Join us for this fun episode as we close out Season 3. Ben, Ben and I have only 5 seconds to answer the questions which Ben generated with AI and our cameraman Wes calls out!

0:06 - Welcome to *Living a Small Business Life*

0:28 - Question 1: What's your favourite midnight snack?

0:44 - Question 2: Who would you choose if you could be friends with a fictional character?

1:14 - Question 3: What's the best costume you've ever worn to a party?

1:55 - Question 4: What's the best surprise you've ever received?

3:00 - Question 5: What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever experienced?

3:57 - Question 6: If you could have any talent, what would you choose?

5:07 - Question 7: If you were stuck on a deserted island and had to choose a family member to be stuck with, who would you choose?

5:48 - Question 8: Who would you be if you had to be a character from a book?

6:42 - Question 9: What's the best joke you've ever heard?

7:56 - Question 10: If you could live in any movie, which one would it be?

8:33 - Question 11: Who is your favorite celebrity?

9:11 - Question 12: If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

9:59 - Question 13: What's your funniest relationship deal-breaker?

10:53 - Question 14: If you could be any animal, which animal would you be?

11:48 - Wrap up and thanks for watching

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In this episode we explore the rapidly evolving world of AI and its immediate and future implications for small businesses.

We chat about our own levels of AI adoption, ranging from complete skepticism to leveraging it for daily operational efficiency. We talked about key tools like Microsoft Copilot, concerns over data security, the impact of AI on creative content and jobs, and the necessity of maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated world.

00:07 - Introduction: AI in Small Business

00:21 - Are We Using AI in Our Businesses?

00:41 - Using Microsoft Copilot and Other AI Tools

01:30 - AI Skepticism and Industry Challenges

03:09 - The Creative and Tone Problem with AI

04:31 - Managing AI with the Team and Copilot Benefits

05:15 - AI for Meeting Efficiency and Proposal Drafting

07:28 - AI Email Management with Fixer

09:12 - Security and Data Concerns with Copilot and AI

11:36 - The Fundamental Bias and Environmental Cost of Large Language Models

12:41 - Using Gemini and Closed Data Sets

13:36 - AI and Cyber Security Threats

15:06 - Massive Increase in AI-Generated Email Threats

16:44 - Deep Fake Voices and Financial Fraud Examples

17:37 - The Rise of Deep Fake Video and Image Creative

19:43 - Younger Generations' Perspective on AI Content

20:57 - The Evolution of CGI and Creative AI

23:33 - The Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries

27:00 - Job Differentiation vs. Elimination

28:47 - The Future of Work: AI Employees and Flexible Hours

29:54 - Over-Employment Enabled by AI

30:30 - Is AI a Bad Thing? Reflections on Current Use

31:14 - Microsoft Power Platform and No-Code Solutions

33:10 - Refining AI Output and Focusing on Human Connection

35:17 - AI Tools Used by the Hosts

39:03 - The Competitive Disadvantage of Not Using AI

41:15 - AI Reducing Admin Burden

42:58 - Conclusion and Future Outlook

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Welcome back to Living the Small Business Life!

In this episode, we're joined by Laura Dolphin, the founding director of Dolphin Outsourcing. Laura shares her inspiring journey of building a social enterprise that champions flexible work and empowers individuals facing challenging circumstances.

She talks about the origins of her company, the unique services they offer, and how they navigate the evolving landscape of business, including the impact of the 2020 pandemic.

Laura also offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners and introduces her new product, Will Plus, designed to help entrepreneurs plan for unexpected life events.

0:00:00 Introduction to Laura Dolphin and Dolphin Outsourcing

0:01:13 Services Provided by Dolphin Outsourcing

0:02:20 Dolphin Outsourcing's Ideal Client

0:04:22 The Driving Force Behind Starting Dolphin Outsourcing

0:06:45 Laura's Career Before Starting Her Company

0:08:31 Impact of COVID-19 on Dolphin Outsourcing

0:14:12 Flexible Working Opportunities at Dolphin Outsourcing

0:27:22 Laura's Approach to Work-Life Balance

0:32:48 Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners

0:35:56 Biggest Challenges Faced by Dolphin Outsourcing

0:44:39 Marketing Strategies and Growth Plans

0:40:51 Will Plus: A Product for Business Owners Facing Challenging Times

0:45:29 Conclusion

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