As small business owners grapple with how they might use Artificial Intelligence in their daily work, I continually find new ways to lean on my AI assistants. Everyone has a different perspective on using these tools—whether for content creation, data analysis, or marketing. These are all valid and useful. But just as often I find myself using AI as a thought partner.

Your business exists because you are providing value to someone else, and they in turn are willing to pay for your product or service. Once you become crystal clear on who your customers are, it becomes much easier to meet their needs, and in turn meet your own business objectives. It is easy to get caught up writing posts on social media, feeling that rush of dopamine when you see the little red hearts on your screen. But are you reaching the right audience? Are they buying more and impacting your bottom line?

What I wished for was a management team, a board of directors, a mentor, advisor or business bestie. Someone to hold me accountable and who I could hash things out with on a very real level.

While the basics like net income and gross profit are always important, every lender, investor, banker or prospective buyer seems to focus on different metrics in order to determine the business value for their own purposes.

Do you find yourself sometimes looking elsewhere for easy answers — hoping that the next book, podcast, guru or masterclass will have answers that are already within you? Assuming that others have the key that we have not yet uncovered.

If you are thinking of working less hours, or maybe planning a year off to travel and focus on new projects — taking the time to plan your exit may allow you to keep the income from your business, while letting your team carry more of the load.

Are you hiring people who understand your company values, who fit with the company culture and who are working towards common goals? Clarity from the start. Get the right people in the right seats on your bus!