April 2025

In 2025, the business world is defined by complexity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, automating tasks and outpacing human specialists across multiple fields. Recently, Workday laid off 8.5% of its workforce, totalling over 1,700 staff, due to AI. If you are a professional or an entrepreneur, the future can appear uncertain, if not scary. Yet, some entrepreneurs are thriving — not by doubling down on specialization but by embracing versatility. A McKinsey & Company study found that AI-driven automation could reshape up to 30% of hours worked across the U.S. economy by 2030, increasing the demand for adaptable, cross-disciplinary skills. This shift requires a new way of thinking: the mindset of what I call the “all-in-one entrepreneur”.

As the CEO of Builderall, a comprehensive marketing platform that has supported over two million businesses worldwide, I have my finger on the pulse of what the best-performing companies are doing to stay cutting edge. For too long, entrepreneurs have been told that success lies in mastering a single skill or discipline. The phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” has been used as a warning against being too broad in focus. But the full quote tells a different story:

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” The message is clear: Versatility is an advantage. In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to connect the dots across disciplines is far more valuable than narrow expertise.

Related: 8 CEO Mindset Quotes That Keep Me Honest and Inspired

Why specialization is losing its edge

For centuries, specialization was the gold standard of success. Adam Smith’s book, The Wealth of Nations (1776), highlighted how dividing labor into specialized tasks spurred economic progress, and this approach fueled the Industrial Revolution. However, the same forces that once made specialization so effective — efficiency and productivity — are now driving its decline.

A 2023 Goldman Sachs report estimates that AI could replace up to 300 million full-time jobs globally in the coming years. Many of these are highly specialized roles in fields like accounting, legal work and data analysis. Similarly, a McKinsey study found that 50% of workplace tasks could potentially be automated using existing technology.

Software engineering, once considered a rock-solid career choice, is already being disrupted. Tools like GitHub Copilot can now write code autonomously, reducing the demand for traditional programmers. The specialists who thrive in this new environment won’t be those who only know how to code — they’ll be the ones who understand how coding integrates with business strategy, user experience and product management.

Specialists aren’t disappearing, but specialization alone is no longer enough to stay competitive. The future belongs to those who can integrate knowledge across multiple domains.

The power of the “all-in-one entrepreneur”

Throughout history, the most game-changing thinkers weren’t specialists — they were polymaths. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, who combined art, science, engineering and anatomy, producing ideas centuries ahead of his time. Michelangelo was not just a sculptor, but also an architect, poet and military engineer. Benjamin Franklin was a writer, inventor, diplomat and scientist — his breadth of knowledge made him an influential force in history.

They thrived because they didn’t confine themselves to a single specialty — they saw connections others couldn’t. In business today, the same principle applies. The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t just great at one thing — they’re able to connect marketing with data, technology with business strategy, creativity with finance.

I saw this firsthand in my own career. I started as a designer, thinking that visuals alone could drive business success. But I quickly realized that I needed to understand development to bring my ideas to life. From there, I learned analytics to measure whether my designs were actually effective. That led me to marketing, because great design is useless if no one sees it.

With those tools in place, I could build revenue-generating businesses, so I needed to develop leadership and management skills to hire and scale. Then, after selling a few companies, I realized the power of finance and fundraising to take ventures even further.

I never set out to learn all of these things. Each new skill was a response to a challenge I faced. And over time, it became clear: The more I learned, the more control I had over my own success. This is what it means to be an “all-in-one entrepreneur.”

The costs of outsourcing your potential

Too many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of outsourcing what they don’t understand. It can be tempting to hire an “expert” marketing agency without knowing the basics of branding, delegate financial management without understanding cash flow or hand off tech decisions without knowing how they affect business operations.

This creates blind spots that can lead to costly mistakes. For example, an entrepreneur who’s great at product development but doesn’t understand marketing may struggle to reach an audience. A marketing-savvy entrepreneur who doesn’t grasp financial metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC) or lifetime value (LTV) might overspend on campaigns that don’t generate profit.

The “all-in-one entrepreneur” avoids these pitfalls by learning just enough to make informed decisions and lead effectively. But with so much on your plate already, how is it possible to learn so many things?

How to embrace the all-in-one mindset

Adopting the “all-in-one entrepreneur” mindset is about progress, not perfection. You don’t need to master every skill overnight. Instead, focus on immersing yourself in each area enough to build a foundational understanding. My secret to this process is what I call “learn-sourcing”: hiring experts not just to do the work for you, but to do it with you.

With “learn-sourcing,” you gain practical experience while getting expert support. By collaborating with professionals, you learn the “why” behind the work, pick up their strategies and develop the confidence to make informed decisions.

Here’s how you can use “learn-sourcing” in the most critical areas:

1. Learn finance by working with a pro. If you don’t understand your numbers, you don’t understand your business. Hire a bookkeeper or financial consultant and review your financials with them regularly. Instead of mindlessly outsourcing, ask them to walk you through profit margins, cash flow and break-even points in real time.

2. Learn marketing by running your own ads. Even the best product fails without the right marketing. Instead of handing off marketing to an agency, bring in an expert to set up campaigns with you. Learn how to craft messaging, define targeting, and analyze performance, so you can make informed marketing decisions instead of guessing.

3. Learn leadership by hiring a coach. Scaling your business means scaling your ability to manage people. Work with a leadership coach or mentor, but don’t just take advice — shadow them in real leadership scenarios. Observe how they handle team communication, conflict resolution, and company vision and apply those lessons to your own business.

Note that some vendors will be uncomfortable with this arrangement. That’s okay; it means they are not the right fit for you. Initially, it might be harder to find people who can work this way, but I’ve found that the ones who embrace it are more confident in their ability. As an added bonus, talking through the different steps actually helps them to do a better job.

Related: How Entrepreneurs Can Thrive Through the 5 Stages of Business Growth

The future of business demands more

Being an “all-in-one entrepreneur” isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about knowing enough to connect ideas, solve problems and adapt to whatever comes next.

• Don’t just outsource — “learn-source.”
• Don’t just hire experts — work with them.
• Don’t just stay in your lane — expand your skill set.

The future doesn’t belong to specialists. The future belongs to those who learn faster, think bigger and do more.

Since ChatGPT came on the scene in November 2022, employees have been using the AI chatbot and other variations from Google, Microsoft, Apple, and others, to take notes, write emails, and translate meetings.

But could the tools you’re using to help your work actually take your job instead?

Goldman Sachs estimated in a 2023 report that AI could automate 300 million full-time jobs, while McKinsey wrote in the same year that up to 375 million workers may be displaced by AI by 2030.

While AI could take over jobs on Wall Street or software developer roles at Big Tech firms, a recent Pew Research survey found that AI experts deem three professions most at risk of vanishing in the next 20 years due to AI: cashiers, journalists, and factory workers.

Pew Research surveyed over 5,400 U.S. adults and more than 1,000 AI experts who spoke or presented at 21 AI-related conferences in 2023 or 2024.

“It’s really important that both of these sets of views are in the room,” Jeff Gottfried, Pew’s associate director of research, told CNBC.

Related: Worried About AI Stealing Your Job? A New Report Calls These 10 Careers ‘AI-Proof’

The survey, which was conducted from August to October 2024, with results released last month, found that when it comes to professions, AI experts and the general population shared common views about which jobs AI is most likely to replace. Both 73% of U.S. adults and AI experts stated that AI will lead to fewer jobs for cashiers over the next 20 years, while nearly 60% of each group gave the same prediction for journalists.

More of the public, 67% compared to 60% for AI experts, said that AI could take over factory positions, while nearly half of each group said that AI could replace some software engineering jobs.

Less than half of both AI experts and the general public predicted job loss for mental health therapists, lawyers, musicians, teachers, and medical doctors in the next twenty years.

The survey additionally showed that experts are generally more optimistic about AI than the general public.

Related: Is AI Taking Your Job This Year? Staggering Stats Show How the Technology Is Reshaping the Workforce.

For example, while most experts (73%) said that AI would have a positive impact on jobs in the next 20 years, only 23% of U.S. adults said that AI would positively impact their work. More than half of the public said they were anxious about AI causing job loss, while only 25% of experts were concerned. Meanwhile, the majority of U.S. adults (64%) said that AI would lead to fewer jobs, but only 39% of experts shared the same outlook.

Overall, the majority of experts (56%) said that AI will have a positive impact on the U.S. over the next two decades, while less than one in five of the general population (17%) indicated the same.

In today’s business world, leadership isn’t just about making decisions in the boardroom — it’s about influence, credibility and visibility. Executives who fail to establish their thought leadership risk being left behind in a world where perception often precedes opportunity.

Whether you’re looking to land board seats, secure advisory roles or build strategic partnerships, a well-crafted executive brand is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Related: 5 Effective Ways to Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader

Why branding is no longer just for influencers

Traditionally, branding was seen as the domain of celebrities, influencers and marketing experts. Executives were expected to let their work speak for itself. But in the digital age, silence is invisibility. If you’re not actively shaping your reputation, you’re allowing others — or algorithms — to define it for you.

Today’s investors, clients and decision-makers don’t just review résumés; they research identities. They search your name online. They scroll your LinkedIn profile, read your published content, watch your interviews and pay attention to your affiliations. What they find — or don’t — often influences whether you get that board seat, partnership or leadership opportunity.

Executives who lack a digital footprint raise questions about relevance. Meanwhile, those with a strategic, visible brand are seen as forward-thinking, credible and connected.

Thought leadership drives opportunities

Establishing yourself as a thought leader doesn’t mean being the loudest voice in the room — it means being the most valuable. It’s about offering insight, not just opinion. And when done right, thought leadership creates a powerful pull effect: Opportunities begin to seek you out.

Consider these real-world advantages:

• Board invitations flow to executives with visibility: Companies today want board members who not only bring operational experience but also bring brand value, networks and perspective. If you’re already seen as a strategic thinker, you’re a safer bet at the board level.

• Media and speaking engagements become accessible: Event organizers and journalists are constantly scanning for authoritative voices. If your content demonstrates clarity and credibility, you’ll be the one they call when they need a quote or keynote.

• You gain influence among investors and stakeholders: In an age of transparency, credibility matters more than credentials alone. Executives with a clear, trusted voice in the market are perceived as less risky and more aligned with today’s leadership standards.

When you’re recognized as an expert in your space, doors open — sometimes without you even knocking.

Related: 11 Ways to Build Thought Leadership With Your Personal Brand

How to build an executive brand that stands out

Crafting a strong executive brand is not about self-promotion. It’s about strategic positioning. It’s about showcasing what you bring to the table and doing so in a way that adds value to others.

Here are the foundational steps:

1. Define your expertise and leadership niche

Start by answering a few key questions:

• What specific problems do you solve?

• What industries or sectors do you best serve?

• What differentiates your leadership approach?

Owning a clearly defined niche — whether it’s cybersecurity governance, operational scaling or strategic M&A — helps position you as the go-to voice in that space.

2. Share insights that educate and elevate

Thought leadership begins with contribution. Write articles. Share reflections on LinkedIn. Speak on podcasts or at industry panels. Every piece of content you share should reinforce your credibility and provide genuine value to your audience.

Remember, people don’t just want to know what you do — they want to know how you think.

3. Leverage multiple platforms to scale visibility

Relying solely on LinkedIn or a company bio limits your reach. Executive branding today includes:

• Personal websites or portfolios

• Guest features in respected publications

• Participation in webinars and virtual summits

• Strategic appearances on industry-relevant podcasts

Each platform reinforces the others. Together, they create a cohesive digital presence that reflects leadership beyond the title.

4. Engage with other thought leaders and executives

Branding isn’t a one-way broadcast. Engage with other leaders. Comment thoughtfully. Share their work. Join meaningful conversations. The more you’re seen as part of the dialogue, the more influential your voice becomes.

Collaboration also leads to visibility. Guest appearances, co-authored articles or cross-promotion help position you within respected leadership circles.

5. Be consistent and authentic

Thought leadership is not a one-time campaign. It’s an ongoing practice. The most successful executive brands aren’t built in a flurry — they’re built steadily, through regular content, meaningful interactions and consistency of message.

Equally important: Your voice must be authentic. You’re not trying to become someone else; you’re amplifying the best of who you already are.

The competitive advantage of authority

The business landscape is evolving. The leaders of tomorrow aren’t just qualified — they’re visible, intentional and connected. A powerful executive brand isn’t about vanity. It’s about establishing trust, shaping influence and accelerating opportunity.

Companies are more selective than ever when bringing on new board members or senior advisors. A strong brand helps you stand out in crowded, competitive spaces. It ensures you’re remembered after the meeting ends — or even discovered before it begins.

Most importantly, when your brand is aligned with your mission, values and expertise, the right opportunities tend to find you. It’s no longer about chasing attention. It’s about creating a magnetic presence that commands respect and fosters meaningful growth.

Related: To Become a Top Executive, Take Control of Your Personal Brand Today

Your brand is your legacy

In a world where attention is currency and influence drives impact, your executive brand is more than a professional asset; it’s part of your leadership legacy.

So, the real question isn’t whether to invest in your brand — it’s when. And the answer is clear: Start now.

Because in today’s fast-moving, trust-driven, visibility-powered world …
Executives who lead the conversation will lead the industry.

At some point, everyone needs a little extra money. Maybe you need to pay essential bills or cover a surprise expense. Your dog gets sick, your roof starts leaking, you’re closing on a new home — the scenarios are endless, but the situation is common: You need money fast.

Waiting for a traditional pay cycle might not always be possible, and thankfully, there are ways to make money quickly, efficiently and (most importantly) legally. As you embark on these side hustles, staying on top of necessary taxes is essential. The following insights, ideas and advice can set you on a path toward fast cash and new revenue streams.

12 side hustles to make quick cash

1. Sell your things on eBay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace

If you want to make money quickly, sell the things you already have: old clothes, electronics, collectibles, books and other knick knacks taking up space in your garage or attic. You might consider a yard sale or garage sale to declutter your storage space; however, with the internet you can quickly sell those things online on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Craigslist, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. Remember, you might need to ship items to their buyers. Those shipping fees can eat into your overall profit, so do the math before accepting any offers.

• Time to set up: A few hours
• Time to make money: Days or weeks
• Requirements: Account on the selling platform of your choice (Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.), valuable goods

Related: 18 Ways You Can make money Right Now

2. Take online surveys

Taking online surveys can make you money in hours — or even minutes. Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks allow people to join their programs, then take surveys in exchange for cash prizes or gift cards. The upside is that by completing a handful of surveys, you’ll soon have some spending cash in your pocket. The downside? It’s not much money — a couple dollars per survey, depending on the platform. It is, however, an easy and mindless way to earn money while multitasking, and all you need is a smart phone or computer — no college degree or elaborate setup necessary.

Most online survey sites pay you cash back bonuses or unused gift cards. Others have “cardcash” systems where you must use the extra income at that site. Keep this in mind, as it could indicate a scam or prevent you from being able to cash out your money.

• Time to set up: Minutes
• Time to make money: Hours
• Requirements: A computer or smartphone

Related: How Online Surveys in Market Research are Driving Change

3. Pursue side gigs on freelance sites

Freelance websites like Upwork and Fiverr are job posting boards. If you have a skill you can translate into freelance labor, such as programming, graphic design or writing, you can use these sites to find freelance gigs and earn money quickly. The setup is easy: Make an account, then bid on available jobs from prospective clients. If you’re chosen, complete the work to the client’s specifications and get paid. Do a good enough job, and you’ll earn a positive reputation, leading to more work.

The most successful freelancers do it as their primary career, earning decent incomes while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of working on their own schedules. And depending on your niche, you can develop online courses, land gigs as a virtual assistant or become a regular contributor for online publications.

• Time to set up: Hours
• Time to make money: Days
• Requirements: Skills and qualifications for freelance work, a computer, any necessary software

Related: Freelance Writer – Entrepreneur

4. Pet sitting and dog walking

Apps like Rover and Wag provide excellent opportunities to make money fast, particularly if you’re an animal lover. By pet sitting and dog walking, you can earn income in less than a day. Make a profile, add photos of you and some furry friends and start booking clients. Depending on your availability, you can opt to walk dogs during the day, in the evening or whenever clients need you.

These services also provide opportunities to look after pets (generally cats and dogs) for extended stays — when owners go on vacation or are handling an emergency, for example. Remember, though, it might take time and successful jobs as a pet sitter before you can start making a good amount of money.

• Time to set up: Hours
• Time to make money: Hours
• Requirements: Pet sitter app, a smartphone, pet supplies (such as leashes and bowls), a love for animals

Related: 7 Quick Ways to make money Investing $1,000

5. Babysitting

Babysitting can be just as rewarding as pet sitting and just as profitable, if not more so. The big difference? In most cases, parents vet their babysitters much more carefully than their pet sitters. Because of this, you can’t rely on an app like Rover for babysitting. Instead, you’ll need to develop a reputation as a trusted sitter in your area, then apply to job boards, like Care.com, or get referrals from your current clients. It might take some time to build up a client base, but once you do the money comes quickly: Many parents require fast babysitting solutions on short notice (if there’s a family emergency, for example).

If you keep your schedule open, you can respond to those babysitting requests as soon as they pop up, making some extra cash for playing with kids, feeding them meals, taking them on walks or to the playground and making sure they go to bed on time. The right temperament (patient but energetic, fun-loving but firm) is essential for success in this field.

• Time to set up: Days
• Time to make money: Varies
• Requirements: A mobile phone, good communication skills, patience, fondness for kids

6. Become a tutor

Whether you’re a math whiz or grammar aficionado, you can help local students with schoolwork as a tutor. Start by reaching out to your own network — family, friends, colleagues, neighbors — to gauge demand and find early clients. Maybe it’s your eighth-grade neighbor struggling with pre-algebra or a family friend studying for the ACT. Your classroom knowledge can help them learn new concepts and test-taking strategies.

You can also join online tutoring platforms, such as Chugg Tutors or Tutor.com, and teach students from your own home, on your own time. These sites take a cut of your earnings, so while they do provide added flexibility, they can be less profitable for tutors.

• Time to set up: A few days
• Time to make money: Hours
• Requirements: Good grades, subject-specific expertise, a laptop

7. Host guests on Airbnb

Airbnb is a popular app for homeowners and investors — and for good reason. It allows them to rent out real estate they don’t use and provide travelers a place to stay. Maybe your apartment has a free bedroom or you own a second property where no one lives. Take some nice photos of the space, list your house rules and start booking guests to earn passive income.

Airbnb hosting isn’t without its struggles and potential pitfalls, however. You need to prepare the property for guests and provide a clean, safe and comfortable space for them. This means having everything on hand for a nice stay: bath towels, shampoo and body wash, coffee, clean bedsheets, etc. Be sure to check local zoning laws, too, as localities have increasingly clamped down on short-term rentals.

• Time to set up: Days
• Time to make money: Varies
• Requirements: Second home or spare room to rent, Airbnb account, extra home supplies to ensure a comfortable stay for guests

Related: Top 10 Home Business Ideas

8. Drive delivery

Delivery driving is one of the easier and more attractive side gigs because it relies on owning just two things: a vehicle and a smartphone. When you become a delivery driver, you can work for many different rideshare and food delivery apps — such as Lyft, Uber Eats, Instacart and DoorDash — and earn money any hour of the day.

You’ll drive to and from restaurants, drop off food and accept new jobs on the app. This does take time to set up, however, as joining these companies is a fairly traditional process. You should expect to submit a resume, sit through an interview and submit to a background check. That could take several weeks to complete, so don’t expect to become a delivery driver in a single day if you need cash fast.

• Time to set up: Weeks
• Time to make money: Hourly, once employed
• Requirements: A car, a smartphone, good communication skills

Related: 44 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2023

9. Do odd jobs

There’s a good chance people in your local community need a variety of services, including home repairs, grocery shopping for elderly people, groundskeeping, yard work, housecleaning, house sitting, furniture repair, junk removal or snow shoveling. Many of these jobs are just waiting for an appropriately skilled (or equipped) person to come and tackle them. You can be that person.

Advertise around the neighborhood and sign up for Taskrabbit, an app for home service bookings — anything from mounting a TV to deep-cleaning a home. Doing odd jobs is an excellent way to earn money quickly, because most of them pay you as soon as the job is done. Given that most of these tasks can be completed in a matter of hours, if not sooner, you can make quick money in no time.

• Time to set up: Hours
• Time to make money: Hours
• Requirements: Handyman skills, tools, an app profile

10. Open a mobile car wash service

This easy-to-set-up side hustle is the fastest-growing in the U.S., according to new data from SideHustles.com. It capitalizes on customers’ growing desire for someone to come to their home rather than traveling to a brick-and-mortar car wash. You’ll need a car or other form of transportation to get to clients’ houses, and you’ll also need to purchase car-cleaning supplies such as a cordless vacuum, microfiber cloths, leather shampoo and more.

Before you finalize each client’s booking, ensure there is a source of water, such as a hose, at their home. Also, ensure you have a power source for plugging in a vacuum if needed.

• Time to set up: Weeks
• Time to make money: Varies
• Requirements: A form of transportation, a smartphone and car-cleaning supplies

11. Become a virtual assistant

If you want to work flexible hours from home, consider starting a business as a virtual assistant. The little-to-no-experience-required side hustle pays around $26 an hour on average, but if you build up a solid network of clients, you could make six figures. Hannah Dixon, who founded the VA training resource Digital Nomad Kit, has smart advice for anyone looking to get involved: Develop an entrepreneurial mindset, specialize in certain tasks to command higher rates, create a killer online portfolio, do VA-specific networking and be an “innovator” VA, not just an “executor” VA. Read all of her tips here.

• Time to set up: Days
• Time to make money: Varies
• Requirements: Laptop, smartphone, strong organizational skills, task-specific expertise

12. Clean houses

Housecleaning is always in demand, and it doesn’t require much experience. According to recent research from NetCredit, you could make nearly $20 an hour doing this task. Once you develop a strong relationship with initial clients, referrals will come pouring in. This will help you build a strong customer base — and maybe even bring on employees of your own. To get started, you’ll need to stock up on cleaning supplies and have a method of transportation to get to clients’ houses.

• Time to set up: Days
• Time to make money: Varies
• Requirements: A form of transportation, cleaning supplies

How to handle taxes and side hustle income

Before you start hustling for fast money, it’s vital to stay on top of your tax responsibilities. The last thing you want is a massive bill come April, so setting aside money throughout the year is essential. There are both income and self-employment taxes to consider, and it’s wise to consult with a tax professional.

Do you need to pay taxes on side hustle income?

In short, yes. According to the IRS, self-employed individuals are required to file an annual return and pay estimated quarterly taxes if they make more than $400. If you’re making any significant side hustle cash, you’ll have to pay taxes on that income. Many full-time employers deduct taxes before checks ever hit your bank account, but as a freelancer or self-employed worker, your clients will almost never withhold federal income taxes. That means you’re on the hook for that money.

How do I set aside money for taxes?

One easy way to avoid a surprise tax bill is to set up a savings account and set aside taxes as you make the money. Do this through your preferred bank, and use this account solely for tax purposes. Otherwise, leave it alone.

How much should I put in my tax savings account?

As a general rule, it’s safe to put somewhere between 25% and 35% of your side hustle income into this tax savings account. This should cover income taxes, in addition to the self-employment tax, a 15.3% tax that covers Social Security and Medicare costs. You’ll most likely be paying taxes quarterly, so keep this account flush with enough money to cover those.

What about side hustle expenses?

The nice thing about being self-employed is your ability to expense business-related costs that you can write off for taxable income. An easy way to keep track of this is by setting up a checking account, using it only for expenses. This keeps business costs separate from personal purchases, so when it comes time to file, you can easily add up your expenses and deduct it from your annual income.

The stock market is experiencing a second day of precipitous loss following Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Per the Wall Street Journal, major U.S. indexes all dropped more than 3% in today’s morning trading, with the Dow dropping 1400 points. European stocks fell more than 4%.

Though it seems like a good reason to panic, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett would advise against it. While the Oracle of Omaha has called tariffs “an act of war,” he has spoken and written extensively about finding opportunity in tumultuous times.

Related: Warren Buffett Is Still Living Up to His ‘Oracle’ Nickname

In his 2017 letter to shareholders, Buffett wrote: “There is simply no telling how far stocks can fall in a short period,” adding, “When major declines occur, however, they offer extraordinary opportunities to those who are not handicapped by debt.”

He went on to encourage shareholders to take in the message from a few lines of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If,”:

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting…

If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim…

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you…

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.

Buffett referenced his investment tactics during the Great Recession of 2008, and his now-classic op-ed for The New York Times, “Buy American. I am.”

In that column, Buffett outlined his investing philosophy, explaining, “A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.”

AI burst out of the labs in 2022, and by now, just about everybody has heard of it. AI has also progressed exponentially in the last three years. Experts have said that within a few years, AI will affect everything from healthcare to brainstorming and beyond. They have also declared that we are entering an era that will affect humanity like nothing before it.

If you don’t employ AI soon in your business, you may not be able to compete. But how do you begin? The following case study is about my experience installing AI in a small business. The objective of the project is to increase the value of the company so it can be in a position to sell. We decided to employ AI to accomplish this.

Related: 3 Ways to Prepare Your Business For an AI Future

A classic case of treating business ownership as a job

The company is a small wholesale produce company. It is a third-generation company, and it has a good brand and reputation.

The business owner has been working nights in the warehouse processing orders for 40 years. He feels that he is the only one who can handle this function because it is so complicated. Problems often arise.

There is a key employee who has been with the company for 15 years, who takes over when the owner goes on vacation.

Our first task was to get the owner out of the warehouse, turn that job over to the key employee and have the owner function as the CEO.

The owner was reluctant to do this as he thought he might lose revenue. He finally made the decision in the fifth month of the project.

The adaptation period

After working nights in the warehouse for 40 years, the owner needed time to adapt not only to his sleeping regimen but also to letting go of his former job. We lost a lot of time employing AI in the company. However, getting the owner out of the warehouse was a huge factor in moving forward.

The owner wanted to start AI-ifying his company with order processing because that clearly was the prime workflow in the company, and he was concerned that someone else had taken over after his 40-year tenure.

Inventory control is a major function in this business. Since the product spoils, it needs to get in and out of inventory as quickly as possible. So, the company had contracted with a third party to handle inventory control about three years before we got involved. We immediately developed a dialogue with the third party, and they were very cooperative. However, the main contact left the company, and there were rumors that the company was in trouble, so we put order processing on hold until we were sure that the third party would remain in business.

Related: Why You Should Incorporate AI into Your Business — and How to Do It the Right Way

The big pivot

Very soon in this holding pattern, we decided to pivot to marketing so we could move forward. If the owner hadn’t been so persistent in requiring order processing as the first to employ AI, we would have started with marketing.

Over 90% of companies employing AI start with marketing. It is quick and easy to implement, and good prompting using ChatGPT can have a huge effect on most of the functions without the need for complex automation. It’s also a gentle way to introduce AI to the employees. They can see it in action without it threatening their jobs.

The first thing we had AI do was to develop a marketing plan specifically for a small wholesale produce company. The plan was initially focused on the customer base, and the first task was to develop a customer survey to determine their feelings about the products and services that they were receiving, as well as their wants and needs going forward.

Another huge problem

We immediately encountered a problem. The company had never done marketing. They have about 200 customers obtained by word of mouth over their 80 years in business. Consequently, they have no CRM with the necessary information to send the survey. They had different lists for different functions, which had different contacts and often no email address — and often the contact they had was not the decision maker.

Two administrative people were assigned to develop the CRM, and they would do that in their spare time. Finally, the owner hired an experienced marketing freelancer to help with the CRM and continue with the marketing effort going forward.

We may need to resend the survey to non-respondents a few times before we get a statistically significant number of respondents for data analysis. We will develop a detailed marketing plan based on the results of the survey analysis.

The rumors about the financial problems of the third party proved false, and when the marketing plan is running smoothly, we will return to applying AI to the order processing workflow.

We will also continue to interview the owner to source data for the training bot and the customer support bot.

Related: AI for the Future: 5 Powerful Reasons Small Businesses Should Jump on Board

What we learned

The takeaway from this case study is basically a lack of preparation to employ AI. But that wasn’t the owner’s fault. He wasn’t expecting AI. It was also an unusual situation where the owner worked in the warehouse for 40 years, and the company had never done any marketing. This is an exaggerated example of an owner working IN the company and not ON the company. If it weren’t for his desire to make his company a valued asset in the marketplace, we wouldn’t have made the progress that we did.

Preparing for AI is basically creating an environment that makes employing AI quick and seamless. The attitude of the staff is critical, as is the documentation of the company workflows that will be AI-ified.

Understanding the importance of preparing for AI can make the difference between success and failure in perhaps the most important business decision you will ever make.

It’s not often you can deliver your team an exciting piece of software at $15 a head. But with this Windows 11 Pro upgrade, you can add a new lifetime license to each PC on your team for just $14.97 (reg. $199). Tap into the enhanced user interface (UI) and improved productivity to bring your team to the operating system that 35.5% of Windows users now choose, according to Neowin.

Turn things over to your ‘copilot’

One of the biggest reasons to opt for a Windows 11 upgrade is to offer your colleagues access to Copilot. This AI assistant can help automate tasks and streamline workflows. Stuck on some code? Ask Copilot to generate a suggestion. Need to outline some upcoming content angles? Ask for some tips to kick writer’s block to the curb. Copilot is the teammate you didn’t realize you were missing.

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Give your team a boost for just $14.97 per head when you upgrade your PCs to Windows 11 Pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Have you ever been to your favorite restaurant, ordered the dish you’ve always loved and noticed it just doesn’t taste the same anymore? Maybe they started sourcing cheaper ingredients to cut costs, sacrificing quality for short-term gains. Businesses often make a similar mistake — chasing market trends to maximize profits quickly but sidelining the needs of their clients in the process. This approach might boost short-term revenue, but it rarely leads to sustainable success.

In my experience, prioritizing what our clients and investors are looking for — sometimes even over chasing dollar signs — has led to greater success. Companies that build products and services with investors in mind from the start consistently outperform those that focus primarily on immediate gains.

An investor-centric approach isn’t just ethical — it’s a strategic advantage that fosters trust, drives referrals and lays the groundwork for lasting growth.

Related: If You Want Your Business to Win in the Long-Term, Don’t Take Shortcuts

Why money-driven decisions backfire

Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of chasing quick wins and closing deals at any cost. This might mean overselling a product’s capabilities or pushing investments that don’t align with an investor’s goals. While these tactics can spike short-term revenue, the long-term costs can be significant: eroded trust, negative word of mouth and a tarnished reputation that’s hard to recover from.

Investors today are more informed than ever. A single bad experience can create a ripple effect of lost opportunities. By focusing on what investors truly need and want — rather than what the market seems to dictate — businesses can build genuine, value-driven relationships that last.

How understanding your clients drives growth

1. Enhanced investor satisfaction

Understanding your investors’ goals and risk tolerance allows you to tailor their investments and portfolio more effectively. When investors feel heard and prioritized, they are far more likely to reinvest. For example, we speak with our investors daily and host regular webinars to gauge their sentiment and understand their evolving needs. This ongoing communication helps us keep in touch with what our investors truly want, keeping us aligned with their goals.

2. Positive referrals and word of mouth

Satisfied investors often become your most powerful advocates. In a world where trust is currency, a referral from a happy investor can be more valuable than any marketing campaign. When you prioritize investors’ best interests, they’re not only more likely to return but also to recommend your business to others. This organic growth is both cost-effective and sustainable.

3. Long-term business success

Building relationships based on trust and transparency pays dividends. A reputation for integrity attracts high-quality investors and partners who value a long-term vision over short-term gains. In contrast, businesses known for prioritizing profits at any cost often struggle to retain clients. The businesses that endure are those that make decisions with their investors’ interests at heart.

Related: Ethics First: Forgoing Quick Wins for Long-Term Venture Success

Integrity as a strategic advantage

Staying true to your investor’s needs isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also a powerful business strategy. There have been times when I have turned down investors if I felt the deal was not suitable for their short- or long-term goals, prioritizing their success over a quick win.

Transparency in communication, fair dealing and aligning with investors’ goals can create a strong foundation for your brand. Investors who trust you are more likely to stick with you during challenging times, providing a level of stability that businesses built on quick wins can’t match.

On the flip side, I know the worth of my company. Competitors will often take commission reductions if it means closing a deal. We don’t often do that because we understand the value we bring to investors and refuse to compromise on the quality of our services.

In a competitive market, putting integrity and your investors’ interests first isn’t just the right move — it’s a path to long-term success. Business owners who play the long game by building genuine relationships and being transparent can create a business that thrives on trust, loyalty and sustainable growth.