An ongoing journal, not a finished résumé section.
AI & Small Business
Why I'm learning
I've been keeping a close eye on how artificial intelligence is playing out on Main Street, and the shift is happening much faster than most people realize.
We aren't just talking about big technology companies anymore. Local shops, neighbourhood restaurants, and independent service providers are increasingly using AI to change how they run their businesses.
From what I've seen, some of the biggest opportunities come down to efficiency and personal connection. Business owners can use technology for things like inventory forecasting, scheduling, bookkeeping, customer communication, and other repetitive work.
The interesting part to me is that AI doesn't necessarily have to replace the human side of a business. In many cases, it can do the opposite. If technology can remove some of the repetitive work, business owners can spend more time doing what customers actually value — providing a great experience and building relationships.
The businesses that use AI well won't necessarily be the ones trying to automate everything. They may be the ones using technology to create more time for the human interactions that matter.
How I'm learning
I'm trying to go beyond simply watching courses and collecting certificates. I take what I learn and experiment with it. I'm testing different AI tools, building small projects — including this website — exploring workflows, and looking for practical ways AI can solve everyday business problems.
My goal isn't just to understand what AI can do. It's to understand where it actually creates value.
Master the Art of Selling
Why I'm learning
I've always been fascinated by what actually makes someone a great salesperson. Not just the ability to talk, but the ability to understand people, ask the right questions, build trust, and communicate in a way that actually matters to the person on the other side of the conversation.
My interest in Tom Hopkins started with a video where he explained how to handle one of the most common objections in sales:
"I can buy it cheaper somewhere else."
His response stuck with me. Rather than immediately defending the price, he reframed the conversation around a simple idea: very rarely can a company offer great quality, amazing service, and the lowest price all at the same time. He then asked which of those the customer would be willing to sacrifice for their long-term satisfaction.
I found the way he handled the objection incredibly simple, yet incredibly effective. It made me realize how much there is to learn about the psychology behind selling. That's what led me to start reading Master the Art of Selling. I'm interested in learning not just how to sell, but how great salespeople think.
How I'm learning
I'm trying to take the ideas from the book beyond the pages and apply them to real conversations. I'm paying closer attention to how I ask questions, how I listen, how I uncover what someone actually needs, and how I respond when someone has doubts or objections. I'm also taking notes on techniques that stand out and thinking about where they work — and where they don't.
My goal isn't simply to finish the book. It's to turn the principles into better habits, better conversations, and ultimately a better understanding of people.