tension, why a strong culture can quietly become an exclusionary one without anyone meaning for it to, and the three reasons homogeneous cultures cost more than founders realize, in talent math, legal exposure, and slower, worse decision-making. Then Melissa walks you through her 8-step Culture Audit, the same framework she uses with fractional COO clients, so you can honestly assess whether your culture is an asset or a ceiling, and decide exactly what to keep, evolve, or let go. Free Download: The Culture Audit WorksheetWant to run the full 8-step audit on your own company? Download the free Culture Audit Worksheet, the same framework Melissa uses with her fractional COO clientshttps://oncallcoo.myflodesk.com/cultureaudit Work With MelissaIf you're not sure whether your culture is an asset or a ceiling, that's exactly the kind of thing On Call COO helps founders figure out. A culture audit is one of the first things Melissa runs when she steps in as a fractional COO. Book a free 30-minute consultation and she'll tell you honestly whether your culture is going to get you where you're going. Book your free consultation: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Your best employee is still hitting their numbers. They're polite. They don't complain. And something feels off.Stop reaching for a raise. You don't have a compensation problem, you have a leadership problem. And at $3M+, it's one of the top plateau-makers in your business.In this episode:Why A-players disengage (it's never what you assume)The four real reasons, each with a named tactic: the Scope Audit, the Cover Question, the "Why" One-on-One, the Two-Year ConversationA three-question diagnostic for you, alone at your deskThe 30-day re-engagement plan — one conversation per week, no new system required "Your best people want to stay. They're waiting to see if you can still see them." This week: one A-player. One conversation. One action. Book a strategy session: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices More at https://www.melissafranks.comConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

What does it actually look like to grow a business from a $10K/month survival goal to a $100K month, in real time, with real numbers, and zero sugarcoating?In this episode, Melissa Franks, founder of On Call COO, pulls back the curtain on everything that happened in Q1 2026: the wins, the unexpected setbacks, the hard decisions, and the mindset shifts that are fueling the path to $3 million.This isn't a highlight reel. This is the full picture, and it might be exactly what you need to hear right now. In this episode, you'll learn:Why Melissa set a $3 million "impossible goal" for 2026, and what that actually means in practiceThe one decision made at the end of 2025 that directly led to On Call COO's first $100K month in February 2026How to identify where YOU are the bottleneck in your own business (and what to do about it)What "firing yourself" from a role really means, and why it's the most important thing a scaling founder can doThe leading indicators Melissa watches daily that have nothing to do with revenue, and how they saved the business from a pipeline crash in MarchWhat happened when Google Ads suddenly stopped spending (and how she diagnosed and fixed it fast)Why Melissa made the intentional decision to step BACK into client fulfillment, even after retiring from itThe truth about rest, recovery, and why "hustle culture" advice can quietly kill your business growth Ready to find your own bottleneck?If any of this resonated, and you're sitting in the owner seat wondering why it's so hard, you're not alone. Melissa and the On Call COO team offer a free consultation call to help you see the forest through the trees. 👉 Book your free consultation at https//www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices Connect with Melissa:Website: melissafranks.comLinkedIn: Melissa FranksInstagram: @melissafranksConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Most people think the difference between a $1M business and a $10M business is more leads, better marketing, or a bigger audience. It's not — not even close.The real gap between a 7-figure and an 8-figure business isn't effort. It's structure. And in this episode, Melissa Franks breaks down the five core operational differences that separate businesses that stay stuck at a million from the ones that scale to $10 million and beyond.Whether you're sitting at $500K trying to crack your first million, or you've hit $1M and can't figure out why you're still grinding — this episode is going to change how you think about running your business.In This Episode You'll Learn:Why the business model that got you to $1M is the very thing keeping you from $10MThe 5 fundamental differences between a 7-figure and 8-figure businessHow to shift from founder-driven to systems-driven — even if you're not ready to let goWhy $10M businesses don't do more, they do less, betterThe #1 reason businesses get stuck at $1M and $3M (and how to break through)The 3 honest questions every founder must ask themselves right nowWhy chaos is actually highly organized and why it will destroy your ability to scaleIf This Episode Hit Close to Home...You're not alone. Most businesses get stuck between $1M and $3M — not because the market is saturated or the product is wrong, but because the founder hasn't upgraded how they operate. That's exactly the work we do at On Call COO.Whether you need a 90-minute strategy session to get clear on your next move, or fractional COO support to help you build the systems and team structure to scale — we've got you.👉 Book a free consultation at melissafranks.com to find out what's keeping your business from the next level.Connect with Melissa:Website: melissafranks.comLinkedIn: Melissa FranksPodcast: The Optin PodcastIf this episode was valuable, please share it with a founder you know who's ready to stop surviving and start thriving.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

“I think we need a new strategy.”If your business feels stuck, this is probably the sentence you’ve said, or thought, recently.Maybe your revenue isn’t where you want it to be, the team feels busy but progress is inconsistent, you’re working harder… but not seeing better results. So the instinct is to change direction. New plan. New ideas. New strategy. But in most cases, that’s not the real problem. The issue isn’t strategy, it’s execution.In this episode, Melissa breaks down one of the most common (and costly) mistakes growing businesses make: confusing strategy with execution—and constantly trying to fix the wrong one.Because when you don’t know the difference, you end up:Changing direction too oftenAbandoning what could have workedKeeping your team in a constant state of resetCreating more complexity instead of progressAnd over time, that confusion slows growth more than anything else.In this episode:What strategy actually is (and what it is not)Why goals, ideas, and tactics are often mistaken for strategyWhat execution really looks like inside a growing businessThe difference between a strategy problem and an execution problemThe 3 most common breakdowns that stall growthWhy founders default to changing strategy instead of fixing executionHow lack of ownership and accountability kills momentumA simple framework to diagnose where your business is actually stuckWhy consistent execution beats constant reinvention every timeKey TakeawaysStrategy is about clear choices and focus—not just goals or ideasExecution is about turning those choices into consistent actionMost businesses don’t fail from lack of ideas—they fail from lack of follow-throughIf you’re constantly changing direction, you may be solving the wrong problemA simple strategy, well executed, will outperform a complex strategy that never gets implementedWork With MelissaIf your business has a clear vision but struggles with execution, your operating model may be the issue, not your strategy.Learn more about how On Call COO helps businesses scale through operational clarity and execution:www.melissafranks.comFollow & ShareIf this episode resonated, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with another founder who might be solving the wrong problem right now.Because growth doesn’t come from better ideas.It comes from better execution.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Are you working harder in your business, but seeing worse results?Many founders right now are experiencing slower sales cycles, unpredictable revenue, exhausted teams, and strategies that suddenly aren’t working the way they used to. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.In this episode, Melissa Franks explains why business feels harder right now and the operational shifts smart companies are making to stabilize revenue and grow again.The reality is that the market has changed—but many businesses are still operating the way they did during high-growth years. Melissa breaks down what’s actually happening behind the scenes and how to reset your business so it runs with clarity, focus, and efficiency.If your business feels chaotic, overly complex, or stuck, this episode will help you identify the real problem and give you a framework to move forward. What You'll LearnWhy buyer behavior has changed and how it affects your salesThe hidden operational problems created during high-growth periodsWhy many founders are still operating with outdated strategiesThe three operational shifts successful businesses are making right nowThe four key metrics every founder should track beyond just revenueHow simplifying your business can increase both revenue and profit Work with Melissa and her teamIf you feel stuck in the weeds of your business and need help improving operations, strategy, or team performance, you can schedule a free consultation with Melissa Franks and the OnCall COO team. visit C https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Many founders believe their team simply moves slower than they would.They say things like:“Everything takes longer than it should.”“My team needs too much direction.”“In the end I just do it myself.”But in most growing businesses, the real issue isn’t effort, capability, or urgency.It’s a decision bottleneck the founder accidentally created.When every decision needs approval, review, or confirmation, execution slows across the entire organization. Teams begin waiting for permission instead of moving forward, managers stop managing, and initiative disappears.In this episode, Melissa breaks down how founders unknowingly create decision dependencies inside their companies and why that structure quietly limits growth.She also explains how to redesign decision flow so teams can move faster without sacrificing quality or accountability.Why founders often believe their team is “slow”How approval habits create decision dependency across teamsThe behavioral conditioning that causes employees to wait for permissionWhat happens to managers when every decision escalates to the founderWhy decision bottlenecks create exhaustion and decision fatigueThe role of decision ownership in growing organizationsHow to define decision rights so teams can execute fasterWhy imperfect decisions are necessary for organizational speedWhen escalation should actually happen in a businessGrowing companies require decision velocity.When every decision flows through one person, execution slows, initiative disappears, and the business becomes dependent on the founder’s availability.Scaling requires designing clear decision ownership so leaders can lead and teams can move forward without constant approval.Work With MelissaIf your company is growing but execution feels slow or chaotic, your operating structure may need to evolve.Learn more about working with On Call COO:www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

What if the fastest way to grow your income, influence, and impact is to stop focusing on yourself?In this International Women’s Day special episode of The Opt-In Podcast, executive leader and Fractional COO Melissa Franks shares a powerful leadership shift that applies to women in business, corporate executives, founders, and growth-stage CEOs worldwide.After 25+ years scaling businesses, from Fortune 100 financial services companies to founder-led startups, Melissa reveals what separates stagnant leaders from exponentially compounding ones:They stop accumulating.They start multiplying.This episode explores the “Give to Gain” leadership model and how mentorship, visible thought leadership, and strategic collaboration drive sustainable growth in today’s marketplace.Whether you're leading a corporate team in New York, building a founder-led company in California, scaling a startup across the U.S., or growing a global business, this conversation will challenge how you think about power, visibility, and long-term success.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✔ Why mentorship is not charity — it’s succession planning✔ How to stop being the bottleneck in your organization✔ Why visible thought leadership is service (not ego)✔ How to share expertise without sounding self-promotional✔ Why collaboration compounds growth faster than competition✔ How to build sustainable leadership without burnout✔ The difference between accumulation leadership and multiplication leadership If This Episode ResonatedFollow the podcast and leave a review.Share this episode with a woman leader in your networkBecause the real power move in leadership isn’t accumulation.It’s multiplication.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

As your business grows, your role changes.When it was just you, giving feedback directly was fast and effective. Once managers are in place, skip-level feedback creates confusion, erodes trust, and slows execution, even when your intentions are good.In this episode, Melissa breaks down why bypassing managers undermines performance and how to cascade feedback without losing control.This isn’t about stepping back from leadership. It’s about evolving how communication flows so managers can actually manage and your organization can mature.You’ll learn:The hidden costs of skip-level feedbackWhy performance issues are often operating model problemsHow confused priorities and trust erosion happenWhat cascading feedback should look likeThe key questions owners must start askingWhat to stop doing immediately as your team growsWhen feedback flows through the right layer:Visibility improvesAccountability is clearDecision-making gets strongerIf you don’t trust your managers to manage, the structure is cosmetic, not functional.Listen in to learn how to lead at scale without creating chaos. If you want help setting up an organizational design that can function with independence, let's talk it through. Book a call at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Most business owners don’t lack discipline. They’re drowning in responsibility.In this episode, Melissa Franks challenges the idea that success comes from more hustle, grit, or motivation. If your business only moves forward when you’re “on,” that’s not a discipline problem, it’s a design flaw.You’ll learn:Why discipline and motivation are finite resourcesHow decision fatigue is quietly draining your leadership capacityThe real reason your team can’t move without you3 signs you’re relying on willpower instead of systemsWhy you should build one system at a time (and never automate what you haven’t fixed)Melissa shares real examples from client businesses where removing the owner as the bottleneck unlocked growth, restored timelines, and reduced exhaustion, without anyone “trying harder.”Sustainable success isn’t built on discipline. It’s built on design. Work With On Call COOIf you’re ready to stop white-knuckling your business, book a free consultation with OnCall COO. Melissa and her team help founders move out of fight-or-flight mode and into steady, scalable growth through practical systems and operational leadership.Book a call: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Most business owners set revenue goals every year, very few define how their business will actually support them.In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks explains why revenue-only goals are one of the most common ways small businesses create chaos. Teams hustle harder instead of smarter. Marketing and operations fall out of sync. Margins shrink. Leaders become bottlenecks.Revenue isn’t the problem. Incomplete goals are.Melissa breaks down why revenue is an outcome, not a plan, and introduces the operational targets that keep growth sustainable. You’ll learn how to set clear capacity limits, delivery constraints, margin requirements, and guardrails that help your team make better decisions without constant oversight.If your business feels reactive, overwhelmed, or harder to run as revenue grows, this episode will help you understand why, and how to fix it. Revenue is a result. Operations are the strategy. If you are struggling to identify your operational targets, book a call today with On Call COO, we can help you figure out what the biggest priorities are any how to measure success. https//www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

As teams grow, the way work gets done has to change.What worked in a small, scrappy business starts to break once multiple layers, managers, and priorities appear. Employees feel overwhelmed, managers lose visibility, and execution slows down, not because people aren’t capable, but because communication hasn’t evolved.In this episode, Melissa speaks directly to employees and middle managers about a critical skill growing teams must learn: managing up.Managing up isn’t pushback or resistance. It’s a communication framework that helps teams clarify priorities, manage capacity, and deliver better results without burnout.You’ll learn why “just do what you’re asked” stops working, how to synthesize feedback and requests, and a practical managing up framework you can use immediately.This episode sets the foundation for next week’s conversation on what owners and leaders must change so managing up actually works. If you're business is growing and you are ready for some outside input, schedule a call with us at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Do politics belong in business or is that the wrong question entirely?In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks reframes the conversation away from parties, candidates, and debate, and toward what actually matters: values, integrity, and alignment.As political and social issues increasingly collide with the workplace, many business owners believe staying silent is the safest move. But silence isn’t neutral. When businesses claim strong values internally while avoiding public alignment, they create an authenticity gap that erodes trust with employees, customers, and the market.Melissa breaks down why values can’t stay private, how performative neutrality damages brands, and what thoughtful, values-led leadership actually looks like. This episode offers practical filters to help leaders decide when to speak, when to wait, and how to respond without falling into reactive or performative activism.This isn’t about being political.It’s about being credible.The goal isn’t to be liked, it’s to be aligned, authentic, and real.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

January has a way of convincing business owners that something is wrong.You come back from a break, look at your business with fresh eyes, and suddenly everything feels off. The offers feel stale. The strategy feels tired. The urge to change everything kicks in.But here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear:Your business probably isn’t broken. Your focus is.In this episode, Melissa breaks down why “new year, new you” energy is one of the most dangerous mindsets in business, and how it pulls leaders away from the very work that actually drives revenue and stability.Instead of doing the boring, proven, money-making activities, January often becomes a month of distraction:Reworking offers that are already profitableChasing new marketing strategies instead of fixing conversionHiring too soon to relieve pressureOvercomplicating strategy instead of executing consistentlyMelissa walks through the most common distractions she sees business owners fall into at the start of the year, and what strong operators focus on instead.You’ll learn:Why reinvention is often a signal of discomfort, not strategyThe difference between emotional fatigue and operational problemsWhat to audit before you change your offers, marketing, or teamHow to refocus on the unsexy work that actually moves the business forwardWhat disciplined execution really looks like in Q1If you’re feeling the urge to shake everything up right now, this episode will help you slow down, get grounded, and make decisions from data, not January energy.Because growth doesn’t come from starting over.It comes from focusing on what already works and doing it better. We have a new way to connect to other business owners and get timely hot takes on current events and business trends. Join us over on Substack today. https://oncallcoo.substack.com/subscribe?params=%5Bobject%20Object%5DConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

If your business feels harder right now, even though nothing is technically “wrong”, this episode is for you.In this week’s episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa breaks down why instability is often a sign of growth, not failure. As businesses mature, the systems, decisions, and leadership style that once worked stop being sufficient and that transition can feel uncomfortable, confusing, and even alarming.This episode reframes instability as a signal, not a setback, and explains what mature businesses do differently when things start to feel less predictable.In this episode, we cover:Why founders mistake instability for failureWhat actually causes businesses to feel chaotic as they growHow the founder’s role must evolve at each stageWhy stability is built, not feltThe difference between effort and real progressIf your revenue is solid, your team is capable, but clarity feels harder to come by, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re likely standing at a transition point—and how you respond now matters. Join the On Call COO SubstackWeekly insight, perspective, and practical guidance for founders navigating growth.👉 https://oncallcoo.substack.com/subscribe?params=%5Bobject%20Object%5DBook a Free Consultation with On Call COOGet clarity on what’s actually happening in your business—and what to do next.👉 https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

If January already feels heavier than you expected, it’s not because you didn’t plan well, it’s because most plans break once execution begins.Every year, founders enter January with clear goals, only to find themselves back in the weeds, making rapid-fire decisions while their teams wait for direction. This episode breaks down why that happens and what January is really revealing about your business.In this conversation, I cover:Why high-level plans fail without operational structureHow founders unintentionally become the bottleneckThe role alignment, ownership, and feedback play in executionWhat to fix now so Q1 doesn’t quietly slip awayThis isn’t about working harder or scaling faster, it’s about building a business that can execute with clarity, consistency, and less dependence on any one person. If your business has traction but execution feels heavy, this episode will help you see what needs to change next. If you want to talk through the challenges, schedule a free consultation today: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

If your business hit a plateau in 2025, you’re not failing, your business just outgrew its systems. In this New Year episode, Melissa breaks down why plateaus happen, how to diagnose them, and the exact steps to reset your business for growth in 2026. You’ll learn:• Why businesses plateauIt’s not laziness, it’s a system mismatch. Your offers, team structure, or delivery model may have hit their limits. The 4-part diagnosticMelissa walks you through how to evaluate:Revenue trends — Identify peaks, valleys, and flatlines.Operational friction — Look at deadlines, priorities, bottlenecks, and team load.Offer maturity — What got you to $1M may not get you to $5M.Leadership maturity — Decision speed, clarity, delegation, and CEO focus. How to fix the plateauTighten your operational spine, refresh your offers, build a team that can run without you, and make decisions based on data instead of emotion. Your 30-day reset planAudit what’s working and what’s not, reset your systems, pick one growth lever, choose three actions, and start executing. You’re not stuck, your business is ready for its next version. And with the right reset, you can unlock growth fast. If you need help with your reset plan, we can help. Book a free consultation with On Call COO at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this special anniversary episode, host Melissa Franks celebrates three years of The Opt In Podcast, a journey that began as a mission to mentor women navigating corporate life and has since evolved into a platform for small business owners seeking clarity, strategy, and real talk about entrepreneurship.Melissa takes us on a heartfelt walk down memory lane; from hiding her pregnancy to avoid career setbacks, to breaking free from corporate politics, to the birth of this podcast and the business it helped shape. She shares what she’s learned from three years behind the mic, how the show has grown with her, and why she’s more committed than ever to helping others “opt in” to what matters most.In This Episode:The origin story of The Opt In Podcast, from corporate walls to creative freedom.What it was like to launch a podcast while leaving the C-suite behind.How life’s detours . . . from layoffs to reinvention . . . shaped the evolution of the show.The pivot from corporate career coaching to small business strategy and growth.Why consistency (one episode every week!) has been the secret to staying in the game long term.Melissa’s reflections on growth, communication, and staying authentic through change.A recommitment to transparency, honesty, and evolution as The Opt In Podcast moves into its fourth year.Connect with Melissa:🌐 www.melissafranks.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Opt In Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite shows.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

AI has exploded in the business world, and most founders are still confused about how to actually use it. In this episode, Melissa breaks down what AI is good at, where it completely falls apart, and how small business owners can integrate it without chaos, overwhelm, or bad decisions.Drawing from decades of experience in machine learning and automation (long before “AI” was a buzzword), Melissa shares the four categories of work AI excels at, the strategic functions it will never replace, and why your operational foundations matter more than any tool.You’ll learn:The real emotional and operational challenges founders face with AIWhat AI can actually do well: admin, content support, customer ops, light analyticsThe human functions AI will never replace: strategy, prioritization, leadership, accountability Melissa’s Founder–COO–AI Triangle for using AI the right way in 2026 A simple readiness checklist before integrating any AI into your businessThe biggest integration mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them Melissa closes with a reminder:AI isn’t a system—it’s a tool. If you’re overwhelmed, you don’t have a tech problem. You have an operations problem.Ready to build stronger systems and integrate AI the smart way? Book a consultation at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

As 2025 wraps, many business owners are feeling the wobble, slower demand, rising costs, and uncertainty about what 2026 will look like. In this episode, Melissa explains why the economy feels off, why small businesses feel the impact more intensely, and how to regain control with her Wobbly Economy Planning Framework.Four planning mistakes to avoidTrying to cut your way to growthCreating one rigid planFreezing hiring and burning out your teamMaking pricing decisions too lateThe Wobbly Economy Planning FrameworkMelissa walks you through creating three scenario-based plans, Best Case, Likely Case, and Worst Case, plus how to review your offers, build an expense strategy, set cash and margin guardrails, and choose the right KPIs.Your role as the leaderYour energy sets the tone. Your team and clients don’t need certainty, they need clarity, confidence, and a steady path forward.Need help building your 2026 plan?Book a free consultation at www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices planning in a wobbly economy is too important to do alone.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, Melissa breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in small business growth: organizational design. If you’ve ever wondered why your team feels stretched thin, why certain roles aren’t “working out,” or why it’s so hard to hire strategically this conversation is your roadmap.Small businesses often grow faster than their internal structures, and that leads to confusion, overwhelm, and poor decision-making. Using examples from corporate America, real client scenarios, and her extensive hiring and organizational design experience, Melissa explains how to build a team intentionally instead of reactively.What You’ll LearnWhy every business, no matter the industry, has the same core functionsThe difference between generalists and specialistsThe real reason your operations manager is “struggling”How organizational hierarchy actually worksWhy your business may need leaders more than doers as you growThe myth of promoting from withinWhy you, the owner, cannot be your team’s only teacher If you aren't certain what roles your business needs:👉 Book a free consultation with On Call COO: melissafranks.com👉 Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissa_franksConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

It’s the end of the year, do you know how your employees are really performing? In this episode, host Melissa Franks walks you through exactly what business owners should be doing in the final stretch of the year to evaluate their team, strengthen retention, and prepare for a smooth start to the new year.Drawing from her experience as a Fractional COO, Melissa breaks down a simple, actionable framework that replaces corporate-style performance reviews with a more human, results-driven approach designed for small business owners.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How to calculate total employee compensation (and why it’s more than just salary).📋 Why you need updated job descriptions—and how to use them as a management tool.💰 How to perform a salary and compensation analysis that’s fair, competitive, and sustainable.📈 When (and how) to offer cost-of-living adjustments, bonuses, and pay-for-performance increases.💡 How to identify and fix gaps in your benefits, commission structures, and pay equity.🧾 The importance of documenting policies to protect your business and maintain transparency. To learn more about On Call COO go to https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, host Melissa Franks shares her Holiday Season Survival Guide for Business Owners. A practical, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious look at how to stay sane, strategic, and successful during the busiest time of year. Whether your business is deep in Q4 chaos or wrapping up a slower season, these 10 essentials will help you finish strong and start 2026 ready to thrive.Melissa draws from her early days in retail (and a memorable Black Friday gone wrong!) to her years in corporate operations, breaking down what it really takes to manage people, priorities, and performance during the holidays, all while remembering to actually enjoy the season. 🔟 The 10 Essentials for Your Holiday Business Survival Guide:Plan for Team Time Off: Collect requests early and ensure your bases are covered.Plan Your Own Time Off: The CEO needs rest too.Decide What Matters Most: Focus on 1–3 key priorities between now and year-end.Plan for January (Now): Success in January starts in December.Set 2026 Goals Early: Slow, intentional goal setting beats rushed resolutions.Follow the Plan — Don’t Panic: Trust your strategy before making emotional pivots.Have Contingency Plans: Because the happy path rarely happens.Gift Thoughtfully: Cash for employees, experiences for clients - and no logo swag!Actually Take Time Off: Rest is part of performance.Enjoy the Season: Energy, goodwill, and gratitude fuel great leadership. 📚 Mentions & Resources:The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael LenningtonPeak Performance by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness To learn more about On Call COO go to https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Have you ever hesitated to hire someone who knows more than you… because it felt risky or intimidating? In this episode, Melissa breaks down why not hiring up is one of the fastest ways to cap your business growth and why your job as a CEO is not to be the most qualified person in every function.Sparked by a controversial take on Diary of a CEO (where a guest said small business owners should never hire more experienced people), Melissa shares why she completely disagrees – and what actually works inside real companies.She walks through her own story of becoming a COO overseeing functions she’d never done herself, and how learning to trust and leverage true experts transformed results, retention, and growth.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why “never hire someone more qualified than you” is dangerous advice for small business ownersHow talent determines your growth trajectory and why A-players cost more (and are worth it)Melissa’s story of becoming COO and leading cybersecurity, procurement, vendor management, and a PMO she’d never personally worked inWhat great leaders really do: identify, harness, and retain talent (not out-execute their team)When it’s the right time to hire at the bottom vs. hire strategic, senior rolesThe real reason “hires don’t work out” (hint: it’s often unclear expectations and weak integration, not skills)How to set clear expectations around:Core values and how they show up in behaviorQuality standards and timelinessBrand representation and public-facing workWhy you must “close the loop” with employees when work is late, incomplete, or off the markHow adding a strong new hire can create “storming” on your team – and what to do so the team evolves instead of implodesWhy only hiring people who know less than you guarantees your business will be limited by your own knowledgeIf you enjoyed this episodeShare it with another small business owner who’s stuck trying to do everything themselves.Subscribe to The Opt-In Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes on hiring, scaling, and building a business that actually works.If you are looking for help in your business go to https://www.melissafranks.com to learn more.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this special post-election episode of The Opt-In Podcast, host Melissa Franks steps away from her usual business strategy deep dives to unpack the real-time ripple effects of America’s shifting political landscape and what it means for small business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. From the Supreme Court’s review of U.S. tariffs to the newly elected Mayor Mandani of New York City, Melissa explores how major political moves could reshape how businesses operate, grow, and survive in 2026.  Drawing from her own high-stakes experience selling multi billion-dollar companies, she reveals how snap judgments without due diligence can lead to costly outcomes in both boardrooms and government.She also spotlights a historic night for women in politics, with female leaders taking governorships across key states and connects it back to her mission of empowering women in business. This moment, she says, is a reminder that when women collaborate and claim their space, progress follows.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, host Melissa Franks tackles a topic she’s never covered before: how to create an annual budget that actually works for you. Whether you’re a five-figure startup or a nine-figure company, Melissa breaks down why every business needs a budget and why it’s not the restrictive tool you think it is.Drawing from her own experience managing $180 million in annual spend as a COO, Melissa shares the exact framework she uses with clients to build clarity, confidence, and control into their financial plans.You’ll learn:Why budgets are a decision-making tool, not a limitation.How to categorize your spend using her four-part classification method: recurring, one-time, not needed, and invest more.The steps to build a monthly expense budget using historical data.How to plan for staffing changes and forecast projected revenue using trends and seasonality.The importance of assessing profit margin and adjusting expenses or revenue targets to stay in line with your goals.Why you must include discretionary spending and contingency planning—and how to do it without sabotaging your profitability.Melissa wraps up with her signature perspective: a good budget isn’t about saying no to spending it’s about saying yes to what matters most.If you’ve ever avoided budgeting because it felt too rigid, too complex, or just plain boring, this episode will change your mind and your approach.🎧 Listen now to learn how to make your budget your best business partner for the year ahead. Connect with Melissa:Website: www.melissafranks.comInstagram: @melissa_franksConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode host Melissa Franks takes you behind the scenes of her entrepreneurial journey. From losing her job and starting over as a single mom with no plan, to building a thriving seven-figure company in just two years.Melissa shares the 10 most important lessons she’s learned along the way. The real, unfiltered truths about what it takes to go from surviving to thriving in business.You’ll learn:Why every entrepreneur starts clueless (and why that’s okay)The power of finding the helpers and surrounding yourself with the right peopleHow to try everything until something works and when to stopWhat it means to redefine your destination as your business evolvesHow to process losses without wallowingWhy you must ignore the critics and stop lying to yourselfThe importance of celebrating every win (no matter how small)And why it’s totally fine and sometimes necessary to go dark and build quietlyThis episode is equal parts reflection, motivation, and reality check for anyone who’s building something from scratch. Whether you’re just getting started or in the thick of growth, Melissa’s insights will remind you that you’re not alone and that success is always on the other side of struggle.Tune in to hear:What two years of grit, growth, and chaos have really taught one fractional COO about business, resilience, and reinvention. To learn more about On Call COO visit https://www.melissafranks.comConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Most small business owners have been taught to obsess over their “Ideal Client Avatar”. To name them, write their life story, and plaster their face on a mood board.But what if everything you’ve been taught about your ICA is… wrong?In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks breaks down why your ideal client is not:One personThe person you wish would buy from youEven you, the founder (yep, sorry) Using real examples from working with clients across industries, she reveals:✅ Why your first ICA is always a mirror of yourself and why that version must eventually die✅ Why the customers who spend the most are not always the most profitable or loyal✅ How seasonality, pricing, and product mix completely change who you should be selling to✅ The dangerous trap of “too many ICAs” and how confusion kills conversions✅ The only real way to discover your ideal clients: testing, tracking, and talking to real humansIf you’ve ever felt confused about who you should be marketing to, or worse, you’ve been selling to the wrong people, this episode will help you recalibrate your aim and finally get clarity. If you have a business that is $3M+ in annual revenue and you are struggling to grow schedule a free consultation with us at On Call COO and maybe, just maybe it's your ICA. To schedule: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In today’s episode of The Opt-In Podcast, I’m taking inspiration from the unexpected king of business advice: Tom Hanks.His mantra, “This too shall pass” became my lifeline during one of the darkest moments of my entrepreneurial journey… and again during one of the best.Whether you’re drowning in problems or overwhelmed by opportunities (yes, that kind of chaos exists too), this episode is your blueprint for getting grounded, getting clear, and getting back in control.I’ll walk you through:The Exercise That Saved Me: The exact process I use, and now teach to move from panic to clarity in under 24 hours.Why Chaos Is Normal (and why you should stop trying to eliminate it)How to Separate Real Problems from Emotional NoiseThe Business Triage Method: How to quickly determine what to fix first (and what to completely ignore)My Own Story of Hitting Rock Bottom… and Hitting Capacity Overload Two Years LaterThis episode is both a pep talk and a practical framework for decision-making when everything feels urgent.📌 If you’re in a season of overwhelm — good or bad — listen to this. Save it. Share it. And repeat after me: This too shall pass.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Does everyone you interview look like you, sound like you, and maybe even want to be you? If so, it’s time to rethink your hiring approach.In this episode of the Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks takes a candid look at why diversity matters in small business hiring, and what can happen when diversity of thought, background, and experience disappears from an organization. Using both real-world headlines and her corporate COO background, Melissa explains why innovation, creativity, and growth depend on having a diverse team.You’ll learn:Why diversity isn’t just about what you can see, it includes socioeconomic background, education, life experiences, and more.How a lack of diverse perspectives can limit creativity, create blind spots, and weaken company culture.5 practical steps to improve diversity in your hiring:Write inclusive job descriptions.Broaden where you post and source candidates.Standardize your interview process with structured questions and scorecards.Include a diverse panel in interviews.Track applicant and hiring data to uncover unconscious bias.Melissa also connects today’s hiring challenges to what’s happening in government, showing why protecting diversity of thought is vital—not just for society, but for the long-term survival of your business. 👉 Whether you’re hiring your first team member or expanding a growing company, this episode will help you attract the best talent and build a stronger, more resilient business.To learn more about how On Call COO can help your business: Https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices To learn about working for On Call COO: https://www.melissafranks.com/careersConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Every business owner eventually faces it: the dreaded plateau. Sales stop climbing, growth stalls, and suddenly you’re left wondering what went wrong. In this episode of the Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks breaks down the truth about business plateaus and how to navigate them without panic or wasted effort.Melissa dives into the four core areas every entrepreneur should interrogate when growth has flatlined:Your Data – Why understanding metrics like customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, churn, and return on ad spend is essential for diagnosing issues.Your Sales Process – How inefficiencies, distractions, or broken funnels quietly kill conversion rates and what to do about it.Your Time – The surprising ways a founder’s calendar can hold back growth (and how delegation and focus create momentum).Your Team – How misaligned priorities, poor culture, or lack of standard processes can drag down performance across the business.Melissa also shares a powerful analogy: think of business growth like a mountain range, not a roller coaster. Plateaus aren’t failures, they’re natural flat stretches where you regroup, stabilize, and prepare for the next climb.Whether you’re currently in a plateau or preparing for the inevitable, this episode gives you the tools to diagnose, adjust, and reignite momentum.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

This week on The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks unpacks a rarely discussed—but vitally important—topic: how your personal behavior in public spaces can deeply affect your business or employment. Whether you're a business owner or an employee, your actions, your posts, your tone, and your choices in public and on social media all have ripple effects and sometimes, unintended consequences.Using a powerful personal story from a youth baseball tournament gone sideways, Melissa explores how behavior, even outside of work hours, can reflect on your business and your brand, whether you realize it or not. This episode is not about ideology or political hot takes, it’s a practical, heartfelt guide for staying aligned with your values while protecting your business, your voice, and your livelihood. What You'll Learn in This Episode:⚾ A real-world story about how a youth sports game turned into a brand crisis for a business🧠 Why everything you do, even off the clock can be traced back to your business or employer📱 The risks of unfiltered social media posting and how cancel culture intersects with employment🛡️ What every business owner needs: a clear social media and branded apparel policy📘 Why your employee handbook matters more than you think (especially the fine print)🧭 How to navigate being vocal about causes and core values without putting your business at risk👀 Why “your personal brand is always showing” — and how to stay in control of itConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this candid solo episode, Melissa Franks opens the curtain on a deeply personal and strategic recalibration she made in both life and business. As the fourth quarter looms, a season that often demands more from entrepreneurs, Melissa shares the internal reckoning that led her to rewrite how she works, lives, and leads. This isn’t a burnout story; it’s a blueprint for realignment. From hiring help to reshaping routines, Melissa offers a powerful invitation to evaluate how we’re spending our time, protecting our energy, and honoring the life we say we want.In this episode, Melissa unpacks:🔹 The warning signs that told her change was non-negotiable🔹 Why “working harder” stopped being the right strategy🔹 Her surprisingly simple nutrition fix that boosted brainpower🔹 What she outsourced at home (and what’s next)🔹 The time management tweaks that helped her reset🔹 Her new rules for weekends, Slack, and client boundaries🔹 Why she’s finally hiring an executive assistant, and the mindset that made her delay🔹 The trap of always moving the finish line, and how she’s breaking the cycle🔹 A powerful call to recalibrate your life and business in harmony Key Takeaways:Success in one season can create dysfunction in the next, don’t wait for burnout to course-correct.White space isn’t a luxury; it’s a growth strategy.Personal decisions—like meal delivery and weekday boundaries—are business decisions, too.You don’t need to wait until you’ve ‘made it’ to live the life you want. Start now.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Fourth quarter isn’t just October through December—it starts now. In this episode, Melissa Franks breaks down why the most successful businesses treat September as the true kickoff to Q4 and how you can use this mindset to set yourself up for a profitable year-end.Melissa shares insights from industry analysts on consumer behavior this holiday season—what Gen Z, middle-class, and affluent buyers are really planning to spend on—and what that means for your business strategy. From stacking promotions and driving momentum early to preparing for January (yes, January is part of Q4 too), Melissa offers practical, real-world advice to help you thrive, not just survive.You’ll learn:Why Gen Z is prioritizing experiences over products this holiday seasonWhich income groups are likely to spend more (and which are tightening their wallets)Why you should generate “shock factor” attention and sales in SeptemberHow to use historical data without falling into the trap of copy-paste planningWhy planning for January now is the hidden key to avoiding a sluggish start in 2026The danger of being impatient with short-term sales data—and how to react fast without being reactionaryIf you’ve ever felt stressed about hitting your year-end goals, this episode will help you shift your perspective and take intentional action today.👉 Want help building a plan you can actually execute? Melissa is quietly offering a limited number of 4-hour VIP planning sessions to design your Q4 strategy using her Growth Formula Framework. Book a call: https://calendly.com/oncallcoo/on-call-coo-info-callConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

If your business collapses the moment you go on vacation, you don’t have leaders—you have helpers. In this episode of the Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks, your On Call COO, unpacks the hard truth about bottlenecks in small businesses and why your growth may be stalling because you are in the way.Melissa shares real client stories of founders who couldn’t unplug, explains the signs that you might be the bottleneck, and introduces a practical framework for building a team that can operate independently—whether you’re in the office, on vacation, or preparing your business for a future sale.You’ll learn:How to recognize if you’re holding your business back.The four-part framework for creating a self-sufficient team:Clear roles and accountabilityDefined decision rightsSystems and SOPsLeadership developmentWhy empowering your team to lead (not just help) is the fastest path to freedom, growth, and long-term business value.By the end, you’ll know the exact steps to start shifting from being the bottleneck to becoming the visionary leader your business actually needs.👉 Tune in to discover how to stop firefighting, delegate with confidence, and finally buy back your time. To get support for this framework or strategic guidance for your business, you can book a complimentary consultation call at https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservicesConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

What separates the CEO who scales from the CEO who stalls?Spoiler: it’s not strategy—it’s habits.In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks, your on-call COO, pulls back the curtain on the daily practices that either propel businesses forward or keep them stuck. Drawing on insights from working with nearly 50 entrepreneurs across industries, Melissa explains why consistency beats intensity and how three core habits can transform your role as a leader.You’ll hear:The three growth-driving habits every CEO must master: owning your calendar, tracking numbers weekly, and delegating ruthlessly.The hidden bad habits that sabotage growth, like checking email first thing in the morning, attending every meeting, and constant context switching.Real client stories that show how simple habit shifts unlocked millions in growth.A practical three-step framework to audit your day, double down on good habits, and replace harmful ones.If your business feels stuck—or you’re burning out trying to do it all—this episode is your playbook for clarity, focus, and momentum.👉 After listening, DM Melissa to share the habit you’re committing to shift. Accountability starts here.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Is your business growing—but instead of celebrating, you feel like you’re drowning? If sales are pouring in but your systems, team, and sanity can’t keep up, you’re not alone. Growth can feel messy, chaotic, and overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, Melissa Franks, your On-Call COO, breaks down why growth often feels like chaos and how to stabilize while you scale. She shares real-world stories of clients in both explosive growth and major turnaround phases—and the exact steps they used to quiet the chaos and create intentional, sustainable success.You’ll learn:The three core causes of chaos in a growing business (and how to spot them).The four steps to stabilize growth so you can scale with confidence.Why delegation, stop-doing lists, and scalable systems are your secret weapons.How to shift from operator to architect—so you can finally step into the CEO role your business needs.Whether you’re scaling fast or navigating a turnaround, this episode will give you practical tools to bring order to the chaos, reduce decision fatigue, and build a business that works for you (not the other way around).👉 Ready to eliminate chaos and unlock exponential growth? Book a consultation or VIP day with Melissa at www.melissafranks.com.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Gen Z is stepping into the workforce—and the conversation about them is louder than ever. Are they ready? Or is the real question whether we’re ready to welcome them?In this episode, Melissa shares the behind-the-scenes story of a viral interview that landed her insights in Entrepreneur, Yahoo, and media outlets across the globe. She challenges the idea that Gen Z needs “fixing” through etiquette coaching alone and instead makes the case for mentorship, guidance, and an open mind.Melissa covers:Why traditional onboarding has failed new graduates—and what to do about itPractical ways to help Gen Z acclimate to workplace culture (virtual and in-person)How to set expectations early around dress code, communication, and boundariesWhere etiquette coaching fits in—and the critical follow-up most companies skipHow to balance respecting personal style with professional standardsWhy curiosity and flexibility are essential for leaders navigating generational shiftsThis is a passionate call to stop rooting for the next generation to fail and start building the systems that will let them—and your business—thrive.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Etiquette Coach: Lisa Grotts www.LisaGrotts.comYahoo Article: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/why-bosses-hiring-etiquette-coaches-040000585.htmlIf you manage, hire, or mentor Gen Z employees, this episode will give you a roadmap for turning potential into performance.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, Melissa challenges business owners to take an honest look at how they show up in their businesses. Are you bringing CEO energy—strategic, intentional, and future-focused—or are you operating with employee energy—reactive, task-oriented, and stuck in the weeds?Melissa draws on her experience as a former co-CEO, Fractional COO, and current business owner to break down the key differences between leading and doing. You'll learn why staying in the trenches stunts growth, how to audit your time for strategic alignment, and what it really takes to empower your team while stepping into your rightful role as visionary leader.Key Takeaways:The hidden costs of defaulting to employee energy—even when you're the founder.Why “firefighting” feels productive but is killing your long-term growth.The calendar audit every CEO needs to do (six weeks, not one!).How addiction to urgency is sabotaging your leadership capacity.A gut-check framework to determine whether your tasks drive the future of the business.What white space really is—and why you must protect it.If you're feeling stuck in doing mode and wondering how to reclaim your time, power, and growth potential, this episode is your playbook. 📞 Ready to step into your CEO era?Book a free consultation at www.melissafranks.comConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Are you still the one writing SOPs in your multi-six or seven-figure business? Then this episode is your wake-up call.Melissa returns with a no-holds-barred look at the true cost of doing everything yourself—especially once you’re no longer a solopreneur. From million-dollar mistakes in the corporate world to time-sucking $10 tasks in your own business, Melissa unpacks how DIY can silently stall your growth, drain your energy, and leave money on the table.You’ll learn:Why "just doing it yourself" may be costing you more than you thinkHow perfectionism, control, and ego keep entrepreneurs stuckThe real ROI of delegation—and what it means to lead at scaleThe three-step framework for delegating without micromanagingA practical five-day audit to uncover what you shouldn’t be doing anymoreIf you're feeling overwhelmed, bottlenecked, or burnt out, this episode will challenge you to let go—so your business can grow. 🔁 Listener Challenge:Track your tasks for five days. At the end of each day, ask: What could I have delegated—and to whom? Then start creating a strategy to clean your plate and elevate your role. Connect with Melissa on Instagram: @Melissa_franksLearn how to work with On Call COO: www.melissafranks.comConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this second episode of the summer vacation series, Melissa tackles what most business owners don’t plan for—how to re-enter your business after time away. Melissa walks you through exactly how to avoid chaos, confusion, and burnout when returning from vacation, and how to turn your re-entry into an opportunity for growth—for both you and your team. You’ll learn:Why cannonballing back into your business creates unnecessary wavesHow to build in a “soft landing” day that sets the tone for a productive returnThe secret to observing, not reacting—so you can identify real trends instead of false alarmsHow to reconnect with your business vision and avoid shiny-object syndromeThe importance of resetting routines and reinforcing boundariesWhy a team debrief is your most underused leadership tool If you've ever come back from vacation more stressed than when you left, this episode will shift the way you lead after time away. Because the goal isn’t just a good vacation. It’s building a business that thrives in your absence. 🔗 Listen to Episode One of the Vacation Series: “How to Prepare Your Business for Time Away” if you haven’t already!Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Are you dreaming of a real vacation—but worried your business will fall apart without you?  In this episode, Melissa shares her tried-and-true method for actually stepping away from your business without stress, guilt, or chaos. As a single mom of three and a small business owner who used to skip vacations out of fear, Melissa now takes multiple breaks a year—and the business keeps thriving. Tune in to hear the exact framework she’s using right now to unplug confidently. You’ll learn:✅ How to define your unplugged dates and set boundaries that stick✅ The importance of a clear delegation map (and how to make one fast)✅ What actually needs to get done while you’re gone—and what doesn’t✅ How to prep your team for emergencies without constant hand-holding✅ The overlooked power of autoresponders, pre-scheduled content, and client check-ins✅ Why giving yourself permission to rest is a critical leadership skill Whether you’re leaving for the beach or taking a staycation, this episode gives you the tools (and the push) to actually go—and stay gone. 🎧 Listen in, and then send Melissa a DM on Instagram (@melissa_franks) and let her know where you’re off to next!Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

Have you ever taken on a project just because the money was good—even though your gut said "no"? You're not alone.  In this episode, Melissa breaks down the high price of bad revenue and why saying “yes” to misaligned opportunities can quietly erode your business from the inside out.Melissa shares a candid story from her own early consulting days and outlines:What bad revenue really means—and how to recognize itThe emotional and financial toll it takes on your businessThe mindset traps that keep entrepreneurs saying yesHow clarity, confidence, and courage can help you say no with integrityTactical scripts to decline the wrong opportunities (without burning bridges)  Whether you're a solopreneur, agency owner, or scaling service provider, this episode will give you the filter you need to protect your time, energy, and team—and build a business based on aligned revenue that sustains and scales. 🎧 Take the time to audit your current income streams. Are they building your legacy—or draining your momentum?Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In today’s episode, Melissa breaks down one of the most misunderstood pieces of business advice: “Wealth loves speed.” But what does that really mean for CEOs and business owners making decisions in real time? Spoiler: it’s not about rushing recklessly—it's about moving with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn:✅ Why “speed” in business is not the same as “rushed”✅ The 3 essential filters every CEO must run decisions through✅ How clarity—not certainty—is the true driver of momentum✅ The real cost of indecision (and one client’s expensive lesson)✅ Why your next breakthrough might not require more info—just faster action✅ How to use the 80/20 rule to stop getting stuck in the perfection trap✅ The one rule Melissa follows for all decisions: If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no Whether you’re choosing to launch a new offer, hire a team member, or pivot strategy—this episode gives you a tactical, empowering framework for deciding faster (and smarter). 🔗 Links & Resources:💬 Book a free 30-minute consultation with On Call COO to get unstuck: www.melissafranks.com 📲 Keep in touch:Instagram → @melissa_franks 🔥 Don’t forget:If this episode helped you gain clarity, share it with a fellow founder who’s spinning in indecision. Speed creates wealth—when it’s aligned with strategy.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, Melissa dives deep into one of the most common (and crucial) questions she gets asked:How do I know when it's time to hire a fractional COO?From being the bottleneck in your business to feeling scared to scale, Melissa shares the top 8 signs that signal it's time to bring in experienced operational leadership — and what to look for when vetting a fractional executive. You’ll learn:What a fractional COO actually does (and doesn’t do)Why seasoned operations support is different from hiring a VA or DOOHow business size, structure, and growth stage factor into COO readinessThe difference between strategy-only support and strategy + executionHow to evaluate if someone is truly a “real-deal” operations executiveWhy past experience and credentials matter more than titles Plus, Melissa shares personal insight into how On Call COO matches experienced operators with the right businesses—and the red flags to avoid when searching for one. Whether you’ve tried hiring operations support before or you’re just starting to explore the idea, this episode will help you determine the right time, the right role, and the right fit to help your business thrive. 💡 Mentioned in the episode:→ Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Melissa and the team at On Call COO: www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices Listen if you’re:✅ A founder overwhelmed by growth✅ A CEO with big vision but no roadmap✅ Tired of hiring people who need constant direction✅ Wondering if operations help could actually change your life 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode hit home!Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, Melissa gets real about the power—and necessity—of building a personal brand, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or scaling your own business. Sharing personal stories from her first corporate training at 22 to landing billboards in Times Square, Melissa breaks down why your personal brand isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s your reputation, your legacy, and your secret weapon for future-proofing your career. You’ll walk away knowing:Why a personal brand is about perception—not just presentationThe 6 essential reasons personal branding matters more than everHow to differentiate yourself from competitors in a saturated marketThe steps to start building your brand today—even if you don’t want to “be the face”How a strong personal brand shortens the sales cycle and attracts high-value opportunities If you’ve ever said, “I want the business to be the brand, not me,” this episode is your wake-up call. Personal branding isn’t optional—it’s foundational. ✨ Resources & Mentions:Boring to Brand - https://charlacorn.com 📣 Connect with Melissa:www.melissafranks.comInstagram: @melissa_franksConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In this episode, Melissa shares seven actionable ways to get your business—and your team—ready for the summer months. Whether summer is a busy season or a slow one for your business, the way you prepare can make all the difference in performance, morale, and momentum going into fall.  Melissa walks you through how to anticipate seasonal shifts, implement flexible schedules without sacrificing accountability, and set your team up for both rest and results. You'll learn how to lead by example, set smart boundaries, and create a summer strategy that works for your business rhythm and your people. 🧭 What You’ll Learn:How to use historical business data to forecast your summer seasonSetting clear expectations around time off (and how to avoid team conflict)Flexible work schedules that still drive resultsWhy summer is the perfect time for mid-year goal reviews and resetsSimple ways to build culture, connection, and funHow to communicate, automate, and delegate to step away confidentlyThe critical role of leading by example as a founder or leader 👥 Perfect For:Small business owners managing a lean teamFounders looking to take real time off without dropping the ballLeaders who want to create a culture of flexibility and accountability 🔗 Stay Connected:Website: www.melissafranks.comInstagram: @melissa_franksConnect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com 

In the final episode of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, Melissa gets real about a topic that too often goes unspoken: the loneliness of leadership. Whether you're a CEO, business owner, or leader navigating your way through the pressures of success, Melissa unpacks the emotional toll that comes with the territory—and why it’s crucial to prioritize your mental well-being. She shares her personal journey of rising through the corporate ranks, the surprising isolation that came with success, and how she built a strong support system that sustained her through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. You’ll hear: Why success often feels lonelier than you expect—and how to combat it. The power of finding your tribe (and where to look). Practical ways to manage the stress points in your business. How taking care of your body protects your mind. A candid reflection on control, burnout, and seeking help when you need it. This episode is your reminder that you’re not alone, even when it feels that way. Tune in for tangible advice on how to protect your peace, build community, and stay mentally strong as you grow your business.Connect with Melissa:Watch the Episodes on YoutubeInstagram: instagram.com/melissa_franks Schedule a call: melissafranks.com