The BusinessZone with Crystal and Gilbert

12/12/2025

Bank by popular demand: Cyber Specialist Lisa Brown, Founder and CEO of Platinum Technology Group.

You want to tune in today. The odds are extremely high, with studies showing nearly half of small businesses (SMBs) get hit by a cyberattack annually, often through phishing, ransomware, and malware, as attackers find them easier targets than large corporations.

Find out why small businesses are targets of cyber attacks and what SMBs can do to protect their business's important information.

Future cyber defense for small businesses relies on AI-driven tools, Zero Trust models, and continuous employee training to counter sophisticated AI-powered attacks, focusing on proactive defense, strong authentication (MFA), regular updates, robust backups, and automated responses to protect against evolving threats like advanced phishing and supply chain risks.

Key strategies include adopting Zero Trust, using AI for detection, securing supply chains, automating patching, and continuous staff training to build a resilient "human firewall."

12/08/2025

Discover the ultimate guide to navigating the LA 28 Olympics with Lila Brown's expert tips and secrets. Lila S. Brown, Olympic & Paralympic Sports Agent, Founder/CEO, Ella Bee Media Group, believes that Olympic sports marketing isn't just for Fortune 500s—it's a powerful opportunity for small businesses to align with purpose-driven storytelling and global excellence.
Discover the power of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses. Can smaller companies really succeed with this type of marketing strategy? In this video, we'll explore the possibilities and challenges of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses and discuss whether it's a viable option for reaching new customers and growing your brand. Learn how to leverage the excitement and prestige of Olympic sports to promote your business and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're a startup or an established small business, this video will provide valuable insights and tips on how to make Olympic sports marketing work for you. , -Paralympics,

12/08/2025

“AI is here—and it’s not just for Silicon Valley. From automating bookkeeping to designing social media posts, AI tools are quietly changing how we run small businesses. But are entrepreneurs really ready for this shift? Today on The BusinessZone, we’re talking about the opportunities, the myths, and the mindset needed to make AI work for you, not against you.”
Key facts/framing:

Over 60% of small business owners say they’ve heard of AI tools, but only 25% actively use them in daily operations (source: SCORE/Forbes 2024 survey).
Top barriers: lack of understanding, fear of cost, and worry about replacing people.
Many small business owners think “AI = robots,” when in truth it’s about efficiency and insights.

“AI isn’t here to take your job—it’s here to take your busywork.”
Segment 2: The Opportunity—"Big Business Tech, Small Business Advantage"
Key facts/framing:

AI levels the playing field. Tools that once cost thousands are now low-cost or free.
Small businesses can personalize marketing, predict cash flow, and save hours of admin time.

Wrap-up message:
“AI isn’t a threat to small business—it’s a tool for freedom. But only if we learn how to use it with wisdom and integrity. The real opportunity is not artificial intelligence—it’s augmented intelligence, where people and technology work together to create something powerful.” , , , #“AI&SmallBusiness: .TheReality”

12/05/2025

Discover the ultimate guide to navigating the LA 28 Olympics with Lila Brown's expert tips and secrets.

Lila S. Brown, Olympic & Paralympic Sports Agent, Founder/CEO, Ella Bee Media Group believes that Olympic sports marketing isn't just for Fortune 500s—it's a powerful opportunity for small businesses to align with purpose-driven storytelling and global excellence. Discover the power of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses.

Can smaller companies really succeed with this type of marketing strategy? In this video, we'll explore the possibilities and challenges of Olympic sports marketing for small businesses and discuss whether it's a viable option for reaching new customers and growing your brand. Learn how to leverage the excitement and prestige of Olympic sports to promote your business and stay ahead of the competition.

Whether you're a startup or an established small business, this video will provide valuable insights and tips on how to make Olympic sports marketing work for you.

12/01/2025

The 2028 LA Olympics are coming, with a budget of $5 billion. Learn how minority businesses can get involved and secure a piece of the pie. A special guest explains the steps to take.

12/01/2025

Intuit's press release about working with Team USA athletes on tax prep and financing is genius! Weaving products into athlete marketing addresses a huge issue: financial literacy. But will commercial brands hire local businesses? I hope someone bridges that gap.

11/30/2025

An athlete didn't make the team? See it as a marketing opportunity! Brands seek generic athletes for campaigns, especially around the Olympics. Find rising talent who understand the sport—it’s a win-win.

11/30/2025

Fresh out of college with a journalism degree, finding agency work felt impossible. So, she created her own agency and landed an Olympic gold medalist as a client, securing a major deal with Under Armour. A true small business success story!

11/28/2025

Wondering if you're where you're meant to be? This agent believes destiny led them here. It's about sticking with athletes through everything, from injuries to career pivots. The goal? Setting them up for success, even after retirement.

Lila S. Brown, Olympic/Paralympic, CEO/Founder, Ella Bee Sports Media Group, https://ellabeemediagroup.com/

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

Some NIL deals sound amazing, but I'm not sure they're all what they seem. If I were a student athlete making $500k, I might just walk. NIL is showing us how much schools have made for decades off athletes' names.
Lila S. Brown, Olympic/Paralympic, Founder/CEO, Ella Bee Sports Media Group, website: https://ellabeemediagroup.com/

11/26/2025

Many don't realize Team USA athletes often self-fund their journeys before making the big leagues. Imagine LeBron James covering airfare and uniforms himself! Small businesses can help these athletes reach their potential. Partner with them and make a difference.