How Smart Business Owners Are Using AI to Grow Faster
Note sull'episodio
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
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunthorntonbusinessbroker/
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaunThorntonBusinessBroker/
📌Connect or follow Rey Ortega
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiautomationalchemist/
🔔 Subscribe on my YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@HappyBuyerHappySellerPodcast
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.
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