Dave and Shannon open episode 680 by diving into listener mail: Mike’s favorite interview question (“How many ways can you use a pencil?”) as a way to break candidates out of scripted answers and spark creativity; reflections on interviewing via internships; a humorous twist on “sell me this pen.” Patrick shares text-expander shortcuts for email signatures; Dave notes built-in iPhone/Mac text replacements, while Shannon says he now relies more on Slack/DMs than email. They joke about a dream where speaking louder makes text larger and note texting’s lack of native follow-up tools.

Mid-episode they read two five-star reviews praising the show’s longevity, actionable advice, and openness, reminding listeners to email feedback@businessbrain.show to enter their MacBook giveaway. More listener feedback introduces “forcing parties” (accountability sessions where people knock out avoided tasks together), which they tie to partner accountability and real-time Zoom coworking. A brief connection delay leads Shannon to discover an AI agent hogging CPU—teasing a Friday discussion. They close by inviting topic suggestions, pointing to businessbrain.show/review, and signing off with their “charmed life” mantra.

• 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #680 for Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025
  
  
  
  • September 3rd: Global Talent Acquisition Day
  
  
  • The Babybacks Band
  
  
  
  


• 00:02:45 Mike-Interview question: How many ways can you use a pencil?


• 00:05:55 Patrick-Email Signature Management Tip
  
  
  
  • Keyboard Maestro
  
  
  • TextExpander
  
  
  
  


• 00:07:40 Texting vs. Email in Business


• 00:10:08 SPONSOR: MasterClass. Right now, our listeners get an additional 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/BUSINESSBRAIN


• 00:11:42 SPONSOR: Bitdefender. Keep your small business safe with Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security. Save 30% when you go to bitdefender.com/BRAIN


• 00:13:05 JeffreysBeam-BB Review-5-stars


• 00:14:25 Rich W Portraits-BB Review-Wow! Great Tips & Advice!


• 00:16:41 Taylor-Discuss “Forcing Parties”
  
  
  
  • Bryan O’Connell on Business Brain
  
  
  • CEO Roundtable on Business Brain
  
  
  
  


• 00:21:43 Business Brain 680 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 Q&A with Dave and Shannon – Business Brain 680 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.