The Future of Small Business: Human Brands in an AI World

By Leigh Wilson | Focus Forward Business Design

Real Talk Before We Begin...

Before I dive into the future of AI and small business, I want to get real for a second.
Life’s been heavy lately — I’ve been traveling for a family loss, handling the estate, working with attorneys, accountants, the whole deal. And in the middle of all of it, one thing hit me hard:

Being human still matters.
Maybe now more than ever.

We’ve entered an era where automation is everywhere — and let’s be honest, it’s not going away. But the businesses that are going to thrive? They’re not the most high-tech.
They’re the most human.

The Real Threat Isn’t AI. It’s Forgetting Who You Are.

Let’s cut through the noise.

AI isn’t coming to take your job.
But people who know how to use it better? They are.

The biggest risk isn’t being replaced by a robot — it’s being irrelevant because you’re still running your business like it’s 2016.

If your client ...

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Today we're diving into the art of successful 1:1 networking. Many of us have been part of leads groups or networking events where the goal is to connect with other business owners over coffee or a drink. But how can you ensure these meetings are not just about exchanging business cards, but also about building meaningful connections? Here are five tips for a successful 1:1 networking meeting."

TIP 1: Listen with Intent

Successful networking is a dynamic interplay between conversation and attentive listening. It transcends mere verbal exchange, encompassing a genuine curiosity in the intricacies of others' businesses and life experiences. When engaging in networking meetings, it's essential to adopt a mindset of authentic interest in the person across from you. This involves asking open-ended questions that invite meaningful dialogue and actively listening ...