Welcome to the very first issue of Tech with a Twist! I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together. Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or simply curious about how technology can make life easier, you’ve found the right place. I aim to bring you fresh insights into technology, business, marketing, and networking — all with a dash of fun and a twist of creativity.
So, why “Twist”? It’s my way of reminding us to look at challenges and opportunities differently, adding a fresh perspective to familiar topics. Life’s too short for stale thinking — and bad martinis. With every issue, I’ll strive to serve up a mix (cocktail?) of actionable ideas and thought-provoking reflections, ensuring there’s always something valuable for you to take away.
This launch edition is a little extra special, marking the beginning of what I hope will be an engaging and insightful journey together. Moving forward, Tech with a Twist will be published on the 1st and 15th of each month. These bi-monthly editions will provide consistent, actionable insights, and every so often, I’ll surprise you with a special edition to keep things fresh and exciting. Stay tuned for plenty of twists to come!
3 Ways AI Can Transform Your Small Business (Without Breaking the Bank)
Let’s kick off with something practical: AI. You’ve probably heard the buzz about AI taking over everything from marketing to customer service. But how can you use it effectively without spending a fortune? Here are three ways AI can deliver big results on a small budget:
1. Copywriting Made Easy with ChatGPT
Creating engaging content can feel like a full-time job. With tools like ChatGPT, you can draft blog posts, social media updates, and even email campaigns in minutes. For example, try providing a few key points about your business and let ChatGPT generate the first draft. You can then tweak it to fit your voice and style, saving hours of effort.
ChatGPT isn’t just for long-form writing either. It’s a great tool for brainstorming catchy headlines, creating product descriptions, and even crafting responses to customer inquiries. Whether you’re a team of one or managing a small team, it’s a productivity booster that can save valuable time.
Tip: Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas or write 80% of your content. Save your energy for editing and adding the human touch that makes your content unique. You can even ask it to mimic different tones, ensuring your message resonates with specific audiences.
2. Visual Design with Canva’s AI Tools
Canva isn’t just for graphic designers anymore. Its AI-powered tools let you create stunning visuals for your business, even if you’ve never touched design software. From logos to social media posts, Canva makes it simple to create professional-looking assets in minutes.
Canva’s AI tools also offer features like Magic Resize, which adjusts your designs for different platforms with one click. This is especially useful if you’re running marketing campaigns across social media, email, and web channels. It’s like having a virtual design assistant on hand.
Tip: Use Canva’s brand kits to ensure your designs stay consistent with your business’s identity. Experiment with their AI-driven tools to instantly resize, animate, or tweak your visuals for different platforms, maximizing their impact.
3. Automating Workflows with Zapier
Zapier acts like a glue that connects your favourite apps. Want to automatically add new leads from a Google Form into your CRM? Done. Need your Shopify sales data sent straight to QuickBooks? Zapier has you covered. With minimal setup, it can save you hours of manual data entry.
One of Zapier’s most powerful features is multi-step workflows, allowing you to automate complex processes. For instance, you can set up a workflow to automatically send a thank-you email to new customers, add their details to your CRM, and update your inventory system—all in one seamless process.
Tip: Start with simple automations, like syncing email subscribers with your newsletter platform. As you get comfortable, expand into more complex workflows that link multiple apps. The result? A seamless, hands-free process that scales as your business grows.
Takeaway: These tools aren’t just shiny toys; they’re powerful allies that free up your time for what truly matters: growing your business, delighting your customers, and even finding a little extra breathing room in your day. Embracing AI can feel daunting at first, but small steps can lead to transformative changes.
B2B Networking in a Digital Age
Networking has always been the lifeblood of B2B success, but the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. The rise of digital tools and remote work has shifted how we connect, making it both easier and more challenging to build meaningful relationships.
When I was organizing events for The Social Fusion Network, I saw firsthand how blending in-person and digital networking strategies could spark incredible partnerships. The secret? Authenticity. Whether you’re connecting over LinkedIn, a Zoom call, or an email, genuine interest in the other person’s goals and challenges goes a long way. It’s not about collecting contacts; it’s about fostering connections.
Digital platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, and even niche forums have made networking more accessible than ever. However, the convenience of digital communication sometimes leads to superficial interactions. The challenge is to go beyond quick exchanges and build deeper, more meaningful connections.
For example, a simple act like personalizing a LinkedIn message or asking thoughtful questions during a virtual meeting can set you apart. Technology can help streamline these interactions, but the human element remains irreplaceable. Taking the time to truly understand someone’s business or pain points can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Reflect: How are you leveraging digital tools to strengthen your professional network? Are there gaps you could fill with a more personal touch? Think about one relationship you could nurture today, even with a quick email or message. The effort you invest in these connections often pays dividends in the long run.
A Fun Twist: Lessons from the Smartcar TV Show
During my time producing the Smartcar Coffee Confidential TV show, I learned a simple but profound lesson: every great conversation starts with a connection. Sitting in a car with someone, sharing a coffee, and chatting about their work made even the most complex topics feel approachable and relatable. That intimate, one-on-one atmosphere fostered trust and candidness.
That same principle applies here. Whether you’re building your business or adopting AI tools, it’s all about human connection. Technology is just the enabler; the magic happens when people come together with a shared purpose. So, next time you’re overwhelmed by the tech in your business, step back and ask: How does this help me connect better?
Additionally, remember that some of the best connections are formed in unexpected places. Whether it’s a casual coffee chat or a chance LinkedIn introduction, stay open to opportunities. The key is to listen, engage authentically, and leave a lasting impression.
What’s Next
I hope you’ve enjoyed this first issue of Tech with a Twist! My goal is to provide value-packed insights that help you think differently about technology, business, and life. Together, we’ll explore the tools and strategies that make modern business exciting, accessible, and rewarding.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up on Jan 1st: How to Create AI-Driven Marketing Campaigns That Feel Human. We’ll dive into crafting campaigns that resonate with audiences without losing that personal touch.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you! What’s one challenge you’re facing in tech, business, or marketing right now? Hit reply or drop a comment — your feedback could inspire a future issue. Let’s make this a two-way conversation.
If you found value in this issue, share it with a friend or colleague who could use a twist of fresh insight in their business. Your support means the world, and it helps grow our community of curious, driven professionals. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey – I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
#StayFrosty
James Burchill
