Weekly Advantage
Hey there, fellow trailblazers!
This week features a powerful lesson from Tamaira "Miss Tee" Sandifer, game-changing AI tools, and the news that matters most to your business. Let's dive in!
Section 1: Power Lesson
This Week’s Power Lesson: Harnessing Hardship for Success
Entrepreneurship is no walk in the park. We all face hurdles and It’s tempting to throw in the towel, but what if these very obstacles are the stepping stones to your greatest achievements?
In my latest podcast episode with Tamaira "Miss Tee" Sandifer, a trailblazer who turned adversity into an empire, she dropped this truth bomb: "The difficulties in life, that’s what reveals your genius." Growing up in a tough neighborhood during the crack epidemic, Tamaira learned early on that hard times can either crush you or catapult you to greatness. She chose the latter. "If it’s hard, it’s gonna make you or break you,"she said. "I just always determined that the hard wasn’t gonna break me, it was gonna make me." From dancing in parks to building a multi-million-dollar creative empire, Tamaira’s story is a masterclass in turning nothing into everything.

So, how do you turn your struggles into strengths? First, shift your perspective. See challenges as chances to innovate and grow. Second, embrace consistency. Tamaira’s success came from showing up every day, no matter what. Third, take ownership of your thoughts. As she puts it, "You get to choose what you believe. You get to choose who you believe, and you get to choose who you become." Feed your mind with empowering beliefs. Fourth, be proactive. Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. "Don’t look for a yes. You make your way."
Remember, every problem you face is an invitation to reveal your genius. You were born for this time, with the ability to solve the challenges in front of you. So, be a doer. Identify a problem in your business or community, solve it, and share your solution with others. Your Challenge: What’s one hardship you’re currently facing that you can transform into an opportunity? Let’s hear it in the comments—I’m rooting for you!
Section 2: AI Power
Your Weekly AI Edge
OpenAI just released chatGPT5 ! and it’s
Super Speedy: it answers questions 30-50% faster than before, making it a breeze for quick queries.
Creative Powerhouse: It crafts amazing games, writes engaging scripts, and even personalizes your experience with custom personalities and colors.
Accessible to All: Free users get to try it with some limits, while paid users enjoy unlimited access at no extra cost.
Not Perfect Yet: It struggles with image creation and can sometimes make up facts, but improvements are ongoing.
Buzzing with Excitement: Social media is abuzz with praise for its speed and smarts, though some skeptics note areas for growth.
Struggling to create content? Jasper’s AI writing assistant churns out blog posts, social media updates, and emails in minutes. I’ve used it to whip up marketing copy that feels human, saving hours of work. It’s perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small teams looking to boost their online presence.
Notion AI
If you use Notion for project management, its AI features are a game-changer. Summarize meeting notes, generate to-do lists, or even build project plans with ease. It’s like having a virtual assistant that keeps your business organized.
Which tool are you most excited to try, and why? Drop your thoughts below—I’m curious to hear what’s sparking your interest!
Section 3: Business News
The Weekly Pulse: Your Strategic Business Briefing
Here’s the news shaping our world this week, with insights on how it impacts your business and what you can do about it:
Tariff Turmoil: Small Businesses Feel the Heat
Headline: Small Businesses Face Whiplash from Tariff Shifts
Summary: Over 70% of small business owners report a “whiplash effect” from shifting trade policies, driving up costs and disrupting supply chains (CNBC, August 2025).
Impact for Your Business: Higher costs could squeeze margins, forcing price hikes that might affect customer demand.
Action/Consideration: Review your supply chain for local or alternative suppliers. Prepare customers for price changes with clear, value-focused communication.
Legislative Lifeline: Tariff Exemptions for Small Businesses
Headline: New Bill Seeks to Shield Small Businesses from Tariffs
Summary: Legislation introduced on August 5, 2025, aims to exempt small businesses from certain tariffs, especially on Canadian imports (Pappas House Press Release).
Impact for Your Business: If passed, this could lower costs for businesses reliant on imports, boosting competitiveness.
Action/Consideration: Monitor the bill’s progress and consider advocating for it. Explore alternative sourcing options as a contingency plan.
Fintech Frontier: Small Businesses Go Digital
Headline: Small Businesses Turn to Tech for Financial Health
Summary: Nearly half of small businesses are adopting financial management tools in 2025 to improve cash flow and planning ( Citizens Bank, August 2025).
Impact for Your Business: Smarter financial tools can reduce risk and support strategic growth.
Action/Consideration: Assess your financial tools. Consider AI-powered accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero for better insights.
Trend to Watch: AI Automation Takes Center Stage
Headline: AI and Automation: The Future of Small Business Efficiency
Summary: Small businesses are increasingly adopting AI and automation to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, with 62% of SMBs accelerating tech investments due to AI (BizTech Magazine, May 2025).
Impact for Your Business: AI can save time and give you a competitive edge by automating repetitive tasks.
Action/Consideration: Identify one task (e.g., customer service or social media) that could be automated and explore tools like chatbots or marketing platforms.
Section 4: Insight Vault
Insight Vault: Unlock Your Edge
Here’s a fun one for you: In this video, Alex Hormozi shares the 26 lessons he learned from building his first gym, which made $100,000 when he was 24 years old. He covers a wide range of topics, from creative financing and marketing strategies to sales tactics and team management.
This video is a must-watch for any aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner, not just those in the fitness industry. Hormozi provides a wealth of practical, actionable advice that can be applied to any business. He shares his mistakes and successes with transparency and humor, making the content both informative and engaging.
Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your business, you'll walk away with a notebook full of valuable insights on topics like pre-selling, creating irresistible offers, and building a strong team culture.
The lessons are presented in a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand format, making it a highly valuable resource for anyone looking to grow their business.
Section 5: Let’s Talk!
Something Inside My Head:
Real Talk with Nitchev
I’ve been thinking a lot about AI and its impact on power dynamics. It’s no secret that AI is revolutionizing industries, but with great power comes great responsibility—and great risk. History has shown us that revolutionary technologies often lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few.
Think about gunpowder: it changed warfare forever, and it also centralized military power among those who could produce and control it. Today, AI is that revolutionary tool. Big tech companies, with their vast resources, are at the forefront of AI development, which could lead to an unprecedented concentration of economic and social power. According to recent reports, the AI boom is already driving exponential growth in data centers, with energy consumption projected to skyrocket. By 2030, data centers in the U.S. alone could consume more electricity than all other energy-intensive industries combined. This isn’t just about energy—it’s about who controls the infrastructure, the data, and the talent driving AI forward.
If we’re not careful, we risk creating a world where a handful of corporations hold disproportionate influence over our economies, our jobs, and even our daily lives. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to just sit back and watch this happen. As small business owners, we have the opportunity to shape how AI is used in our businesses and communities. We can’t stop the march of technology, but we can ensure it doesn’t leave us behind or concentrate power in the hands of a few.
So, what can we do?
Action | Description | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Embrace Open- Source AI | Use tools like Hugging Face’s models to leverage AI without relying solely on big tech providers. | Diversifies your tech stack and supports a decentralized AI ecosystem. |
Invest in AI Education | Take courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to understand AI basics. | Empowers you to make informed decisions and reduces dependency on external providers. |
Advocate for Fair Policies | Engage with local representatives or industry groups to support equitable AI regulations. | Helps prevent monopolistic practices and promotes fair competition. |
Build Community Networks | Join local or online small business communities to share AI knowledge and resources. | Amplifies your voice and strengthens collective bargaining power. |
Prioritize Ethical AI | Choose AI tools that emphasize transparency and societal benefit, like Notion AI. | Aligns with your values and fosters trust with customers and employees. |
Remember, AI is a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it. By being proactive and thoughtful in our approach, we can harness the power of AI to grow our businesses while helping to create a more balanced and equitable future.
What are your thoughts on AI and power concentration? How are you navigating this in your business? Share your experiences in the comments—I’m eager to learn from you!
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