Grow with Technology

Richard Butler Jr
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Grow with Technology" is a podcast designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startup founders, offering actionable strategies and insights on how to effectively grow and scale your business through technology. Each episode serves as your digital compass through the ever-changing landscape of tech, helping you harness digital tools, platforms, and innovations as your competitive advantage. Richard Butler Jr., a project leader and expert in technology management, guides listeners—referred to as "the bold, the dreamers, and the seekers of tomorrow"through the technological current.

  1. The Real Reason Your Online Store Has Cart Abandonment — and How AI Fixes It

    22H AGO

    The Real Reason Your Online Store Has Cart Abandonment — and How AI Fixes It

    Welcome back to Grow with Technology! In this episode, hosts Ben Bard and Jessica Smith dig into a scenario we all know too well: It’s late at night, you’re scrolling online, adding tempting items to your cart, and then—right before checkout—you close the app and walk away. But what feels like harmless “digital window shopping” is actually a colossal challenge for online retailers. Nearly 70% of shopping carts are abandoned, costing the e-commerce industry billions. Ben Bard and Jessica Smith break down what’s really happening on both sides of the screen, from the psychology behind cart abandonment to the technical frustrations that push shoppers away. They explore insights from Richard Butler Jr.’s latest industry report and reveal how companies are now using AI not just to react, but to predict—and even influence—your every hesitation in real time. Get ready to learn how artificial intelligence is transforming the fight against lost sales, the new ways online stores read your digital “body language,” and where the delicate line lies between helpful service and manipulation. Whether you’re a shopper or a business owner, you’ll never look at your online cart—or that timely discount pop-up—the same way again.

    15 min
  2. How a Startup Clothing Brand Automated Customer Service with AI Chatbots

    FEB 4

    How a Startup Clothing Brand Automated Customer Service with AI Chatbots

    Welcome to a brand-new episode of “Grow with Technology,” where we tackle the digital transformations shaping our everyday lives. In today’s episode, Ben Bard and Jessica Smith dive into a customer support revolution that’s leaving the old days of endless hold music and frustrating email chains in the dust. Picture this: instead of waiting for hours to track down a missing package, you’re connected instantly to a super-smart AI that not only solves your problem but remembers your style, recommends new outfits, and offers help with a personal touch—all day, every day. Today’s deep dive unpacks a fascinating case study on how a startup clothing brand went all-in with AI chatbots, transforming support from a dreaded chore into seamless, scalable, and surprisingly personal service. But, as Ben Bard and Jessica Smith point out, this isn’t your average clunky chatbot. Instead, it’s an innovative system that combines real-time data, machine learning, and natural conversation to deliver an experience that feels more human than ever before. The episode explores how this move from transactional to relational customer service is changing the playbook—from driving sales as a virtual personal shopper, to giving overworked human agents the freedom to focus on real moments that need empathy and judgment. Along the way, they dig into the challenges and future trends like voice activation, proactive support, and even trying on clothes virtually using AR. Most importantly, they raise a provocative question: When does an AI-powered experience become more personal than a human one? Get ready for a thought-provoking look at how technology is not just meeting, but redefining our expectations of service and connection.

    17 min
  3. The CPA Firm That Eliminated 40 Hours/Month of Email Back-and-Forth

    JAN 28

    The CPA Firm That Eliminated 40 Hours/Month of Email Back-and-Forth

    Welcome back to Grow with Technology! In today’s episode, Jessica Smith and Ben Bard are tackling one of the biggest pain points in modern work life—the chaotic, overwhelming inbox. Imagine reclaiming a full workweek’s worth of time every month, all by transforming how you handle email. Sounds impossible? It’s not. This episode dives into a fascinating case study of a CPA firm that did just that. You’ll hear how they identified the root causes of inbox overload, from excessive “reply all” chains to anxious clients spawning endless follow-up emails. Jessica Smith and Ben Bard break down the firm’s three-pronged solution: behavioral protocols to fix human habits, a switch to smarter collaboration tools, and a cutting-edge tech stack—including AI and cloud platforms. This episode isn’t just an accountant’s story; it delivers practical, high-impact strategies any professional can use to reclaim lost hours and focus on higher-value work. If you’re ready to stop being busy and actually be productive, this episode is for you!

    17 min
  4. How a Cleaning Service Used AI to Auto-Estimate Jobs in Seconds

    JAN 21

    How a Cleaning Service Used AI to Auto-Estimate Jobs in Seconds

    Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology! Today, we're diving into how artificial intelligence is quietly—but powerfully—revolutionizing job estimation in the cleaning industry. Join Ben Bard and Jessica as they unpack the shift from subjective guesswork to lightning-fast, data-backed quotes, showing how service businesses are moving away from old-school visual inspections and hours of manual calculations to scalable, predictive, and highly personalized AI solutions. You'll hear real-world case studies from companies like Cleanco, SparklePro, and Ecoclean, spotlighting the massive operational wins—from reducing quote variance and saving admin hours, to streamlining inventory and creating tailored customer experiences. Plus, we'll explore the future, where predictive analytics and emerging tools like AR are setting new benchmarks for efficiency and trust across the service sector. Whether you're looking to scale your business or stay ahead of the curve, this episode reveals why AI-powered estimation is much more than a tech trend—it's fast becoming a strategic necessity.

    11 min
  5. The Myth of “I Can’t Afford Automation” — A Barber Shop That Used Free AI Tools to Grow 3x

    JAN 14

    The Myth of “I Can’t Afford Automation” — A Barber Shop That Used Free AI Tools to Grow 3x

    Welcome to a new episode of Grow with Technology! Today, Jane Doe and Ben Bard dive deep into automation for small businesses—debunking the myth that innovative tech is only within reach of big corporations with massive IT budgets. They walk us through an eye-opening case study of a local barbershop that used free, user-friendly AI tools to streamline operations, boost customer engagement, and triple its revenue, all without sacrificing the human touch that sets service businesses apart. From appointment management to personalized marketing, Jane Doe and Ben Bard break down the step-by-step strategies and practical free tools that make automation accessible—even if you’re running a small, high-touch business. You’ll hear about the common hurdles, smart solutions, and the metrics that matter as you shape your own automation journey. Whether you’re contemplating tech upgrades or looking for fresh ideas to enhance your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a future-focused look at how small businesses can thrive with technology—without breaking the bank.

    14 min
  6. The Gym Owner Who Used AI to Turn Cancelled Clients into Rebooked Sessions

    JAN 7

    The Gym Owner Who Used AI to Turn Cancelled Clients into Rebooked Sessions

    Welcome to another episode of Grow with Technology! In today’s show, our host Ben Bard sits down with AI co-hosts Jessica and Jessica Smith to tackle one of the fitness industry’s most persistent headaches: member turnover. Why do so many gym-goers start full of hope, only to drift away after a few months? This episode dives into the hidden patterns behind client cancellations—and reveals how one innovative gym owner used artificial intelligence to flip the script. You’ll hear how AI-powered analytics, smart customer relationship management systems, and clever chatbots can move gyms from just reacting to lost clients to predicting—and preventing—membership churn before it happens. Real success stories, personalization strategies, and the future of fitness technology all get dissected, showing how data and smart tech are changing not just client retention, but the very nature of business relationships. Whether you’re a gym owner, fitness enthusiast, or just curious about how AI can boost loyalty across any industry, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

    13 min
  7. How a New Travel Agent Automated 80% of Trip Itinerary Planning

    12/31/2025

    How a New Travel Agent Automated 80% of Trip Itinerary Planning

    Welcome to Grow with Technology, where we explore the real impact of emerging tools on our everyday lives. In today’s episode, hosts Jane Doe and Ben Bard, joined by AI co-host Jessica Smith, take us on a deep dive into the future of travel planning. Gone are the days of marathon spreadsheet sessions and decision fatigue—new AI-driven agents are now automating up to 80% of the logistics, transforming the dreaded trip-planning grind into an efficient, hyper-personalized experience. From tackling information overload and coordination headaches to offering case studies of travelers who completely reimagined their journeys, our hosts break down how technology is making once impossible-seeming travel wishes come true. They reveal the blend of AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and cloud computing that is streamlining everything—from booking flights and securing dinner reservations to responding dynamically in real time as plans change. Tune in as we uncover not just the mechanics behind this shift, but its game-changing potential for your next escape—including immersive previews, sustainable choices, and a future where your trip itinerary can adapt instantly to your whims and interests. The future of travel planning is here, and it’s never been more exciting.

    14 min
  8. The Restaurant That Eliminated No-Show Appointments Using AI Reminders

    12/24/2025

    The Restaurant That Eliminated No-Show Appointments Using AI Reminders

    Welcome to another episode of "Grow with Technology." Today, Jane Doe and Ben Bard tackle one of the most stubborn problems facing any business that works on appointments or reservations—no shows. Whether you run a restaurant, a salon, or a doctor's office, those empty time slots represent lost revenue, wasted resources, and operational headaches. In this episode, we dive into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the battle against no show appointments. The hosts break down the game-changing impact of intelligent reservation reminder systems, explore a real-world case study where one business slashed its no show rate by half, and look at the financial, operational, and customer relationship benefits that AI brings to the table. From predictive analytics and personalized reminders to increasing customer loyalty and streamlining staffing and inventory, Jane Doe and Ben Bard unpack how technology is transforming not just profitability but also sustainability in the hospitality industry. Stay tuned for practical tips, future trends, and a fresh perspective on why embracing AI solutions is more than a smart investment—it could be the key to a greener, more efficient future for your business.

    14 min
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About

Grow with Technology" is a podcast designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startup founders, offering actionable strategies and insights on how to effectively grow and scale your business through technology. Each episode serves as your digital compass through the ever-changing landscape of tech, helping you harness digital tools, platforms, and innovations as your competitive advantage. Richard Butler Jr., a project leader and expert in technology management, guides listeners—referred to as "the bold, the dreamers, and the seekers of tomorrow"through the technological current.

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Butler Jr
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    130
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Richard Butler Jr
  • Show Website
    Grow with Technology