Agentic AI for Small Businesses: Jim Weldon on Smart Agents, Meta-Models & Building Real Flywheels

S5:E28 If “AI” still feels like magic tricks and missed ROI, this episode will flip the switch. Dr. LL sat down with Jim Weldon (Founder/CEO, Prospect.ai) (one of the sharpest systems thinkers she has ever interviewed) to map a practical path to cash with agentic AI. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: ✴️A meta-model you can explain to your team in 60 seconds so everyone finally understands where AI value lives. ✴️A 2-week innovation cadence you can copy-paste into your org and no enterprise budget required. ✴️The lane strategy for seasoned operators vs. young ideators so you stop competing in the wrong game and start compounding wins. ✴️The unsexy USP that beats competitors: nail the basics (speed, follow-up, clarity, billing, referrals). ✴️How to become a utility in your market (the “water & power” behind others’ growth) instead of an easily replaced vendor. If you lead a small or midsize business and want results in the next 30 days, not theory, then this is the episode. 0:53 — Superpower: synthesis over “speeds & feeds.” Jim explains how to ignore noise and frame problems so solutions map to real market opportunities. 3:15 — The Meta-Model for AI. A memorable analogy for LLMs (answers), agentic flows (task chains), and enterprise-grade platforms plus where value will concentrate next. 10:45 — Beat “aging out”: redefine your lane. Mindset + role clarity: younger teams dominate ideation; experienced operators win in innovation, beta, and scale where cash is created. 11:58 — Two-week innovation cadence. Jim’s playbook: 48-hour prototype only after value is proven. Use no-code + agents to compress cycles. 34:16 — The most overlooked USP: do the basics flawlessly. Answer the phone, quote fast, follow up, bill clearly, ask for referrals. Master baseline execution before hunting fancy differentiators. ✴️You can find Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimweldon/  ✴️Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  #ai #agenticai #technology #entrepreneur

S5:E27 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, host Dr. Loralyn Mears chats with Laurie Genevish, founder of My Ideal College, who helps teens and entrepreneurs cut through the noise, plan their next chapter, and make confident decisions about their future. From college prep to career pivots, Laurie shares candid lessons on goal-setting, entrepreneurship, and the art of saying no to distractions. Timestamps & Key Takeaways: [5:00] – “No one has the same path.” Laurie explains why comparison is toxic for both teens and entrepreneurs.  [8:00] – The planning mindset: How quarterly goals and imperfect launches drive momentum. [11:15] – The truth about “shiny object syndrome” and how to stay aligned with your mission. [15:00] – Why goal-setting isn’t optional and how accountability partners keep you moving forward.  [22:00] – Debunking the “Instagram millionaire” myth: real talk on what it takes to build a sustainable business. [27:00] – The #1 red flag in business: “If you have to drag them in, you’ll be dragging them the whole time.” [31:00] – Laurie’s “Next Chapter” program: empowering teens to make confident college and career choices. 🎧 Listen now to hear how to plan smarter, focus longer, and chase purpose, not perfection.  ✴️ Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube @MidlifeSuccess #entrepreneurship #mindset #smallbusiness #coaching #wellness

S5:E26 In this punchy, practical episode of Small Biz Stories with Dr. LL, John Horn, CEO of StubGroup (a Google Premier Partner - note that very, very few companies have this distinction and honor!!), breaks down how small businesses can turn Google Ads into reliable profit instead of a money pit. From the Search Terms Report to negative keywords, smart budget math, and review mechanics, John gives you a field guide you can use today. KEY TIMESTAMPS [06:03–07:34] Cut wasted spend fast: Use the Search Terms Report and add negative keywords (e.g., “Dollar Tree” for a tree service) to block irrelevant clicks. [08:20–10:26] Budget reality check: Why ~$2K/mo is a sensible baseline (context matters by CPC), and why you must allow time to learn, iterate, and improve. [19:51–22:20] Prep before ads: Dial in your Google Business Profile, reviews, and get familiar with LLM-driven search (ChatGPT/Perplexity) to stay findable beyond Google. [23:33–25:28] Website that sells: Treat your site as your 24/7 reputation with proof, offers, awards, reviews, working links, and helpful content that establishes expertise. [26:46–28:43] Reviews that move the needle: Ask every time, make it frictionless (texted link/QR), and try incentives tied to the rep who served the customer. One-liners you’ll take away: • “Google makes it easy to spend money and hard to make it back.” • “PPC works when you measure, prune, and iterate.” • “Your website and reviews are the runway and ads are the takeoff.” ⭐Why listen now: StubGroup sits in the top 1% of Google partners, with 3M+ leads and $400M+ in revenue generated. John turns “complex” into checklist. ❇️ Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  for more great content like this! #googleads #smallbusiness #leadgeneration #digitalmarketing #entrepreneurship #advertising      

S5:325 In this episode of Small Business Stories, host Dr. LL sits down with Emil Abedian, CEO of Council CPAs and newly minted author of Council to Council. Emil shares candid lessons from 15+ years in entrepreneurship, scaling from a solo CPA to a trusted partner for law firms nationwide. 🚨 Most entrepreneurs make this $100,000 mistake. They treat their business like a job instead of an investment. My guest on Small Business Stories, Emil Abedian, learned this lesson the hard way — grinding through 80-hour weeks, doing everything for everyone, and nearly burning out. Then he made the shift: 👉 He niched down to focus only on law firms. 👉 He reframed compliance accounting into strategic partnership. 👉 He scaled his CPA practice into a thriving business — all while reclaiming time for family. In this episode, Emil breaks down: ✅ How to avoid the “hamster wheel” trap. ✅ The KPI red flags every small business owner should track. ✅ Why niching down is the fastest path to scaling up. ✅ The 80/20 rule for launching ANY product (including a book). If you’re a solopreneur, lawyer, or small business owner wearing 17 hats — you can’t afford to miss this. 🔑 Key Moments & Takeaways for Small Business Owners: [00:05:30] Balancing Business & Family: Emil reveals the tipping point that forced him to shift from 80-hour work weeks to protecting time with his kids — and how entrepreneurs can do the same. [00:12:45] Mindset Shift from Job to Business: Why too many professionals see their firm as a “job” instead of an investment, and how reframing this accelerates growth. [00:20:10] Lessons from Success vs. “Less Success” Stories: Emil explains why learning from both wins and mistakes helps entrepreneurs shorten the path to growth. [00:34:50] Beyond Compliance — Becoming a Strategic Partner: How CPAs (and other service providers) can add real value by moving from “check-the-box” compliance to year-round strategic insight. [00:47:15] Riches Are in the Niches: Emil’s bold pivot to exclusively serving law firms — and why specialization was the best business decision he ever made. 👉 follow us on YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩   #smallbusinessstories  #entrepreneurship  #financetips  #worklifebalance #finance #podcast 

S5:E24 In this soul-shifting episode of Small Biz Stories, host Dr. LL sits down with Sofia Rozhko, a powerhouse mindset and visibility coach who helps high-achieving women and visionary entrepreneurs show up as their most authentic selves. With roots in Ukraine and a global impact, Sofia reveals the inner transformation needed to unlock business success from rewriting your self-worth to crafting an aligned personal brand. She shares how she turned years of survival into a thriving practice, and why your energy and mindset (not your tactics) determine your outcomes. If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or afraid to be seen—this episode is your permission slip to go big. ⏱️ Timestamp Highlights [04:48] – “There’s no clarity without courage.” → Sofia explains why bold action unlocks mental clarity, not the other way around. [09:21] – “When you lead with authenticity, the right clients come to you.” → Discover why showing your truth is the greatest marketing strategy. [14:12] – “I’m a brand. You’re a brand. We’re all a brand.” → Sofia breaks down how to own your narrative as a personal brand—even if you're a solo founder. [22:07] – “Most people sell themselves short. Literally.” → A powerful call to raise your rates, own your value, and shift from scarcity to sovereignty. [30:18] – “Before strategy, we work on safety.” → Sofia explains why inner security is the true foundation of outer success. Follow Sofia and learn more about her work as a nutritionist: 🌟https://www.instagram.com/sofi_rozhko/ 🌟https://thebody.school/en/team/ 🌟https://www.tiktok.com/@sofia.rozhko   And don't forget to subscribe ✅ to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  ! #entrepreneur #mindset #coaching #nutrition #wellness  

S5:E23 College financial planning meets entrepreneurial reality. Brad Baldridge, host of Taming the High Cost of College, breaks down complex rules into simple moves any small business owner can use to lower net price and avoid bad loans. He sat down with Dr. LL to share some INCREDIBLE cost-savings tips that you, as a small business owner, can do if you have a child in college. KEY TAKEAWAYS [06:04] FAFSA rule change for businesses.Small businesses under 100 employees now must be reported as assets. Brad explains what has value (e.g., real estate) vs. low-value consultancies—and why outdated blog posts still say otherwise. Takeaway: get current, not cached, guidance. [08:01] Put your kids on payroll (the right way). Paying teens legitimately can lower parent income without hurting aid (up to ~$11k earned income). Takeaway: move from “cash for shifts” to payroll to help taxes + aid eligibility. [08:50] Create a tuition reimbursement plan. Even small firms can mirror big-company education benefits (with rules—talk to your tax pro). Takeaway: convert wages into structured, policy-based education support. [11:06] How to negotiate offers. It’s not lawyer-vs-lawyer; it’s “can you help us?”—often led by the student. Many private schools discount; appeals are strongest with documented changes (disaster, disability, divorce, business shock). Takeaway: ask, document, and appeal respectfully. [27:11] Plan early with look-back income. Aid uses prior-prior year taxes (e.g., Class of 2025 aid uses 2023 income). MAIN Takeaway: founders who can shift income should start in 9th–10th grade to optimize the right tax years. Bonus gems throughout: model multiple income scenarios (7:20–7:44), understand “merit vs. need” by school type (18:01–19:50), and compare net prices across acceptances before falling in love with a brand name (16:15–17:12).    Brad’s site & podcast: Taming the High Cost of College 👉https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/ Baldridge College Solutions / Wealth Management 👉https://baldridgewealthmanagement.com/ 🔻And don't forget to ✅SUBSCRIBE to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  ! #college #tuition #finance #smallbusiness #entrepreneur

S5:E22 In this episode of Small Biz Stories, host Dr. LL is joined by Justin Abrams, a Business & Strategy Consultant who's helped over 250 companies achieve an average 350% sales growth and 10x audience expansion. Justin is the head of Aryo Consulting Group. Both the host and guest are among UpWork's Top 1% of more than 17,000,000 freelancers, so the conversation gets interesting! We dive deep into: ✴️Why your Google and Meta ads aren't working ✴️How to run smarter, low-cost TikTok Shop campaigns ✴️The truth about LinkedIn ad funnels ✴️How to get more Google reviews (even in “boring” industries) ✴️Why most lead generation tactics fail and what actually works Justin unpacks myths, shares insider strategies, and outlines a flywheel approach that helps small businesses outpace the competition in today's oversaturated, AI-noisy market. ⏱️ Timestamps (Valuable Nuggets for Entrepreneurs) [06:27] – Why Google and Meta ads are 4x more expensive and what to do instead Justin explains how ad costs have skyrocketed and why small businesses need to rethink their marketing budgets. [11:12] – The secret edge in 2025: Combine digital strategy with physical space Learn how businesses in "unsexy" industries are dominating with smart SEO and CRO tactics. [16:02] – Why A/B testing is dead and how A to Z testing wins on TikTok Shop Justin shares a low-cost, influencer-driven strategy that outperforms traditional ad campaigns. [20:22] – Newsletter marketing that works: The “flywheel” funnel that fuels 20% conversion rates Ditch the book flogging—this circular approach builds trust, authority, and recurring revenue. [25:40] – The #1 hack to get more Google Reviews without being pushy From tipping staff to donating to charities, Justin shares genius ways to ethically increase 5-star reviews. 👉 follow us on YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #podcast #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #smallbizstories #marketing #leadgeneration

S5:E21 In this Small Biz Stories episode, Dr. LL sits down with Michael Barbarita, Jr., a fractional CFO, award-winning speaker, author of Powerful Business Strategies, and serial entrepreneur who's helped generate millions across industries from retail to manufacturing. With over 40 years of financial leadership and firsthand entrepreneurial grit, Michael shares how small business owners can make smarter financial decisions, structure irresistible offers, and unlock hidden value in their companies. You’ll walk away with tactical advice on: 💰Making compelling offers rooted in financial logic 💰Avoiding rookie money mistakes 💰Scaling sustainably using simply money-making moves to sell more product 💰Building a business that sells itself—with numbers to back it If you’ve ever thought, “I need someone to make sense of my business finances,” this episode is for you. ⏱️ Highlights (Tips & Insights): “It’s not just about revenue. It’s about value.” Michael explains why adding real business value requires more than top-line growth; it’s about strategic financial infrastructure.  “A compelling offer starts with understanding your costs.” Learn why most business offers fail and how anchoring your offer in margin and value unlocks results.  “Hire a fractional CFO before you think you need one.” The right time to bring in financial help isn’t when you're drowning; it's before the flood. Michael explains when and why.  “Small business owners should stop guessing and start forecasting.”  Discover a simple forecasting framework any founder can use to predict cash flow and growth opportunities. “Financial clarity builds confidence for you and your investors.” Michael reveals how financial reporting done right can turn uncertainty into investor-ready trust.  Don't forget to subscribe to YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #entrepreneur #business #money #smallbusiness #finance

You when you just "hit it off" with a total stranger? Watch the ideas fly! What a fabulous guest and learning experience! Filip is easy going and curious which is a terrific combination to understand how to get unstuck in the customer journey. In this episode, Filip Sardi, founder of Client Flow™, reveals to Dr. LL how online entrepreneurs can stop chasing new clients and start multiplying results with the ones they already have. Drawing from 11+ years in coaching and eLearning, Filip shares actionable strategies to make client success predictable, scalable, and profitable. From onboarding to upsells, he explains how to create lasting growth engines that build trust, retention, and referrals. Key Takeaways: ✴️ Why focusing on existing clients generates more profit than constantly hunting new ones. ✴️ How to design an onboarding experience that builds trust quickly and sets clients up for success. ✴️ Identifying drop-off points in client momentum—and what to do about them before they churn. ✴️ Using the ClientFlow Pulse™ AI tool to see which clients are thriving, stuck, or ready for more. ✴️ Designing upsells that feel like a natural next step, boosting revenue without feeling “salesy.” Whether you’re a course creator, high-end service provider, or membership owner, this episode will give you concrete systems to increase retention, referrals, and long-term profitability. To learn more about Filip's work 👇 https://filipsardi.com/ Follow Filip on Instagram 👇 https://www.instagram.com/filip.sardi/ 🔻And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube  @Midlifesuccess  #business #entrepreneur #sales #growth #smallbusiness #learning

S5:E19 In this inspiring episode of Small Biz Stories, we sit down with New Jersey photographer and former educator Janet Joyner, founder of Janet Joyner Photography📸, to explore how she empowers women (especially those over 40) to rediscover their beauty, embrace confidence, and show up strong in a digital world. Janet shares invaluable photography tips, branding insights, and her journey of starting a business at 50 after leaving education. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a woman reinventing herself, or just camera-shy, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to be seen, and remembered. 💡 Timestamps & Takeaways: 📸[2:45] Starting at 50: Reinventing Yourself Is Always Possible “You're never too old. I love photography—so I said, why not try it?” 📸[4:45] How to Make Anyone Feel Beautiful in Front of a Camera “I sell you the way the world sees you—not the way you see yourself.” 📸[7:54] Top 3 Photo Tips for Women Over 40 "Back straight, create space, and 'turtle' your neck for a slimmer profile." 📸[10:55] Why Great Headshots Matter More Than Ever “People make snap decisions based on your headshot—invest in it.”  📸[15:35] Genius Business Card Strategy That Gets Remembered “Each card features different client portraits—people remember the card and the photographer.” ✨ Bonus: Hear how Janet fosters authentic community through love-tapping and weekly support circles—boosting visibility, connection, and confidence for women entrepreneurs. 💡 Learn more about Janet's work: https://janetjoyner.com/index.html *️⃣Don't forget to follow us on YouTube @MidlifeSuccess! #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #photography #headshot #women