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Why Every Small Business Needs AI to Thrive (and How to Start)

January 20, 2025

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Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora

What if you could save hours of your time, cut out repetitive tasks, and finally focus on what matters most in your business—all without hiring a massive team? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not.

The secret is already at your fingertips: AI.

Today, we’re diving into the world of artificial intelligence with someone who knows exactly how to make it work for entrepreneurs like you. 

Aprelle Duany is an AI strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for sustainable business growth. Her journey spans corporate IT auditing, launching a luxury fashion brand in Africa, and now empowering small businesses to use AI to reclaim their time and freedom.

Aprelle’s SMART Framework is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs think about workflows and efficiency, and today, she’s spilling her secrets. From the tools you need to get started to the mindset shifts required to embrace AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

If you’ve ever thought, “AI sounds amazing, but where do I even start?”—or maybe you’ve dabbled with it but aren’t sure you’re using it to its full potential—this conversation is for you. Aprelle will break it all down, sharing strategies, real-world examples, and easy wins to implement today.

So grab your notebook and get ready to unlock the power of AI in your business. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Designing Your Success

Aprelle opens with her mantra, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you design,” a powerful reminder that success requires intention. 

She explains how many women face systemic barriers and internalized limiting beliefs about STEM and tech, but AI has the potential to bridge those gaps. 

By embracing tools like AI, we can move beyond overworking and underperforming, intentionally designing outcomes aligned with our values and goals.

Why Women Are Hesitant About AI (And Why That Needs to Change)

In this conversation, we also explore why women often hesitate to embrace AI. From fears of the unknown to a lack of representation in tech spaces, the barriers are real—but the opportunities are endless. 

AI is practically built for busy entrepreneurs, helping automate repetitive tasks, empowering creativity, and giving us precious time back. 

Aprelle breaks down how demystifying AI shows us that it’s not something to fear but a tool we’ve already been using in our everyday lives without even realizing it.

Game-Changing AI Tools and Practical Examples

Aprelle shares about some game-changing tools, including ChatGPT, which Aprelle recommends as an accessible starting point for small business owners. 

From organizing Thanksgiving dinner to creating personalized fitness plans and crafting strategic social media posts, we discuss how AI is being used in unique, impactful ways. 

Aprelle even shares how she helped her mom transform her bakery by digitizing recipes and streamlining workflows using AI, proving that it’s for everyone, not just tech experts!

The SMART Framework for Working Smarter, Not Harder

The episode introduces Aprelle’s SMART framework, a five-step process that can help business owners gain clarity, streamline operations, and focus on their strengths. 

This framework walks you through defining your goals, creating compelling narratives, automating workflows, aligning your revenue strategy, and driving consistent visibility to your business. 

Each step is designed to help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder:

  1. Strategic Clarity: Define your goals and value propositions.
  2. Magnetic Messaging: Create compelling narratives that attract your ideal audience.
  3. Automated Workflows: Simplify your operations through automation.
  4. Revenue Roadmap: Align your offers to maximize profitability.
  5. Traffic Engine: Drive consistent visibility and leads through strategic marketing efforts.

How AI Democratizes Success

Finally, Aprelle emphasizes how AI democratizes success, offering tools that cater to everyone, regardless of background or expertise. 

However, she reminds us that AI isn’t a magic wand—it’s a collaborator. 

Success with AI starts with clarity about what you want and a willingness to experiment, adapt, and leverage the tools available to you.

Connect with Aprelle

If you loved this conversation, visit Aprelle’s website or connect with her where I did: on LinkedIn! 

She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of AI and we both believe that EVERY business owner should embrace this game-changing tool and how to get started, no matter your background.

Remember: AI isn’t just for tech giants and startups; it’s for every small business ready to work smarter instead of harder!


Thank you to our Goal Digger Sponsors

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