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Artificial Intelligence isn't here to replace great business owners - it's here to make them better!

In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares a practical approach to using AI to create a better customer experience while keeping the human connection at the center of your business. Instead of fearing automation, learn how to leverage AI to save time, improve communication, build stronger customer relationships, and ultimately increase sales.

The businesses that win won't be the ones using the most AI. They'll be the ones using AI to create more meaningful interactions.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why AI should enhance, not replace, the customer experience
• How first impressions online determine whether customers choose you
• The importance of acknowledging customers immediately
• Why collecting your own customer data is more valuable than social media followers
• How AI can automate lead generation and customer communication
• Creating a sales funnel that nurtures prospects without addint more work
• The importance of fast, reliable follow-up
• Why integrity matters in every customer interaction
• How to use customer feedback to improve your sales process
• The one thing AI can never replace: your personal story and passion
• Why authenticity is still your greatest competitive advantage

Key Takeaways:

• AI is a tool - not a strategy
• The best use of AI is creating systems that: 1) welcome new customers 2) capture valuable customer information 3) automate repetitive tasks 4) speed up communication 5) give business owners more time to build genuine relationships
• Technology can start the conversation, but people close the sale
• Customers buy from businesses they trust, and trust is built through authenticity, consistency, and follow through

Action Steps:

• This week, audit your customer journey by asking yourself:
  • How quickly do I acknowledge new leads?
  • Am I collecting customer data that I actually own?
  • Is my follow-up process timely and consistent?
  • Does my online messaging match the experience customers receive when they talk to me?
  • Where can AI save me time so I can spend more time building relationships?

Choose one area to automate this week while keeping your psersonal touch front and center.

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Every entrepreneur has a story, but sometimes the most powerful lessons aren't about business at all.

In this deeply personal episode, Kirsten Flory welcomes photographer and entrepreneur Carter Gaskins, owner of Gaskins Photography, to discuss how unimaginable personal tragedy shaped both his life and his business. Carter shares how the heartbreaking loss of his infant son inspired him to pick up a camera, ultimately transforming photography in a way to preserve precious moments for other families.

What begins as a conversation about entrepreneurship quickly becomes an honest discussion about grief, mental health, purpose and redefining success. Carter opens up about losing both his father and his son within a short period of time, burying his emotions for years, and eventually facing anxiety and depression after realizing grief doesn't simply disappear - it waits to be addressed.

Together, Kirsten and Carter discuss the pressures entrepreneurs place on themselves, why asking for help is a strength - not a weakness - and how success changes as we grow personally and professionally. Carter also shares why he founded Strong Mental Mindset, an initiative focused on encouraging conversations around mental health, particularly for men who often feel pressure to suffer in silence.

This episode is a reminder that behind every business is a human being navigating life's highs and lows. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, parent, or simply someone going through a difficult season, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and encouragement.

Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes our greatest purpose grows from our greatest pain
• Entrepreneurship can become both a calling and a coping mechanism
• Ignoring grief doesn't make it disappear - it often resurfaces later
• Success isn't measured only by income; it's measured by relationships, health, and fulfillment
• Mental health is the foundation of sustainable success
• Small daily actions can make a significant difference in healing
• Asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do
• Genuine human connection is essential for both personal and professional growth

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In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with Ryan Rains, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at the University of Kansas School of Business and a member of the Foundations Commercial Real Estate team, for a thought-provoking discussion about entrepreneurship, side hustles, career development and what success actually looks like.

Together, they explore why entrepreneurship has become such a powerful cultural movement, particularly among younger generations seeking greater control over their careers, income, and futures. They discuss the rise of side hustles, the influence of social media, the realities behind "overnight success," and the importance of building meaningful relationships and networks over time.

Ryan shares insights from working directly with aspiring entrepreneurs and explains why passion alone isn't enough to build a successful business. The conversation dives into the importance of solving real market problems, staying adaptable, and being willing to pivot when necessary.

Kirsten and Ryan also discuss:

• Why the marketplace - not passion alone - determines business viability
• The role of networking, mentorship, and relationship building
• Common misconceptions about entrepreneurship and wealth
• How social media can distort perceptions of success
• Why defining your personal "why" matters more than chasing money
• The value of diverse career experiences and transferable skills
• How volunteer work and community involvement can accelerate professional growth
• The opportunities AI may create for the next generation of business leaders
• Why curiosity may be one of the most valuable entrepreneurial traits of all

Whether you're launching a side hustle, growing a business, or simply exploring what's next in your career, this conversation offers practical insights and plenty of food for thought.

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In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the incredible entrepreneurial journey behind Nike through the bestselling memoir Shoe Dog by Phil Knight.

Most people see Nike as a global powerhouse, but few realize the company spent nearly 18 years fighting for survival before becoming a household name. Kirsten unpacks the lessons small business owners can learn from Phil Knight's relentless perseverance, willingness to take risks, and ability to stay committed to a vision even while living on the edge of financial ruin.

From selling track shoes out of the trunk of a car to building one of the most recognizable brands in the world, this episode explores:

• Why passion matters more than immediate success
• The importance of mentors and challengers in your life
• How surrounding yourself with the right people can shape your future
• Why niche focus can actually accelerate growth
• The risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
• What is means to "live on the float" while building a business
• How innovation and customer feedback drive long-term success
• Why questioning and challenging ideas inside your company is healthy
• The power of branding, partnerships, and culture

Kirsten also reflects on how entrepreneurs often face skepticism from family, friends, and society while pursuing unconventional dreams - and why persistence is often the difference between failure and breakthrough success.

If you've ever wondered whether your hard work is worth it, this episode is a reminder that some of the greatest success stories took years - sometimes decades, to become reality

Key Takeaways:

• Nike was not an overnight success - it took 18 years to break through
• Staying focused on a niche can create momentum before expansion
• Entrepreneurs need people around them who challenge their thinking
• Innovation often comes from listening closely to customer feedback
• Passion and perseverance are critical during difficult seasons of business
• Building a strong culture matters just as much as building revenue

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In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with communication expert and podcast host Chris Miller to break down one of the most overlooked - yet critical - business skills: communication.

Chris, host of Talk to Chris Miller and Talk to People Podcast, shares practical insights on how communication impacts leadership, sales, relationships, and everyday interactions.

From avoiding common communication mistakes to mastering meaningful conversations, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up how they connect wiht others.

Key Takeaways:

• The #1 Communication Mistake: Most people focus on themselves instead of their audience
• Clarity Over Complexity: Avoid the "curse of knowledge" - don't assume people understand what you do.
• Better Conversations Start with Better Questions: Don't be a "ZQ" (zero questions). Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions.
• Small is Powerful: It's not meaningless - it's the gateway to deeper, more meaningful conversations.
• Persuasion Framework for Business Owners: Build credibility, use logic, connect through emotion
• Conflict = Opportunity: Great communicators move past positions and uncover underlying interests.
• Why People Stay Quiet in Groups: Fear of being awkward, wrong, or judged holds people back.
• Communication is a Skill (Not Just Talent): It can absolutely be learned, practiced, and improved.

Practical Tips You can Apply Today

• Ask one more question in every conversation
• Slow down your speech - clarify beats speed
• Use bullet points instead of scripts when presenting
• Practice conversations in low-stakes environments
• Make eye contact and engage - even in everyday moments
• Don't avoid hard conversations - lean into them

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YouTube: Talk to Chris Miller

Podcast: Talk to People Podcast

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In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory challenges one of the most common myths in entrepreneurship: that you need money to start a business.

Spoiler alert - you don't.

What you do need is something far more valuable (and completely free): proof of concept.

Kirsten dives into why so many aspiring business owners skip this critical step and how it can make or break your success before you ever spend a dollar. She shared personal insights from building her commercial real estate brokerage, explaining how starting lean - and resisting the urge to overspend - allowed her business to grow strategically.

You'll also hear a candid (and slightly humorous) story about a business idea that didn't pass the test, and why that failure was actually a win.

This episode will help you:

• Understand what proof of concept really means
• Avoid the trap of relying on friends and family for validation
• Learn how to gather honest, actionable feedback
• Identify your true target customer
• Test your idea without wasting time or money
• Separate "people like it" from "people will pay for it"

If you're thinking about starting a business, or pivoting your current one, this episode will give you a practical, no-cost roadmap to validate your idea before investing in it.

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In this episode, Kirsten Flory dives into the hard truth that many businesses don't survive - and more importantly, why. While external factors can play a role, most business failures come down to three key areas: cash flow, market demand, and management. The good news? Two of those are fully within your control.

Kirsten shares real-world insights on how poor financial decisions, lack of planning, and ignoring market shifts can quietly put your business at risk. She also offers practical strategies to help you stay ahead, maintain control, and build a resilient business that can weather uncertainty.

If you want to avoid becoming part of the failure statistics, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• Cash Flow is King: without consistent cash flow, even profitable businesses can fail.
• Don't Overspend Early: Focus on function over aesthetics when launching or growing your business
• Every Expense Matters: Even small costs (like "ketchup-level" decisions) can impact profitability.
• Market Demand Shifts - Pay Attention: your customers, products, and delivery methods must evolve over time.
• Your Business Plan Isn't Static: Revisit and adjust it regularly - don't let it collect dust.
• Management Matters: Organization, financial visibility, and leadership are critical to survival.
• Track Everything: Know Your Numbers - cash in, cash out, pipeline, and projections.
• Prepare for the Worst: Scenario planning helps you pivot before it's too late.
• Act Early: The sooner you address challenges, the more options you have.

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While it may seem insigificant, the story of the penny reveals a crucial lesson for business owners. Originally valueable and practical, the penny ultimately became obsolete - costing more to produce than it was worth. Sound familiar?

Kirsten draws a direct parallel to what happens in many small businesses: strong sales, growing revenue, and busy operations...but little to no profit.

She breaks down why this happens and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways:

• Revenue doesn't always equal profit - just because your sales look strong, doesn't mean your business is healthy. If your cost of goods or services outweighs your pricing, you're operating at a loss - just like the penny!
• Question "The way it's always been done" - innovation happens when you challenge assumptions. Kirsten shares an example from Tesla, where rethinking production methods dramatically reduced costs without sacrificing quality.
• Understand Your True Costs - from materials and labor to software subscriptions and marketing spend, every cost matters. If you're not tracking them closely, it can quietly erode your margains.
• Be willing to adapt and pivot - holding onto a product or service just because it defines your brand can hold you back. If it's not profitable, it may be time to evolve.
• Develop an owners skillset- As an owner you must:
  • Be curious and ask questions
  • Get comfortable with risk
  • Wear multiple hats when needed
  • Balance strategic thinking with execution
• Know where your sales come from - analyze your past year:
  • Are your customers repeat, referral or new (and how did they hear about you)?
  • Which offerings are most profitable (not just popular)?
  • Where should you double down, or pull back?
• Focus on profit, not just growth - the goal isn't just to sell more, it's to keep more. Adjust pricing, packaging, or delivery methods to improve margains.

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As the first quarter of the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to evaluate your business goals. Are you tracking your progress - or simply hoping things work out? In this episode of The Small Business Mindset, Kirsten Flory shares five common habits that can quietly stunt business growth and how small business owners can shift their focus to build momentum instead.

Many entrepreneurs fall into patterss that feel productive, but ultimately limit their ability to grow. From failing to understand your top clients to spending too much time on strategy and not enough on sales, these habits can hold even the most dedicated business owners back. Kirsten breaks down practical ways to recognize these patterns and make simple adjustments that help your business thrive.

If you're serious about scaling your business in 2026, this episode will help you refocus on what truly drives growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify who your most valuable clients really are
• Stay connected to clients to understand how their needs are evolving
• Don't assume economic shifts determine your outcome - adapt and pivot instead
• Build your business around clear priorities and aligned decisions
• Remember: sales drives sustainability. If revenue isn't coming in, growth stops.

Connect with Kirsten Flory at:

www.kirstenflory.com

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What does it take to grow a business every single year, even through recession, mistakes and market shifts? In this episode, Kirsten Flory sits down with bestselling author, coach, and founder of The Massimo Group, Rod Santomassimo, to talk about sales, mindset, risk, failure, AI, social media and the real drivers behind sustainable growth.

From a painful (and hilarious) marketing typo that launched his coaching business...to doubling and tripling seven-figure incomes...Rod shares the frameworks that separate transactional operators from true business owners.

If you are building a small business, or thinking about it, this episode is packed with practical strategy and powerful mindset shifts.

Key Takeaways:

• Think like a business owner
• Failure is part of the formula
• Most people do social media wrong
• Answer these two questions: 1) Who do I serve? and 2) How do I serve them?
• The 3-Question sales framework

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