If you’ve ever said, “I hate tech, I just want this to work,” this episode is your blueprint. Kerri M. Roberts sits down with systems and automation expert Brenda Breland of Build Business Academy and BuildDesk, who helps small business owners automate leads, follow-up, and client journeys - without needing a full-time ops or marketing team. Learn how to plug the money leaks in your follow-up, use automation that feels human, and build simple systems that let you serve your clients with excellence.

They unpack the difference between AI that tries to replace you and automation that actually amplifies you, so your clients still feel seen, known, and cared for. Together, Kerri and Brenda walk through why every business, even the tiniest shop, needs a CRM from day one, what smart follow-up really looks like, and how to think through whether you’re called to serve B2B, B2C, or both.

Underneath all of it is a simple, biblical principle: faithful stewardship. When you care for the systems behind your business and the body God has given you, you’re freed up to lead, love, and serve at a higher level. This episode will help you see where your systems may be working against you - and what to do about it before the year ends.

Key Takeaways

• Most small businesses are leaking money in their follow-up.
• Automation should amplify you, not replace you.
• Every business needs a CRM from day one.
• Content that converts starts with connection.
• Follow-up is the one automation you can’t afford to ignore.

Resources

✨ HR in a Box – Your Fractional HR Partner for Small Business

 If you’re growing a business and want to build people systems that honor your team and protect your company, HR in a Box gives you the tools, templates, and guidance you need—without the cost of a full-time HR department. From compliant hiring to performance conversations, it’s designed to help you lead with clarity, integrity, and confidence. www.saltandlightadvisors.com/hrinabox

🎁 Bonus Resource – Small Business Systems & People Checklist

 Want a simple way to see where your chaos is coming from? Grab Kerri’s free Small Business Systems & People Checklist—a one-page guide to help you spot gaps in your HR, operations, and automations so you know exactly what to fix next. www.saltandlightadvisors.com/hraudit

Get 15% off any product from Rho Nutrition (the NAD+ is Kerri's favorite) by going to rhonutrition.com/kerriroberts

Connect with Brenda

• Website (CRM & Automation Platform): BuildDesk – builddesk.ai
• Instagram (Personal Brand & All Offers): @balancingbreland
• Programs & Brands Mentioned:
  • Build Business Academy (BBA) – Group coaching for online and brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs
  • BuildDesk – All-in-one CRM, automations, and client journey platform
  • House of Scale – Community and retreats for high-level entrepreneurs
  • Lifestyle & Labs – Health and wellness support using labs, biofeedback, and (when appropriate) peptides and practitioner oversight

If this episode helped you see your business (or your body) differently, share it with another business owner who’s in the thick of the chaos right now. Make sure you follow the show, leave a rating or review, and check the links in the description to connect with Brenda and access the resources mentioned.

Don’t just survive the chaos - steward it well and let God use it to shape you into the leader you’re called to be.

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