By: Leyanis Diaz, SmallBizLady Team Disclosure: I attended Alibaba.com CoCreate 2026 as part of a hosted press trip. All opinions and takeaways shared here are my own. Artificial intelligence is no longer something small business owners can afford to watch from the sidelines. That was one of my biggest takeaways from attending Alibaba.com’s CoCreate 2026 […]
Is Your Business Ready to Become an AI-Enabled Workplace?
Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing your employees; it’s redefining how successful organizations work. For decades, organizations have adapted to waves of technological change. We moved from paper files to personal computers. We embraced email, cloud computing, mobile devices, and remote work. Each shift transformed how work got done, and organizations that adapted gained a competitive advantage. […]
The AI-Enabled Workplace: 7 Signs Your Business May Be Falling Behind
AI is quickly becoming an everyday business tool that is transforming how we all communicate, make decisions, serve customers, and improve productivity. The question is no longer whether AI will change the workplace. The real question is whether your small business is keeping pace. Many business owners believe adopting AI simply means purchasing a subscription […]
How to Vibe Code Your Next Big Business Idea
For years, one of the biggest barriers to starting a technology company was knowing how to code. Entrepreneurs with great ideas often found themselves searching for technical co-founders, hiring expensive developers, or shelving their ideas altogether because they lacked programming skills. Those days are quickly coming to an end. Welcome to the era of vibe […]
Why Personal Branding for Small Business Owners Is a Must in AI Search
Something fundamental has changed in how people find businesses. Search is no longer just about keywords, websites, and backlinks. Today, discovery is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and voice assistants are reshaping how answers are delivered and, more importantly, who gets recommended. In this new environment, one thing is […]
What to Stop Doing in Your Business This Year
January is full of noise. New planners. New goals. New promises to “do more.” But if you’re serious about growth this year, the smartest move you can make isn’t adding more to your plate; it’s deciding what to stop doing. This is a contrarian guide to reclaim your time, sharpen your focus, and lead your […]
SmallBizLady Summer Reading List 2025
Why Summer Is the Perfect Season to Grow Your Mind—and Your Business—with Books. There’s something magical about summer. The pace slows down, the days stretch longer, and there’s finally space to breathe—and think. It’s not just a season for vacations and cookouts; summer is a prime opportunity to invest in yourself. While others are unwinding, […]
10 Critical AI Automated Workflows to Elevate Your Small Business
If you’re a small business owner, coach, or consultant who still thinks AI is some futuristic robot tech from a sci-fi movie, sis—AI is here and it’s your new best employee. The kind that doesn’t sleep, doesn’t call in sick, and works 24/7 without complaining. Whether you’re trying to get more leads, stay consistent with […]
How to Leverage Automation and AI to Boost Sales Efficiency
In today’s competitive business landscape, sales teams face the challenge of reaching more prospects, personalizing engagement, and closing deals faster—without increasing workloads. The solution? Sales automation and AI. By integrating AI-powered tools and automation into your sales strategy, businesses can streamline workflows, improve customer interactions, and drive revenue growth. This post will explore how automation […]
The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with Oginga Carr, Debbie Allen, and Brynne Tillman
In this episode, Melinda Emerson kicks off with the engaging “Hit It and Quit It” segment, setting the stage for a lively discussion. The conversation shifts to a sharing of favorite business tools and tips, offering practical insights for small business owners looking to enhance their operations. Oginga Carr is a dynamic AI expert, Certified High-Performance […]