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Many business owners assume their AI tools are safe because the software is installed locally - but is your data really staying on your machine? If you are using AI agents, you need to understand where your data goes before you expose yourself and your customers to unnecessary risk.
In this episode, Charly talks with Ken McLoud from Laconic Tech about how small businesses can use AI to solve real problems - and the critical security pitfalls to avoid. Ken covers:
✅ Three practical AI use cases: lead magnets, workflow agents, and data analysis
📌 Why replacing your customer service team with AI can cost you more than it saves
🛡️ Prompt injection explained - and how attackers trick AI agents into following bad instructions
🔗 The "solution in search of a problem" trap - how to choose AI projects that deliver ROI
🛡️ Context rot - why your AI gets worse the longer you talk to it
📌 Why "it is on a Mac Mini" does not mean your data is secure
If you are thinking about AI for your business, start with the business problem - not the technology.
Find out more about Ken:
Website: Laconic Tech - https://laconictech.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-mcloud/
Book a Free 30 minute Breakthrough Session: https://askcharlyleetham.com/book-me
(1 per person only)
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Music and Credits to:
Paradise Found is covered under Creative Commons.
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/licenses/
https://rumble.com/v77t8ek-is-your-ai-really-secure-on-that-mac-mini-with-ken-mcloud-e36s2026.html
Life is busy and there's just so many things to remember. What tools do you use to help you keep on top of ALL the things?
It's easy to react or respond quickly to messages and the like. It's better to do that mindfully. That's why I try to Practice The Pause.
If you’re bringing in extra help over Christmas or changing how work gets done while people are away, what happens to the information your business handles? An arrangement that keeps work moving can potentially expose customer details and confidential business information to unauthorised people.
✅ What access and data are you handing over along with the work when someone steps in for Christmas?
➡️ Why does an email forward matter?
⚡ What does your automation keep after it’s finished its job?
⭐ What should you do when you return from a break?
If you’re making arrangements for the break, join Charly for Firewall Friday. What precautions are you taking with your automations over Christmas?
Book a Free 30 minute Breakthrough Session: https://askcharlyleetham.com/book-me
(1 per person only)
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Locals: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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...
Getting ready for the Christmas holiday break? The automated response when someone submits an enquiry from your website can perform a vital function in setting expectations and conveying holiday information.
Charly’s preparing holiday notifications in Gravity Forms for today’s Walkthrough Wednesday.
➡️ What do you need to convey in the message?
⚡ How do you add multiple notifications in Gravity Forms?
⭐ When should you get the messages ready?
✅ Who can make the changes?
Get organised now before business takes off.
Have you started your festive season plans yet?
Book a Free 30 minute Breakthrough Session: https://askcharlyleetham.com/book-me
(1 per person only)
Follow us:
Locals: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbizmgr
Instagram: ...
Could your small business win work with a large company or government? Being good at what you do matters, but a prospective buyer also wants to know they can depend on you.
Bronwyn Reid, business mentor and author of Small Company Big Business, joins Charly to discuss what it takes to become that supplier. Drawing on nearly 30 years of supplying larger organisations through her environmental services business, Bronwyn shares some hard-earned lessons:
✅ Why a bigger buyer might see risk where you see great service.
➡️ What’s worth preparing before a contract catches your eye.
⚡ Where smaller businesses can find opportunities they might otherwise overlook.
⭐ Why competing for work doesn’t rule out working together.
A larger contract could bring more consistent income, but is your business ready to take it on?
Join Charly and Bronwyn for a conversation about closing that gap, including the work involved and where to find help.
Connect with Bronwyn
Website: https://bronwynreid.com.au
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