What if losing your Big 4 job wasn’t the end of your career… but the moment you finally took control of it?In this episode, we follow Becky, a former Big 4 consultant who went from 60-hour weeks and partner politics to running a $360K fractional executive practice—solo.No team.No burnout.No Big 4 badge.Just AI-powered leverage, smart workflows, and judgment that machines can’t replace.This is Part 3 of The Great Displacement series—and we’re pulling back the curtain on the Sovereign AI Stack that lets one consultant do the work of six.If you’re a displaced consultant, fractional executive, or small business owner wondering how AI actually changes the game—this is the episode you don’t skip.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ How a single consultant replaces an entire Big 4 delivery team✔️ The 3-tool AI stack powering a $30K/month solo practice✔️ Why AI didn’t replace Becky—but freed her✔️ The exact workflows Becky uses to deliver Big 4–level value to SMBs✔️ Why judgment, trust, and emotional intelligence are still wildly profitable✔️ How displaced consultants are capturing the SMB market right nowThe Sovereign AI Stack (Simple, Not Sexy—and That’sthe Point)Becky doesn’t run on 47 tools. She runs on three:1️⃣ AI Thinking Partner (ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini)• Financial analysis• Executive summaries• Proposals, roadmaps, action plans2️⃣ Client Command Center (Notion, Asana, ClickUp, or Monday)• Dashboards• Implementation plans• Meeting notes• Accountability tracking3️⃣ Automation Glue (Zapier or Make)• File routing• Notifications• Task updates• Zero admin chaosThis isn’t about tools. It’s about workflow design.Why Becky Still Gets Paid $12K/Month (Even With AI)AI can: Analyze, Draft, Summarize, AutomateAI cannot: Exercise judgment, Read the room, Build trust, Make the hard call, Say, “Let’s pause—what’s really going onhere?”That’s why Becky isn’t selling deliverables. She’s selling partnership.The Window Is Open (But Not Forever)We’re hosting a live LinkedIn event where we break down the full BMS Licensee Model—the exact framework Becky uses to build her fractional practice without starting from scratch. If you’re:· A displaced Big 4 / consulting professional· A fractional COO, CFO, or operator· A small business owner who needs real implementation help Just say: “Tell me more about the BMS Licensee Model.” ✦ DM Kim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lewis-howard/✦ DM Hal on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halhoward/ This episode is part of The Great Displacement series—a three-part exploration of how displaced Big 4 professionals and struggling SMB owners can solve each other's problems through fractional executive relationships powered by AI. ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
The $25,000 Binder That Changed NothingIt's 11 PM on a Tuesday. Mike sits alone in his convertedstorage room office, staring at a leather-bound binder with gold embossed lettering: "Five-Year Strategic Growth Plan." He paid $25,000 for this plan. Spent two months in planning sessions. Got a 47-page document with charts, timelines, financial projections—everything.And two years later? Not a single initiative has beenimplemented. Not one.This is the story of the implementation gap—the crisisplaguing small and medium-sized businesses where brilliant strategies die in drawers because no one knows how to execute them. And it's the story of why displaced Big 4 consultants like Becky are perfectly positioned to solve theexact problem that's keeping entrepreneurs like Mike up at night.Meet Mike: The Successful Owner Who's DrowningMeet Becky: The Displaced Consultant Who Can FixEverythingThe problem? Mike and Becky don't know each otherexists.What is the implementation gap and why does it matter?The implementation gap refers to the crisis where 90%of small business strategies fail—not because the strategy is bad, but because execution fails. According to research compiled from multiple sources:74% of strategic initiatives are never translated into concrete actions81% of organizations lack the accountability structures to ensure delivery68% of SMB owner time is spent firefighting urgent tactical crisesOnly 32% of time goes to strategic work Mike doesn't have a strategy problem. He has an executioninfrastructure problem. Until someone builds that infrastructure, his $25,000 binder is just expensive decoration.How do fractional executives actually connect with SMBclients?The episode reveals three proven connection scenarios:Scenario 1: The Warm IntroductionBecky reaches out to a former Big 4 client who moved to industry, asking who they know facing implementation challenges. The introduction creates instant credibility.Scenario 2: Content-Led PositioningBecky posts on LinkedIn about helping a manufacturing client implement their five-year plan in 8 months, detailing the process and $1.2M in operational efficiency gains. Mike sees it, stops scrolling, and thinks "That's exactly what I need."Scenario 3: Strategic OutreachBecky researches 10 manufacturing companies in the $5M-$15M range using her AI assistant. She sends Mike a personalized message diagnosing his exact problem: the tension between scaling operations and managing daily firefighting.The common thread? Becky doesn't pitch—she diagnoses. She doesn't say "Here's my background, hire me." She says"Here's the problem I solve. Do you have this problem?" Mike doesn't feel sold to. He feels understood.Modern AI technology stacks allow individual consultantsto automate business support functions, proposal generation, project documentation, and client communication that previously required teams of junior associates. This technological leverage transforms the economics of consulting, enabling experienced professionals to deliver comprehensive services independently.This episode is part of The Great Displacement series—a three-part exploration of how displaced Big 4 professionals and struggling SMB owners can solve each other's problems through fractional executive relationships powered by AI. Have a question or want details about our upcomingLinkedIn event for displaced consultants?✦ DM Kim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lewis-howard/✦ DM Hal on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halhoward/---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
The consulting world is experiencing a seismic shift, andthousands of Big 4 professionals are being quietly swept into what Kim and Hal call The Great Displacement. In this episode, we break down the real economic and AI-driven forces behind mass layoffs at Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, andEY, and why this moment is a once-in-a-generation turning point for displaced consultants. Through the story of “Becky” we explore the identity crisis, burnout loops, and psychological traps mid-career professionals face after asudden layoff and reveal the hidden opportunity waiting on the other side.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNRecognize the identity, status, and burnout patterns professionals face after displacement.Understand how AI is eliminating mid-level roles and creating demand for independent fractional executives.Learn how to reposition your skills for the small business market that desperately needs your expertise. RESOURCES & MENTIONSMarket references: WSJ, Financial Times, Bloomberg, ReutersSource Global Research (AI workforce impact)Fractional executive market data (industry reports) Have a question or want details about our upcomingLinkedIn event for displaced consultants?DM Kim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lewis-howard/DM Hal on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halhoward/--- This episode unpacks “The Great Displacement,” thestructural collapse happening across Big 4 consulting caused by AI, declining attrition, and shifts in service demand. Kim and Hal explain why thousands of consultant roles are being eliminated, what’s really driving layoffs at Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY, and how displaced professionals can transition into the rapidly growing fractional executive market. This episode is essential for consultants navigating layoffs, mid-career professionals affected by automation,and anyone seeking a path to independent, AI-enabled work.This episode answers questions such as:“Why are Big 4 consulting layoffs happening?”“What’s causing Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY to cut mid-level roles?”"How is AI impacting consultants and corporateprofessionals?”"What should a displaced consultant do next?”“How do I transition into fractional COO or fractional executive work?”“Is consulting still a stable career path in the AI era?”“How can AI help me build my own consultingpractice?”“How can I recover from burnout and identity loss after a layoff?”After listening, an audience member will be able to:Understand the economic and AI-driven forces causing mass consulting layoffs.Recognize the identity, status, and burnout patterns that emerge after displacement.Reframe a layoff as strategic liberation rather than personal failure.Identify the massive unmet demand for fractional executives in the SMB market.Map tangible next steps toward building an AI-enabled independent consulting practice.---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/---Big 4 layoffs, Deloitte layoffs, PwC workforce cuts, KPMGaudit layoffs, EY restructuring, consulting displacement, corporate attrition, AI job replacement, generative AI, small business operations, fractional COO model, fractional executive market, consulting burnout, career pivot, workforce automation, implementation gap, mid-career transition, independent consulting, sovereign practice model.
Is your small business ready for AI—or are you aboutto scale chaos?In this episode, Kim and Hal break down the AI Audit—astrategic 3-question framework that every legacy business must ask before implementing automation, AI tools, or tech upgrades.These aren't fluff questions. They’re the hard ones. The ones that expose operational gaps, team bottlenecks, and silent friction that's eroding trust with your customers and employees.If you've ever wondered:“Where do I even start with AI?”“Why does it feel like we’re busier but not moreprofitable?”“What’s holding us back from scaling the rightway?”This episode is your wake-up call—and your roadmap. What You’ll Learn:Why most AI investments fail to deliver ROI—andhow to avoid that trapHow to spot the manual tasks that are bottlenecking your growthThe difference between hindsight and real-timevisibilityHow hidden friction is costing you trust (and you don’t even know it)What makes legacy businesses uniquely powerful in the AI eraWhen AI actually helps—and when it’s just masking dysfunction What is the AI Audit for small businesses?The AI Audit is a 3-question diagnostic framework created by Kim & Hal Howard to help legacy businesses determine AI-readiness. It focuses on process clarity, visibility metrics, and friction points that affect trust and execution.Why do most legacy businesses struggle with AIimplementation?Because they try to automate before they document. Without clear systems, visibility, or defined processes, AI simply scales what’s broken.How can a small business use AI without losing itsculture?Start by auditing your internal systems. Clarify processes, eliminate friction, and use AI to amplify what’s already working—not replace what’s missing.Ready to future-proof your business the right way?Join the waitlist for our Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM) and start making small steps that lead to big changes:👉Add your name to the list now Looking for an interesting read to cozy up with thisholiday season?Check out my novel The Dawn of A.D.A.M. It’s got mystery, momentum, and just the right touch of tech intrigue. You can grab it on Amazon:👉 Buy and listen to “The Dawn of A.D.A.M.” Stay Connected✔️ Subscribe to Small Business Big AI wherever you listen✔️ Leave a review if this episode helped clarify your next step✔️ Share this episode with another business owner who’s feeling the tech pressure---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
I built an employee yesterday. In 45 seconds. For free.It's scanning commercial real estate in Florida right now. It knows zoning laws, traffic patterns, and lease rates better than any broker I've hired. And I didn't write a single line of code.For 15 years, we've been sold the Virtual Assistant dream: "Hire offshore labor for $5/hour. Hand over your inbox. Go sit on a beach."But you didn't buy freedom. You bought a management job.The era of the "Assistant" is dead. 2026 is the year of the Agent.In this episode, I'm showing you how to build AI agents that don't just talk—they DO. Agents that search, filter, analyze, and deliver completed work while you sleep.YOU'LL LEARN:→ The difference between a Chatbot and an Agent (and whyit matters for your business)→ My exact three-step blueprint for building AI agentswithout coding: The Audit: Find tasks with data movement but zero judgment The Architecture: Use "vibe coding" in Google AI Studio The Zero-Trust Test: Train agents to avoid costly hallucinations→ Why "alignment before automation" is the only way AI works long-term→ How I'm using agents to launch an insurance agency without burning out→ The SBTM 2.0 framework: Two layers that turn chaos intosovereigntyRAPID-FIRE Q&A: • How much does it cost to build an AI agent? (Answer: Zero to start)• Do you need to code? (Answer: No—just describe what you want) • What's the biggest mistake? (Answer: Trying to automate everything at once)Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook! ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/#AI agents #VirtualAssistant #Gemini3 #VibeCoding #SBTMframework #SmallBusinessAutomation #entrepreneurship #AI #consultants #coaches #solopreneurs #LakeNona #Orlando #insurance #LewisHowardAAAInsuranceAgencyofFlorida
Ever rolled out an AI tool… and everything seemed tocollapse in real time?Emails firing at the wrong customers. Tasks assigned to the wrong people. Ghost automations waking up at 6:47 AM. Team members confused. You stepping in as the human fire extinguisher—again.You’re not alone. And more importantly… it’s not thetool.In this episode, Kim and Hal unpack the hard truth mostowners miss:AI doesn’t break your business. AI reveals it.Fast. Brutally. And usually before you’ve had your first cup of coffee.If you’re an Olivia-style solopreneur feeling stretched thin… a Mike trying to modernize traditional operations… or an Alex working to build a resilient, future-proof organization… this episode lands right where you live.Together, Kim and Hal walk through:The three places misalignment shows up first when AI enters the chatWhy teams blame training, owners blame tools, and the real problem started months beforeHow to use alignment as your competitive advantage instead of your Achilles’ heelMike’s story—where a simple scheduling tool revealed a system crack he didn’t know existed If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only thing holding your business together… this one’s going to feel like oxygen.---Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your favorite platform.Leave a review, share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur, and help another owner avoid an AI misalignment meltdown. Join the AI Insiders Community for exclusive tools and resources.Have a question or a story? DM Kim on LinkedIn or Facebook! Want to go deeper? Ask about the IMPACT Framework or the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—your step-by-step path to alignment before automation.---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
Are you drowning in AI tools but seeing zero ROI?You're not alone. Every week brings a new "game-changing" AI tool, another LinkedIn post telling you you're falling behind, and more pressure to adopt before your competitors do. Buthere's what nobody tells you: You're not overwhelmed by AI. You're overwhelmed by decisions.In this episode of Small Business Big AI, hosts Kim and Hal Howard cut through the noise with a simple, strategic framework that helps you evaluate any AI tool in under 5 minutes.What You'll Learn:How to stop AI overwhelm using three simple questionsWhen to say no to AI tools—even when everyone else is using themWhat business fundamentals to fix before you automate anythingHow to choose AI tools that actually increase profit—not just productivityThe best way to measure AI ROI in one workflow—without a data science degreeFeatured Framework: The 3-Question AI Strategy FilterQuestion 1: Does this tool directly support my #1 priority?Question 2: Will my team actually use it within the next 14 days?Question 3: Can I measure success in ONE workflow?This filter removes 80% of AI overwhelm instantly—helpingyou avoid the Tool Treadmill and make confident, strategic decisions about technology adoption.Why This Episode Matters:According to Gartner, 80% of AI value loss comes frommissing organizational alignment—not bad technology. McKinsey reports that the highest-ROI teams invest heavily in change management and workflow redesign before selecting tools.Kim and Hal explain why AI doesn't fix broken businesses—it scales whatever you already are. Learn how to build thestrategic foundation that makes AI adoption actually work.About the Hosts:Kim and Hal Howard are business transformation strategists and the creators of SBTM 2.0 (Small Business Transformation Model), a proven framework that helps ambitious entrepreneurs stop reacting and start leading with AI-enhanced systems.Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.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.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
Your team is using AI right now—and you probably have no idea.From Canva to ChatGPT to Zapier, small business employees are quietly automating and creating with AI tools that were never approved, tracked, or reviewed.In this episode, Kim and Hal shine a light on Shadow AI—the silent wave of innovation happening behind your back—and why ignoring it is costing you time, trust, and money.Drawing insights from AI strategist Kristina Agustin (Southern Sky AI) and lessons from the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, they break down what every small business owner needs to know about compliance, leadership, and risk in the AI era.You’ll discover how to:✅ Spot hidden AI tools in your business (and stop data leaks before they start)✅ Write a “good enough” AI policy in under an hour✅ Lead innovation without killing creativityBecause if you’re not leading AI adoption in your company—you’re being led by it.Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.he conversation in our AI Insiders Community for free resources and bonus tools implement the Flashlight Audit in your business? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; Epidemic Sound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/#SmallBusinessBigAI #ShadowAI #AILeadership #AIPolicy #BusinessInnovation #TechSuperpower #FLIBS2025
Forty-seven days. That’s how long one small business owner waited to get paid for work she’d already delivered.In this final chapter of AI Meets Humanity, Kim and Hal pull back the curtain on what they call “The Trust Machine” — a simple, zero-code system that turns compliance into confidence and contracts into cash flow.Through real-world examples, sharp strategist banter, andlaugh-out-loud moments (yes, Hal still fears blockchain), this episode shows how AI can make trust automatic instead of assumed.You’ll discover:How digital escrow removes friction from every transaction.The Zero-Code Trust System — Rulebook, Oracle, Liquidity Lock.Why transparency is the new marketing, and how to broadcast your credibility without bragging.The Trust Authority Arbitrage Framework — Signal. Certify. Amplify. If you’ve ever waited weeks for payment, juggled clientfollow-ups, or lost sleep over “pending approval,” this episode is your blueprint for peace of mind.Because in the AI era, trust isn’t a handshake — it’s a system.Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.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.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/#SmallBusinessBigAI #AIforBusiness #AutomatedTrust #Compliance #Blockchain #SmartContracts #ZeroCodeAI
Your lead technician just took on 47% more work. Your designer stopped showing up to video calls. Your best customer sent an angry email at 11 PM—not about the service but about feeling invisible. What if these weren't separate problems, but the same signal?In this episode, Kim and Hal explore how empathy has become your most advanced operating system in the age of AI. Spoiler alert: it's not soft. It's your most profitable competitive advantage. Featuring real business owners—a solopreneur, a regional catering leader, and a plumbing crewmanager—we unpack the Three Layers of AI-Driven Empathy and the Five Ds Framework: a practical system for detecting, discussing, designing, documenting, and developing empathetic leadership at any scale.By the end, you'll walk away with proof that small steps lead to big changes.KEY TAKEAWAYSEmpathy isn't soft; it's precision. McKinsey research shows empathy-led companies outperform peers by 20% in retention and customer satisfaction.The Three Layers of AI-Driven Empathy: Insight Layer (what AI surfaces), Intention Layer (how you interpret it), and Integration Layer (how you measure outcomes).The Five Ds Framework: Detect patterns → Discuss in one-on-ones → Design interventions → Document changes → Develop culture. A repeatable system that scales from solo teams to 50+ employees.ROI is real: Preventing one employee departure saves $25K–$100K in hard costs. Employees who feel seen are 67% less likely to leave.FRAMEWORKS & TOOLS MENTIONEDThe Three Layers of AI-Driven Empathy1. Insight Layer — What AI surfaces (patterns in tone, timing, workload)2. Intention Layer — How you interpret it (context + curiosity before judgment)3. Integration Layer — How you measure outcomes (retention, satisfaction, referrals)The Five Ds Framework: Feedback Loops of Care1. Detect — Use AI/data to surface signals you'd miss2. Discuss — 15-minute one-on-ones with one real question3. Design — Customized interventions based on what you learned4. Document — Track patterns over time to see what works5. Develop — Celebrate wins and spread the cultureKEY STATISTICS & RESEARCHMcKinsey Global Study: Empathy-led companies outperform peers by 20% in retention and customer satisfaction.Cost of Turnover: Losing a mid-level employee costs 50–200% of their annual salary in hard costs (training, knowledge loss, customer disruption).At $50K salary: One departure = $25K–$100K in true cost.Psychological Safety Impact: Employees who feel seen by their manager are 67% less likely to leave.RESOURCES & FURTHER LEARNINGMentioned In This EpisodeMcKinsey Global Study on Empathy: Research on empathy-led company performanceHumu (HR Platform): Sentiment tracking and manager nudging tools mentionedEmail Sentiment Analysis Tools: Tone detection in communicationPsychology Today: Research on emotions in decision-makingRelated ConceptsPsychological Safety (Amy Edmondson)Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (Daniel Goleman)Human-Centered Design (IDEO principles)Recommended Reading/Listening"The Fearless Organization" by Amy Edmondson (psychological safety)"Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown (vulnerability in leadership)Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Ask us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook! ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; Epidemic Sound via iStock.com
This week, we’re diving into what AI can’t automate — authentic human connection.When an unexpected “Pitch incoming 😎” message caught Kim’s attention, it sparked a bigger conversation: Why do some automated messages make us roll our eyes, while others make us reply?Join Kim and Hal as they break down:The DM that did everything “wrong” — and yet worked brilliantly.Why automation without empathy kills trust.The “Handshake Clause” — how to make sure everysystem ends with a human touch.The H.E.A.R.T. Method — five simple principles that help you scale authenticity alongside efficiency. You’ll learn how to design your AI systems to sound morelike you, keep your customers’ trust intact, and build automation that scales connection, not just communication.Because in the end, authenticity isn’t soft — it’s strategic. You’ll Learn:Why transparency is the new trust currency.How to design automation that feels human, not hollow.The 5-part H.E.A.R.T. Method for balancing empathy and efficiency. The H.E.A.R.T. Method (Quick Reference):H – Honesty: Be upfront about automation. It builds credibility, not risk.E – Empathy: Program your AI to recognize emotion and respond with care.A – Authenticity: Feed your systems your real voice, tone, and phrasing.R – Reciprocity: Automate a gift before a demand. Lead with value.T – Transparency: Keep your human handoffs clear and your audit trail clean. Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed forbusiness owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook! ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
Small business owners are drowning in AI subscriptions—and most of them are wasting money, time, and customer trust. In this episode of Small Business Big AI, Kim and Hal wrap up their trilogy on AI Agents & The Future of Small Business with a blunt truth: AI tools without strategy are liabilities, not assets. You’ll learn how to stop chasing shiny objects and instead build systems that boost ROI, protect compliance, and turn AI into your business copilot. If you’ve been wondering how to cut through AI hype and actually get results, this episode delivers the clarity you need right now.What You’ll LearnDiscover the 3-bullet ROI test that instantly reveals if your AI tool is worth the subscription.Avoid the “Frankenstein CRM” trap of stacking too many tools with no strategy.Build AI job descriptions that hold your tools accountable like real employees.Understand how compliance can shift from being a barrier to becoming your moat.Apply quick challenges to audit your tools this week—keep, kill, or retrain. Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook! --- Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
Shiny apps are everywhere. But small businesses don’t need more noise—they need results.In Part 2 of our 3-part series, AI That Actually Works for Small Business, Kim and Hal take you inside the new business model playbook:Agents that actually do the work.Predictive analytics that tell you what’s next.Curated, verifiable hires you can trust.Kim shares her own in-progress story of opening a new insurance agency in the AI era, weaving in lessons from blockchain at the University of Oxford and the hard knocks of hiring gone wrong. With humor, banter, and real-world examples, this episode goes deeper—showing how AI isn’t just about doing things faster, but building a business that thinks, learns,and runs itself.You’ll Learn:How to build AI agents that deliver outcomes, not distractions.Why predictive analytics is the new customer-expectation baseline.How to hire smarter with curated candidates + verifiable credentials.Links & ReferencesDan Martell: I Tested 500+ AI Tools, These 10 Will Make You RichHeroHire.ai — curated, guaranteed hiring partnerVelocity Network — blockchain credential verificationReady to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
Feeling behind in the AI race? You’re not alone.In this episode, Kim and Hal pull back the curtain on a truth most business owners miss: you’re already paying for AI—you just haven’t turned it on yet.Whether you’re a solopreneur drowning in admin, a seasoned agency owner juggling compliance, or a local service shop trying to keep up with customer requests—this episode shows you how to unlock the AI already built into the tools you use every day.From QuickBooks to Calendly, from CRM follow-ups to LinkedIn hiring filters—Kim and Hal walk you through real-world, low-barrier examples of what it looks like to go from stuck to scaling… in just one click.And in their signature “Coffee Table Conversation,” they share a laugh-out-loud story of using AI to hunt for commercial real estate—with a security guard and a suspicious parking lot moment included.This isn’t about hype... It’s about help.And it starts with one click.Key TakeawaysComfort is expensive — while you wait, your competitors are clicking fasterOlivia, Karla, and Mike: 3 relatable entrepreneurs using embedded AI to winMultimodal prompt example: How Kim used AI + IMPACT Framework to bypass real estate gatekeepersHiring in the AI era: Why resumes aren’t enough and what to ask insteadOne Action Challenge: Open a tool you already pay for, find the AI feature—and activate itMentioned Tools & Use CasesQuickBooks — invoice matching, payment trackingCalendly — automated follow-up workflowsCRM Platforms — AI email templates and remindersLinkedIn — AI screening for culture-fit candidatesGoogle Gemini / Microsoft Copilot — image-based research + public record lookupIMPACT Framework — your step-by-step guide to prompt with purposeReady to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify or your preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips & Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—a strategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model (SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
One year. 53 episodes. And today, we reveal Your Year-TwoBlueprint for Small Business Success: 3 plays to scale smarter, 2 traps to avoid, and 1 decision you’ll want to make in the next 7 days—so you can build a true superpower.You’ll LearnHow to choose the right growth play for year twoWhich two common traps sink small businesses—andhow to sidestep themThe single decision you must make this week tofast-track your AI adoptionIn this milestone anniversary episode, Kim and Hal look back at the biggest lessons of year one and reveal the Year-Two Blueprint: the 3 plays to win, 2 traps to avoid, and 1 decision that will shape your next 7 days.If you’re a solopreneur buried under a CVS-length to-do list—this year proved that AI can help you reclaim hours and reduce burnout.If you’re a growth-focused entrepreneur—this year showed that AI isn’t just about efficiency, but about building resilient, predictable, future-proof systems.Along the way, you’ll hear Hal’s strategist take (“leverage beats hustle every time”), Kim’s rally cry, and even a blooper to celebrate how far this community has come.This isn’t about chasing shiny apps. It’s about designingyour operating system for growth. Ready to Take Action?Subscribe to Small Business Big AI on Spotify oryour preferred platform, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who could benefit from AI insights.Join the AI Insiders Community for Exclusive Tips &Resources → Request to Join our Private CommunityAsk us about the IMPACT Framework course—astrategic way to communicate effectively with the AI → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Ask us about the Small Business Transformation Model(SBTM)—a simple, step-by-step framework designed for business owners → Email Howard & Howard Holdings, Inc.Have a question or an AI success story? DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook! ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/
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 Learn1. 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 CommunityHave 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. ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound 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 trafficHow to shift from SEO-only strategy to a DiscoveryPortfolioWhy your Google Business Profile is more powerful than everHow 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 itWhether 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, RetentionFirst-Mover Advantage in the AI search eraFrom Clicks to Conversations: Redefining what a lead looks likeWhy AI favors authority + authenticity—and how to signal both Tools + Mentions:Google AI OverviewsGoogle Business Profile (GBP)YouTube Shorts / Google ShortsNano Banana + Gemini image toolsIMPACT 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.comSound 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 & ReviewIf 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 CommunityHave 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. ---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound 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 CommunityHave 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.comSound 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/halhowardHashtag your challenge wins: #SmallBusinessBigAITools 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.---Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.comSound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/