Small Business Big AI

The deal room is where businesses rise… or collapse.Whether you’re buying a company, signing a lease, or just negotiating with a vendor, the stakes are high — and the old ways of due diligence aren’t enough.

In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim shares her real-world story of scouting office space for her new AAA agency — and how AI helped her see the red flags before locking into a deal. Joined by strategist Hal, they break down the Predict → Generate → Automate playbookand the Red Flag Radar (Compliance • Customers • Cash), showing how to use AI as a spotlight to expose hidden risks, protect your margins, and make better business decisions.

This isn’t about replacing human judgment — it’s aboutamplifying it. And with the tidal wave of Baby Boomer business exits underway, the winners will be those who walk into the deal room with clarity, not chaos.

You’ll Learn

1.      How AI transforms due diligence for acquisitions, leases, and vendor deals.

2.      The Predict → Generate → Automate playbook for smarter business strategy.

3.      How to build a simple Red Flag Radar (Compliance, Customers, Cash) to avoid costly mistakes.

Ready to Take Action?

• Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private Community
• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!
• Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Google changed the rules. SEO is shifting. Here’s howsmall businesses can win before the big brands even catch up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Google’s new AI-powered search isn’t just changingvisibility—it’s redistributing it. And small business owners who understand the shift can turn panic into positioning.

In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal break down:

• Why AI Overviews are eating clicks and what that means for your traffic
• How to shift from SEO-only strategy to a DiscoveryPortfolio
• Why your Google Business Profile is more powerful than ever
• How to turn one customer win into three surfaces of visibility (Shorts, email, and GBP messaging)
• The role of AI in amplifying your voice—not replacing it

Whether you're a solopreneur, consultant, agency owner,or local brand, this episode will give you a playbook to stay visible, connect faster, and hedge against disruption.

Featured Strategy Concepts:

• “Discovery Portfolio” Framework: Reach, Relationship, Retention
• First-Mover Advantage in the AI search era
• From Clicks to Conversations: Redefining what a lead looks like
• Why AI favors authority + authenticity—and how to signal both

Tools + Mentions:

• Google AI Overviews
• Google Business Profile (GBP)
• YouTube Shorts / Google Shorts
• Nano Banana + Gemini image tools
• IMPACT Framework (Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join ourPrivate Community)
• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!

Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Feeling invisible in a noisy marketplace? You’re not alone. Millions of small businesses are competing for the same customers, but here’s the secret: survival isn’t about going bigger—it’s about getting sharper.

In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal reveal how AI helps you stop fighting over scraps in the crowded ocean and start owning your own pond—a hyper-niche where you become the go-to authority.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Goldilocks Niche Framework: How to find the market that’s “just right” for your business.
• AI as Your Insurance Policy: Using AI to spot trends, track conversations, and pivot before the big brands even notice.
• Micro-Influencers = Mayors of Small Towns: Why they’re more powerful (and cost-effective) than celebrity endorsements.
• From Idea to Validation: How to test your business concept with AI before spending a single dollar.

Why This Matters Now:

With tariffs, inflation, and economic uncertainty puttingnearly 40% of small businesses at risk, playing it safe by being “generic” is the fastest road to failure. In today’s market, niching down is survival—and AI is the compass that helps you navigate.

Challenge of the Week:

Jump into a social media community in your industry. Use AI (even a smart ChatGPT prompt) to uncover one recurring frustration no one is solving. That’s your first step toward finding your pond.

Listen If You’re:

• A small business owner tired of being invisible online.
• A solopreneur overwhelmed by “do it all” advice.
• An entrepreneur ready to turn AI into a competitive edge, not another tech headache.

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to own your pond, build trust fast, and thrive in a tightening economy.

Subscribe & Review
If this episode sparked an idea, share it with another entrepreneur who needs it. Don’t forget to hit subscribe and drop a quick review—it helps more small business owners discover how to build their own technology-enabled superpower.

Ready to Take Action?

• Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private Community

• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!
• Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Tariffs are spiking, supplier prices are jumping, and small business owners are feeling the squeeze. In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal bring Olivia, our solopreneur persona, to the Coffee Table to face a real scenario: what happens when supplier costs jump 30%overnight?

You’ll discover how AI isn’t just about working faster —it’s about making your business safer. From spotting storms early, to modeling the financial impact, to acting with clarity, this episode delivers a practical AI playbook for surviving and thriving when margins are under fire.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use AI tools to detect supplier price hikes before they hit your bottom line.
• Ways AI can model “what-if” scenarios in seconds(no spreadsheets required).
• How AI can suggest safer, smarter moves — fromsuppliers to promotions.
• Why small steps with AI lead to big shifts in business resilience.

Don’t just hustle harder. Learn how to think better with AI as your business safety net.

Subscribe & Share: Don't miss out on future episodes of Small Business Big AI. Subscribe on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.

Ready to Take Action?

• Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private Community

• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!
• Ask us about the IMPACT Framework—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.

---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

If you think “someday” is the right time to start your business, think again—someday is here. In this high-voltage episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal break down why this is the most opportunity-rich moment in modern history for entrepreneurs… and why waiting could cost you everything.

From tearing down the old barriers to entry, to automating the busywork that drains your energy, to tapping into high-level expertise once reserved for Fortune 500 giants—this isn’t just about starting a business. It’s about joining a movement. A movement where small, smart, and strategic beats big and bloated every time.

By the end, you’ll know how to start turning your ideas into action—fast—so you can step into your technology-enabled superpower and claim your spot in the entrepreneurial revolution.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The perfect storm that’s making entrepreneurship more accessible—and more profitable—than ever.
• How AI and automation are bulldozing the old barriers to entry.
• The most common (and costly) mistakes small business owners are making with AI right now.
• Why automation of the mundane is the secret weapon for reclaiming your time and energy.
• How to access big company expertise without the big company budget.
• The mindset shift that lets you scale without scaling your headaches.
• Your one-week challenge to join the movement and start building your technology-enabled superpower.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lewis-howard
• Follow Hal on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/halhoward
• Hashtag your challenge wins: #SmallBusinessBigAI

Tools to explore for this week’s challenge:

o   ChatGPT — Content creation, research, automation ideas.

o   Zapier — Workflow automation for repetitive tasks.

o   Canva — Fast, AI-powered design.

o   Otter.ai — Automated transcription & meeting notes.

Episode CTA:
Your challenge this week: Pick one repetitive task in your business and automate it using AI. When you do, DM Kim on LinkedIn or tag it with #SmallBusinessBigAI. Your win could inspire another entrepreneur to step into their technology-enabled superpower.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Ever feel like you're stuck doing intern-level tasks in your own business? In this unforgettable, story-driven episode, Kim walks you through a real-life transformation—from administrative chaos and chargeback panic to clarity and control—all powered by AI.

This week, we're not just talking about AI tools. We're showing you how to fire the intern and hire the assistant—without adding headcount. Whether you're tired of sorting emails, chasing customer refunds, or cleaning up after your overworked team, this is your moment to reclaim your CEO mindset.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI can automate repetitive admin tasks (likeinbox sorting, social scheduling, and invoice generation)
• How to set up AI-powered systems to defendyour business from chargebacks and disputes
• Why mindset—not just technology—is the trueunlock for small business growth
• A dramatized, Shonda-style audio story thatbrings these lessons to life with humor, tension, and real-world stakes

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – The Friday Breakdown: Chaos, chargebacks, and intern mayhem
• 10:00 – Enter the AI Assistant: Tools that work while you rest
• 20:00 – The CEO Comeback: One shift that changedeverything

Tools Mentioned in This Episode:

1.      ChatGPT [https://chatgpt.com/]
Your always-on writing assistant. Use it to auto-draft emails, generate social media posts, create newsletter content, and more.

2.      SaneBox [https://www.sanebox.com/]
Email inbox management powered by AI. It sorts unimportant emails into folders and prioritizes what matters—saving you hours every week.

3.      Zapier [https://zapier.com/]
The ultimate automation tool that connects your apps and workflows. Use it to create automations like “if someone books a meeting, send a follow-up email.”

4.      Stripe Radar [https://stripe.com/radar]
An AI-powered fraud detection system for Stripe users. It monitors and flags suspicious activity on your transactions in real-time to help reduce chargebacks.

5.      Notion [https://www.notion.com/]
Your second brain for organizing customer data, receipts, content plans, and chargeback documentation. Bonus: integrates beautifully with Zapier.

Challenge of the Week:

Pick one intern-level task you've been doing far too long—drafting emails, posting on social, or processing refunds. Fireyourself from it.

Then choose one AI tool to take it over.

Tag @SmallBusinessBigAI on LinkedIn and use the hashtag #FiredTheIntern to share what you automated!

Subscribe & Share: Don't miss out on future episodes of Small Business, Big AI. Subscribe on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellowentrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.

Ready to Take Action?

• Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private Community

• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!

• Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & HowardHoldings, Inc.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Two entrepreneurs. Same resources. Same goals. Verydifferent results.

In the final episode of our Mindset & Messaging mini-series, Kim and Hal expose the pivotal mindset shift separating thebusiness owners who scale from the ones who stall. If you’ve been burned out, buried in busywork, or hesitant to fully embrace AI—this episode is your rally cry.

Because this isn’t about tech skills. It’s about identity.

In this high-impact finale, you’ll discover:

• Why grit is no longer your greatest asset (and what is)
• The difference between “chief doer” and “business architect”
• What it really means to be a technology-enabledentrepreneur in 2025
• How to build leverage that leads to freedom—notmore complexity
• The 4-part framework to scale without burnout

This episode will challenge you. Inspire you. And most importantly—it will equip you to lead your business into the AI-powered future with clarity and confidence.

Resources & Links:

• Share the movement on LinkedIn: “I’m building a technology-enabled superpower. Are you?”

• Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private Community

• Have a question or an AI success story? DM us onLinkedIn or Facebook!
• Ask us about the IMPACT Framework course—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.

If you loved this episode: Leave a review, share it with your fellow business owners, and tag Kim to let her know you’ve joined the movement. Because the future of your business is bigger than you think. And the steps you take today will shape the legacy you build tomorrow.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Feeling behind on AI? You’re not alone—and you’re notfailing.
In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal dive deep into the real reason so many small business owners hesitate to adopt AI… and spoiler alert: it's not the tech.

It’s fear.It’s identity.It’s the deep emotional friction that comes with changing the way you work, lead, and show up.

Through the relatable story of “Mark”—a seasoned business owner stuck in outdated systems—you’ll uncover the silent ways hesitation is sabotaging growth and how micro-actions can build the courage to move forward.

You'll learn:

• Why AI hesitation has nothing to do with intelligence or ambition
• The 3-part “Fear-to-Action Blueprint” to shift from stuck to scalable
• How to become a technology-enabled superpowerwithout losing your personal touch
• The truth about what separates AI-literate leaders from the rest (hint: it’s not coding skills)

This isn’t about tools. It’s about transformation—starting with a single, brave step.

Challenge of the Week

Find one task you’ve been doing manually—out of habit orfear—and hand it to AI this week. Then tag us or DM Kim with your story using #AIBraveMove on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.

We’ll share a few of our favorite breakthroughs in next week’s episode!

Subscribe + Share

If this episode gave you clarity, courage, or just a goodlaugh (looking at you, pirate voice AI), subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us empower more small business owners like you to thrive in the AI era.

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

Welcome to Small Business Big AI! In this powerful third episode of our Mindset & Messaging summer series, Kim and Hal dive deep into the mindset shift every small business owner needs to survive and thrive in the AI era.

Are you still stuck wearing the “chief doer” hat — grinding, hustling, and managing every detail? It’s time to trade it forthe “chief architect” hat and start leading like a transformer. This episode exposes the 7 hidden technician traps that cause most AI projects to stall or fail — and shares how to avoid them with city-planner precision.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The real reason 70% of AI pilot projects never make a dime — and how to avoid this costly pitfall.
• Why data quicksand can sink your AI efforts before they even start — plus practical tips to clean up your data and get solid footing.
• How chasing shiny demos leads to Proof-of-Concept Purgatory — and why budgeting rollout at launch is your secret weapon.
• The Talent Illusion: Why weekend YouTube tutorials won’t cut it and how to onboard AI talent withoutbreaking the bank.
• The costly Trust Gap—what happens when AI mishaps destroy customer confidence and how transparency can save your reputation.
• How to build governance and cyber defenses tailored for small businesses without drowning in red tape.
• The financial trap of vendor lock-in and cloud costs — and strategies to keep your AI infrastructure flexible and affordable.
• The critical Credibility Cliff—why one PR blunder can topple your entire AI skyline, and how to prepare for rapid recovery.

Why you can’t afford to miss this episode

If you’re still firefighting, buried in data chaos, or chasing the latest shiny AI tools without a clear plan—this episode is yourwake-up call. Kim and Hal bring the tough truths, practical solutions, and real-world stories (including Jordan’s journey) to help you build an AI strategy that’s scalable, sustainable, and profitable.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Kim’s signature IMPACT Framework and how it can guide your AI journey: DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!

• Book a 15-minute AI strategy session with Hal — limited availability to help you blueprint your next quarter: DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!

• YouGov U.S. National Trust in AI Survey, 2025
• 
  eloitte “Gen-AI Risk Landscape” Report, 2025

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/

The AI era isn’t coming. It’s here—and it’s already rewriting the rules of business. So, the question isn’t if you should adopt AI—it’s how fast your competitors already have.

In this episode, Kim and Hal cut through the noise to reveal what’s actually happening behind the scenes for small business owners in today’s AI-driven marketplace.

✅ Feeling overwhelmed by AI hype?✅ Wondering how to stay competitive without losing your soul?✅ Curious how real small businesses are using AI right now to gain an edge?

This episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• Why “AI won’t take your job, but someone using it will” isn’t just a clever line—it’s a hard truth
• A hilarious (and disturbingly accurate) cameo from our Sassy AI co-host 👀
• What Gary Vee says about search, disruption, and the real edge: human spirit
• How vibe coding is unlocking custom tool creation—no dev team required
• 300 million jobs disrupted? What that really means for solopreneurs and founders
• The 3 future-proof skills every entrepreneur must develop in 2025
• Introducing the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)
• How to stop chasing shiny tools and start using AI strategically
• PLUS: 3 rapid-fire power moves to test AI in your business this week

Featured Framework: SBTM

The Small Business Transformation Model isn’t just another acronym—it’s your new AI-powered playbook. From mindset shifts to automation audits, this 5-step model helps small business owners build systems that scale.

✳️ Want a guided walkthrough?  Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.

Mentioned:

• Gary Vaynerchuk on AI search and intuition
• Marc Andreessen’s “Vibe Coding” and the end of technical gatekeeping
• Goldman Sachs report on job displacement & AI
• Prompt engineering & the rise of AI communication roles
• Current trends: layoffs, college enrollment drop, skilled trades boom

🎓 NEW: Learn to Talk to AI Like a Pro

Want to master prompt engineering without needing acomputer science degree? Enroll in Kim’s signature course: "From Overwhelmed to Empowered" Learn the IMPACT Framework and how to use AI to reclaim your time, sharpen your strategy, and grow your business. 👉 Request to Join our Private Community

Love the Show? Here’s How to Support:Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!

Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur; Tag us @SmallBusinessBigAI on LinkedIn; DM Kim your #1 AI challenge and she just might feature your question in an upcoming episode

Episode Quote to Share:

“AI won’t replace you. But someone using AI—strategically, intentionally, creatively—absolutely will.”

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Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/