Stop Buying AI Tools: Solve the Problem First - Richard Geary & Scott Evans

Stop Buying AI Tools: Solve the Problem First - Richard Geary & Scott Evans

What One Thing AI Podcast Everyone is talking about AI. But what if most businesses are approaching it completely the wrong way? In this episode of What One Thing AI, Phil Davenport [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-davenport-affirmit/] and Hayley Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-baxter-/] are joined by Richard Geary [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gearyrichard/?skipRedirect=true] and Scott Evans [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottevansai/] from the AI Foundry to discuss one of the biggest mistakes business owners make when implementing AI. Instead of starting with ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini or the latest AI tool, Richard argues that businesses should first identify the problem they are trying to solve. The conversation explores: ✅ Why AI should be the last part of the solution, not the first ✅ The People, Process and Technology framework ✅ How small business owners can identify AI opportunities without spending thousands on consultants ✅ Why AI licences alone don't create productivity gains ✅ The importance of training, experimentation and leadership buy-in ✅ How to use AI to analyse your business and prioritise opportunities ✅ Hallucinations, bias and whether AI can actually be trusted ✅ Practical first steps any business owner can take today If you're wondering how to implement AI in your business without wasting time, money or effort, this episode provides a practical framework to help you start in the right place. ABOUT WHAT ONE THING AI What One Thing AI explores the real-world AI tools, strategies and lessons that business owners can use to improve their businesses. Each episode focuses on one practical idea that can make a meaningful difference. Hosted by Hayley Baxter of Corbar Accounting [https://corbar.uk/] and Phil Davenport of Affirm IT Services [https://affirmit.co.uk/]. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #Copilot #Gemini #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #DigitalTransformation #Productivity #WhatOneThingPodcast #AIForBusiness #BusinessSystems #BusinessLeadership #BusinessStrategy

We Tried a 30-Day Business Challenge… did we win or learn?

Phil Davenport [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-davenport-affirmit/]and Hayley Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-baxter-/] reflect on their attempt to implement a 30-day relationship-building challenge inspired by their own podcast advice. What started with good intentions — outreach messages, networking coffees, introductions, and accountability — slowly became overwhelming as real business life got in the way. In this honest conversation, they unpack: * why consistency is harder than motivation * the pressure business owners put on themselves * relationship-building in growing businesses * accountability vs competitiveness * and why slower, more sustainable habits often work better long term * A thoughtful episode for business owners trying to balance growth, networking, marketing, and actually running the business at the same time. 🎙️ Brought to you by Corbar Accounting [https://corbar.uk/] and Affirm IT Services Ltd [https://affirmit.co.uk/].

Be Real - Why Pretending Everything's Fine Is Hurting Your Business - Marc Johnson

Marc’s What One Thing is: Be real. In this episode, we explore the pressure many business owners feel to look successful, polished, and “together” — even when reality feels very different behind the scenes. Marc shares his experience growing up in a family business, the pressure to prove himself, and how networking changed once he stopped trying to project perfection and started having more honest conversations. We also discuss: * vulnerability in leadership * authentic networking * managing teams as humans, not resources * balancing professionalism with personality * the difference between honesty and oversharing * why real relationships grow better businesses A very human conversation about leadership, business culture, and letting your guard down a little. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting [https://corbar.uk/] and Affirm IT Services [https://affirmit.co.uk/] Connect with: Marc Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcjohnsonlivepay/] Phil Davenport [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-davenport-affirmit/] Hayley Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-baxter-/] ----------------------------------------

Why Your Ideal Client Isn’t Who You Think - Diyar Abdullah

Why do some deals close instantly… while others drag on forever and go nowhere? In this episode of What One Thing, we sit down with Diyar to break down a different way of thinking about sales, marketing, and lead generation. Instead of focusing on your product or service, this conversation explores how understanding data, timing, and buyer intent can completely change how you win business. We talk about: * Why “ideal client” might not mean what you think * The difference between a good fit and a deal that actually closes * How to use your existing customers to identify patterns * Why most businesses are unknowingly targeting the wrong people * The role of timing, triggers, and personal context in buying decisions * How to build a simple but powerful data-led approach to growth If you’ve ever felt like your marketing should be working… but isn’t converting, this episode will help you rethink where to focus. Brought to you by Corbar Accounting [https://corbar.uk/] and Affirm IT Services Ltd. [https://affirmit.co.uk/] Connect with: Diyar Abdullah [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leads4msp/] Phil Davenport [https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-davenport-affirmit/] Hayley Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-baxter-/]

The One Thing That Stops You Doing Everything in Your Business - John Lamerton

In this episode of What One Thing, we sit down with entrepreneur and author John Lamerton to explore the single shift that transformed his business — and his life. After years of running multiple businesses, working long hours, and trying to do everything himself, John hit breaking point. A health scare forced him to rethink how he was working and led him to a powerful realisation: You don’t need to do more. You need to focus on one thing. John shares how he went from being a “busy fool” juggling everything — from marketing to operations to finance — to focusing on his role as the marketer of his business. We cover: • Why doing everything holds your business back • How to identify your “one thing” • The dangers of constant busyness and burnout • Practical ways to simplify your workload • How to capture ideas without getting distracted • Why focus beats productivity every time This episode is for business owners who feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in the day-to-day running of their business. 🎧 If you’re ready to stop doing everything and start focusing on what actually moves the needle, this one’s for you. John's Website [https://bigidea.co.uk/]