How Smart Business Owners Are Using AI to Grow Faster

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how can business owners actually use it to grow their companies today?

In this episode of Happy Buyer Happy Seller, Shaun Thornton sits down with AI consultant, software engineer, and entrepreneur Rey Ortega, founder of Grotto Software. Rey shares practical, real-world ways businesses can use AI to improve efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and generate more leads without adding staff.

The conversation explores tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Apollo.io, AI-powered email automation, customer avatars, workflow optimization, and the future of AI in small business. Rey also explains why AI should enhance employees rather than replace them and provides actionable advice for business owners who are unsure where to begin.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or technology enthusiast, this episode provides practical insights into using AI to scale smarter

📌Connect or follow Shaun Thornton

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📌Connect or follow Rey Ortega

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiautomationalchemist/

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00:00:00 Introduction to Ray Ortega and AI consulting

00:03:13 Ray's background and founding Grotto Software

00:04:25 Transition from audio engineering to software development

00:07:42 The rise of AI and misconceptions about AI experts

00:10:24 How beginners should approach AI adoption

00:11:07 AI-powered email triage systems

00:14:17 Using AI for government proposals and RFPs

00:16:31 Comparing ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity

00:20:30 Choosing the right AI tool for your business

00:23:24 Upcoming AI training programs and workshops

00:24:12 AI-powered cold outreach and sales automation

00:29:44 Apollo.io and automated prospecting

00:34:35 Understanding customer avatars and awareness levels

00:38:04 Defining the ideal client profile

00:39:27 Running a lean AI-enabled business

00:42:22 Marketing funnels and business growth systems

00:44:05 Workflow automation and KPI optimization

00:47:04 AI Automation Alchemist podcast

00:50:05 Entrepreneurship, mentoring, and SCORE involvement

00:51:26 Closing thoughts

The businesses that succeed with AI are not necessarily the most technical. They are the businesses willing to experiment, learn, and improve one process at a time.

#HappyBuyerHappySeller #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessAutomation #ChatGPT #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship