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Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem
Most small business owners reach for AI before they know what problem they're trying to solve — and that's why they quit a week later. The fix is a different starting point.
In this episode, I'll walk through why "open ChatGPT and figure it out" is the wrong way to start with AI, and what to do instead: pick one repetitive task in your business, use AI to create a first draft, and refine from there. I'll also cover why prompting is a learnable skill (not a personality trait), why the "I automated my whole business with AI" posts are misleading, and how to think about your first month with AI like an on-ramp instead of a cliff.
This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.
After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible — and 30+ years writing code, starting at age 12 — I've watched plenty of people fail with new tools by starting with the tool instead of the problem. AI is no different. This is the on-ramp that actually works.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Why most small business owners get stuck with AI
0:49 The mistake: opening AI without a clear problem to solve
1:35 Step 1: Pick one repetitive task in your business
2:20 Step 2: Use AI for a first draft, not the final product
3:35 Why your "polish" still matters
3:45 Step 3: Don't expect perfection on the first try
4:35 Prompting is a learnable skill
5:10 Ignore the "I automated everything" hype
5:45 The on-ramp metaphor: starting slow is normal
6:20 How small wins compound into real leverage
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 4 Jobs You Shouldn't Trust AI With (and 3 You Should) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQdxM05GCo
🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Tell If AI Is a Fad or a Real Shift - https://youtu.be/xYY4HccJi2A?si=pbipRhdKdukQT6NY
ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:
A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.
Episode 394
🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/
#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
View all episodes
By Jason McKenzie
5
33 ratings
Most small business owners reach for AI before they know what problem they're trying to solve — and that's why they quit a week later. The fix is a different starting point.
In this episode, I'll walk through why "open ChatGPT and figure it out" is the wrong way to start with AI, and what to do instead: pick one repetitive task in your business, use AI to create a first draft, and refine from there. I'll also cover why prompting is a learnable skill (not a personality trait), why the "I automated my whole business with AI" posts are misleading, and how to think about your first month with AI like an on-ramp instead of a cliff.
This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.
After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible — and 30+ years writing code, starting at age 12 — I've watched plenty of people fail with new tools by starting with the tool instead of the problem. AI is no different. This is the on-ramp that actually works.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Why most small business owners get stuck with AI
0:49 The mistake: opening AI without a clear problem to solve
1:35 Step 1: Pick one repetitive task in your business
2:20 Step 2: Use AI for a first draft, not the final product
3:35 Why your "polish" still matters
3:45 Step 3: Don't expect perfection on the first try
4:35 Prompting is a learnable skill
5:10 Ignore the "I automated everything" hype
5:45 The on-ramp metaphor: starting slow is normal
6:20 How small wins compound into real leverage
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 4 Jobs You Shouldn't Trust AI With (and 3 You Should) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQdxM05GCo
🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Tell If AI Is a Fad or a Real Shift - https://youtu.be/xYY4HccJi2A?si=pbipRhdKdukQT6NY
ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:
A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.
Episode 394
🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/
#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing