Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Discover the stark contrasts of wealth and poverty in St. Lucia, where locals rely on entrepreneurship as a vital survival skill. Hear how a blue-collar mindset can elevate white-collar businesses and the importance of manual understanding before automating tasks. The hosts stress that true growth comes from hard work and maintaining simplicity in business. They also discuss how AI and automation should come only after mastering the basics, highlighting the need to respect the hustle in any entrepreneurial journey.

In Episode 651 of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon dive into the concept of a “credibility funnel”—a precursor or complement to the traditional sales funnel. Shannon emphasizes how today’s AI tools can elevate a business’s professional image, especially through visual storytelling. He shares how he uses Napkin.ai to visualize abstract business ideas like credibility, customer service, unfair advantage, and storytelling, making complex concepts easier to communicate and more engaging for clients and newsletter readers. They also explore AI-powered customer support, spotlighting Gumroad’s use of Helper AI to send highly relevant and personalized responses to podcast outreach. Dave praises the system’s ability to recognize context and deliver human-like interaction while being completely automated. Shannon and Dave agree that tools like these now allow small businesses to offer enterprise-level support and engagement—once impossible for solo entrepreneurs. Finally, the episode wraps with a real-world win: Dave recounts how ChatGPT helped him recover a $37,000 IRS check by coaching him through the phone support maze during tax season. The key takeaway? Treat AI like an executive assistant—ready to guide, solve niche problems, and support your operations. Just be mindful when inputting sensitive data, especially if it involves clients or employees. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #651 for Casual Friday, May 23rd, 2025 May 23rd: National Road Trip Day 00:01:06 BB Review: voncompton 00:02:01 Before you build a sales funnel, build your credibility funnel Business Brain 259 about Credibility Funnels Using Napkin.AI to create your Creditbility Funnel visualization 00:08:25 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:07 SPONSOR: NordLayer – NordLayer is network security for modern businesses. Save up to 22% off NordLayer at NordLayer.com/brain and use code BRAIN for an extra 10% off. 00:11:35 FridAI FileMaker Gumroad using Helper AI Support Agent for Instant Responses 00:17:17 I got my IRS check! Use AI as your assistant 00:20:50 Business Brain 651 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post The Credibility Funnel + FridAI – Business Brain 651 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In Episode 650 of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon welcome guest Michael Greenberg from 3rd Brain to explore the essential but often overlooked world of digital operations. Michael explains that before companies dive into AI and automation, they need to establish solid foundations—clear processes, documented operations, and organized data. His firm focuses on getting businesses “AI-ready” by standardizing internal workflows, integrating tools effectively, and building a unified data structure. This strategic groundwork is crucial, especially for older, legacy businesses that haven’t evolved digitally in decades. The conversation touches on common pitfalls, like SMBs being distracted by shiny new SaaS tools or attempting to implement tech solutions before fixing underlying operational issues. Michael urges business owners to simplify—stick to one productivity suite, create naming conventions, build templates, and focus on consistency. He also shares his approach to AI-assisted writing, where he provides structure, examples, and data, then uses AI to fill in the connective tissue—saving time but still requiring human oversight to polish. The episode wraps with advice on productizing internal tools and resisting the temptation to overcomplicate. As Shannon and Dave reflect on their own experiences with fragmented systems and underutilized tools, they agree that standardization, clarity, and operational discipline are what allow businesses to scale effectively and avoid chaos. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #650 for Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 May 21st: International Tea Day 00:01:22 Guest Co-host: Michael Greenberg from 3rd Brain Shannon’s Tribe Business Group on X Third Brain provides Digital Operations (and AI and automation… just a few steps earlier) I want to build businesses that fit an existing budget line item 00:07:11 Evolving a (family) real estate business 00:09:00 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:44 SPONSOR: NordLayer – NordLayer is network security for modern businesses. Save up to 22% off NordLayer at NordLayer.com/brain and use code BRAIN for an extra 10% off. 00:12:12 Writing a book with AI Garbage in, Garbage Out – GET YOUR DATA RIGHT 00:15:31 Simplify your business FIRST 00:19:28 Productize your internal tools 00:21:55 Business Brain 650 Outtro Follow Michael Greenberg 3rd Brain @gentoftech on X Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post You Need a 3rd Brain with Michael Greenberg – Business Brain 650 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In Episode 649 of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon focus on the power of consistency and content creation in modern business. Kicking off with a listener email about the value of handwritten thank-you notes, they stress the importance of thoughtful outreach and relationship-building. From there, they segue into a deeper discussion on how every business is now in the content business, whether they realize it or not. Content isn’t just about marketing—it attracts clients, builds brand awareness, and even draws in potential employees. The hosts emphasize that consistency beats quality when it comes to content performance on social media. Platforms favor creators who post regularly because it signals commitment, reducing the risk for the algorithm to promote your content. They encourage business owners to focus on one platform at a time, master it, and avoid spreading themselves too thin unless they have the team to manage engagement genuinely across multiple channels. They also share practical advice: save every piece of content you create into a “content library,” reuse old posts as your audience grows, and use tools like Opus.pro and Loom to generate and repurpose video content. The key takeaway? Start now, even if it’s messy. Authenticity, consistency, and strategic content reuse will compound over time to grow your presence and business impact. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #649 for Casual Friday, May 16th, 2025 May 16th: National Pizza Party Day 00:01:14 David-Treat Everyone like a customer…with a handwritten note! 00:02:54 Every Business is now in the content business 00:05:35 Consistency matters more than being on the right platform. Which platform(s) is(are) right for your business? 00:10:25 Build a content library Social media is like a parade 00:12:12 SPONSOR: NordLayer – NordLayer is network security for modern businesses. Save up to 22% off NordLayer at NordLayer.com/brain and use code BRAIN for an extra 10% off. 00:13:50 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:15:21 FridAI Shannon resale video content Opus.pro Loom 00:17:51 Using multiple platforms (im)properly 00:21:14 Experiment with timelapse videos 00:23:50 Business Brain 649 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Every Business is in the Content Business + FridAI – Business Brain 649 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In Episode 648 of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon dive into the evolving landscape of education and its impact on entrepreneurship and the workforce. Shannon shares a conversation with a colleague who helps businesses start trade schools—not just for profit, but to solve hiring challenges. These businesses leverage trade schools to train workers in-house, tap into government retraining grants, and recruit top-performing students directly into their companies. It’s a strategic move that creates a powerful competitive advantage and highlights how alternative education models are disrupting the traditional four-year college path. The hosts discuss the diminishing ROI of expensive college degrees and spotlight faster, more affordable ways to gain credentials, like six-month accredited programs targeted at working adults, veterans, and healthcare professionals. Dave shares personal stories, including how his son bypassed degree barriers by proving himself through an internship, and how he himself built businesses without finishing college. They agree the system is undergoing a fundamental shift, driven not by institutions but by market needs and entrepreneurial innovation. They close by critiquing the entrenched education establishment, especially in states like California, where union influence and bloated administration hinder meaningful reform. Despite institutional resistance, Dave and Shannon remain optimistic about the role of trade schools, micro-schools, and AI-powered learning in reshaping the future of education—and opening doors for entrepreneurs to lead the way. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #648 for Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 May 14th: Root Canal Appreciation Day 00:02:24 Trade School as a recruiting tool. 00:07:37 SPONSOR: NordLayer – NordLayer is network security for modern businesses. Save up to 22% off NordLayer at NordLayer.com/brain and use code BRAIN for an extra 10% off. 00:09:14 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:45 Backdooring College Degree Requirements Excelsior College (online) High School Juniors working in the trades 00:21:35 Business Brain 648 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post The EDU Episode – Business Brain 648 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

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. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #647 for Casual Friday, May 9th, 2025 May 9th: Tear The Tags Off The Mattress Day 00:01:54 n-ars56-v7v-What will happen to paid search ads now that we all use genAI? ChatGPT adding Shopify to chat 00:06:15 Create a GPT about you! “I want you to talk and think like I do. If I upload 100+ Word documents that I have written. Can you create a GPT and analyze what I have?” 00:09:35 SPONSOR: Square. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/brain  #squarepod #ad 00:11:10 SPONSOR: SoundSource gives you app-level audio effects and controls for any app on your Mac! Visit MacAudio.com/Brain and use code BRAIN to save 20. 00:12:30 Upgrading ChatGPT “Given what you know about me, please give me your top 5 examples of why I would want to upgrade to the $200/month ChatGPT account. Prioritize them bringing me short-term value.” “It seems like we might be missing something that could truly be its own business using ChatGPT Operators. Ideas?” 00:15:03 Fiverr CEO on AI 00:16:52 Business Brain 647 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI – ShannonGPT + Shopify – Business Brain 647 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

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. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #646 for Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 00:01:17 May 7th: National Homebrew Day Mr. Beer Untappd Pinter Quick Tips 00:05:39 Mix in client reviews and testimonials with your photos 00:07:04 When negotiating a large transaction using attorneys, make a prediction up front “Presuasion” 00:10:23 SPONSOR: Square. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/brain  #squarepod #ad 00:11:58 SPONSOR: SoundSource gives you app-level audio effects and controls for any app on your Mac! Visit MacAudio.com/Brain and use code BRAIN to save 20. 00:13:17 Working Agreement It’s a test! The Friendship Clause Heavy equipment business for toddlers! 00:20:14 Business Brain 646 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post The Agreement that Saves Partnerships – Business Brain 646 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

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. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #645 for Casual Friday, May 2nd, 2025 May 2nd: International Scurvy Awareness Day (also National Truffle Day?) 00:01:33 Watching ourselves on our own screens is distracting  00:05:35 Strategy is choosing what NOT to do Guy Kawasaki with Debbie Millman 00:09:37 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “brain”, available for the first 30 purchases only. 00:11:27 Using ChatGPT to rename Mac Geek Gab From “Mac Geek Gab — Your Questions Answered, Tips Shared, Troubleshooting Assistance” to “Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting” 00:13:25 Using ChatGPT for tech support can be great 00:17:00 But it also lies… 00:18:16 Typeset.com  00:20:25 Business Brain 645 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Strategy is Choosing What Not to Do + FridAI – Business Brain 645 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

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. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #644 for Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 April 30th: International Jazz Day 00:01:30 Shannon uses Insta360’s webcam 00:01:58 Leveraging your ADHD superpowers Hyperfocus Distractibility Reality Distortion (in a positive way) Pomodoro Method on Business Brain 00:13:27 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your X5 purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “brain”, available for the first 30 purchases only. 00:15:16 The act of trying too hard is a sign of weakness The real imposters never experience the syndrome Quiet confidence vs. cockiness 00:19:33 Business Brain 644 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain   The post Leveraging your ADHD Superpower – Business Brain 644 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

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. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #643 for Casual Friday, April 25th, 2025 April 25th: International Financial Independence Awareness Day FridAI 00:01:07 ChatGPT Taught me How to Solve my Problem Calling the IRS 00:11:09 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:12:41 SPONSOR: Insta360 X5 Camera. To bag a free invisible selfie stick worth US$24.99 with your purchase, head to store.insta360.com and use the promo code “brain”, available for the first 30 purchases only. 00:14:11 Find the Third Door LinkedIn Rebecca Michals, eBay Director of Community on Business Brain 00:21:39 If You Want More, Do More 00:23:12 Business Brain 643 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI + The 3rd Door – Business Brain 643 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.