The Business Brain Weekly Round Up
Hey there Reader
This week on Business Brain, we explored two essential sides of the entrepreneurial mindset: the grit it takes to survive and the clarity it takes to thrive.
In Episode 652, Dave and Shannon unpack the reality of “Survival Entrepreneurship,”sharing personal stories and lessons on what it means to run a business when you're in pure survival mode.
Then, in Episode 653, we shifted from hustle to habit with “FridAI: Priorities and Calendars,” where the co-hosts break down how to turn weekly chaos into strategic, AI-assisted planning.
Let's dive in!
Weekly Episodes
Survival Entrepreneurship
Business Brain 652
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Put Episode 652 to Work:
Reflect: Think of a time you rolled up your sleeves in your business or a job.
👉 What did you learn that you couldn’t have from the sidelines?
Analyze: Pick a business you admire for its simplicity.
👉 Can you describe what it does in 2–3 sentences? What makes it effective?
Discuss: How can entrepreneurs in developed economies borrow the survival-mindset tactics of those in tougher environments?
Research: Choose a developing country and study how entrepreneurs build businesses there.
👉 What challenges do they face? What creative solutions do they use?
Role-play: Practice your “elevator pitch.”
👉 Can you clearly explain your business idea in 30 seconds to a potential investor?
Ready to shift your perspective and tighten your business game? This episode will help you rethink what it really takes to build something that lasts.
Go Even Deeper:
FridAI + Priorities and Calendars
Business Brain 653
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Take Action with Episode 653:
Here's a simplified, step-by-step lesson to help you apply what they discussed.
Start Every Week with a "Fridai" Review
- Block 15–30 minutes every Friday to review the past week and plan the next.
- Ask yourself: What actually got done? What didn’t? What mattered most?
List Your Top 3 Priorities for the Week Ahead
- Choose no more than three key goals that will move your business forward.
- These aren't just tasks—they're outcomes that should create real momentum.
Time-Block Those Priorities into Your Calendar
- Assign dedicated calendar blocks for each priority before the week starts.
- Treat them like meetings—non-negotiable appointments with your success.
Use the “Ideal Week” Concept
- Create a template of what your ideal week looks like (deep work, meetings, admin).
- Compare your actual week to your ideal regularly to stay aligned.
Say “No” to Protect Your “Yes”
- When new things come up, refer to your calendar and priorities first.
- If it doesn’t fit your top 3, it waits—or gets a “no.”
🧠 Pro Tip from Dave & Shannon:
Your calendar is your first line of defense against distraction. Treat it as a strategic tool, not just a schedule.
📌 Take Action This Week:
- Set up your Fridai review.
- Identify your Top 3 priorities.
- Block time on your calendar right now to make those happen.
Go Even Deeper:
📈
Blue Collar Attitudes Win In White Collar Work
Learn More →
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Tech Tips of The Week:
Here are 3 AI prompts every entrepreneur should try today:
"Summarize the top 5 insights from this customer feedback." Paste your reviews or emails and get instant clarity.
"Write a 3-day social media plan for a [your industry] business launching a new product." Content calendar = done.
"List 10 creative lead magnet ideas for a [type of business] targeting [audience]."
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Finance Friday
Cash flow isn’t just a metric. It’s your business’s heartbeat.
👉 Know your burn rate.
That’s the amount of cash your business spends each month just to stay alive.
Why it matters:
📉 If revenue dips, knowing your burn rate tells you how long you can survive.
📈 If you're growing, it shows how much runway you actually have.
Here’s what to do:
- Add up your fixed monthly expenses (salaries, rent, subscriptions)
- Add your average variable costs
- Track it monthly — don’t guess.
✅ Bonus: Set a target to keep at least 3–6 months of burn rate in reserve.
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FridAI
Digitize Handwritten Task Lists for AI Assistance
Upload photos of handwritten to-do lists into ChatGPT to receive suggestions on time-blocking and prioritization.
Utilize Calendar Screenshots for Scheduling Advice
Share screenshots of your calendar with AI tools to get recommendations on optimizing your schedule.
Incorporate Structured Data for Enhanced Planning
Use structured data formats like ICS files with AI to streamline decision-making and improve calendar management.
Understand the Importance of Manual Planning
Before relying on AI, manually plan your schedule to better understand your priorities.
Be Cautious with AI-Generated Dates
AI may misalign dates and days of the week; always verify AI-generated schedules against a real calendar to avoid errors.
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Whether you’re building from the ground up or refining how you manage your time, this week’s episodes are packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical tools you can use right away.
Tune in, take notes, and take action—because in business, showing up with intention is half the battle.
Subscribe to Business Brain and keep sharpening the way you think, plan, and grow. Send this to a friend!
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Dave Hamilton & Shannon Jean
Business Brain
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