Podcast
AI Lean Edge: Practical AI for Small Businesses
Hosted by Brian Bricker · EN
This essential podcast for small business owners in retail, real estate, accounting, law, and professional services is hosted by Brian Bricker, a consultant with AI Lean Solutions LLC with 20+ years in lean learning, process improvement, and organizational leadership, we simplify AI for non-tech-savvy owners. Each 20-30 minute episode delivers practical, jargon-free advice on integrating AI to streamline operations and boost profits. From automating your inventory to enhancing customer service with chatbots, we cover real-world applications of AI technology.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How To Use AI for Marketing - Without Hiring an Agency
Nov 1000:15:54Summary readyIn this episode of The AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker breaks down how small business owners can harness AI to run their marketing smarter, faster, and cheaper - without hiring an agency. Discover how to use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and HubSpot to create content, automate posting, and manage engagement while keeping your authentic voice at the center. Brian shares real-world examples, cost-saving strategies, and a roadmap for building your own self-running marketing system. Includes a free AI Lean Audit invitation and a closing message from his book Smarter, Leaner, Faster.
SummaryLean Time Management: AI Calendar Assistants That Actually Help
Oct 2700:27:21Summary readyIn this episode of AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker dives into the real problem behind time management - and how AI-powered calendar assistants are finally fixing it.Discover how tools like Reclaim.ai, Motion, Clockwise, and Google Duet AI can help you protect your focus, reduce scheduling chaos, and design a week that actually reflects your priorities.This isn’t about cramming more into your day - it’s about making every hour smarter, calmer, and more intentional.🎧 Listen now to learn how Lean thinking and AI can help you reclaim your time - and your sanity.#AILeanEdge #AILeanSolutions #TimeManagement #Productivity #LeanThinking #SmallBusiness #Automation
SummaryStandard Work, Smarter Tools: AI and SOPs
Oct 2000:13:46Summary readyYour business can’t scale on memory and chaos. In this episode of AI Lean Edge, host Brian Bricker breaks down how Artificial Intelligence is transforming old-school Standard Operating Procedures into living, learning systems.You’ll discover how AI can write, update, and even enforce SOPs automatically, keeping your team consistent and your processes lean. Brian explains how to start small, where to integrate automation, and how to make your business run smoother than ever - without losing the human touch that makes it yours.If you’re ready to eliminate confusion, reduce errors, and finally step away from daily firefighting, this episode will show you how standard work and smarter tools can create lasting stability in your small business.🎧 Listen now, follow AI Lean Edge, and learn how to work smarter, leaner, and faster with AI.
SummaryThe AI Tools You Already Have But Aren’t Using (Yet)
Oct 1300:21:16Summary readyYou don’t need to buy new software to start using AI - you already have it.In this episode of AI Lean Edge, host Brian Bricker reveals how the everyday tools you already use - like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, and even your smartphone - are packed with powerful AI features you may not even know exist.Brian walks through five common tools that most business owners already own and shows exactly how to unlock their hidden potential to save hours every week. You’ll learn how to:Use built-in AI in Gmail and Outlook to write and summarize emailsLet Word and Google Docs outline, edit, and polish your writingAnalyze data in Excel and Google Sheets without knowing a single formulaCreate marketing content faster in Canva and HootsuiteTurn your phone into a hands-free productivity assistantThis episode will change the way you think about AI - it’s not about buying more technology, it’s about learning to use what’s already at your fingertips.🎙️ Hosted by Brian Bricker, founder of AI Lean Solutions and author of “Smarter, Leaner, Faster.”🌐 Explore more tools and resources at www.AILeanSolutions.com
SummaryHow to Spot Waste in Your Business
Oct 600:24:48Summary readyIn this episode of The AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker reveals the hidden forms of waste quietly draining your business - from overproduction and waiting to wasted motion and mental clutter. Learn how to see your business through a systems-thinking lens, uncover inefficiencies you didn’t know existed, and understand how modern AI tools can help you restore flow, focus, and profitability.Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, or team leader, this episode will challenge the way you think about “busy” work - and show you how Lean clarity combined with AI intelligence can help you work smarter, leaner, and faster.📘 Grab Brian’s book Smarter, Leaner, Faster and download free Lean and AI resources at: www.AILeanSolutions.com
SummaryScaling Your Business with Automation
Sep 2900:20:13Summary readyFeeling stuck at capacity? In this episode of The AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker breaks down how small business owners can scale without burning out by using smart automation. Learn the five biggest areas to automate - customer communication, marketing, sales, operations, and finance - plus how to overcome the cost, time, and tech barriers. Packed with practical examples and real-world stories, this episode shows you how to work smarter, not harder, and finally free yourself to grow.For more information also check out Brian's blog here.
SummaryCreating Your First AI-Powered Workflow
Sep 2200:20:51Summary readyEvery small business runs on workflows - those repeatable steps that move a task from start to finish. The problem? Most workflows are slow, manual, and full of waste.In this week’s episode of AI Lean Edge, host Brian Bricker breaks down exactly how to create your very first AI-powered workflow - even if you’re not “techy.” You’ll learn:What a workflow really is (in plain language).Why starting with just one workflow is the smartest move.How to choose the right first process to automate.The best tools for small business owners (no coding required).A step-by-step roadmap you can follow this week.Common roadblocks and how to overcome them.Packed with real-world stories from retail, real estate, accounting, and more, this episode will help you save hours every week and finally feel in control of your business systems.📖 Want to go deeper? Read the full blog HERE📘 Grab Brian’s book Smarter, Leaner, Faster HERE#AILeanEdge #WorkflowAutomation #SmarterLeanerFaster
SummaryAI for Real Estate: Save Time and Close More
Sep 1500:20:09Summary readyReal estate is 20% showing houses and 80% chasing paperwork, texts, and scheduling. In this episode of AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker shows how AI can cut through the grind, eliminate wasted time, and help agents focus on what matters most: building relationships and closing deals. With real stories and five practical tools you can use right now, this is the roadmap to working smarter, not harder, in real estate.
SummaryAI in Accounting: Tools That Work
Sep 800:18:26Summary readyAccounting does not have to be late nights, lost receipts, and endless reconciliations. In this week’s episode of AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker breaks down the AI tools that actually save time and reduce stress for accountants, bookkeepers, and small business owners. From receipt capture to automated invoice reminders, discover how AI can handle the repetitive work so you can focus on clients, growth, and balance in your life.Brian also shares a quick review of John Bicheno’s The Lean Toolbox for Service Systems, explains why lean thinking matters in accounting, and offers practical steps to get started without getting overwhelmed.Listen now and learn how to work smarter, cut waste, and bring more value to your business with AI.
SummaryAutomating Customer Service with Chatbots
Sep 100:21:30Summary readyIn this episode of The AI Lean Edge, Brian Bricker takes you on a journey from the origins of Lean Thinking with Deming and Toyota, through the practical wisdom of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean, and into the modern world of customer service automation. Discover how chatbots can save hours of wasted time, cut repetitive tasks, and improve client satisfaction—without losing the human touch. Written for busy, middle-aged small business owners, this episode delivers plain-English steps you can use today to launch your first chatbot and free up time for what really matters.
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