The Buck Stops Here Business Podcast

AI Opportunity | Changing the Game and Finding Net New Revenue

David Maples — Tue, 26 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Are you only using Artificial Intelligence to do the same old things a little bit faster? In this crucial installment of our nine-part AI series, host David Maples explains why focusing solely on efficiency is a trap. Today, we are shifting gears to AI opportunity—using AI to do things that were previously impossible and, most importantly, generating net new revenue for your business.

If you want to ensure your business doesn't just survive the tech revolution but actually thrives, this episode is your roadmap to finding your next massive AI opportunity.

Chapter Markers & Timestamps

[00:00:00] Episode Preview - A sneak peek at why businesses will actually fail and how to invent a "teleportation machine" for your revenue.
[00:01:00] Intro: Moving from Efficiency to AI Opportunity - The difference between saving money and doing the impossible.
[00:03:45] Installing the Brakes: AI Governance - A quick reminder on why you need safety protocols before scaling AI in your company.
[00:04:15] Example 1: HVAC & Blue-Collar Trades - How to use AI for predictive maintenance and diagnosing failing parts via text message videos.
[00:08:24] Example 2: Retail & Furniture - Using instant bespoke AI prototyping to close sales in 30 seconds by showing products in a customer's actual space.
[00:10:48] Example 3: Marketing Agencies - Shifting from static, slow campaigns to real-time, hyperlocal trend-jacking.
[00:13:07] Example 4: Real Estate - How agents can stop competing with Zillow and become "Hyperlocal Lifestyle Matchmakers" using AI-driven narrative quizzes.
[00:15:58] Example 5: Hospitality & Event Planning - Transforming a standard catering menu into a luxury, bespoke culinary narrative based on a client's core memories.
[00:19:00] Example 6: Custom Software Development - Offering rapid validation as a service to build functional front-end prototypes in days, not months.
[00:20:53] Why Businesses Will Actually Fail - The harsh truth about why guarding the "old way" of doing business is a death sentence in 2026.
[00:22:04] What’s Next: The Dark Side of AI - A preview of our upcoming episodes on cognitive decline, the creativity tax, and AI burnout.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Kalre: Need help building these custom AI systems for your business? Connect with David's team.
AI the Podcast: Check out our companion podcast focusing on AI news for SMBs.
Kansas City Leaders Podcast: David and his co-host, Virginia, sit down with influential voices in the Kansas City area.

👇 Join the Conversation!
If you found this episode helpful, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Do you know an HVAC owner, real estate agent, or agency owner who needs to hear this? What "impossible" thing are you going to try in your business? Drop a comment on our website or social media—we read and respond to them all!

Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show so you don't miss next week's valuable business insight! Leaving a 5-star rating and review helps other entrepreneurs discover the show and learn how to turn their size into their greatest strength.

10 Practical AI Efficiency Tactics to Transform Your Business (Without Burning Out Your Team)

David Maples — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Are you using artificial intelligence to replace entire roles in your business? If so, you might be setting your company up for a massive drop in morale and a dangerous spike in employee burnout.

In this episode of The Buck Stops Here, host David Maples continues his nine-part series on AI and small business by diving deep into the true meaning of AI efficiency. Rather than viewing AI as a tool to eliminate jobs, David explains why the most successful businesses use AI to eliminate tasks—freeing up their human capital to do what they do best.

[00:00:00] Episode Teaser
[00:01:00] Welcome & The True Meaning of AI Efficiency
[00:02:20] Replacing Tasks vs. Replacing Jobs
[00:05:45] The Danger of AI Burnout & Cognitive Overload
[00:11:45] Tactic 1: Meeting Transcriptions & Action Items
[00:15:50] Tactic 2: Presentation Outlining & Drafting
[00:17:35] Tactic 3: The Devil's Advocate Strategy Tester
[00:19:15] Tactic 4: First Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
[00:21:05] Tactic 5: The Content Repurposing Multiplier
[00:22:25] Tactic 6: Data Formatting & Cleanup
[00:23:15] Tactic 7: Complex Document Summarization
[00:24:40] Tactic 8: Email Triage & De-escalation
[00:26:20] Tactic 9: Code & Tech Troubleshooting
[00:28:05] Tactic 10: The Second Brain (Connecting the Dots)
[00:29:10] The AI Flywheel Effect Across Your Team
[00:30:45] Conclusion: Reinvesting Time & Avoiding Burnout

Resources

Kalre - David's Managed Service Provider and IT company, offering tech support and AI consulting: https://www.kalre.com/

EasyPrompter - Software mentioned by David to help simplify AI prompting and content repurposing: https://easyprompter.com/

👇 Join the Conversation!
If you found this episode helpful, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Have you caught an applicant using AI to cheat on an interview? How are you using AI to be more efficient? Drop a comment on our website or social media—we read and respond to them all!

Amnesty Day & the New Era of Hiring | Building Your AI Governance Framework

David Maples — Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Are you trying to manage artificial intelligence in your company by simply banning it? History shows that outright bans—like the ones we saw with social media in 2010—only push employees to use unauthorized tools behind your back. In this second part of our AI governance series, David Maples dives deep into the human element of AI governance to safely integrate AI into their teams without breaking their companies in the process.

Chapter Markers & Timestamps

[00:00:00] - Episode Preview & Introduction
[00:02:40] - Upcoming AI Series Roadmap
[00:03:55] - Cognitive Decline & The Creativity Tax
[00:05:55] - Why Blanket AI Bans Fail
[00:06:55] - Hosting an "AI Amnesty Day"
[00:08:44] - The 4:00 PM Friday Problem & Sycophantic Bots
[00:10:48] - Creating an AI Sandbox & Dress Rehearsals
[00:14:48] - Building Your AI Governance Framework
[00:19:40] - How AI is Breaking the Interview Process
[00:22:30] - The Future of Hiring: One-Week Paid Trials
[00:24:20] - Final Thoughts & Outro

👇 Join the Conversation!
If you found this episode helpful, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Have you caught an applicant using AI to cheat on an interview? Are you going to host an AI Amnesty Day? Drop a comment on our website or social media—we read and respond to them all!

AI Governance for Executives | Managing Shadow AI & Protecting Your Data

David Maples — Tue, 05 May 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Most business owners are moving a million miles an hour with no brakes. But when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, brakes actually create speed.

If you are trying to figure out how to implement AI in business without exposing your proprietary data or falling victim to costly AI hallucinations, this episode is your starting line.

David explores the "illusion of control" and the rising threat of Shadow AI—the unauthorized, free AI tools your employees are already using to save time at 4:00 PM on a Friday. You'll learn why knee-jerk technology bans fail, why you should never put sensitive data into a free AI model, and why developing a robust AI governance framework is rapidly becoming a mandatory requirement for winning major client contracts.

Key Takeaways:

The Shadow AI Threat: Why unapproved tools are already operating inside your business.
The Confidence Trap: Why AI's tendency to confidently hallucinate requires strict human oversight.
The Supply Chain Squeeze: How having a documented governance policy makes you a vendor of choice.
Actionable Homework: Step-by-step instructions for auditing your personal AI usage this week.

The Elephant in the Boardroom | Taming Shadow AI & Data Leaks

David Maples — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0500

"How do we expect anyone to follow expectations and rules that they don't know exist? And the answer is they don't. They can't, they won't."

Did you know that over 60% of employees are secretly using free AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for company tasks? The silent crisis is called "Shadow AI," and it could be leaking your most valuable intellectual property right out the front door.

In this episode, David Maples exposes the massive financial and legal risks of ungoverned generative AI in the workplace. With the average small business data breach costing $250,000, ignoring the AI elephant in the boardroom is no longer an option. Tune in to learn how to stop the data leaks, why you must upgrade to commercial AI tiers, and the first step you need to take this week to tame Shadow AI and protect your business.

Key Takeaways & Insights

What is Shadow AI?: It is the unauthorized, ungoverned use of artificial intelligence tools by employees. Over 67% of employees admit to doing this, mostly because they are trying to be efficient and haven't been given clear rules by leadership.
Your IP is Walking Out the Front Door: When employees paste proprietary code, client financials, or business strategies into free AI models, that data is surrendered to train future public models. You must invest in sandboxed, paid commercial AI tiers.
The Copyright Trap: If your team generates 100% of a client deliverable (like website copy or code) using unvetted AI, you do not own the copyright to that material. Selling it to a client opens up massive legal liability.
Beware the "Sycophantic" AI: AI models are trained to be agreeable. If you propose a terrible business idea, the AI will often validate it and persuade you it's brilliant. You must demand the AI play "devil's advocate" and always trust your human gut instinct.
Verify Before You Trust: You must have a "human in the loop," not just on* the loop. AI hallucinations and confabulations are rampant; never let staff use AI outputs blindly for critical tasks like pricing or legal proposals.

Resources & Links Mentioned

EasyPrompter.ai: Secure, API-based content generation tool that protects your data.

Upcoming Episode: Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to catch next week's episode on AI Governance, where David will provide templates for a one-page Acceptable Use Policy, an "Approved" list, and a "Never" list.

Leaning into the Cringe | Mastering Social Media for Small Businesses

David Maples — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0500

"Algorithms are not magic. And frankly, they aren't judging how you feel after you post... They are just cold, predictable logic loops."

It’s a brutal feeling: you finally gather the courage to record an authentic, unscripted video for your company, you hit publish, and it gets exactly six likes—half of which are from your own employees. It makes you want to delete the app and never turn your camera on again. But if you are struggling with social media for your small business, the problem isn't you. The problem is that you are ignoring the predictable logic loops that control the algorithm.

In this episode of The Buck Stops Here, host David Maples breaks down how to stop treating social media for small businesses like a digital lottery and start treating it like a reliable, revenue-generating machine. From ditching the useless "award-winning service" bio to understanding why saying "link in bio" is actually killing your reach, David provides a BS-free masterclass in foundational digital marketing. You don't need to be a dancing influencer to win; you just need to understand the mechanics of the platforms.

Key Takeaways & Insights

The 3-Second Bio Formula: Ditch vague buzzwords. Use the “I help [target audience] achieve [result] by [unique mechanism]”* framework, so visitors instantly know your value proposition.
Manufacture Saves and Shares: Likes are virtually worthless in social media for small businesses. The algorithm rewards "time on device." Create reference content (like checklists) to get Saves, and state contrarian industry truths to get massive Shares.
Stop Saying "Link in Bio": Switch to the "Comment for DM" strategy. Asking users to comment on a specific word (like "GUIDE") skyrockets your early engagement and forces the algorithm to push your video to the Explore page.
The 2-Hour Content Batching System: The biggest hurdle in social media for small businesses is time. Write 4 short scripts, bring 4 different shirts to your desk, and record them back-to-back to create the illusion of daily consistency.
The 3-Take Rule: Stop striving for perfection and wasting hours on a 30-second clip. Give yourself exactly three takes to record a video and post the third one, no matter what. Lean into the cringe!

Resources & Links Mentioned

QRMyCard: Free virtual business card
Manychat: Tool for automating social media Direct Messages
CapCut: Native video editing app for auto-captions and jump cuts
Rules for Revolutionaries by Guy Kawasaki (Book mentioned: "Eat your own dog food")
Catapult Creative Media: David's digital marketing agency that offers high-performing social media and video marketing, and more!

Expanding Your Horizons | Efficiency AI vs. Opportunity AI

David Maples — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0500

Quick Wins AI assessment tool: https://app.davidmaples.com/podcast

Are we on the verge of an apocalyptic future where AI replaces the global workforce, or are we entering the greatest era of job creation in human history?

In this episode of The Buck Stops Here, David Maples cuts through the panic of the "AI washing" trend, breaks down how to use groundbreaking AI technology to do more work with the exact same number of people and explores the hidden dangers of hyper-automation, and the very real threat of AI burnout among employees who are suddenly forced onto a faster hamster wheel.

Key Takeaways & Insights

The Trap of "AI Washing": Many companies are using AI as an excuse for standard financial layoffs. Focusing solely on Efficiency AI is a race to the bottom; true business growth requires imagination, not just reduction.
The Danger of the Supercharged Search: Treating AI like a traditional Google search is a massive mistake. Blindly trusting AI outputs without critical thinking exposes your business to hallucinations and patently wrong information.
The Quick Wins Matrix: The best place to start your AI integration is by identifying high-impact, low-effort tasks (like meeting summaries, proposal drafts, and sales prep) to safely automate without disrupting your core business.
AI Burnout and the Creativity Tax: Making your team 200% faster without redefining their goals leads to exhaustion. Furthermore, over-relying on AI for creative output flattens the diversity of ideas, making all your content look exactly the same.
The Value of Discretionary Noncompliance: Human beings have the unique ability to show empathy and bend the rules for a struggling customer. Over-automating customer service removes this human element, turning potential brand evangelists into frustrated detractors.
Centaurs vs. Synthetics: The most successful companies of the future won't rely on an army of synthetic AI agents. Instead, they will build a "herd of centaurs"—human workers armed with a fleet of AI co-pilots.

Why Being Small is Your Superpower | AI for Small Business Growth

The Buck Stops Here — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Quick Wins AI assessment tool: https://app.davidmaples.com/podcast

Think large corporations have all the advantages? Think again. When it comes to adopting AI for small businesses, your size is actually your ultimate superpower.

In this episode, David Maples explains why massive companies are like slow-moving aircraft carriers burdened by committees, while your small business is an agile speedboat. David cuts through the social media hype to give you practical, no-nonsense advice on how to use AI for small businesses as core infrastructure to out-maneuver your biggest competitors.

Key Takeaways from this episode:
• Why you must stop using free tools immediately when implementing AI for small business (and how they steal your data).
• How to find the "Quick Wins" with AI for small businesses to save time and money today.
• The "Formula 1" secret: Why adding strategic friction and "brakes" to your business actually allows you to move faster.
• Why you must keep a "Human in the Loop" to protect your proprietary "special sauce."

All You Need is Toasters | Analyzing 2026 AI Trends

The Buck Stops Here — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Are you tired of the hype surrounding AI in business? In this episode of The Buck Stops Here, David Maples breaks down the realities of 2026 AI trends and how to safely implement AI in business today. Stop waiting for autonomous "robot kitchens" and start building reliable AI "toasters"—single-function tools that actually work.

If you want to master AI in business, understanding 2026 AI trends is non-negotiable. We explore why Large Language Models are plateauing, the severe legal risks of Shadow AI walking out your front door, and why the latest 2026 AI trends demand agnostic workflows to prevent vendor lock-in. Discover how to apply AI in business with the safety of Formula One brakes, allowing you to move fast without crashing.

Key Takeaways on 2026 AI Trends & AI in Business:

Why the future of AI in business relies on small, specific tools, according to 2026 AI trends.
How to stop Shadow AI from destroying your AI in business strategy.
Why agnostic routing is the most critical of all 2026 AI trends for protecting your data.

Resources:

Host: https://davidmaples.com/
EasyPrompter: https://easyprompter.ai/

The Marketing Graveyard | 2026 Marketing Strategy for Small Businesses

The Buck Stops Here — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The Marketing Graveyard. Are self-proclaimed industry gurus making you panic by claiming "SEO is dead" and pushing you to pivot your entire marketing budget to AI Overviews (AIO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)? Stop setting your hard-earned money on fire.

In this episode of The Buck Stops Here, host David Maples cuts through the tidal wave of synthetic "AI slop" to reveal what is actually driving trackable revenue today. We are burying overhyped trends—like dying micro-influencer ROI and unsellable "cult of personality" branding—and getting back to the fundamentals that actually work.

Finding the right path forward doesn't mean chasing every new algorithm or tech fad. Tune in to discover why foundational SEO remains your most powerful tool, exactly how it feeds new AI search models, and why traditional public relations is the ultimate algorithm-proof moat for your brand.

If you want to future-proof your company, start building your 2026 marketing strategy playbook right now. Stop betting your payroll on unstable tech and unpredictable social media trends. This episode gives you the grounded, profitable reality check you need to outlast the hype.

Tune in to learn:
• Why the "SEO is dead" panic is a massive trap
• The truth about AI search optimization and unstable algorithms
• Why it's time to trade fleeting influencers for real PR
• How to build an algorithmic-proof moat around your business

Connect with The Buck Stops Here

We want to hear from you! If you have questions about your marketing strategy, AI technology, or business operations, reach out to us:

Sign Up for Our Newsletter: thebuckstopsherepodcast.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tbsh-podcast/
Twitter/X: @tbshpodcast
Instagram: @tbshpodcast

The Winds of Change w/ Dr. Christy Swann

David Maples — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

And You May Ask Yourself, “Well, how did I get here?”

Dr. Christy Swann, founder and CEO of R-Coast, joins David this week to discuss her non-traditional path to the sciences, climate change, and finding vulnerabilities on the coastline to implement mitigation strategies.

Visit R-Coast: https://www.r-coast.com/

Find Dr. Swann and R-Coast on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-swann-cs0/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rcoast/

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

How to Take a Leap of Faith w/ Cynthia Fails

David Maples — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

When You Trust Yourself and Do the Work, Everything Will Fall Into Place

Building a business from the ground up when you have a secure job is risky, and because of this, many don’t try to follow their passion. But if you want to attempt to start a business, you need to take a leap of faith.

Cynthia Fails, founder and CEO of LaunchCrate, joins David to talk about her departure from academia to start a business, how her company is helping aspiring authors publish their work, how AI is transforming literature, and more.

Visit LaunchCrate: https://www.launchcrate.com/

Follow LaunchCrate on social media: @launchcrate on all platforms!

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

For more information on today’s episode, visit https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/episodes. Transcripts of each episode will be available soon.

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

SHOW NOTES:

The Christmas Cookie: https://www.launchcrate.com/the-christmas-cookie

LaunchCrate Idea to Editor: https://www.launchcrate.com/idea-to-editor

The Buck Stops Here | AI & You:

Part 1: https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/podcast/season-2-episode-11-ai-is-here-to-stay-part-1-of-3/

Part 2: https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/podcast/season-2-episode-12-adapt-or-die-part-2-of-3/

Part 3: https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/podcast/season-2-episode-13-the-pitfalls-and-perils-of-ai-part-3-of-3/

So, You Think AI Won’t Affect You w/ Shekhar Gupta

David Maples — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

“If You Are Not Looking at AI Today, You Are Going to Find Yourself Woefully Behind Tomorrow.”

Would you have thought AI could transform the cattle ranching industry two years ago? AI is here, and it’s radically reshaping every industry. No exceptions.

David has Shekhar Gupta, CEO and Founder of MyAnIML, on the show to talk about how he’s using AI to transform the cattle industry and detect diseases in herds early.

Visit MyAnIML: https://myaniml.com/

Follow Shekhar on social media:

· Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShekharGupta01

· Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shekharguptaprofile/

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

· Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast

· Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

For more information on today’s episode, visit https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/episodes. Transcripts of each episode will be available soon.

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Adopting an Agile Mindset

David Maples — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

“As Long as You Are Willing to Adopt Change in Your Business, Then You’re in the Right Place.”

How do you implement change in your organization so you aren’t caught by surprise when inevitable change arrives at your doorstep? In this episode, David takes a deep dive into agile frameworks and how to apply them in your business.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:
• Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
• Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

For more information on today’s episode, visit https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/e.... Transcripts of each episode will be available soon.

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Mettle Business

David Maples — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."

With radical changes in business, such as AI or remote work, the big question is how companies adapt to these changes. Overcome and embrace change with determination and grit when you adopt mental mettle and fortitude to become an agile business.

In the first episode of Season 3, David describes an agile business and breaks down agile frameworks.

Stay tuned for Part 2 to learn how to implement agile frameworks in your business.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:
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For more information on today’s episode, visit https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/e.... Transcripts of each episode will be available soon.

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Buck Stops Here - Season 3 Trailer

David Maples — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

“Courage and grit in the face of adversity and change.”

That’s what you can expect from Season 3 of The Buck Stops Here – The Mettle Season. That’s right! The wait is finally over.

Experience new episodes when we debut the new season on November 20, 2023. Get ready to rock n’ roll!

Catch up on all your favorite episodes here on YouTube or at https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/e..., and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss when the first episode of season 3 drops!

The Buck Stops Here - Official Podcast Trailer

David Maples — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

A podcast that doesn't pull any punches? Actionable business advice that's smart, hard-hitting, and always accountable? Yes, please. Skip the silver bullets and snake oil and embrace real results. In every episode, The Buck Stops Here will make you a better leader and give you practical insights to adapt to fast-changing markets. You'll thank us for it.

Watch as David Maples, CEO & Founder of Catapult Creative Media, provides informative, inspiring, and, at times, entertaining business advice without the B.S. Listen to every episode at https://thebuckstopsherepodcast.com/ and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Dominate your market with results-driven marketing at https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

The Tyranny of Inertia

David Maples — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Reflect on where you’ve been, take stock of where you are, and look to the future to see where you are going.

For the season 2 finale, David talks about the dangers of fossilization to your business and taking the time to take out the figurative trash preventing growth. He also emphasizes the importance of analyzing old processes and eliminating or rethinking them to your benefit.

In this episode, David goes over:

Significant disruptions to your business that could fundamentally restructure how it operates.
Becoming comfortable with change, especially technological advancements like AI.
How companies are relying on new technology, like AI, to gain an edge over their competitors.
Addressing unreliable processes and procedures in your business that are no longer working for you.
Adapting to adversity and learning from your past mistakes.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Pitfalls and Perils of AI – Part 3 of 3

David Maples — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600

“Trust, but verify” must be replaced with “Verify, before you trust” in this brave new world.

In the final part of this series on AI, David goes over the problems presented by AI and what to look out for when you start using it in your business.

In this episode, David goes over five essential points when introducing and using AI in your business:

Introduce AI to your team, explaining how it works and how to abdicate staff responsibility.
Be wary of how AI software companies sell you on their programs.
Be wary of the information generated by AI programs.
The confidentiality problems of AI.
Ownership and copyright issues with AI-generated content.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Adapt or DIE – Part 2 of 3

David Maples — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The future of your business is learning to work with the machines. If you don’t, you are setting yourself up for failure.

In the second part of our series on AI, David talks about the positive ways you can use AI in your business and how you can introduce it to your team.

In this episode, David goes over the positive ways you can use AI in your business and how you can introduce it to your team.

– How to introduce AI to your team and what challenges to expect from your team.
– An interactive segment using ChatGPT: chat.openai.com.
– The dangers of ignoring AI in your business.
– The American folktale of John Henry.

Stay tuned for the next installment!

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

AI is Here to Stay – Part 1 of 3

David Maples — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

AI will reshape entire industries. Will you adapt, or will you be another dinosaur?

AI will radically reshape entire industries. The question is whether the future will look like Wall-E or Terminator. In this first part of our series on AI, David goes over AI software, like Chat GPT, and how you can incorporate them in your business and why you should.

In this episode, David goes over AI programs, how you can incorporate them in your business, and why you should.

– How businesses use AI software, like Chat GPT, to generate web content.

– What AI is not capable of doing for your business.

– How businesses misrepresent AI-powered software.

– How AI programs work and how they are trained.

– Why working against AI will spell trouble for your business.

– Encourage listeners to try AI programs, like Chat GPT.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Bookkeepers & Accountants w/ Dorothy Butler Lawrence

David Maples — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

You have to go on that first date. This is a long-term relationship.

Visit Dorothy Butler Law Firm at https://dorothybutlerlawfirm.com/

Follow Dorothy on Instagram: @yourtrendylawyer

Why do business owners complain about their accountants? When do you hire or fire bookkeepers and accountants? Both these questions are answered and more in the second part of our interview with tax attorney Dorothy Butler Lawrence.

Never miss an episode when you follow us on social media:

Facebook & LinkedIn: The Buck Stops Here Podcast
Twitter & Instagram: @tbshpodcast

This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Taxman Cometh w/ Dorothy Butler Lawrence

David Maples — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

If you owe Uncle Sam, they’re coming after you forever.

Visit Dorothy Butler Law Firm at https://dorothybutlerlawfirm.com/

Follow Dorothy on Instagram: @yourtrendylawyer

David brings on tax attorney Dorothy Butler Lawrence to discuss the landmines, tripwires, and pots of gold in the wonderland of the IRS.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Most Important Person You Lack in Your Business w/ Gretchen Moran

David Maples — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0600

An executive assistant needs a Swiss Army knife of skills.

Visit Simply Living at https://www.simplyliving-kc.com/

If you start missing important meetings and deadlines, it may be time to bring on an executive assistant. David talks to Gretchen Moran once again to discuss finding, hiring, and training that crucial lynchpin in your organization to organize your time and triple or quadruple productivity in your business.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Organize Your Business w/ Gretchen Moran

David Maples — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Cluttered space, cluttered mind.

Visit Simply Living at https://www.simplyliving-kc.com/

Triple your productivity with better organization practices. This week, David sits down with master organizer Gretchen Moran from Simply Living to discuss how business owners can stay on top of organizing to increase their revenue and bottom line.

Stay tuned for the second part of the Gretchen Moran interview next week.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Big Fish, Little Pond, or Little Fish, Big Pond?

David Maples — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It’s a trick question!

The answer to the age-old question of whether it’s better to be a big fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond isn’t as straightforward as we think. David challenges this folksy wisdom and examines big and small markets to provide a clear path for business owners.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Binary is Basic

David Maples — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Stop living your life like a computer because you’re not one.

Don’t waste your time with black-and-white decisions. David helps you look beneath the surface and challenge your preconceived notions to make better decisions for your business on this episode of The Buck Stops Here.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Economic Decision-Making is a Lie

David Maples — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Your brain is lying to you, and your stomach is making all the decisions.

We like to think that we will make rational decisions if we have all the necessary information. But that’s far from the truth. David talks about how you can use economic decision-making to your advantage in your business while also avoiding pitfalls.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Elephant in the Room w/Debra from Work Smart Media

David Maples — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It happens to the unsuspecting by the unsuspected.

If you own a business, you need to prepare for embezzlement because it’s a matter of when it will strike you, not if. David sits down with Debra Dalgo from Embezzlement U to talk about why embezzlement happens, who it affects the most, and how to take preventative measures so you don’t become a victim.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Do We Even Need the Office Anymore?

David Maples — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Swim in the direction in which the tide is going. Don’t swim against it. That’s how you drown.

Many businesses are asking, and in some cases demanding, their workers to return to the office. But is that necessary in today’s day and age? If you are a business owner, you need to look at what your employees want, what is good for business, and the benefits of a remote workplace.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Survivorship Bias, Bombers, and Why They Don’t Make Music Like They Used To

David Maples — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500

You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.

We tend to glorify and prop up successful business leaders and companies without considering the many others who failed. David talks about the AAAA method to collect and analyze data to take action that will benefit your business so you can avoid the pitfall of survivorship bias.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

The Quest – Unlocking Your Superpower w/ Abby Foster

David Maples — Wed, 18 May 2022 00:01:00 -0500

Unlock your superpower and grow your leadership skills when you understand how to use assessments.

We’ve heard about the benefits of the DISC assessment before, and many other assessments are used all over the world, whether for personal use or business. But how do we maximize our potential and unlock our superpower with these assessments? David continues his conversation with Ahnimisha founder & managing principle, Abby Foster, as they discuss how to achieve greatness using assessments.

Visit Ahnimisha Consulting at: http://ahnimishabusinessconsulting.com/

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The One Guide You Need to Meet on the Mountain w/ Abby Foster

David Maples — Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Personal awareness is the absolute foundation of all individual and professional growth.

What is executive coaching, and why is it necessary for executive development? Today, David sits down with Abby Foster, the founder and managing principal of Ahnimisha Consulting, LLC, to answer these questions, share personal stories, and give advice to women in business.

Stay tuned for the second part of our interview with Abby, where she and David discuss behavioral assessments.

Visit Ahnimisha Consulting at: http://ahnimishabusinessconsulting.com/

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

What Do Open Office Floor Plans, Unlimited PTO, and Scared Straight Have in Common?

David Maples — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.

Misinformation, bad data, and the danger of anecdotes can lead to serious problems in your business. David goes over the risks of misinterpreted information and not very well-thought-out ideas on your employees and bottom line.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Putting Rubber to the Road

David Maples — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 00:01:00 -0500

The first time you conduct an interview, it’s not great. You don’t have any experience, and you can fall victim to a lot of the classic blunders.

You have your company’s core values figured out, the job is posted online, and candidates are starting to roll in. Now it’s time to put together your interview process with a list of vetted questions and remain cautious of traps in the interview process.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Job Boards, Newspapers, and People You Meet in Public

David Maples — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.

Now that you know what your company offers, it is time to start putting yourself out there for candidates to apply. But be aware of the good, the bad, and the ugly of job boards, newspapers, and the people you meet at…Chick-fil-A? David helps you navigate all these hiring tools and the best hiring strategies and practices.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

How to Attract the Superstars You Want

David Maples — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

How are you supposed to get people to come to you if you don’t have clearly articulated goals? They don’t want to work for a company that has no idea where it’s going.

What kind of offer is your company? If you cannot clearly identify your company’s vision, mission, or core values, candidates will never know your company’s value. In this episode, David goes over how to define your company and job requirements and look at your vision and mission statements to attract the people you want for your organization.

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All music is provided by Soundstripe.

DISC for the Win

David Maples — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

One of the ways your business can become a champion is to provide feedback to your employees and find better ways to work together.

Visit discba.com or discbehavioralassessment.com to take your free behavioral assessment today.

Most businesses want to become champions. One of the ways business owners can do that is by providing feedback to employees and finding better ways to communicate and work together. In this episode, David goes over an overview of the DISC personality assessment and how business owners can use DISC during the hiring process and other parts of their business.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

What Are ISMMAARRRT Goals?

David Maples — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:01:00 -0600

Every path along the staircase to success is still one step that puts you further to the mountaintop.

This is the final part of our 3-part series on goal setting. In this episode, David goes over his variant on SMART goals and how to use them to execute your goals.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Your Life Shouldn’t Be A Dumpster Fire

David Maples — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Life’s a buffet: Pick the stuff you like, eat it if you like it. If you don’t, don’t put it on your plate.

This episode is the second part of a 3-part series on goal setting. David goes over several frameworks for goal setting and how to best utilize them. He also talks about the difference between short, medium, and long-term goals.

Stay tuned for the third part of this series, where David goes over his variation on SMART goals.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Online Reviews & Star Power

David Maples — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:01:00 -0600

Online reputation lives forever, and business owners need to think about that when managing their brand. On today’s episode, David talks about cultivating your reputation, where you should get your reviews, how to respond to positive and negative reviews, and more.

Manage your online reviews, improve your online reputation, and more when you visit getkydos.com today.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Everything You Know About Goal Setting is Wrong

David Maples — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Almost everyone agrees that goal setting is important to achieve your goals. So, why are we all so bad at it? Is it the message, the messenger, or us? David addresses this and provides frameworks for goal setting in today’s episode.

This is the first part in a 3-part series. Don’t miss the next installment, and follow us on our website or social media.

View and download David’s four quadrants of goal setting when you visit the website.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Getting to Grandma’s House

David Maples — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Taking risks in business is unavoidable. However, you want to stay away from risky behavior as much as possible. David talks about avoiding snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, self-inflicted wounds, and driving without your headlights on during today’s episode. What does all this mean? Tune in for more details.

Stay tuned for an episode about the hiring process and the best practices that no one has told you.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

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Sale Isn’t A 4-Letter Word [Nuts & Bolts 1]

David Maples — Fri, 07 May 2021 00:01:00 -0500

“Sale” is looked at by many people as a four-letter word. But the truth is, selling is the only thing you cannot have a successful company without. And yet, nothing sells itself—not even water in the desert.

Our first Nuts and Bolts episode, David talks about Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and Client Relationship Management systems (CRM’s)—why you need them, how to use them, how to choose them, and why the best systems are the ones you’ll actually use.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

Predicting the Road Ahead

David Maples — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Ben Franklin famously said, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” We think there’s another thing that should be added to his list: Change.

Following the pandemic and a year of tremendous upheaval for the world, many business owners found themselves in uncharted waters. Some rose to the challenge. Others capsized in seconds flat. In today’s episode, David speaks on the inevitability of change and shares ways of preparing for, coping with, and capitalizing on that change in your business.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.

An Introduction

David Maples — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Buck Stops Here Podcast! If you’re looking for silver bullets, you won’t find them here. We have no time for BS and aim to cut through it with wit, sarcasm, honest, forthright conversation, and Occam’s razor when need be.

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This episode is brought to you by Catapult Creative Media: https://catapultcreativemedia.com/

All music is provided by Soundstripe.