Small Biz Flash

FEATURE Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations, but many companies are still struggling to create meaningful value from it. In this feature, we explore why the biggest AI opportunity isn't simply doing the same work faster, but changing how work gets done through better workflows, smarter systems, and improved decision-making. ---------- NEWS ROUNDUP...

FEATURE Most small businesses hold weekly meetings, but many of them fail to drive real progress. In this feature, we explore how to build a simple “weekly operating system” that improves visibility, accountability, and execution. We break down a practical meeting structure, discuss how to identify and solve the right issues, and show how AI can support better preparation, follow-through, and perf...

FEATURE Many businesses document their processes but still struggle with inconsistent execution. In this feature, we explain how to close the gap between playbook and performance through clear ownership, meaningful KPIs, and a consistent operating rhythm — and how AI can help monitor metrics, improve follow-through, and strengthen operational discipline. ---------- NEWS ROUNDUP Small Businesses St...

FEATURE Most small businesses rely on individual know-how instead of a shared playbook — and it quietly limits their growth. In this episode, we break down the ROI of building a simple, practical playbook for your business. You’ll learn how standardizing your processes reduces mistakes, shortens training, and helps your team deliver consistent results every time. We’ll also cover the tools that ma...

FEATURE Most small businesses run on memory, not systems – and it’s costing them more than they realize. In this episode, we’ll discuss how the absence of structure quietly drains time, money, and morale. You’ll learn the early warning signs of disorganization, how to start building repeatable processes, and where AI can play a role in documenting and improving your workflows. Discover why getting...

FEATURE AI is no longer experimental – it’s becoming a core tool for small businesses. But most owners are still just scratching the surface. In this episode, you’ll learn how to make AI a true force multiplier for your team. We’ll discuss how AI agents amplify employee productivity, why using the AI inside your existing software is key, and the shift from prompt engineering to context engineering...

FEATURE Retention.  Morale.  Profitability.  Employee ownership has the power to move all three in the right direction.  By giving employees a vested interest, you create a culture of commitment and shared success.  Discover how this strategy could position your company for growth and stability. Today’s guest is Marie Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership (GA CEO):...

FEATURE There are many ways the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impacts small business – most of them positive.  In this episode, we discuss six major changes to the federal tax code. Resource: Download SBS’s “10 Ways the New Tax Law Could Reshape Your Business Bottom Line”:  https://sbsaccountants.com/10-ways-the-new-tax-law-could-reshape-your-bottom-line/ Today’s guests: Jonathan Bill, Owner of SBS A...

FEATURE Small business owners, you don’t need to constantly guess how much you owe in taxes and where you’re going to get the money to pay them.  There’s a better approach and we’ll discuss it today. Resource: Some of the material discussed today comes from Simple Numbers by Greg Crabtree. Today’s guest is Jonathan Bill, owner of SBS Accounting & Advisors: Jonathan’s email:  jbill@sbsaccountan...

FEATURE Marketing is changing.  Your company is being discovered in ways that were not the case just a few years ago.  Research oftentimes no longer starts on a search engine, but they often end there.  So, figure out where your prospects are and go be with them on those spaces. Resources mentioned: SparkToro https://sparktoro.com/ Today’s guest is Mickey Mellen, of GreenMellen: Mickey’s email:  m...

Join us for Illuminate 2025 on April 22!  Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/illuminate-spring-2025-tickets-1273764687469 Email me at adam@smallbizflash.com . ---------- NEWS ROUNDUP 1 – Tariffs are causing concern among small business owners. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/money/economy/survey-michigan-small-business-owners-shows-two-thirds-taking-steps-prepare-for-recession/69-dd2f9d65...

👀 Watch on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmFHZqDGRbOHXjhpicWuqhg . 📧 Do you want to grow your business?  I help small business owners succeed with strategy, marketing, and operations.  Email me today at adam@smallbizflash.com and let’s grow your business together!  ---------- Email me at adam@smallbizflash.com . Please give me feedback on the podcast. Show web site:  www.smallbizfla...

Small business owners, have you ever tried sending out a press release about a new product or an event at your company, just to hear crickets chirping in response?  On today’s show, we’ll talk with an experienced PR professional about why most press releases flop, and what you can do to actually get results the next time you send a press release out to your community. Today’s guest is Claire Angel...

FEATURE Small business owners, do you pay yourself a below-market wage to keep your business profitable?  Or maybe you take draws, but they might be sporadic and of varying amounts?  On today’s show, we’ll talk with an experienced accounting professional about how this practice is hurting your business and how you can fix your own compensation structure. Today’s guest is Sharon Sheekey, Accounting...

FEATURE Small business owners, have you ever considered buying out a competitor to expand your own company’s capabilities and customer base?  On today’s show, we’ll talk with a lending expert about how you can finance a business acquisition at up to 100% of the purchase price using an SBA loan. Today’s guest is Laurence Leopold, SBA Senior Business Development Officer at IncredibleBank: Laurence’s...

FEATURE Google Trends is a powerful and completely free tool from Google that can help you stay ahead of the curve.  It will help you understand your customers, and can inform decision making on marketing, research & development, and more. Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/ ---------- NEWS ROUNDUP 1 - The economy continues to be the #1 concern among small business owners, according to t...

NEWS ROUNDUP 1 - Small business owners continue to grapple with economic uncertainty, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index. https://www.nfib.com/content/press-release/economy/small-business-owners-expectations-for-higher-sales-declined-in-january/ 2 - Many small businesses are still unaware of the new Beneficial Ownership rule from the Treasur...

FEATURE The Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized its new independent contractor rule.  There are six factors that you must use to determine if a worker is a contractor or an employee. The final rule goes into effect on March 11, 2024. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in lawsuits and penalties, among other costs. DOL’s Small Entity Compliance Guide to the new rule:...

FEATURE A fractional chief operating officer, or a FCOO, can help you make your business life wonderful, getting you back to doing what you love in the business, which is likely not overseeing the daily operational tasks. * How to know when it is time to hire a fractional COO. * How a fractional COO helps you as the business owner. * What a fractional COO brings to the table. Recommended reading: ...

NEWS ROUNDUP 1 – There’s reason for optimism about the economy in 2024, and that’s good news for small businesses. https://www.wsj.com/economy/what-to-watch-in-fridays-spending-report-inflation-closing-in-on-feds-target-0778037d https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/26/the-us-avoided-a-recession-in-2023-whats-the-outlook-for-2024.html https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/01/business/5-reasons-to-be-optimistic-about...

FEATURE * What is the different between public relations and marketing? * What are the three tactics for PR? * How does a small business get publicity?  How does the owner, who is usually the primary salesperson, get publicity? * How much of your knowledge and information is it OK to share? Today’s guest is Claire Angelle, Founder of Angelle Consulting: Claire’s email:  claire@angelleconsulting.co...

FEATURE You’re probably familiar with Small Business Administration loans.  SBA loans, as they are commonly called, are partially backed by the federal government. But there are other resources the SBA offers, some of which aren’t well known, which can benefit your company.  We’re going to discuss just a few today. THRIVE https://www.sbathrive.com/ Assistance for small businesses with procuring fe...

FEATURE To get the right candidates, you need to alight the job description with the actual need for the position. Also, avoid giving your candidates a poor experience in the overall process from interviewing to onboarding. Finally, don’t hire reactively, i.e., for short-term needs.  Think about your long-term needs instead. Today’s conversation is based on the blog post, “8 Things That Can Cause...

FEATURE Today, we continue our discussion of the book “Raving Fans” by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.  To create raving fans, the business must create a vision of the customer experience, but then, it must invite the customers themselves into the vision casting process. Not everything the customers want will necessarily be a part of the final vision, but listening to customers is key.  Once cus...

FEATURE To have a truly thriving business, one essential element is a customer base who are wildly enthusiastic about what your company offers, so much so, in fact, that they eagerly tell their family, friends, and neighbors. In their book “Raving Fans,” Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles explain how having merely satisfied customers just doesn’t cut it.  Today, we’re going to unpack some of the boo...