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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.

But it’s not the only new tool for professionals included in Windows 11. You’ll find enhanced productivity tools like snap layouts and virtual desktops to help organize your work in a less cluttered view. Use the boosted search settings to keep track of your files. Access included features like Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, and Bitlocker device encryption for professional tasks.

Keep all of that important proprietary information locked down with advanced security features, such as supported biometric logins, encrypted authentication, antivirus defenses, and Smart App Control.

Windows 11 Pro is also getting talked up for its improved user interface. The UI is simple. It’s nice to look at and easier to navigate than previous iterations, which means a low learning curve for your work team. You can modify use with widgets. It even supports touchscreen use with compatible hardware. It’s no surprise that more than a third of Windows users have upgraded to 11 with these kinds of perks.

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.

Digital clutter isn’t just an inconvenience for business professionals—it’s a productivity killer. Add in family concerns like kids clicking on unsafe links, privacy breaches, or the overwhelming volume of ads, and your everyday internet use starts to feel more like a minefield.

Fortunately, there’s a smart, affordable way to clean it all up in one move: the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription.

With this exclusive offer, you can secure a lifetime of ad-free, malware-protected, privacy-first browsing for just $15.97 (regularly $169.99) using code FAMPLAN—available only through April 27 and only for new users.

While many blockers stop at hiding the occasional banner ad, AdGuard operates on a much deeper level. It not only strips away all the noise from websites and apps—including pop-ups, autoplay videos, and sponsored distractions—but it also protects your entire household’s devices from malicious content and digital snooping, the company says.

And unlike recurring subscription models that sneak up on your budget year after year, this lifetime license is a one-and-done commitment. One payment, permanent peace of mind.

Perhaps most importantly for parents, AdGuard includes built-in parental controls that help you establish a safe digital environment for your kids. Whether they’re using a tablet for homework or a smartphone for messaging, you can breathe a little easier knowing harmful content and sketchy websites won’t slip through.

Built to support Android and iOS, AdGuard delivers broad compatibility and serious value. Whether you’re optimizing your home network or just looking to finally browse in peace, this app simplifies security and makes it effortless to manage across multiple devices (up to nine devices).

You stay focused on work, your family stays protected, and your screens remain clean.

Why this deal is worth it

Digital protection shouldn’t be complicated or expensive—and with AdGuard Family Plan, it’s neither. This one-time offer of just $15.97 gives you and your family lifetime coverage from ads, malware, trackers, and inappropriate content. No subscriptions or surprise fees. Just long-term peace of mind and uninterrupted browsing across nine devices. Whether you’re running a business or managing a household (or both), this deal is a small cost for a big upgrade in digital safety.

Don’t miss getting lifetime access to AdGuard Family for just $15.97 (regularly $169.99) using code FAMPLAN through April 27.

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.

For anyone who’s ever spent hours scrolling through job listings, copying and pasting cover letters, and wondering if their resumé ever made it past an algorithm, there’s a better way. And it doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars a year or require a personal career coach on speed dial.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to a job-search automation platform for just $39 (regularly $599). It’s called LoopCV, and it’s designed to make job hunting far more efficient for individuals and even entire teams.

The traditional job search is exhausting. It’s filled with repetition—searching the same sites daily, uploading resumés over and over, tweaking cover letters just enough to fit the role. LoopCV removes that headache. After a simple setup—just upload your resumé, choose your preferred job type, locations, and salary range—LoopCV goes to work.

It scours more than 30 major job platforms, including LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor. Once new, relevant listings are found, it automatically applies on your behalf (up to 300 applications per month), or gives you the option to review them manually. That means fewer late-night application marathons and more time to focus on prepping for interviews or sharpening your skills.

It also finds recruiter contact info and sends personalized emails using pre-built or custom templates. You’ll know when emails are opened and which resumés generate the most attention. That kind of insight gives you the power to adjust your strategy on the fly.

Prefer to run A/B tests on your resume? You can. Want to exclude certain companies or job types? Done. You’re still in control, even when things are automated.

Business owners and managers can also benefit from this. Maybe you’re helping laid-off staff transition into new roles, or mentoring junior employees who are eager for their next step. Offering access to a smart, efficient job-search platform like LoopCV is an easy, budget-friendly way to support their growth and future.

Why this deal is worth it

For just $39, LoopCV offers an automated, intelligent way to handle job applications, recruiter outreach, and job-market insights across 30+ major platforms. With personalized filters, resumé tracking, and the option to apply automatically or manually, it’s a time-saving, results-driven approach to modern job hunting. This one-time purchase saves hours of work and delivers ongoing value. No monthly fees. No fluff. Just smart job searching—for life.

Use it now, use it later—this subscription to LoopCV Premium is yours forever for just $39 (reg. $599).

LoopCV Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription – $39

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Patents can be a hidden cost trap for startups. While they seem like a one-time expense, the reality is different.

Filing is just the beginning. A single U.S. patent can exceed $50,000 over its lifetime as legal fees, government fees, international filings and annuities after issuance stack up.

No wonder founders hesitate, questioning the ROI. I’ve seen it firsthand; many are skeptical and unsure if patents are worth the investment. But skipping patents altogether can be even worse:

• A competitor files first, locking you out of your own market

• An investor loses interest in your business, seeing no clear IP strategy

• A legal battle hits just as your business gains traction

So, the question isn’t whether to patent, it’s how to do it without overspending.

The key is knowing where to focus your budget; trust me, that’s easier than you think. Here, I’m sharing my tried-and-tested strategies for you to patent while keeping costs in check.

Let’s dive in.

Related: Protecting Your Critical Inventions On A Tight Budget

Identify high-value innovations for patenting

Startups tend to make one of two costly mistakes with patents: over-patenting or under-patenting. Both can hurt your business.

Under-patenting happens when teams fail to document innovations. Without a structured process like Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs), valuable ideas slip through the cracks, leaving them unprotected. The patent applications must be filed early, prior to commercialization, when funding can be tight.

Over-patenting is the opposite problem. Companies waste money filing patents that don’t actually strengthen their market position. It’s like betting on every horse instead of picking the one with the best shot at winning. Smart innovation managers focus on patents that protect revenue and block competitors most efficiently.

So, what is the best way to do that? A structured patentability assessment. An idea evaluation matrix can bring together R&D, business leaders and legal teams to assess patentability based on key factors such as business value, likelihood of patenting, expenses, etc. This comprehensive approach ensures only the strongest ideas move forward.

Here’s my rule of thumb: If losing the idea wouldn’t hurt your business, don’t patent it.

Plan your IP budgets wisely

Filing a patent without a budget is like hiring employees without knowing if you can pay them next month. It’s risky and financially irresponsible. Many startups rush into the process, only to run out of funds and abandon their applications or let issued patents lapse.

Patent costs come in phases: drafting fees, argument fees and government fees throughout the process, including after issuance. Each patent may blossom into a family of patents. This budget can blow up as foreign equivalent and follow-on continuation patents around the initial innovation. If you only budget for the initial filing, you may be forced to walk away from a patent you’ve already invested in as costs balloon.

To avoid this, set a patent budget before filing. Account for legal fees, future filings and long-term maintenance. Discuss budgets end-to-end or fixed-fee structures with your attorney to avoid surprise costs. Once your patent is in process, use cost estimation tools to track upcoming expenses and stay financially prepared.

A well-planned budget keeps your patents working for you, not against you.

Related: 4 Ways to Significantly Reduce the Cost of Obtaining New Patents and Managing IP

Use smart filing strategies to cut unnecessary costs

Let’s be honest. Many startups try to cut costs the wrong way. They rush applications with claims that are too broad (extending the argument phase) or too narrow (offering little protection), hire the cheapest attorneys or skip strategic planning altogether. They think they’re saving money, but in reality, these shortcuts lead to rejections, poor strategy and patents that fail when needed most.

A smarter way to save? Strategic filing decisions.

• Start with a provisional patent. For just $140 in USPTO fees with legal fees being lower too, it locks in your filing date and gives you 12 extra months to refine your invention before committing to a full application.

• Leverage government fee discounts. You can save 50-75% on USPTO fees if you qualify as a small or micro-entity. I always remind my clients to check this, as too many businesses leave money on the table.

• Hold off on foreign filings unless there is a serious commitment to those markets. Each country can cost $5,000-$10,000 initially and ultimately $25,000-$75,000. Start in the U.S., then use the PCT system to delay international decisions for up to 30 months while assessing demand.

Another major cost driver is excessive prosecution with tough examination. I always advise clients to use predictor tools to steer clear of technology areas where getting patents is difficult.

Once assigned, check examiner analytics to understand their approval history and adjust your strategy. For instance, if you’re assigned to a tough examiner who has allowed only 1-2% of applications, consider requesting an interview to improve your chances. But if success still looks unlikely, abandoning the application early could save you from pouring money into a dead end.

Prune low-value patents to avoid unnecessary fees

I see too many startups waste 10-20% or more of their patent budget on patents that no longer serve them. If a patent isn’t protecting a key technology or providing a competitive edge, why keep paying for it?

I tell my clients to review their portfolios annually. Ask yourself: Does this patent still align with my business strategy? If not, drop it, sell it or license it to recover costs.

Also, if you’ve exited a market, stop paying to maintain patents there. Foreign filings without a business presence serve no purpose.

A lean, high-value portfolio is far more effective than a bloated one. Focus your budget on the patents that truly matter, and you’ll see real value from your IP.

No matter which one of the above approaches you take, one thing remains the same: You can’t make cost-saving patent decisions on human intuition alone. Instead, the right tools give you data-driven insights that guide smarter choices.

Related: 5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting Patents

Use data, not guesswork

Smart patenting is all about making the right moves, and data helps you do just that. The right tools can assess approval likelihood, predict end-to-end patenting costs and uncover cost-saving opportunities — helping you determine which patents are truly worth pursuing and maintaining.

Performance-driven innovation managers don’t just file blindly and hope for the best — they track, analyze and adjust. If you want to win, you need to do the same.

“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary sees a lot of pitches from entrepreneurs, especially in AI. And he’s all in on the technology — the venture capitalist announced in December that his firm, O’Leary Ventures, is developing the “world’s largest” AI data center industrial park called “Wonder Valley” (no doubt a nod to his “Mr. Wonderful” nickname) in North West Alberta, Canada.

So how can an entrepreneur stand out in a crowded AI field?

“I think one of the big startup opportunities being overlooked right now is training people on AI,” O’Leary said on Instagram, adding that entrepreneurs should not ignore the service business industry when looking to start a business.

“AI has such great potential, [but] most people don’t know how to use it, that’s the key,” O’Leary said.

Related: 91 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

According to Indeed, a service business is a company that performs tasks for the benefit of its customers, including “transportation, cleaning, traveling, hospitality, maintenance or consulting.” These businesses sell a service, rather than a product.

O’Leary said that if a service business can take “the pain point out of someone’s learning time,” then it can be very successful. In this case, getting someone “to actually use AI” would be a business win, he said.

“Service businesses can make a ton of money if they are effective,” O’Leary said.

According to data published in January 2024 from the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated revenue for services industries increased almost 10% in the two years prior.

“It’s huge,” O’Leary said.

Related: No Meetings, Up to $30 Per Hour, Fully Remote: A College Student Training AI Says the Work Is ‘Perfect’ for Introverts

If you’re only using AI just to write content, you’re getting crushed. The real winners are automating sales, operations and marketing 24/7 — without hiring a single employee with Phase 3 AI. This isn’t about saving a few hours — it’s about building a revenue engine that runs itself. In this video, I’m revealing four high-leverage AI agents that are quietly transforming how smart entrepreneurs operate, automate and dominate — faster and leaner than ever before.

• Revenue-generating AI agent: Discover the AI sales agent that replaces your outbound team — qualifying leads, booking calls and handling follow-ups automatically. (Used by startups to replace entire sales departments).
• Executive assistant agent: Eliminate calendar chaos, inbox overwhelm and manual scheduling with an AI assistant that handles it all, saving hours of admin work every week and keeping your business on track.
• Workflow and SOP agent: Learn how to document and delegate complex workflows in minutes using a screen-recording AI tool that turns your process into step-by-step guides for your team or VA — no more micromanaging.
• Pulse agent for marketing: See how one free AI tool can analyze your sales data, audit your content and predict campaign performance before you launch — plus how I used it to triple my sales in under 14 days.

Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a lean team, these AI agents can replace repetitive work, increase your output and give you a serious competitive advantage — all while keeping your overhead low. I’ll show you how each tool works and how to implement them fast, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Download the free “AI Success Kit” (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from my brand new book, “The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.”

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social Friday that he is extending the TikTok sale deadline for another 75 days.

“My Administration has been working very hard on a Deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress,” Trump wrote. “The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Meanwhile, a spate of tech companies and billionaires have placed bids for TikTok—including Amazon and AppLovin separately this week—ahead of Saturday’s original deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell to a U.S. buyer.

ABC News is reporting that the Trump Administration is considering a leasing deal instead.

The leasing option would let China keep control of its prized TikTok algorithm, though the U.S. company holding the lease would have a minority stake, a “source close to the deal” told the outlet. Oracle would supervise the lease, per NPR. Oracle already provides TikTok with backend tech support.

Related: ‘Something to Get It Done’: President Donald Trump Suggests Chinese Tariff Cuts in Exchange for TikTok Deal

In addition to Amazon and AppLovin’s bids this week, formal offers to acquire the app have been submitted from billionaire and former L.A. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt (who teamed up with Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian) in January. AI startup Perplexity also submitted a more than $50 billion offer to merge its business with TikTok’s U.S. division.

The TikTok saga has been ongoing since April 2024 when lawmakers concerned about U.S. user data making its way to the Chinese government passed a law to force ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. Since then, TikTok went dark for its 170 million U.S. users for one day, before Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for 75 days.

The deadline was April 5 but now there is a new set of 75 days to get a deal done.

“We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal,” Trump wrote. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

^{This is a breaking news story and will be updated.}