280: Adapt or Get Left Behind: Why Tech is Non-Negotiable for Small Businesses with Eric Rozenberg

Technology is no longer just a helpful tool for running small businesses. It has become the lifeline for small business success.  In this episode, Eric clarifies why technology is now non-negotiable when running a successful small business.  Tune in to learn why, as a small business owner, you must either evolve and adapt or risk getting left behind. AI Blackmail  An article on Entropic described a test scenario where AI named specific (fictional) people and made a blackmail demand. Even though the situation was fabricated for testing purposes, it highlighted the potential dangers of advanced AI behavior. A Double-Edged Sword Every major invention in history has had the potential for great harm and tremendous benefit. The outcome depends entirely on how humans choose to use these tools. AI is no exception. It represents a societal shift similar to the Industrial Revolution, with its presence growing across all industries. Today, adaptation is essential, especially in the meetings and events space, where technology is now deeply integrated. Those who ignore it risk becoming irrelevant.  From Fax Machines to Automation During his early business days in Brussels, Eric used to manually collect faxed proposals in the evenings after doing sales visits by day. Now, 70% of that work can be automated. Standard proposals and client-facing documents can now be systematized using technology, drastically reducing the time and effort required. People vs. Tech In the past, hiring a high-level executive assistant in Belgium came at a significant cost to Eric due to their high social security contributions. Today, however, business owners can find skilled virtual assistants anywhere in the world for a fraction of the cost.  Smarter Prospecting with AI Aspects of prospecting that used to take hours of manual outreach before can now be streamlined with CRM systems and AI. By scanning the online presence of a prospect through their LinkedIn profile, AI can recommend tailored messaging and communication strategies, making outreach faster, more personal, and far more effective. Embrace AI Now Now is the time to embrace AI and new technologies. Those who do so will be better positioned for success. So, whether you are starting a new business or evolving an existing one, tech literacy is a must.  Face-to-Face Is Still Irreplaceable Even with the rise of AI, the human connection is likely to become more valuable, not less, as people always crave genuine, in-person experiences.  Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses better.  For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries.  His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information, with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests.  His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the « Why? » of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds.  His second book, Before It’s Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth.  Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Anthropic Article