What tools do YOU need to build? That’s one of the questions Doogie Levine, Chief Executive Officer at IAS Business Coaching and Consulting, asks his clients. He emphasizes the importance of strategic maps when running a business and planning with the end in mind. They discuss key strategies for business growth, including the importance of understanding how to integrate people into a business and having detailed exit and financial plans. The conversation also explores the role of AI in business, specifically how medium-sized companies can leverage AI for improved efficiency and competitive advantage. Doogie shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early aspirations to becoming a camp director to navigating through the pandemic and founding multiple companies. The episode offers valuable advice on planning for business transitions, operational improvements, and the ethical adoption of AI.

Takeaways:

• Develop Clear Business Maps: Ensure you have an exit plan, a financial map, and a strategic plan in place to guide the growth and direction of your business.
• Emphasize the 'How' in Business Operations: Focus on understanding and answering the 'how' questions in your business to effectively integrate people, systems, and operations.
• Prepare for Exits Early: Start planning for the exit phase of your business well ahead of time to ensure a smoother transition and better valuation.
• Invest in AI and Automation: Consider integrating AI to handle repetitive tasks like documentation, proposal writing, and data analysis, thus freeing up time for more strategic activities.
• Networking is Crucial: Participate in networking events to grow your business connections, gain insights, and explore new opportunities.
• Use AI for Customer Interaction: Employ AI tools to improve customer interaction by providing timely and well-informed responses, and by personalizing customer experiences.

Quote of the Show:

“ How do you do what you do? How do you want to do what you do? If you can answer the how, you can grow.” - Doogie Levine

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doogie14/
• Website: https://www.ideasactionsuccess.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth