In this FridAI episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon dive into the evolving future of pay-per-click advertising in a world increasingly dominated by AI tools like ChatGPT, noting how AI is replacing traditional search behavior and potentially reshaping monetization models. They discuss Shannon’s creation of a custom GPT trained on his own content to produce more personalized, on-brand outputs, and encourage listeners to build their own. Dave explores the value of upgrading to ChatGPT’s $200/month plan, including business-ready Operator features and custom GPTs for specific workflows. They also highlight promising AI-driven business ideas—like ad pitch bots and sponsorship compliance tools—before wrapping with a nod to a compelling post from Fiverr’s CEO on AI and the future of work.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon dive into the value of creating a “working agreement” before starting any business partnership. They discuss how this simple, non-binding document can clarify roles, expectations, and accountability—helping partners avoid misunderstandings and preserving friendships if things don’t work out. Framed as the first true project partners tackle together, the agreement surfaces potential red flags early. Alongside this main topic, they share practical tips for product listings and legal negotiations, and reflect on homebrewing beer as both a bonding experience and an example of smart marketing.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon dive into a mix of tech, strategy, and entrepreneurship insights. They discuss the mental exhaustion of constant video calls, particularly the unnatural experience of seeing oneself too often on Zoom.

They explore the idea that strategy is about choosing what not to do, referencing Steve Jobs’ approach at Apple and emphasizing the power of saying no to maintain focus and effectiveness. Shannon and Dave reflect on how early-stage entrepreneurs often say yes to everything out of necessity, but that maturing businesses must learn to prioritize.

They transition into how ChatGPT helps overcome decision paralysis and speeds up problem-solving, from renaming podcasts to fixing irrigation issues. Shannon shares how ChatGPT accurately diagnosed a sprinkler issue in seconds—something that would’ve taken hours or days otherwise. Both hosts agree that ChatGPT has become significantly more reliable, especially for tech support, but still has limitations and occasional false promises (like pretending it can generate Canva links).

Shannon introduces a new tool, typeset.com, for creating professional e-books and presentations. He used it with ChatGPT to develop a lead magnet for a client and found it valuable for enhancing visual content. They close by inviting listeners to share their favorite AI tools and reminding them to leave a review for a chance to win a MacBook.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon discuss how traits associated with ADHD—like jumping between ideas, hyper-focus, and high risk tolerance—can actually serve as superpowers for entrepreneurs.

They share personal experiences, acknowledge their unofficial ADHD diagnoses, and talk about learning to manage it through strategies like using ChatGPT, listening to music, or delegating tasks they’re not strong at, like accounting.

Shannon emphasizes that ADHD traits such as creativity, rapid idea connection, and risk tolerance can fuel innovation and success. Dave stresses the importance of learning to live with oneself and leveraging hyper-focus intentionally.

They also highlight the downside of imposter syndrome, arguing that true imposters don’t experience it—only the self-aware do. The show ends with a conversation about the power of quiet confidence in business, the downside of trying too hard or appearing desperate, and the value of letting results speak for themselves.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton shares a story about a $36,000 IRS refund check he mailed to his bank, which never arrived. After frustrating interactions with Citibank and the IRS, he turned to ChatGPT for help. ChatGPT guided him to use the IRS Practitioner Priority Line and the Taxpayer Advocate Service, ultimately helping him start a trace on the missing check—something that could have taken months longer without AI’s assistance. Dave emphasizes how AI can dramatically improve efficiency and help with bureaucratic challenges.

Shannon Jean then shares a concept called the “third door”—a strategy for building relationships with key people before you need them. He recounts how he used LinkedIn to connect with eBay and Poshmark executives, establishing trust over time. These early, genuine connections later opened doors to speaking opportunities and support when problems arose. He encourages listeners to build relationships early by offering value and engaging authentically, without immediately asking for favors.

The episode also includes sponsor messages for Shopify and Insta360 and wraps with a call for listeners to connect on LinkedIn and share their own “third door” stories. The overarching message: use smart tools like AI and strategic relationship-building to live a more successful, charmed entrepreneurial life.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Shannon introduces a new concept called the 20-80 Rule, a twist on the traditional 80/20 principle. His version suggests that investing two years of hard work upfront—building systems, making mistakes, and laying a solid foundation—can result in eight years of sustained revenue and business growth. He emphasizes patience, long-term thinking, and warns against the illusion of quick success.

Dave reinforces this idea with a story about launching Mac Observer in 1998, explaining how it took nearly two years to become sustainable, and highlighting the importance of building strong systems early to support future growth.

The hosts also dive into the idea of “coopetition”—collaborating with competitors to create mutually beneficial opportunities. Dave shares how BackBeat Media was born after competitors asked for help with hosting and ad sales. Shannon echoes the sentiment, recalling how sharing large product deals early in his career led to reciprocal opportunities down the line.

They criticize the scarcity mindset and the tendency of some business owners to guard information out of fear, arguing that execution and collaboration matter far more than secrecy. The episode closes with encouragement to share ideas, build in public, and seek partnerships instead of isolation.

Listeners are invited to share their thoughts on the 20-80 Rule and coopetition at [email protected].

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An AI update from the hosts of the Business Brain podcast. Two powerful prompts to keep you from being left behind and a prompt to analyze your blind spots. Join us!

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Colin Rutherford joins the Business Brain podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey. Starting as a Division I hockey player at Dartmouth, he launched Greenbox Storage, a summer storage service for college students. Despite balancing 30 hours a week of hockey and Ivy League academics, he learned critical time management skills and grew the business to 23 schools. He discusses the challenges of scaling too fast—tripling branches in a year led to losses at multiple locations, teaching him the importance of measured growth and profit focus.

Colin also talks about going viral on X with a post that reached 62 million views, which helped him monetize and gain visibility. He emphasizes consistency, experimentation, and borrowing proven strategies from others as keys to growing on social media. He’s posted over 18,000 times and follows a strategy influenced by Justin Welsh’s content model.

Colin now runs Greenbox Storage and Founder Brands, a digital marketing and personal branding agency helping entrepreneurs grow their online influence. He highlights the importance of building a great remote team and using tools like Google Workspace, Slack, and AI to manage content and operations. He credits his parents for instilling discipline and drive and leaves listeners with advice: start before you’re ready, learn by doing, and surround yourself with smart people to scale successfully.

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Dave and Shannon kick off the episode reflecting on the importance of mindset and self-talk. Dave shares a recent insight: instead of saying “I wish I had known that,” he shifted to “I’m glad I know that now,” which they agree is a powerful mental reframe. They talk about how this kind of positive self-programming builds confidence and impacts relationships with others in business, including employees and vendors.

They also discuss how language affects perception, both internally and externally. Shannon gives an example of reframing a client’s negative self-talk about having a “chaotic mind” into something more empowering like having a “curious mind.”

The conversation transitions into their regular Friday AI segment, highlighting the new ChatGPT 4.0 image feature. Shannon explains how he used it to create designs by uploading sketches and guiding the model step-by-step. They both emphasize that AI should be used as a collaborator, not a creator, and talk about how it enables faster, cheaper iterations compared to hiring creatives for every small task.

They discuss the broader impact of AI tools, comparing it to the industrial revolution and the evolution of tech jobs, stressing the importance of adapting. Shannon shares a story about a technician who refused to learn new skills and eventually became obsolete. Dave adds that mastering AI is about staying competitive.

They wrap up with a listener email from a programmer praising ClaudeCode for its ability to understand full codebases, calling it a game-changer. Shannon shares how he’s building a time-saving app for his mastermind group using AI—a project that would have been too costly and time-consuming in the past. Dave introduces the concept of “vibe coding”—collaborating with AI to build ideas iteratively.

They close the episode urging listeners to embrace AI, experiment with it, and share their experiences. Listeners are encouraged to leave reviews for a chance to win a MacBook Air.

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In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean kick things off with a humorous nod to International ASMR Day before diving into key business tips. Dave shares insights from the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference, emphasizing the importance of identifying where your industry engages online—like how the podcast ad industry is active on LinkedIn. By interacting there for just 30 minutes a day, he significantly boosted connections and created new business opportunities.

They also stress the value of joining conversations without immediately pitching—just genuinely engaging first. Tools like Seamless.ai are recommended for finding email contacts when LinkedIn messages don’t get responses.

Another pro tip: pass on credit card fees (3%) to customers in B2B settings. Dave reports zero pushback when doing so and shares how credit card reward points made such fees worth paying in his own car purchase experience.

The show wraps with a powerful conversation about imposter syndrome. Shannon recounts chatting with a billionaire who admired Shannon’s freedom-focused “lifestyle business.” This conversation reminded both hosts (and listeners) that success is subjective—wealth isn’t just about money but also about time, freedom, and joy. The key takeaway: compare yourself only to your past self, not others.

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