Small Business Big Visibility

Épisodes

• The 3 Tests for Spotting a Real Referral Partner 02.06.2026 7min

  Most small business owners can't name five people who could realistically send them a referral every month. And that's exactly why their networking isn't working. They're showing up at events being polite to everyone, hoping the right relationships will just emerge from the chaos. They almost never do.In this episode, I'll walk through the three tests that separate a real referral partner from a polite acquaintance: whether they serve the same clients at a different stage of the customer journey, whether you'd actually refer business back to them (the reciprocity test), and whether they're at a similar stage of business growth to you. I'll cover real examples (wedding photographer + wedding planner, residential plumber + real estate agent, small business accountant + banker), and walk through the journey-mapping exercise that turns these tests into an actual list of 5-20 specific people you should be building relationships with.This is the third episode in the referral engine series. Episode one covered the bigger reframe of networking for partners instead of clients. Episode two covered the giver mindset that makes those partnerships work. This episode is about identifying exactly who those partners should be.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners network themselves to exhaustion because they were meeting everyone instead of meeting the right people. Random networking produces random results. Targeted networking produces a referral engine.CHAPTERS:0:00 Can you name five people who could refer you every month?0:41 Why most small business owners can't answer that question1:26 Random networking produces random results1:53 Test #1: Do they serve the same clients at a different stage?2:49 Real examples: photographer, plumber, accountant4:10 Test #2: Would you refer business back to them?5:07 Why referrals are reputation5:46 Test #3: Are they at a similar stage of business to you?6:25 The journey-mapping exercise to build your target list7:10 What's coming next in the seriesABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 405#SmallBusinessOwner #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessNetworking
• How to Identify Your Top 5 Referral Partners 28.05.2026 7min

  Most small business owners can't name five people in their network who could realistically send them a referral every month for the next year. If you can't either, you're spending your networking time at random. Random networking produces random results.In this episode, I'll walk through three quick tests that separate your actual referral partners from polite acquaintances you happened to meet at a networking event. The first test is whether they serve the same client you do at a different stage of that client's journey (the wedding planner for the photographer, the real estate agent for the plumber, the banker for the small business accountant). The second is whether you'd be willing to refer business to them. The third is whether they're at a similar stage of business to you, because the most powerful referral relationships compound when both partners grow together. Then I'll walk you through a customer journey exercise that gives you a real list of who you should actually be targeting in your networking time.This is the third episode in the referral engine series. Episode one covered networking for partners instead of clients. Episode two covered giving first. This episode is where you actually identify who those partners are.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners spend years networking with the wrong people because they never sat down and defined the right ones. This is the exercise most business owners skip, and it's why their networking never produces what they're hoping for.CHAPTERS:0:00 Can you name five people who could send you referrals every month?0:41 What happens when you can't answer that question1:33 Why random networking produces random results1:53 The 3 tests that separate real referral partners2:08 Test 1: Same client, different stage of the journey2:49 Examples: wedding planner, real estate agent, banker4:05 Test 2: Would you be willing to refer business to them?4:48 Why referrals are reputation5:20 Test 3: Are they at a similar stage of business to you?6:25 The customer journey exercise: building your real list7:01 What's coming next in the seriesABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 404🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#SmallBusinessOwner #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessNetworking
• Stop Asking for Referrals. Start Giving First 26.05.2026 9min

  Why do some small business owners get a steady stream of referrals while others, doing the same amount of networking, get nothing? The difference usually isn't talent or charisma. It's one specific mindset shift in how you show up to every conversation.In this episode, I'll walk through why givers build referral pipelines that compound for years while takers burn out their network in months, what "give first" actually means (it's not what most people think), and the three-word rule for giving in a way that actually generates business back: specific, valuable, and unsolicited. I'll also cover the trap that turns giving from a habit into a transaction, and how to use it as a real test against your own last five networking conversations.This is the second episode in the referral engine series. Episode one covered the bigger reframe of networking for partners instead of clients. This episode covers what to actually do in those partner conversations once you're there.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners burn through their network because they were always looking for what they could get. The owners with steady referrals years later aren't the most outgoing or the best closers. They're the ones who figured out, intentionally or by accident, that the giving comes first and the receiving takes care of itself.CHAPTERS:0:00 Why some business owners get referrals and others don't0:48 The pattern: two business owners, same networking, different results2:25 What happens when you walk in looking for what you can get3:01 What happens when you walk in looking to give value3:55 Why givers get referred and takers don't4:00 What "give first" actually means (and what it doesn't)4:41 The three-word rule: specific, valuable, unsolicited6:23 The real estate agent example: giver vs. taker in action7:07 The trap that destroys giving (keeping score)7:50 A quick test: your last five networking conversations8:33 What's coming next in the seriesMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the referral engine series: Stop Networking for Clients. Network for Partners.ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 403🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#SmallBusinessOwner #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessNetworking
• Stop Networking for Clients. Do this instead 21.05.2026 7min

  Most small business owners network for the wrong reason. They walk into a room looking for clients. They leave with nothing. Six months later, they've spent thousands of hours and zero dollars made, and they conclude networking doesn't work.The truth: networking works fine. The version most small business owners practice is broken. In this episode, I'll walk through three broken assumptions costing small business owners thousands of hours: that more events equals more clients, that the people in the room are your prospects, and that good work earns referrals automatically. Then I'll cover the three shifts that actually build a referral engine, including why 5 strong referral partners outperform 50 weak acquaintances every time, who actually belongs in your referral ecosystem (it's rarely who you think), and the follow-up cadence that separates business owners with steady referrals from the ones still chasing every new networking event.This is the first episode in a new series on building a referral engine for your small business. We'll cover who your actual referral partners are, how to find them, how to build the relationship, and how to keep it producing over years.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners burn out on networking before they ever figured out what it was for. The owners who win at this aren't more outgoing or more charming. They're playing a completely different game.CHAPTERS:0:00 Have you been networking for months with nothing to show?0:33 Meet Bob: six months of effort, zero clients1:24 Broken assumption #1: more events equals more clients2:33 Broken assumption #2: the people in the room are your prospects3:54 Broken assumption #3: good work means referrals show up automatically4:46 Shift #1: measure depth, not events attended5:09 Shift #2: identify your actual referral ecosystem6:13 Shift #3: treat referral partnerships as long-term assets6:48 The follow-up mistake that kills most networking relationships7:21 What's coming in the rest of this seriesMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Coming next in the referral engine series: identifying your real referral partnersABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 402🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#SmallBusinessOwner #ReferralMarketing #SmallBusinessNetworking
• Trust Is the New Currency. AI Is Burning It 19.05.2026 51min

  Trust is becoming the most valuable currency in business, and AI is accelerating its erosion. People can spot a fake response, a cloned voice, or an AI-written book within paragraphs, and the moment they do, you're done. The fix isn't to avoid AI. It's to be transparent about exactly where you're using it.In this conversation with Andrea Peer and Susan Leonardson, founders of Geekout Connect, we cover how the trust deficit is reshaping marketing, why the uncanny valley is hardwired into human psychology (and what that means for AI clones, fake testimonials, and generic AI content), and what it actually takes to deliver results in an environment where customers default to skepticism. Andrea brings a PhD in human-computer interaction and 18 years in corporate R&D working with Fortune 100 brands. Susan came up through her parents' garage door business, eight years of network marketing, and a freelance design career that led her into building course experiences for online experts. They share the partnership philosophy that's kept their business together for three and a half years (most don't last six months), and why the future of online courses is about results, not promises.This episode runs longer than the typical Small Business Big Visibility solo. If you're focused on the AI and trust angle, the conversation gets there in the second half.CHAPTERS:0:00 Meeting Andrea and Susan1:36 Favorite concerts and the music question4:14 Susan's journey: from garage door business to design freelancer10:55 Andrea's journey: merchant marine, Air Force, PhD, and ayahuasca17:07 How two competitors became partners23:38 What kept the partnership alive when most don't last six months31:13 The temperament tool that helped them work together33:46 What they actually do: building learning experiences for online experts41:31 Why most online courses don't deliver results44:00 Trust as currency in the AI era47:51 The uncanny valley and why fake content kills credibility50:21 The transparency rule for using AI54:08 Where to find Andrea and SusanMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🌐 Geekout Connect: https://geekoutconnect.com🎧 The We Are Human Podcast: https://wearehumanshow.com🧠 The temperament assessment they reference: https://whatsmycore.comABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 401🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #TrustInBusiness
• AI Isn't About Tools. It's About How Work Gets Done 14.05.2026 9min

  The future of AI isn't about which tool you use. It's about how work gets done, and four specific shifts are already underway that will reshape what running a small business looks like over the next few years.In this episode, I'll walk through the four shifts I'm betting on: AI filling the gaps where software couldn't and humans had to (the systems shift), smaller teams producing dramatically more output through unprecedented leverage, faster delivery times that may actually drive prices down across whole categories, and a move from humans doing the work to humans designing the work while AI executes it. I'll also flag what's NOT changing. The foundational pieces of business (trust, relationships, reputation, real value) survive every technology shift, and "everything's changing so fast I can't keep up" is mostly an illusion.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries, a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of business owners burn out chasing every new tool that came out. The owners who win the next five years won't be the ones with the biggest AI stack. They'll be the ones who got clear on their systems first, then pointed AI at the right problems. That's the playbook.CHAPTERS:0:00 Where is AI actually going?0:43 The two wrong reactions: all-in vs. head-in-the-sand1:30 The real shift: it's not about tools, it's about how work gets done2:24 Shift #1: AI fills the gaps software couldn't3:38 Shift #2: Smaller teams, bigger output (and possible deflation)5:21 Shift #3: Faster expectations and what they do to pricing6:25 Shift #4: From doing the work to designing the work7:05 What's NOT changing: the football field metaphor8:36 Bad tools and failed bets are part of every innovation cycle9:13 Why smaller businesses might actually win this eraMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: Stop Using AI as a Tool. Start Using It as an Employee.🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem.ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie, founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 400🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• Why College Programmers Aren't Getting Hired Anymore 12.05.2026 7min

  Most small business owners are still using AI like a fancy search engine — asking it questions, getting answers, doing the work themselves. That's not where AI is anymore. The next phase is already here, and it's something different entirely.In this episode, I'll walk through what agentic AI actually means in practice: instead of you asking it a question, you give it a goal, and it takes the steps to complete the work. I'll cover real examples — how agentic AI is replacing entry-level programming jobs, the tools available right now that can answer your phones, schedule appointments, and update your CRM, and what most small business owners can already do with platforms they may already be paying for like High Level and Gmail. I'll also flag where the risk lives, including OpenClaw — a tool getting massive attention but explicitly not the right starting point for non-technical owners.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners stay stuck doing $20-an-hour work because they couldn't afford to delegate it. Agentic AI changes that math. The shift isn't whether to use AI — it's whether you're using it to answer your questions or to actually do your work.CHAPTERS:0:00 What if AI didn't just write — what if it actually worked?0:36 Quick refresher: what agentic AI is0:55 The shift from responding to doing1:06 The programmer hiring collapse — one example of agentic AI in action2:03 Email management as an entry point2:28 OpenClaw — what it is and why most owners should stay away (for now)3:37 What agentic AI needs from you: context, process, and tool access3:53 An AI system that answers calls, schedules, and updates the CRM4:55 What you can start using today5:12 Using High Level for chatbots and phone calls5:46 Why agentic AI quality is on a hockey-stick curve right now6:46 How to ask AI to recommend agentic tools for your specific weak pointsMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 3 AI Employees You Can Hire This Week🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Use AI Without Losing Your VoiceABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 399🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• How to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice 07.05.2026 5min

  Half the social media posts in your feed sound like AI wrote them — flat, generic, forgettable. But it's not the tool's fault. It's how people are using it.In this episode, I'll walk through a three-step method for using AI to generate content that still sounds like you: feeding the AI your past writing so it can identify your social fingerprint (the traits, quirks, and even misspellings that make you uniquely you), giving it specific direction on tone and context instead of vague prompts, and refining the output instead of copying and pasting. I'll also cover the three things to avoid that turn AI content into commodity slop — and a clever second-pass trick that asks the AI to spot what still sounds robotic in its own work.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners damage trust with their audience by posting content that obviously isn't theirs. AI doesn't have to do that — it can actually remove the friction of expressing your voice, not replace it. But only if you use it the right way.CHAPTERS:0:00 Why so much AI content sounds the same0:46 The hammer analogy: it's the user, not the tool1:35 Step 1: Feed AI your past content2:02 The "social fingerprint" — your traits, quirks, and misspellings2:59 Step 2: Get specific about tone3:37 Clarity in, clarity out3:58 Step 3: Never copy and paste — refine instead4:32 The second-pass trick: let AI clean up its own work5:13 Three things to avoid when creating content with AI5:47 The shift: AI removes the friction of expressing your voiceMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 3 AI Employees You Can Hire This Week - https://youtu.be/ZTmbCkgys3k🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem. - https://youtu.be/wuiNAN3I_m8ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 396🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem 05.05.2026 6min

  What if you could hire three new employees this week — without payroll, benefits, or a hiring process? AI can fill three specific roles in your small business right now, and you can set them up in an afternoon.In this episode, I'll walk through three concrete AI setups every small business owner can build today: a market research assistant that finds potential referral partners in your service area, a content engine trained on your voice that generates social media drafts, and a systems analyst that helps you spot the weak points eating your time. Each one takes the work of an employee — without the cost of one.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of owners stay stuck because they couldn't afford to hire help. AI doesn't replace the team you'll eventually build — but it bridges the gap between solo and staffed in a way nothing else has.A word of caution: don't go so deep into setting up AI that you stop doing the actual work of running your business. AI is a force multiplier on what's already working, not a replacement for sales, follow-up, or operations.CHAPTERS:0:00 What can I actually set up today?0:35 The mindset shift: give AI a job, not a chat0:52 Employee #1: Your AI market research assistant1:50 How to find potential referral partners with AI2:00 Employee #2: Your AI content engine2:23 Training the AI on your voice and past content3:13 Why your "polish" still matters3:53 Employee #3: Your AI systems analyzer4:36 Spotting the weak points eating your time5:02 The shiny object warning5:47 Small systems, big leverageMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem. - https://youtu.be/wuiNAN3I_m8🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 4 Jobs You Shouldn't Trust AI With (and 3 You Should) - https://youtu.be/bQQdxM05GCoABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 395🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• Don't Start with AI. Start with the Problem 30.04.2026 7min

  Most small business owners reach for AI before they know what problem they're trying to solve — and that's why they quit a week later. The fix is a different starting point.In this episode, I'll walk through why "open ChatGPT and figure it out" is the wrong way to start with AI, and what to do instead: pick one repetitive task in your business, use AI to create a first draft, and refine from there. I'll also cover why prompting is a learnable skill (not a personality trait), why the "I automated my whole business with AI" posts are misleading, and how to think about your first month with AI like an on-ramp instead of a cliff.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible — and 30+ years writing code, starting at age 12 — I've watched plenty of people fail with new tools by starting with the tool instead of the problem. AI is no different. This is the on-ramp that actually works.CHAPTERS:0:00 Why most small business owners get stuck with AI0:49 The mistake: opening AI without a clear problem to solve1:35 Step 1: Pick one repetitive task in your business2:20 Step 2: Use AI for a first draft, not the final product3:35 Why your "polish" still matters3:45 Step 3: Don't expect perfection on the first try4:35 Prompting is a learnable skill5:10 Ignore the "I automated everything" hype5:45 The on-ramp metaphor: starting slow is normal6:20 How small wins compound into real leverageMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: 4 Jobs You Shouldn't Trust AI With (and 3 You Should) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQdxM05GCo🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Tell If AI Is a Fad or a Real Shift - https://youtu.be/xYY4HccJi2A?si=pbipRhdKdukQT6NYABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 394🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• 4 Jobs You Shouldn't Trust AI With (and 3 You Should) 28.04.2026 7min

  Most small business owners are using AI in places it doesn't belong — and avoiding it in places where it would actually help. There are four jobs you shouldn't trust AI with, and three it does better than you'd expect.In this episode, I'll walk through the three categories of work AI is genuinely good at right now (repetitive tasks, structured thinking, and first drafts), with concrete examples of each. Then I'll cover the four areas where you should not let AI take over — high-trust conversations, emotional decisions, relationship building, and final decision-making — and the simple rule for spotting them: if it requires trust, judgment, or relationships, AI doesn't belong there yet.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of business owners burn time on the wrong tools. AI is powerful, but only when you point it at the right problems. This framework is how I decide.CHAPTERS:0:00 The question every small business owner is asking about AI0:52 The two camps getting it wrong1:46 The 3 jobs AI is actually good at1:56 Repetitive tasks (and why AI doesn't get tired)3:10 Structured thinking (and the danger of letting AI think for you)4:18 First drafts (and the polish AI can't do)6:15 The 4 jobs you shouldn't trust AI with6:46 The simple rule: trust, judgment, relationships7:00 What AI is actually for in your businessMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Tell If AI Is a Fad or a Real Shift - https://youtu.be/xYY4HccJi2A?si=7ZBEFQh7SF0chPJd🎧 Earlier in the AI for Small Business miniseries: How to Tell If AI Is Hype or the Next Internet - https://youtu.be/DASx8zmshDA?si=Z46xa5VETsGNPm-mABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 393🔗 https://smallbusinessbigvisibility.com/
• How to Tell If AI Is a Fad or a Real Shift 23.04.2026 6min

  Is AI just another fad like Beanie Babies, Fidget Spinners, or NFTs? It's a fair question — and most small business owners are getting the answer wrong.In this episode, I'll walk through a simple three-part test for separating real shifts from hype: whether something reduces cost, increases speed, and increases access. I'll show you why AI passes all three, why the messy early stage doesn't mean it's fake, and why the dot-com era is the closest parallel we have — the internet wasn't a fad, but plenty of early websites were.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched plenty of "revolutionary" tools come and go. This one's different, and the framework in this episode is how I decide where to pay attention and where to let the hype pass.CHAPTERS:0:00 Is AI just another fad?0:32 Why the early chaos makes people doubt it1:55 The three-part test: fad vs. real shift2:33 Does AI reduce cost?3:05 Does AI increase speed?3:32 Does AI increase access?4:15 The dot-com parallel5:17 What this means for small business owners5:57 What's actually worth using AI forABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 392#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• Why Dismissing AI Is Like Dismissing the Internet in 1995 21.04.2026 5min

  Most people are talking about AI without understanding why it matters — and the ones dismissing it are making the same mistake people made about the internet in the 1990s.In this episode, I'll walk through the predictable cycle every major technology goes through (confusion, hype, adoption, dominance), where AI sits in that cycle right now, and why AI is breaking the old speed-cost-quality trade-off that used to force business owners to pick two. I'll also break down why the "I made $50,000 a month with AI" posts you see on social media are misleading — and what's actually going on underneath them.This is part of the AI for Small Business miniseries — a run of episodes on what AI actually changes for small business owners, what's worth using, and what's a waste of time.After 15+ years helping small businesses get more visible, I've watched the internet, smartphones, and social media each go through this same cycle. The small business owners who moved early on each of those built durable advantages. The ones who waited spent years catching up.CHAPTERS:0:00 The mistake people are making with AI right now0:22 The cycle every major technology follows1:36 Where AI sits in that cycle today2:03 The speed-cost-quality triangle (and why AI breaks it)2:45 One person plus AI vs. a whole team3:30 Why the "$50,000 a month with AI" posts are misleading4:27 AI as a force multiplierABOUT SMALL BUSINESS BIG VISIBILITY:A podcast for small business owners who want practical, real-world strategies to grow without burnout. Hosted by Jason McKenzie — founder of Boise Web and a 15+ year veteran helping small businesses become more visible, more profitable, and more sustainable.Episode 391#AIForSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing
• 390 What Is Agentic AI? | AI for Small Business 17.04.2026 7min

  What is agentic AI, and why does it matter for small business owners? In this video, we break down what agentic AI actually is, how it differs from standard LLMs, and why it is becoming such a powerful tool for getting real work done in business.You will learn how agentic AI can help with follow ups, scheduling, lead nurturing, repetitive admin tasks, and data handling. This video also explains the opportunities, risks, and limitations of AI, especially for small business owners who want to grow without losing the human side of their business.If you want to understand how AI for small business is evolving and how to use it wisely, this video will help you stay ahead.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:20 What agentic AI is00:56 Agentic AI vs LLMs01:44 Why this matters for small business02:24 How agentic AI works04:08 Examples of agentic AI in business05:20 Why speed matters in business05:51 Risks and limitations of AI06:38 Why AI should not replace relationships07:15 Final thoughts on agentic AI
• 389 What Is an LLM? | AI for Small Business 16.04.2026 5min

  Discover what an LLM (large language model) is and why it matters for small business owners today. This video breaks down AI in simple terms and explains how tools like ChatGPT are changing the way business gets done. Learn the key differences between traditional AI and modern LLMs, and why this shift is bigger than social media or even the early internet. You will also see how AI can help with sales scripts, customer communication, hiring, and building better systems.This video also explores what the future of AI looks like for small businesses and why those who learn to use it now will have a major advantage.Watch now to understand how to leverage AI in your business before you get left behind.
• 388 What is AI in simple terms for beginners | AI for Small Business 15.04.2026 7min

  What is AI, really and should small business owners be worried? In this video, we break down artificial intelligence in simple terms so you can understand what it is, how it works, and what it actually means for your business.You will learn:What AI is and where it came fromHow AI and large language models actually workWhy AI is more like a prediction tool than true intelligenceThe real risks and opportunities for small business ownersWhy people who use AI may replace those who do notAI is not about replacing you. It is about working faster, better, and more efficiently. Understanding it now can help you stay competitive and grow your business.Watch now to learn how AI really works and what it means for your future.00:00 Is AI going to replace you00:08 Why business owners fear AI00:25 Who this video is for00:30 AI has been around for decades01:02 Early AI and data prediction01:29 How businesses used AI before02:04 Introduction to large language models02:25 How LLMs work with text and words02:51 AI as a prediction machine03:25 How AI predicts the next word03:44 The limitation of AI predictions04:35 Is AI going to replace you05:04 The real competitive threat05:32 AI improves speed and efficiency06:20 Final thoughts on using AI
• 387 Small Business Finances Made Simple | Business Fundamentals for Small Business Owners 14.04.2026 6min

  Managing small business finances does not have to be overwhelming. In this video, we break down simple, practical financial basics every small business owner needs to understand to stay on track and grow with confidence.You will learn why finding the “just right” balance matters when handling your bookkeeping, how to avoid common financial mistakes, and which key numbers actually matter in your business. From tracking cash flow to understanding accounts receivable, this video helps you focus on what truly impacts your financial health.If you are just getting started or feeling overwhelmed by your business finances, this episode will give you clarity and direction without overcomplicating the process.Watch now to simplify your small business financials and build a stronger foundation for growth.
• 386: Communication That Drives Business Growth | Business Fundamentals for Small Business Owners 13.04.2026 5min

  Strong communication can make or break your business. In this video, we break down how knowing what to say and when to say it can dramatically improve your results as a small business owner.Learn why many entrepreneurs struggle with over-communication or unclear messaging, and how having a clear objective transforms the way you connect with customers, teams, and prospects. This episode walks through real examples of effective and ineffective communication, showing how clarity and intention lead to better outcomes.You will discover:Why clear communication drives business growthHow to avoid over-talking and saying the wrong thingsThe importance of having a plan for sales, onboarding, and customer conversationsHow to identify the key messages that matter most at each stage of your businessIf you want to improve your communication skills and grow your business more effectively, this episode will give you a new perspective on what really matters.Watch now to sharpen your communication and build a stronger business foundation.
• 385: Systems vs Artist: Scale Your Business Faster | Business Fundamentals for Small Business Owners 10.04.2026 6min

  Are you running your business like an artist or building systems that actually scale? In this video, we break down the critical difference between the artist mindset and systems thinking in small business growth. Learn why doing everything yourself can hold your business back, and how shifting to systems can unlock real growth, consistency, and freedom.In this video, you will discover:The difference between artist mode and systems modeWhy relying on yourself limits business scalabilityHow systems create consistency and reliabilityWhen creativity matters and when structure winsHow to free up time for high value workIf you want to grow your business without burning out, this foundational principle can change everything. Watch now to start building a business that works without you.
• 384: The Right Metrics to Scale Your Business | Business Fundamentals for Small Business Owners 09.04.2026 6min

  Are you tracking the right metrics in your business or are you unknowingly holding yourself back? In this video, we break down how choosing the right numbers can make the difference between growth and stagnation.Using a simple cycling analogy, you will learn why not all metrics matter at all times and how focusing on the wrong ones can trap your business. Discover how to identify the key numbers that actually drive results, from financials and sales to lead generation and beyond.This video also explores:Why some metrics only matter at certain stagesHow tracking the wrong numbers can waste years of effortSimple metrics every small business owner should watchA new way to think about sales and rejectionIf you are serious about scaling your business, it starts with measuring what truly matters. Watch now and start focusing on the metrics that move your business forward.