Yes, we’re talking about AI again because, let’s be honest, it’s everywhere, everyone is using it and most people are using it wrong. It’s easy to feel like you’re just throwing AI at problems without a real plan. That’s why I was excited to talk to Melissa Reeve, an expert in agile marketing, about her TRISS framework—a simple way to decide where AI can make the biggest impact in your business.

If you’ve ever caught yourself bouncing from one AI tool to another, hoping something sticks, Melissa calls that “random acts of AI.” And just like random acts of marketing, they rarely lead to success. Instead, the TRISS framework (Time, Repetition, Importance, Satisfaction, and Standardization) gives business owners a way to filter through the hype and focus on AI applications that actually save time and improve efficiency.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Time Matters – If a task doesn’t take much time, it’s probably not worth automating. But if something eats up hours of your week, AI might be the perfect solution. Before jumping in, do a quick cost-benefit analysis.
2. Repetition is Key – AI works best for tasks you do over and over again. Think about activities like writing social media posts or summarizing documents. The more predictable the process, the better AI can handle it.
3. Importance and Risk – Not every task is created equal. If something is high-stakes (like legal or financial summaries), you may want to keep AI in the background and add a human review step. But for low-risk tasks, AI can be a huge time-saver.
4. Satisfaction Counts – We all have those tedious tasks we dread. If something drains your energy, it’s a great candidate for automation. But if it’s a task you love and excel at, AI might not add much value.
5. Standardization Simplifies Everything – AI thrives on consistency. If your process follows a clear set of steps, it’s easier to automate. The more standardized your workflow, the better AI can support your business.

Melissa’s advice is clear: AI isn’t about jumping on the latest trend—it’s about making smart choices that help you work more efficiently. If you start by evaluating your tasks with the TRUST framework, you’ll avoid random acts of AI and focus on real improvements that free up time for what truly matters.

Want to learn more? Check out Melissa’s free five-day email course on identifying high-impact AI use cases and follow her on LinkedIn for even more insights.

Most small business owners dream of growing our small businesses into something bigger. But scaling comes with challenges—hiring, infrastructure, and managing processes without losing control.

I sat down with Anthony Franco, a serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and sold multiple businesses. He’s also the host of How the Founder, a podcast where he and his co-host dive deep into the challenges business owners face. In this conversation he shares his insights on scaling the right way.

1. Ask Yourself: Do You Really Want to Scale? – Growth isn’t for everyone. Some businesses thrive at 5-10 employees, and scaling beyond that requires a different mindset and willingness to delegate.

2. Systems and Processes Are Essential – Once you decide to grow, you need to document how things are done. A business can’t scale if key processes exist only in the founder’s head.

3. Communication and Organization Matter – As teams grow, structured communication through tools like Slack, Teams, and shared knowledge bases ensures everyone stays aligned.

4. Founders Must Learn to Let Go – The biggest roadblock to scaling is often the founder. Delegation is crucial, and tasks don’t have to be done exactly how you would do them—just well enough to keep things moving.

5. Hire for Culture and Performance – Bringing in the right people is vital. Prioritizing A-players and being quick to remove underperformers keeps your business strong.

My guest today is Iris Goldfeder, founder of Gas Stove Creative. Iris and I are two out-of-sync New Yorkers who somehow ended up in Indiana, crossing paths in the small business community for years. But today, instead of swapping stories about pizza and city life, we’re talking about something every business owner faces at some point: the growing pains of change.

Iris recently had a lightbulb moment—she’d evolved her business, but she’d forgotten to tell people! So while she had moved on to working with established companies, her network was still sending her the startups she used to serve. This realization kicked off a strategic shift, one that every business owner can learn from. How do you reposition yourself without alienating past clients? How do you make sure people know what you do now? And how do you avoid pricing conversations that make you want to bang your head against the wall?

1. Communicate Changes Early & Often: Don’t assume people know your business has evolved. Proactively update referral partners, past clients, and your online audience.

2. Use Video & Social Media: A simple video post explaining your shift can go a long way in reshaping how people think of your brand.

3. Create Structured Packages: Offering clear service levels makes it easier for clients and referral sources to understand where they fit.

4. Be Confident in Your Value: If a potential client balks at your pricing, they may not be the right fit. Stick to your worth and don’t be afraid to refer out.

5. Learn From Every Experience: If you learn something, it’s not a mistake—it’s a lesson. And next time you shift, you’ll know to start the conversation sooner!