Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Shannon Jean & Dave Hamilton
  • 5.0 (66)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!

  1. FridAI Pomelli and Lyria

    1D AGO

    FridAI Pomelli and Lyria

    In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into FridAI territory with updates, experiments, and smarter AI workflows. We kick things off with a Press Row Hoops app update, then pivot into something far more powerful: upgrading our custom AI instructions. Instead of settling for generic outputs, we refine how ChatGPT behaves—focusing on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity versus depth, and minimizing fluff. We share a tight prompt that forces better performance from ChatGPT 5.2, helping us get sharper answers with fewer wasted cycles. The goal? Make AI think more like we do. We also explore Google’s Pomelli and what it signals about where AI tools are heading. The bigger takeaway is this: when we intentionally design how AI supports us, we reclaim leverage and reduce friction. We stop accepting default settings and start engineering better results. That’s how we build businesses—and lives—on our terms. That’s the path to a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #731 for Casual FridAI, February 27th, 2026 February 27th: Anosmia Awareness Day 00:01:22 David-Press Row Hoops app update 00:05:27 Ian-Update your custom AI prompt/instructions, and here’s a prompt: Review my existing custom instructions. Identify what works well and what is outdated, redundant, unclear, or ineffective for ChatGPT 5.2. Ask only the minimum number of high-value questions needed to meaningfully improve the instructions. Questions should focus on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity vs depth, and how I prefer ChatGPT to behave when uncertain. Do not ask generic preference questions or enter question loops. After I answer, draft a replacement custom instruction that reflects my preferences and how I actually use ChatGPT. Requirements for the new custom instruction: Maximum 1500 characters, including spaces and line breaks. Written as direct instructions to ChatGPT, ready to paste. Optimized for ChatGPT 5.2 behavior. Clear, human-sounding, and practical. Favor correctness over politeness. Avoid fluff, buzzwords, and assistant-sounding language. Minimize unnecessary clarifying questions. Default to direct answers with light supporting rationale. Be opinionated when useful and push back on weak assumptions. Reuse prior context and preferences automatically unless I say otherwise. Constraints: Do not draft the final instructions until after I answer your questions. Do not explain your reasoning unless I ask. Deliver one final custom instruction, not multiple options. Sponsors 00:08:09 SPONSOR: Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet, and it integrates seamlessly into the video conferencing tools you already use. Try Granola totally free for three months – just head to granola.ai/brain. 00:10:03 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:11:26 Google Pomelli 00:18:00 Business Brain 731 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI Pomelli and Lyria – Business Brain 731 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    19 min
  2. Assistants + Systems > Goals

    3D AGO

    Assistants + Systems > Goals

    In this episode of Business Brain, we flip the script on goal-setting and show why assistants + systems beat goals every time. Instead of obsessing over outcomes, we build repeatable processes that run without us. We start by designing systems, then hire (or delegate to) assistants to execute them at an 80/20 level—80% as good as we’d do it ourselves for $20/hour. We use generative AI to define roles, outline tasks, and create clarity before we ever bring someone on. The real move? Identify what we love to do, then empower our assistant to figure out the rest. That’s how we create leverage. We also normalize AI across our teams—giving everyone permission to use it to work smarter and faster. It’s not about grinding toward some distant target; it’s about engineering a business that supports our version of a Charmed Life. When we stop worshipping goals and start building systems that scale through people and AI, everything changes. Less friction. More momentum. Better results. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #730 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, February 25th, 2026 February 25th: Inconvenience Yourself Day Happy 11th Anniversary of Business Brain on February 19th! 00:01:58 Systems and Assistants Develop systems…and the best way to do that is to get an assistant! Use generative AI to help you define what you’re going to have your assistant do for you Follow the 80/20 rule (80% as good as you, $20/hour) Identify the things that you would like to do, then empower your assistant to figure it out! Sponsors 00:14:52 SPONSOR: Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet, and it integrates seamlessly into the video conferencing tools you already use. Try Granola totally free for three months – just head to granola.ai/brain. 00:16:49 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:18:12 Tip: Tell your team it’s OK to use AI to help them do their jobs 00:19:50 We need another word to replace the G-word. Atomic Habits 00:26:06 Business Brain 730 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Assistants + Systems > Goals – Business Brain 730 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    27 min
  3. FridAI: Lindy AI + OpenClaw

    FEB 20

    FridAI: Lindy AI + OpenClaw

    In this episode of Business Brain, we dive into FridAI with real-world experiments using Lindy and OpenClaw. We break down how we’re actually deploying Lindy inside the business, where it shines, and where the internet still “needs fingers.” Then we explore Dave’s OpenClaw setup powered by Kimi K2.5, digging into what happens when open-source AI tools get powerful enough to compete with the big players. This isn’t theory—we’re testing workflows, pushing buttons, and seeing what breaks. We also unpack what it means when the creator of OpenClaw gets hired by OpenAI—and what that signals about the speed of the AI arms race. In this episode of Business Brain, we challenge ourselves to experiment faster, integrate smarter, and stay curious as these tools evolve in real time. That’s how we leverage AI to build our Charmed Life—by staying hands-on, adaptable, and always willing to test what’s next. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #729 for Casual FridAI, February 20th, 2026 February 20th: National Love Your Pet Day 00:01:05 Shannon’s using Lindy 00:06:52 X Needs Fingers 00:10:11 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:11:54 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:13:27 Dave set up OpenClaw Kimi K2.5 00:25:37 OpenClaw Creator hired by OpenAI 00:26:23 Business Brain 729 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI: Lindy AI + OpenClaw – Business Brain 729 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    28 min
  4. Coopetition and Failing Fast

    FEB 18

    Coopetition and Failing Fast

    In this episode of Business Brain, we tackle what happens when the market needs a Yarbo competitor—and imitation shows up at our door. When someone we trained becomes a competitor, it can feel personal. But we don’t let our thoughts run the business. We remember we are observers of our thoughts, not prisoners to them. Instead of reacting, we lean into coopetition. Imitation becomes validation. Competition becomes proof we’re building something that matters. That mindset keeps us focused on creating our own Charmed Life. We also redefine what fail fast really means. We don’t glorify failure—we design quick experiments that give us real data, fast. Small bets. Rapid feedback. Clear decisions. Then we move. In this episode of Business Brain, we turn imitation into strategy and failure into fuel, building smarter, faster, and with more intention every step of the way. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #728 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, February 18th, 2026 February 18th: National Drink Wine Day 00:01:33 The market needs a Yarbo competitor! 00:04:06 Unflattering Imitation When you train people and then they decide to start competing with you Coopetition is the answer We are not our thoughts, we are observers of our thoughts Sponsors 00:13:30 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:15:14 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:16:46 “Fail Fast” means create quick experiments that give you data quickly and then you can make a decision and move forward 00:22:18 Business Brain 728 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Coopetition and Failing Fast – Business Brain 728 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    23 min
  5. FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727

    FEB 13

    FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727

    In this episode of Business Brain, we confront the real limits of AI agents and what they mean for our workflow. From cleaning up contradictory ChatGPT memory instructions to testing AI autocomplete tools like Cotypist and connecting health data inside Claude, we explore where AI truly creates leverage—and where it hits hard caps. With monthly browser agent limits and restricted agent requests, we’re reminded that automation isn’t infinite, and strategy matters more than ever. We also look at AI through the lens of ownership and responsibility—especially on a day built around apology and blame. Are we using AI to intentionally design our Charmed Life, or are we outsourcing our thinking? In this episode of Business Brain, we define smarter automation, push against AI agent constraints, and stay in control of the systems powering our business. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #727 for Casual FridAI, February 13th, 2026 February 13th: National Apology Day and National Blame Someone Else Day 00:01:28 Sadie-Edit your ChatGPT memory’s contradicting instructions 00:04:51 Cotypist – AI Autocomplete for the Mac 00:07:14 Claude let me connect my Health data 00:11:09 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain 00:12:39 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:14:06 AI Agent Limits ChatGPT limited Agent Requests Monthly Browser Agent Limits https://Claude.ai/giggab for half-price Claude for 3 months 00:24:00 Business Brain 727 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI, AI Agent Limits – Business Brain 727 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    28 min
  6. Boredom is the Plateau

    FEB 11

    Boredom is the Plateau

    In this episode of Business Brain, we face a hard truth: boredom isn’t a slump—it’s the plateau we built. When things get stable, we can start manufacturing chaos just to feel like the hero again. Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton push us to notice when routine becomes the enemy and when “busy” replaces real momentum. Instead of chasing noise, we learn to spot the patterns that keep us stuck and break through with intention. We also tackle the tension between prioritizing revenue and protecting our Charmed Life. At 3pm, we can reset with two refocusing questions: What’s the most important thing we can do right now to increase revenue? And what’s the most important thing we can do to enhance our charmed life? In this episode of Business Brain, we redefine productivity, escape the boredom trap, and design growth without sacrificing the life we’re building. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #726 for Wednesday Casual FridAI, February 11th, 2026 February 11th: National Inventors Day 00:01:24 We’ll use Suno to update our theme song 00:02:38 Boredom is the Plateau TRIBE Founders Group If we get bored… are we intentionally creating problems to be the hero? feedback@businessbrain.show Sponsors 00:10:35 SPONSOR: Tempo – Tempo delivers perfectly-portion meals to your door, each is ready in just 2 minutes. For a limited time, Tempo is offering Business Brain listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box at TempoMeals.com/brain 00:12:11 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:13:38 Do You Prioritize Revenue or Charmed Life? Routine is the enemy Productive vs. Busy 3pm re-focusing questions What’s the most important thing to do right now to increase my revenue? What’s the most important thing to do right now to enhance my charmed life? 00:22:56 Business Brain 726 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Boredom is the Plateau – Business Brain 726 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    23 min
  7. FridAI, Hiring Agents

    FEB 6

    FridAI, Hiring Agents

    In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into how AI is quickly becoming a true coworker, not just a tool. We explore deeper ChatGPT personalization, AI-driven tech support (even through smart glasses), and what it means to “hire” agents like Claude to think, write, and problem-solve alongside us. From autocomplete apps to AI companions inspired by sci-fi, we reframe AI as something we employ intentionally—on our terms. We also push ourselves to think bigger about how we make money in the AI age. As automation accelerates, we focus on what still matters most: human connection, trust, and creativity. By using AI to amplify—not replace—our unique value, we position ourselves to stay relevant, grow revenue, and design a Charmed Life that blends smart tech with meaningful work. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #725 for Casual FridAI, February 6th, 2026 February 6th: Working Naked Day 00:02:05 Join ChatGPT Health Waitlist 00:03:07 More ChatGPT personalization 00:05:17 Tech Support with AI Using the Meta AI glasses for tech support 00:08:20 David-Try Cotypist, an AI-powered autocomplete app Sponsors 00:09:40 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:10:58 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:12:35 Employing Claude Cowork for real life 00:27:01 Moltbook (and OpenClaw) Jane from Ender’s Game… Perplexity Comet Browser 00:31:36 How do we make money in the AI age? People want to connect 00:37:58 Business Brain 725 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI, Hiring Agents – Business Brain 725 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    38 min
  8. Shiny Object Opportunities

    FEB 4

    Shiny Object Opportunities

    In this episode of Business Brain, you’re challenged to rethink your relationship with shiny objects—are they real opportunities or just distractions dressed up as progress? You explore how tools, platforms, and trends can open doors or quietly hijack your focus, especially when that smartphone Pandora’s Box is always within reach. By reframing “shiny object syndrome” into intentional “shiny object opportunities,” you learn how to stay curious without losing control—and how smart entrepreneurs choose what deserves their attention. You’re also pushed to ask a deceptively simple question: what do you actually want to do today? Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ famous reflection on living with intention, this episode helps you align daily decisions with the bigger picture of building a Charmed Life. It’s about cutting through noise, choosing with purpose, and making sure the business you’re building still serves the life you want to live. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #724 for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 February 4th: Facebook’s Birthday 00:01:32 Managing the smartphone Pandora’s Box And celebrating(?) Facebook’s birthday! Sponsors 00:07:36 SPONSOR: Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Leave the chaos behind and start the new year off right with QuickBooks Payroll. Learn more by visiting QuickBooks.com/payroll 00:08:58 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:34 Shiny Object Opportunity vs Syndrome 00:15:18 What do I want to do today? Steve Jobs: If today were the last day of my life… 00:18:00 Business Brain 724 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Shiny Object Opportunities – Business Brain 724 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

    20 min
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5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

Two long-time small-business owners, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, come to you each week to talk through the trials, success, pitfalls and tips it takes to successfully run a small business in today’s world. Hear real-world folks talk about real-world problems, letting you know not only what it takes to get it done but that you’re not alone in doing it!

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