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The Notebook · Field-tested takes

Blog and notes.

Practical writing about AI, small business, software, and the work itself. First drafts written using our own AI Content Generator. Edited and signed off by Elijah. We dogfood our own tools.

ProcessMay 25, 2026 · 6 min read

What a day looks like for an AI-augmented sales rep

A full Tuesday in the life of a rep using AI prospect research, AI next-step coaching, and conversation summary tools alongside a real CRM. Specific times, specific tasks, specific tools.

OpinionMay 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Why I built a CRM from scratch instead of paying $1,200/yr for HubSpot

HubSpot starts at $50/mo and rapidly hits $200+/mo with features I actually need. So I built ours in a week. Here's the math, the tradeoffs, and when you should NOT do this.

StrategyMay 25, 2026 · 4 min read

The case for charging $19 for what others sell at $497

Most agencies bundle a starter playbook into a $497 course. We unbundle it. Here's the strategic argument for selling cheap entry products + how it changes the customer relationship.

PracticalMay 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Five workflows you can automate this week without writing code

The five workflows I see small business owners burn the most time on. Each is automatable with off-the-shelf tools in under two hours. No code required.

OpinionMay 24, 2026 · 5 min read

Why most small business AI tools waste your money

Most of the AI tools sold to small businesses fail not because the AI is bad — but because the workflow they're attached to was already broken. Here's how to tell the difference.

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