Simple Business Show

The moment automation clicks, most people want to automate everything. And some of the worst content on the internet right now is coming from exactly that. In this episode, Steph covers how to use AI strategically: what to hand off, what to keep, and how to tell the difference.You'll hear:The four-word rule Steph's business runs on: AI drafts, you decideThe "repeat and resent" test for building your automation listWhy you should automate ONE thing first (and why the feedback loop is where the magic happens)How to be strategic about AI usage limitsThe context ceiling: why the more you hand off, the more your AI needs one central brainMentioned in this episode:🤖 AI Your Business - Steph's live session where we set up this whole foundation together in real time (replay included if you're listening after the live)📥 The Daily Inbox Triage Skill - if the inbox is your "repeat and resent" task, grab the exact skill Steph uses every day🧠 The AI Brain Workshop - where we go deep on building that central brain for your AI-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here_________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here

At 7:04 this morning, Steph's AI finished going through her inbox and had six replies drafted in her voice before she even sat down. In this episode, she breaks down why your AI probably isn't doing anything like that for you yet, and the one shift that changes it: stop treating AI like a typist for hire and start onboarding it like a team member.You'll hear:Why every AI draft sounds generic (and why it's not the tool's fault)The two things your AI needs before drafts stop needing fixes: your business context and your actual voiceThe rule Steph's whole business runs on: AI drafts, she decidesWhat a scheduled task is, and the story of a client with ADHD who went from closing the app in overwhelm to running her inbox automation multiple times a dayMentioned in this episode:🤖 AI Your Business - Steph's live beginner session where you leave with this whole setup done (replay included if you're listening after the live)📥 The Daily Inbox Triage Skill - the exact system from the client story in this episode, ready to install🧠 Already deep into AI? The AI Brain Workshop is the advanced room.-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here_________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here

Your AI tells you the wrong price for your own offer, builds a sales page in colors that aren't your brand, and says it all with total confidence. It's not broken. It just doesn't know you.In this episode, I'm breaking down why you keep re-explaining your business to AI, what it's really costing you, and the fix: an AI brain that holds all of your business context in one place.In this episode:Why AI confidently gets your business details wrongThe hidden cost of re-explaining yourself: time, usage limits, and your energyWhy built-in memory and skills alone don't solve it (and how they're different)What happens when you switch between chats, projects, or AI toolsWhat an AI brain is, and why it has to update itself to actually workBuild your AI brain with me, live. In the AI Brain Workshop, I'm walking a small group through setting up their AI brain step by step, so you leave with it built and running, not a page of notes. We build it together live, then come back to troubleshoot and fine-tune after you've used it for a couple of weeks.🔗 Grab your spot in the AI Brain Workshop-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here_________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here

You're not behind on AI. It just feels that way because almost all AI advice is either a vague promise or a 40-step tutorial, and neither one shows you what someone actually built.In this episode, I'm sharing why so many people get stuck at step one, and the simple filter I use to decide what to hand to AI first.In this episode:Why "AI will change everything" has never once helped you with the task in front of youThe real reasons people don't show their finished buildsWhy you learn AI by implementing it, not by studying itMy three-question filter: Do you do it at least weekly? Is it the same shape every time? Would you be fine if it came back 80% right?The unglamorous build that saves me the most timeBehind the Build: AI Edition brings together 14 established business owners who each open up about one thing they built with AI: what it is, why they built it, what it solved, and how to set it up in your business.🔗 Grab your free ticket here by September 30thWant the audio, video, and the finished AI skill for every build? The VIP Pass includes all of it, and you can upgrade anytime, even if you already grabbed your free ticket.🔗 Get the VIP Pass here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here_________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here

About a year and a half ago, this podcast just stopped. No final episode, no "taking a break" post. One week there was an episode, and then there wasn't.In this episode, I'm telling you what actually happened and why the show is back.In this episode:The four real reasons I stopped: the workload, the money, the missing strategy, and a brand new babyWhy a show without a strategy is just a hobby, and the part of this I take full responsibility forWhat changed: how AI took about 95% of the admin work off my plateWho I am and how I help small business owners run simple, automated businesses on 20 hours a week or lessWhat's coming next: shorter episodes, conversations with interesting people, and live hot seats where we work through a real bottleneck on air 🔗 https://scalewithsteph.com/steal-claude-automations?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=simple-business-show&utm_content=i-disappeared-without-saying-why-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here_________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here

In this episode, host Steph Blake sits down with Jon Mest, a former data scientist turned PR pro, to uncover practical, budget-friendly ways to level up your public relations game.Jon shares his expertise on how small business owners can secure press coverage without shelling out for expensive agencies.What You'll Learn:• PR Basics: What every small business owner needs to know• Modern PR Strategies: What works today and why• Tailoring Your PR Plan: Strategies designed for small businesses• Building Brand Awareness: How to stand out without overspending• Pitching Made Simple: Tips to craft pitches that get noticed• Paid vs. Earned Media: What’s worth your time and budget• Real-Life Mistakes to Avoid: Learn from common PR misstepsCONNECT WITH JON MESTWebsiteLinkedInRESOURCES MENTIONED:1300 Journalists' Twitter HandlesUpdate: This episode was recorded when Simple Business School was offered as an ongoing membership. The membership is no longer available, but you can still purchase the complete course and access all of the training._________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here

In this episode of the Simple Business Show™, host Steph Blake sits down with Susan Friesen, the founder of E Vision Media and a renowned brand strategist with over 25 years of experience. Susan has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs and business owners build powerful, purpose-driven brands that stand out in competitive markets.Steph and Susan dive into the nuances of brand positioning, uncovering why it’s not just a buzzword but a critical element for achieving long-term success.Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting, or scaling your business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you refine your brand, attract your ideal audience, and experience more freedom in your entrepreneurial journey.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Understanding Brand Positioning: What it is and why it’s essential for every business.• Why Brand Positioning Matters: The surprising ways it influences your visibility, credibility, and profitability.• Adapting Your Brand Strategy: How to align your brand with your evolving business goals.• Brand Strategy for Growth: Tailored advice for entrepreneurs at every stage of business.• Evaluating Brand Effectiveness: Key metrics and indicators to assess if your branding efforts are working....and so much more!CONNECT WITH SUSAN FRIESENWebsiteFacebook PersonalInstagramLinkedInFacebook BusinessTwitterYouTubeRESOURCES MENTIONEDBrand Brilliance Checklist - 25 Powerful Steps to a Distinctive & Loyal BrandThis 25-point checklist is designed to help you assess and refine your brand strategy. It unpacks your brand fundamentals, statements, communications, design and marketing so you can gain valuable insights to enhance your brand positioning and find out what areas to work on to create a brand that resonates with your ideal clients, builds trust, and increases your market recognition.Update: This episode was recorded when Simple Business School was offered as an ongoing membership. The membership is no longer available, but you can still purchase the complete course and access all of the training._________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here

In this episode of The Simple Business Show™, Steph Blake dives into all things chaos (and how to conquer it) with systems and operations consultant, Lauren Glenn.If you’re an entrepreneur juggling more ideas than you have sticky notes, this episode is your chaos-busting roadmap. Steph and Lauren unpack the secrets to managing overwhelm, ditching overcommitment, and finally hitting those elusive goals.What you’ll learn in this episode:• The Big vs. Small Biz Breakdown: Key differences between Fortune 500 giants and scrappy small businesses (hint: it’s not just the budgets).• Chaos Control 101: Practical strategies to manage the madness and stay on track.• Overwhelm SOS: Simple tips for business owners who feel like their to-do list is running the show.• Mindset Magic: How to shift your thinking when overwhelm strikes....and so much more!CONNECT WITH LAUREN GLYNNWebsiteInstagramLinkedInThreadsYouTubeRESOURCES MENTIONED7 Days to Streamline Your Business:The "7 Days to Streamline Your Business" challenge is a free, actionable mini-course designed to help overwhelmed entrepreneurs identify their most time-consuming and costly tasks, prioritize them based on profitability, and create a step-by-step optimization plan to boost efficiency, reduce stress, and increase profits.Update: This episode was recorded when Simple Business School was offered as an ongoing membership. The membership is no longer available, but you can still purchase the complete course and access all of the training._________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here

In this episode of The Simple Business Show™, Steph Blake chats with Roger Pearson, a business expert and master tax advisor with over 50 years of experience.Roger breaks down the nitty-gritty of deciding whether an LLC or corporation is the right fit for your business. From tax implications to practical considerations, Roger shares his wisdom to help small businesses thrive and avoid costly mistakes.What you'll learn in this episode:• A straightforward introduction to LLCs and corporations (because we’re not here to overcomplicate things).• The tax implications of each option (minus the headache).• When it makes sense to consider an S Corporation (hint: timing matters).• Practical considerations you probably haven’t thought about yet....and so much more!CONNECT WITH ROGER PEARSONWebsiteYouTubeLinkedInFacebookRESOURCES MENTIONEDThe Three Pillars to Build a Solid Foundation: The basic parts that have to fit together to build a solid foundation under your business.Update: This episode was recorded when Simple Business School was offered as an ongoing membership. The membership is no longer available, but you can still purchase the complete course and access all of the training._________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here

In this episode of the Simple Business Show™, host Steph Blake welcomes Jennie Wright to discuss the challenges and benefits of running a business as an introvert.Jennie, an expert in email list growth and lead generation, shares her journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of adapting business practices to fit an introverted lifestyle.In this episode, you'll learn:What being an introvert meansUnderstanding the difference between introversion, extroversion and ambiversionStrengths that introverts can use in businessStrategies for managing energy and avoiding burnoutNetworking techniques for introvertsThe importance of self-awareness...and so much more!CONNECT WITH JENNIE WRIGHTWebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInUpdate: This episode was recorded when Simple Business School was offered as an ongoing membership. The membership is no longer available, but you can still purchase the complete course and access all of the training._________⬇️ HELPFUL LINKS ⬇️__✅ The ShortcutOne shortcut a week, built and ready to copy. The exact systems Steph runs her own business on, with no course to finish first.🔗 Learn more here--💻 Simple Business Suite™The all-in-one business and marketing platform from Steph Blake built to replace the stack of tools you're currently paying for.🔗 Get a free demo here--💡 Work With StephGet direct access to Steph Blake for the fastest way to simplify & automate your business.🔗 See available options here-----------[FREE] Steal Steph's Claude WorkflowsThe automations running inside Steph's business, written out so you can set up your own. No fluff, no theory, just the ones that saved her the most time.🔗 Get The Workflows Here