This week: AI as your strategic thinking partner, marketing your expertise in a zero-click world, and building psychological safety in small firms. Plus why "Analog Intelligence" might be your secret weapon, and much more.

AI as Your Strategic Co-Pilot

What if AI could become your most trusted strategic advisor instead of just automating tasks? Many professionals are now transforming AI from a simple time-saver into a powerful thinking partner.

This new approach involves prompting AI with core business questions, seeking feedback on strategies, and using it to uncover blind spots in your thinking. John Jantsch highlights how this leads to deeper strategic thinking, while Yoram Solomon describes treating ChatGPT like a human collaborator during his writing process, valuing its "brutally honest feedback." Sarah Greesonbach shared that AI now "sharpens and clarifies everything I do."

For solo operators and small firms, this means leveraging AI not just for efficiency but for high-level decision-making—a virtual sparring partner to refine ideas. Of course, as discussed on Duct Tape Marketing, strategy and responsibility must go hand-in-hand.

Comment insights:

• David Brock questions if we're outsourcing our thinking, urging users to engage LLMs as thought partners rather than answer machines.
• Sara Canaday emphasizes that AI can give leaders back space to think, lead, and connect.
• Mark Lemley points out the increasing legal implications of AI interactions, noting "there's now a court-ordered record of all your interactions with chatGPT."

Marketing & Sales That Connect

Is your expertise getting lost in a sea of hourly rates and generic marketing? It might be time to rethink how you package, price, and promote your services as the digital landscape shifts beneath your feet.

The way professional services are bought and sold is changing. Blair Enns argues it's time to productize services, moving away from labor-based pricing models becoming obsolete with AI—while mastering the "Value Conversation" to avoid lazy selling. Jonathan Stark notes that switching from hourly billing to value pricing fundamentally improves client relationships by removing "meter running" anxiety.

For small firms, this clarity becomes especially crucial as Rand Fishkin discusses the "Zero Click Web" where platforms increasingly hoard traffic. Chris Do emphasizes that a stronger brand inherently means less hard selling, creating a virtuous cycle of better-fit clients.

Comment insights:

• Karl Sakas notes new opportunities for indie agencies as bigger clients choose to mix-and-match firms, favoring project-based models over retainers.
• Michael Katz reminds us that professionals are "Judged By Our Judgement," urging them not to fear expressing opinions.
• Pamela Wilson highlights that "what makes sense to you internally often confuses your potential customers."

Stronger Operations, Safer Teams

Are you inadvertently stifling your firm's growth by fostering an environment where your team fears speaking up? True operational strength comes from more than efficient processes—it's rooted in your team's culture.

A critical, often overlooked component is psychological safety. Dr. David Burkus highlights research from Google's Project Aristotle, which found that psychological safety—where team members feel secure to speak up and take risks—is the top predictor of high-performing teams, outranking individual talent or collective IQ. Burkus warns that when employees stop sharing ideas, innovation dies and problems escalate into crises.

For consultancies and agencies, where innovation is core to their offering, this means shifting focus from "getting the most out of people" to, as Seth Godin suggests, "creating the conditions for our people to get to where they're heading." Sara Canaday points out that many "best practices" are simply outdated, urging leaders to forge new paths rather than follow old rules.

Comment insights:

• Katie Robbert describes herself as a "people whisperer" who helps teams work through human problems to meet purpose and develop process.
• David C. Baker reflects on how the sources of burnout have shifted, suggesting a continual need to adapt management styles.
• Lisa Nirell observes that a significant realization for many executives is "the importance of letting go of the past" to fuel healthy experimentation.

The Analog Advantage in a Digital World

Could the key to your next professional breakthrough lie in something surprisingly... analog? How do you ensure your work aligns with what truly drives you, beyond just the bottom line?

Personal growth for service firm leaders isn't just about business skills—it's about self-awareness and intentionality. John Jantsch's conversation with Suzy Welch emphasizes actionable steps like identifying core values, recognizing true aptitudes, and understanding economically viable interests. This internal work is complemented by how we engage with the world. Ann Handley makes a compelling case for "Analog Intelligence," advocating for practices like thinking by hand and disconnecting from screens to deepen focus.

For solo practitioners whose personal brand is intrinsically linked to business success, this alignment is vital. Seth Godin challenges the sentiment "They're not paying me enough to care," suggesting that spending your days not caring is a tragedy in itself. This implies that finding work you genuinely care about is essential for fulfillment.

Comment insights:

• Yoram Solomon states, "receptivity to real feedback...goes up 76% when you trust the person giving it," highlighting the role of trust in all interactions.
• Natasha Raina asks, "What's the cost of 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 right now?" underscoring the often underestimated ROI of self-investment.
• Jorgie Sandoval notes, "your perceived flaws are not flaws. They are your advantage," offering a reminder about authenticity's power.

Sound Bites

• 🎙️ David Edelman on the "People Solve Problems Podcast": Companies proactively using customer information achieve significantly faster growth than their competitors.