In his first Solo Sunday of 2026, Brian Lofrumento shares his biggest and most urgent prediction for the year: AI is no longer an early-adopter advantage; it’s rapidly becoming the bare minimum for business viability. Using a powerful analogy from the rise of the internet, Brian explains how we’ve reached a tipping point where not using AI won't just slow you down—it will actively penalize you and leave you behind. He breaks down the four key areas of your business that will be most affected and provides a clear-eyed perspective on why this shift isn't about being replaced, but about keeping pace in a world where momentum now matters more than ever.

✨ Why This Matters for You

Understanding this shift is critical for your survival and growth:

It’s about viability, not just advantage. Your competitors are already using AI, and customer expectations are shifting rapidly.
AI is becoming "assumed infrastructure" like a website or email. Operating without it will make your business seem outdated and inefficient.
It directly impacts your bottom line, from customer response times and content visibility to your own operational sanity as a founder.
You haven't missed the boat yet, but the window is closing. Now is the time to build momentum, not wait to be the last one to adapt.

📝 Key Takeaways

The Website Parallel: In the early 2000s, websites were optional. Today, a business without one is invisible. AI is following the exact same trajectory.
Advantage vs. Penalty: The conversation around AI has shifted. In 2026, you won’t be rewarded for using AI; you’ll be penalized for not using it.
Customers Won't Wait: AI-enabled businesses offer instant support. If your response time is measured in days, customers will simply go elsewhere without telling you why.
Content and Visibility: AI allows your competition to create 5-10x more content. Without it, you're fighting for visibility with one hand tied behind your back.
Ease Your Mental Load: As a founder, you're already stretched thin. AI is a critical tool for automating operations and freeing up your mental energy for high-level strategy.
It's Not Too Late (But Act Now): It’s no longer about being first. It's about not being last. Building momentum now is the key to staying in the game.

🚀 Put It Into Action

This week, conduct an honest AI audit of your business:

Identify the single biggest manual bottleneck in your operations. Could an AI tool help automate or streamline it?
Look at your customer response process. Where could AI provide faster, more efficient answers to common questions?
Pick one area—show notes, social media posts, email newsletters—and experiment with using AI to speed up your content creation this week.
Don't aim for perfection. The goal is to start moving and build momentum.

🔗 Stay Connected

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