Field notes for small businesses.
Plain-English writing on the things that actually save a small business time and bring in work — booking systems, joining up your tools, AI chatbots, custom software, and getting found online.
- AI10 Jun 20267 min read
Why one developer can now do the work of a team — and what that means for your budget
Building custom software used to mean a team of ten and a budget to match. AI has quietly collapsed that. Here's what actually changed, what it didn't, and why a single senior engineer can now deliver what an agency used to — for a fraction of the cost.
Read article - Bookings3 Jun 20266 min read
How an online booking system pays for itself
Taking bookings by phone, text and memory quietly costs a small business hours every week — plus the customers who give up when you don't pick up. Here's how a proper online booking system earns its keep.
Read article - Automation27 May 20267 min read
One joined-up system: how connecting your tools cuts hours of admin
Most small businesses run on a diary, a spreadsheet, an inbox and a card machine that don't talk to each other — so you become the integration. Here's how joining them up removes the manual admin for good.
Read article - Custom builds20 May 20266 min read
When off-the-shelf software almost fits — and what to do about the gap
You're paying monthly for software that does 70% of what you need and fights you on the rest. Here's how to tell when a small bespoke build beats wrestling a tool that almost works.
Read article - AI13 May 20266 min read
Is an AI chatbot worth it for a small business?
An AI assistant on your site can answer questions and capture leads at 2am — or it can confidently make things up. Here's an honest look at when one is worth it, and how to keep it from embarrassing you.
Read article - Getting found6 May 20267 min read
Getting found: small-business SEO and the new world of AI search
Being online isn't the same as being found. Here's what actually moves the needle for a local business on Google — and what GEO, showing up in AI answers, means for you now.
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