Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology! Today, host Ben Bard and AI co-host Jessica are diving deep into how small businesses and solo entrepreneurs can harness the power of artificial intelligence—without breaking the bank or needing a team of tech experts. Drawing from the InformationWeek white paper "AI on a Shoestring, Affordable Automation Hacks," this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world success stories on how to use affordable AI tools to automate those tedious, time-consuming tasks we all dread.

From streamlining expenses and customer feedback to conquering email overload, upping your marketing visuals, and boosting customer support, Ben and Jessica break down five actionable project areas where AI can make an immediate difference—often with little to no budget or technical know-how. You’ll hear about actual businesses seeing dramatic results, learn how to identify your own automation opportunities, and get tips on choosing the best tools for your unique needs.

Whether you’re running a one-person show or leading a small team, this episode is your express guide to getting started with AI and transforming the way you work—so you can reclaim your time, energy, and creativity for the things that really matter. Ready to take the first step toward smarter, faster workflows? Let’s get into it!

Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of intelligent automation—going way beyond simple task management to explore how AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation are completely reshaping the way businesses operate.

As our hosts Ben Bard and Jessica Smith, along with expert guest Rebecca Morgan, break things down, you’ll hear eye-opening stats on cost reduction, productivity, and why adopting automation is quickly shifting from a “nice-to-have” to a true necessity for founders and growing businesses.

In this episode, you’ll get clear explanations on what intelligent automation really means, learn the differences between RPA and cognitive automation, and discover the latest industry trends driving adoption worldwide. Rebecca shares practical steps any founder can take to assess readiness, choose the right tools, and boost team buy-in—plus, they’ll cover both the massive opportunities and the real-world challenges you need to plan for.

Whether you’re just starting your automation journey or looking to take your tech strategy to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice, future predictions, and resources to help you stay ahead. Tune in, and get ready to reimagine what’s possible with the next generation of business technology.

Welcome to another episode of "Grow with Technology"! In today’s deep dive, host Ben Bard teams up with AI co-host Jessica Smith and business technology analyst Rebecca Morgan to unravel the game-changing role of AI in marketing automation. Together, they break down a practical framework of six essential strategies—from personalized messaging powered by AI-driven insights to smart chatbots, predictive analytics, and dynamic content creation. If you’re curious about how machine learning and automation can help your business connect with customers more effectively—and free up more time for human creativity—this episode is packed with actionable tips and concrete examples. Whether you’re new to marketing automation or looking to take your current efforts to the next level, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of where AI can make the biggest impact for your business right now.

Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology! In today’s conversation, host Ben Bard and AI co-host Jessica Smith tackle the realities behind the current AI boom—because if you’ve been anywhere near a business news feed lately, you know AI is everywhere. But is it living up to the hype? Drawing on insights from Richard Butler Junior, this episode dives into why so many AI automation projects fall short, separating glossy promises from the tougher, practical truths that businesses face.

Ben and Jessica walk through the most common pitfalls organizations encounter—from treating AI like a magic solution, to lacking a clear strategy, grappling with messy data, and neglecting the human side of AI adoption. They unpack real-world examples where millions were lost to strategy missteps, integration failures, and poor change management, but also share actionable advice on sidestepping these traps.

Listen in for a roadmap on how to start small, focus on real business problems, involve your team from day one, and keep your data clean—so your next AI initiative is set up for true, transformative success. Whether you’re planning your first automation project or looking to recalibrate after a bumpy rollout, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you actually grow with technology.

Welcome back to "Grow with Technology," where we cut through the fluff and dive straight into the tech innovations shaping the business world. In today's episode, we're exploring how artificial intelligence, once a sci-fi concept for small businesses, has become a game changer. We'll be discussing insights from Richard Butler Junior's report on the AI revolution for small businesses, highlighting how even the smallest companies can now access powerful AI tools that level the playing field. From marketing automation and enhanced customer service with AI-powered chatbots to streamlining daily operations and affordable solutions for solopreneurs, AI is reshaping the way businesses operate. We'll also look ahead to the future, specifically scaling with AI by 2025, and discuss how these emerging technologies can provide new growth opportunities. Tune in as we unpack these trends and empower you to harness the potential of AI in your own business.

Welcome to "Grow with Technology," where we bridge the gap between emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of work. In this episode, host Ben Bard and AI Co-host Jessica Smith take a deep dive into one of today's most compelling topics: the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. As discussions around AI's role in the workforce intensify, it's easy to focus on fears of job displacement. However, Ben and Jessica offer a fresh perspective, highlighting the exciting and unexpected opportunities AI is unveiling across various sectors. By exploring how AI can act as a catalyst rather than an eliminator, they uncover new career paths, detail the importance of upskilling, and emphasize a symbiotic relationship between human capabilities and AI advancements. This episode promises to equip listeners with the insights and tools needed to thrive in this rapidly changing environment while addressing significant ethical considerations. So, gear up for a fascinating discussion on navigating the future of work with AI by your side.

Welcome back to another episode of "Grow with Technology". In today's episode, Ben Bard and Jessica Smith dive deep into how artificial intelligence has become a fundamental force influencing business strategies in 2025. Based on insights from Richard Butler Junior's paper, "Why AI is Your Best Ally in 2025 Business Strategies," they explore AI's role in decision making, automation, customer engagement, and driving innovation. As AI moves beyond a futuristic concept to an essential tool, businesses are leveraging it to boost efficiency, make data-driven decisions, and engage customers with personalized experiences. Join us as we unpack these insights and discuss how AI helps companies stay ahead in a hyper-competitive market. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping the future of business and how you can use it as a powerful ally to transform your industry.

Welcome back to "Grow with Technology," where we delve into the transformative potential of technology in our daily lives. In today's episode, your host Ben Bard and AI co-host Jessica Smith explore the fascinating ways AI can supercharge productivity, from optimizing time management to crafting creative content. Together, we'll uncover insights from a recent Good Morning America segment and an eye-opening article on AI's productivity boost. Whether it's scheduling, decision-making, or learning, AI is revolutionizing how we work and live. Stay tuned as we break down the power of AI into seven impactful categories and learn how to embrace these tools to enhance our productivity, embrace new skills, and, ultimately, live smarter lives.