In this episode of Crafting a Business, Debbie is joined by two special guests, Pulkit, founder and director of UR Digital, and Jerry, director and co-founder of DC Encompass, for an honest and practical conversation about the challenges facing small businesses in an increasingly technology-driven world. With expertise spanning digital marketing, SEO, IT and cybersecurity, Pulkit and Jerry share what they are seeing across the business landscape and why business owners need to be more strategic about the technology they use, the data they collect, and the people they trust with access to their business. From understanding the real potential of AI to protecting valuable customer information, reviewing technology subscriptions, and building meaningful business relationships, this episode explores how businesses can make smarter decisions, stay visible, and create opportunities even during uncertain times. In this conversation, they discuss: Why businesses shouldn't treat AI as the solution to everything, and how to use it as a productivity tool to automate repetitive tasks and save time The importance of auditing your technology stack, making better use of existing tools, and avoiding unnecessary subscriptions and expenses How automation and AI can help businesses streamline processes and reduce costs, including Pulkit's example of replacing Trello with Microsoft Planner Why customer data is one of a business's most valuable assets and the risks of giving employees, contractors, and agencies too much administrative access Practical cybersecurity measures every business should consider, including strong and unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and limiting user permissions The importance of understanding where your data is stored and checking whether technology providers follow recognised security standards Why businesses need to take responsibility for understanding what they are purchasing and asking the right questions when engaging service providers How networking, volunteering, and consistently showing up in your business community can build trust and open doors to new opportunities Why visibility is about being part of the customer's purchasing journey, educating potential clients, and helping them make informed decisions rather than simply selling to them What the next 12 months could mean for businesses, including the growing importance of partnerships, technology consolidation, accessibility, and getting the fundamentals right Whether you're a small business owner trying to make sense of AI, concerned about protecting your business data, or looking for ways to build visibility and grow your network, this episode offers practical advice and plenty of food for thought. It's a reminder that while technology continues to evolve, the fundamentals of business remain the same: build trust, educate your customers, protect what matters, and focus on delivering real value. 🎧 Connect with Pulkit and Jerry: Find Pulkit and Jerry on LinkedIn. You can also learn more about their businesses: Pulkit – UR Digital: Digital marketing, SEO and digital strategy Jerry – DC Encompass: IT and cybersecurity services Their LinkedIn profiles and business website links can be added to the show notes.
