ASBN Small Business Network

ASBN Small Business Network ASBN.com Your #1 source for small business news, content, and analysis. America's Small Business Network - Content built to help you run your business

06/10/2026

Parag Amin, business expert and attorney, explains how rising oil prices driven by Middle East tensions are creating new challenges for small businesses across the economy.

Drawing on his analysis of global markets and consumer behavior, Amin breaks down how geopolitical instability can increase transportation, shipping, and energy costs, putting pressure on business margins. He notes that small and mid-sized businesses are often hit hardest because they lack the resources and hedging strategies available to larger companies.

Amin also discusses how uncertainty affects consumer confidence, leading households to spend less and save more. For business owners, this creates a difficult environment where rising operational expenses coincide with weaker demand.

"When anybody feels instability, it's an aspect of human nature to sort of close up and clam up. And unfortunately, that creates a ripple effect where people tend to spend less."

Whether you're managing an established business or considering a new venture, Amin offers practical insights on navigating economic uncertainty, controlling costs, and protecting profitability in a volatile market.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/09/2026

Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, explains why trust remains one of the most valuable assets any business can build.

Drawing from his experience creating one of the world's most relied-upon sources of information, Wales shares how authenticity, empathy, and logic work together to create credibility and strengthen relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders. He argues that trust isn't built through scale or reputation alone, but through consistent actions, transparent decision-making, and meaningful human interactions.

Wales also discusses how Wikipedia's commitment to neutrality, independence, and community-driven oversight has helped maintain credibility for more than two decades. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, he emphasizes the growing importance of human judgment, fact-checking, and accountability.

"People really value and should value human curation... AI is good at creativity, but it's not so good at facts."

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, Wales offers practical insights on building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a resilient organization in an increasingly complex world.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/08/2026

Jeff Burningham, entrepreneur, educator, and author of The Last Book Written by a Human, explains why business leaders should embrace AI without losing sight of what makes organizations thrive: human connection.

Drawing from decades of experience building companies and mentoring entrepreneurs, Burningham argues that AI should be used to amplify human potential rather than replace it. He shares why empathy, creativity, trust, and strong relationships remain the most valuable assets in business, even as technology becomes more advanced.

Burningham outlines practical ways leaders can use AI to automate repetitive tasks, strengthen decision-making, and create more time for strategy, innovation, and people development. He also discusses the importance of building culture around shared values and ensuring technology supports, rather than undermines, a company's mission.

"Human transformation, human evolution comes from real human connection, contact and relationship."

Whether you're exploring AI adoption or looking to build a stronger workplace culture, Burningham offers a thoughtful perspective on leading with humanity in a rapidly changing world.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/05/2026

Goldie Chan, founder of Warm Robots, LinkedIn branding expert, and author of Personal Branding for Introverts, explains why introverts don't need to act like extroverts to build successful personal brands.

Known as the "Oprah of LinkedIn," Chan shares how introverts can leverage their natural strengths, including deep listening, authenticity, and thoughtful communication, to grow their influence and advance their careers.

She breaks down practical strategies for building a personal brand, from defining your message with three key descriptors to starting small with content creation and collaborating strategically with others. Chan also challenges the common misconception that visibility requires being the loudest person in the room.

"I think the biggest mistake an introvert can make is trying to become an extrovert."

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or professional looking to expand your presence, Chan's advice offers a roadmap for building a brand that feels authentic to who you are.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/05/2026

Erika Donalds, founder of OptimaEd and a leading advocate for school choice, is rethinking what education can look like in the modern era.

After seeing firsthand that traditional schooling was not the right fit for her children, Donalds built a network of charter schools and launched the world's first virtual reality K-12 curriculum. Today, her programs serve thousands of students across 17 states and several international locations, combining classical education principles with cutting-edge technology.

From virtual reality field trips through ancient Rome and the moon landing to mastery-based learning and hybrid school models, Donalds explains how innovation and entrepreneurship can create more personalized educational experiences for students.

She also shares how her background as a CFO and CPA helped her secure funding, scale operations, and turn an idea into a national movement.

"If you start something new and you're not disrupting the status quo, you probably haven't gone far enough."

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/03/2026

George Deeb, Managing Partner at Red Rocket Ventures, Forbes contributor, and author of 101 Startup Lessons: An Entrepreneur’s Handbook, breaks down the seven skill sets that separate successful founders — and which ones you can actually learn.

When it comes to entrepreneurship, the nature vs. nurture debate is more nuanced than most people think. Deeb walks through seven core competencies — intellect, imagination, passion, communication, persistence, experience, and risk-taking — and challenges the idea that great founders are simply "wired differently." While some traits like imagination may come naturally, others can absolutely be developed over time. Understanding which side of that line each skill falls on could change how you invest in yourself as a leader.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/02/2026

Why your business location could be your biggest mistake

Cory Mosley, growth strategist, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Positioned for Growth, breaks down why so many entrepreneurs get site selection wrong — and what a disciplined process actually looks like.

Most business owners choose their location based on convenience rather than strategy. According to Mosley, skipping a formal site selection process is one of the most overlooked risks in business — and one of the most costly. His organization invests in both internal expertise and location-based technology to ensure every site decision is backed by data, not gut feeling. Because opening in the wrong spot isn't just a setback — it can sink the entire venture before it ever gets started.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

06/01/2026

The next 18 months will separate the leaders from the ones left behind. 👇

Carl Gould, founder of 7 Stage Advisors and author of The Seven Stages of Small Business Success, breaks down exactly what's coming for the workforce and the two things you need to do right now to stay invaluable.

The shift isn't optional. But how you respond to it is. Whether you're a business owner or an employee, the leaders who thrive will be the ones who learn to lead AI-powered, outsourced teams — not compete with them.

Start with your Project Management Certification. Then get comfortable with AI and external agencies because that's the team you'll be running.

[Watch the full episode at the link in our bio]

Address

Peachtree Corners, GA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ASBN Small Business Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to ASBN Small Business Network:

Shortcuts

Share

Category