Company Training — Is Yours Up-To-Date?

Typically, most small business owners have very little accurate/up-to-date company training documentation. Even more importantly with millennials, the training is typically a list of steps and not screenshots or short video formatted. Unfortunately, this becomes apparent when attempting to onboard a new team member. It is not unusual to see new employees updating training as they are attempting to onboard and function in their new job/role. This sets everyone up for failure.

Even as an employee, if the company doesn’t have up-to-date or complete training documentation on your job/role/responsibilities, do it yourself. This information is invaluable when preparing for your performance review, updating your resume, or requesting help/additional staff.

Historically, training is a list of steps that may or may not include how to information. Today, younger employees find this lacking. They are expecting screenshots or short video detailing/showing the steps outlined in the training. Before using various smart or recording tools, make sure you are not violating any company policies. Quite often 3rd party tools will keep a copy of the data/screenshots involved in any training you create using their services. This could be a violation of your company’s policies and result in company or client data loss.

Some Currently Available Smart Tools:

Obviously good training content can be created using typical resources like Microsoft Office, Apple Office programs, etc… but remember it should be more involved than a list of steps. The content must be up-to-date, accurate, at a minimum include screenshots, probably include short video examples, and include url/program specific information. Don’t make the user have to look up content elsewhere just to complete a step or understand an instruction.

Give me a call if you need some help updating your company training content. Don’t forget to regularly have employees review their current job/roles/duties in relation to training and documentation content to ensure it is current and reflective of their duties. Waiting until someone turns in a notice, retirement, or medical emergency is not a recipe for success.

Making Your Lawn Care — Smart!

Typically, most of us solve this problem by hiring a lawn maintenance service. For some, that is the best solution. But, if you want to do it yourself, consider some of these new tools!

  • Husqvarna Automower 415X Robot Lawn Mower (https://a.co/d/4FPgO3X). This GPS assisted robot will ensure you always have a freshly cut lawn. Good for yards under 0.4 Acres.
  • Sunseeker L22 Plus Robot Lawn Mower (https://a.co/d/cJOWvDO). This guy can handle just about any yard layout and has both rain and boundary wire sensors. The device is IPX5 waterproof, so easy to clean off with a hose.
  • Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower (https://a.co/d/9bPk4i0). This is probably the best option if you are not a “geek” or not comfortable with technology.
  • Irrigreen Lawn Irrigation (https://irrigreen.com/). Keep a green lawn and use up to 50% less water than other systems.
  • B-Hyve Smart Water Management (https://www.orbitonline.com/collections/b-hyve). Completely customizable system with a complete array of products for DIY water management installations.

In addition to these DIY tools, professional services are now using AI-Driven lawn analysis to customize your care needs. This greatly reduces chemical usage while improving lawn health. New eco-friendly fertilization and soil health monitoring tools/products are now available to ensure your yard rivals the local golf course!

Don’t forget, some are choosing to just go astroturf or native only plants! Either of these solutions can greatly lower your maintenance while still providing that perfect curb appeal look.

Note-Taking or Meeting Notes — How AI Has Changed The Formula!

One of the first things most of us learn is how to take notes. This is used extensively in your childhood education years but also later in life. Almost any business you are in will involve meetings. How to take notes (either by memory or written) is a must. If you are going to college or trade school, capturing data from a lecture will be a requirement. Almost everyone has experienced that family phone call or friend chat where you wished you has some written notes to reference!

How to do that has changed radically because of artificial intelligence (AI)! At very low cost, there are now multiple devices that use new and highly improved sound capturing tools combined with AI analysis to create extremely accurate and effective notes. Some of these devices are even HIPAA-compliant, if your industry has such requirements. Here are a few examples:

  • Jamie (https://www.meetjamie.ai/) — Features: Transcription, speaker recognition/memory, action item detection, AI assistant, multiple languages, summary maker, ability to use offline, works with most Video Conferencing Platforms; I consider this one of the better computer/laptop based type programs with a simple interface, but the major drawback is no video recording available and no mobile app is available yet.
  • Tactiq (https://tactiq.io/ai-tools/ai-note-taker) — Features: Complete integration with Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, multiple Languages, real-time transcription, speaker recognition/memory, automatically saves transcripts to Google Drive. I consider this one of the best virtual meeting note-taking tools, but it is limited to only Chrome.
  • Plaud Note (https://www.plaud.ai/products/plaud-note-ai-voice-recorder) — Features: Uses 2 different AI models, 30 hours continuous recording/60 days standby/64GB storage device, multiple languages, Multiple templates for note-taking format/results, Unlimited cloud storage, very small physical device. I consider this one of the best stand-alone devices. The very simple design means it will almost fit in your wallet and differently any purse/bag you may take to a meeting. It will fit into most men’s pants pocket. Create preloaded template tools for AI analysis of meeting including mind maps, action items, and multiple summary formats.
  • HiDock (https://www.hidock.com/) — Features: Desk Docking Station Device, has a WebApp version, transcribes up to 4 continuous hours of audio, speaker recognition/memory, multiple Languages, multiple template formats for summaries, exports into multiple formats, Lifetime free transcription service with device purchase. For the person with a designated office (especially for an office administrator supporting multiple co-workers)

This list is not all-inclusive of features and other options are available, but if you have a kid getting ready for college, a small business owner (i.e., cannot afford support staff), an office worker, etc… something like this is a game changer. When in a meeting or lecture, they can be listening and participating without worrying about capturing content for future review. If you work for a company, obviously you will need to coordinate with them to ensure any industry or company specific security needs are met. Some of these systems/tools have enhanced security features. If you just require some help and don’t have IT support, give me a call and I can help you figure out which solution would be the best for you.

Smart Appliances — Ovens

Are you looking to make an oven upgrade to your kitchen and want to know about a “smart oven”?

What are the advantages of a smart oven?

  • Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control your oven remotely through your phone/computer.
  • Real-Time notifications means you don’t have to be in the kitchen to “hear the buzzer”.
  • Voice controls allow you to be hands-free. This is especially useful in the kitchen when your hands typically involved in food prep.
  • Various automatic cooking controls allows you to never miss a critical temp change or oven setting during the cooking process.
  • Enhanced energy efficiency.

Here are some currently available models to consider.

Artificial Intelligence — What Is It, and Should I Be Using It?

What is Artificial Intelligence? According to IBM, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy.”

So, what does that mean, and how can I use it effectively to improve my business operations or personal life?

When we are talking business or personal life, it is all about repeatable successes. This means if you have a task and can break it down to specific steps…in a specific order…and expect the same successful result, that is a winning formula as well as something that is probably scalable for your business! If it is repeatable, then AI can be used to automate many of the steps.

The first issue you need to understand about AI is a problem we call hallucination. No kidding, AIs can and do hallucinate. What does this mean? As an example, recently a law firm was using AI to write briefs. When the AI could not find cases to cite to support their position, it made them up. Obviously, when the judge realized the cases cited did not exist, they lost. If you use AI, you need to validate/check anything provided to make sure it is legit and not from a made-up source or a source that is really sarcasm.

At a minimum and probably your 1st usage of AI will be looking up information. I always recommend you ask for sources when you place the question. Example: “How do you grow orchids and include sources?” Instead of just a list of related sources, the AI will summarize the data from multiple sources into a single, cohesive list of steps or data. Your next usage will probably be productivity. For example, a realtor might ask, “Write a property description that is approximately 250 words long for XYZ address in Tom Perry tone”. Property features include open floor plan, newly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel commercial grade appliances, etc….. This will result within about 15 seconds a completely written property description with all the unique features you stated as well as whatever the AI can find from various public sources (Ex: square feet, year built, etc….) written in a style of the public figure requested. You need to review it for validity and make any changes you think are appropriate. For realtors, this is a major time saver. With the help of various IT specialists, your online responses or even internal business processes could be executed by an AI, resulting in saving lots of money on labor costs.

Some popular AIs that specialize in various areas are:

If this is the start of your usage for AI in your business, I really recommend you talk to someone like me to review your business processes, your current level of AI usage, and let me help you figure out how AI can improve your productivity and cut costs.

Smart Appliances — Washer and Dryer

Smart appliances are the latest upgrade in appliances. Let’s look at some washer/dryer options.

Something to always remember is that a smart appliance is normally connected to your Wi-Fi network. This means that it connects to the internet. You should ALWAYS have a separate fire walled off network for your “smart” appliances. Why — because they don’t get security updates like your computer or cell phone, and therefore overtime can become a major network security threat! If you don’t have the “guest” network turned on in your home or business router…or have no idea what I am talking about, please give me a call BEFORE you start adding “smart” appliances to your home.

The Spruce has a nice list of the pros/cons for some 2025 washer/dryer smart model sets: Link: https://www.thespruce.com/best-washer-dryer-sets-4109183. Some models I personally like because of specific features are:

Really look at your smart appliances’ options. Most people prefer to stick with one brand because of various integrated features and phone app controls, but that may not be the best option for you. Give me a call/text/email if you need some help.

Smart Appliance — Refrigerators

There has been a general shift in home appliances to become “smart”. This is both a great upgrade and a major source of end user frustration.

First — Do you want or even really need a “smart” appliance. As with any device, as it becomes more powerful with more features, you have more opportunities for it to break, wear out, and increase cost. You should always review the new “smart” features and ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. Typically, anything smart will need Wi-Fi access, periodic software updates, and a user (or close friend/family member) who can handle technical issues. As with anything connected to the internet, there are some security risks, so you need to ensure you have appropriate security in place.

Second — Make sure you review the new features. If you don’t want/need them, then don’t add complexity just because everyone else does.

Third — Keep an open mind. Most of the time, your first thought will be, “I don’t need that”. If you really sit down and think about how it would change what you do, and the time involved, that probably is not a true statement. As always, you should be looking at how much you benefit vs. the costs/risks involved.

Here are a few of the new smart refrigerators on the market that can give you an idea of some new smart fridge features available:

  • Model: RF29DB9900QDAA, Samsung 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub+ and AI. This includes a touch sensitive large screens with some significant organizational and AI features (calendar integration, music and video live-streaming, weather updates, digital photo frames, etc.….) The real smart upgrade is the camera and AI technology on the inside. This feature allows the fridge to track what is added and removed. That’s right, it can tell you when the milk is empty. On your way home from work, you can stop at the grocery store, open your phone, and access the fridge grocery suggestions. It also has an automatically refilling water pitcher. Link: https://a.co/d/gUh9Y4Y
  • Model: CGE29DM5TS5, GE Cafe 4-Door French Smart Fridge. This model has a very simple, clean look from the outside, but all the tech is inside. As part of the GE smart appliances’ series that allows you to connect multiple GE devices together. Lots of customizable features, controls, and alerts available. Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cafe-28-7-cu-ft-4-Door-Smart-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-Platinum-Glass-ENERGY-STAR/5014668093?irclickid=SpCUDQ3qHxyPWW9zCt24swW6UksRxUzciyOFXo0&irgwc=1&cm_mmc=aff-_-c-_-prd-_-mdv-_-gdy-_-all-_-0-_-3006986-_-0
  • Model: ‎LRMVC2306D, LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled InstaView™ Door-in-Door® Counter-Depth Refrigerator with Craft Ice™ Maker. This model has a very large screen with some really useful design features combined with Wi-Fi connectivity and significantly upgraded ice maker features. Link: https://a.co/d/6qFiGGr

If you are thinking about updating your home and especially areas like the kitchen. Please look at what is available, what you don’t like about your current setup, and what you want. Take that information to someone like me who can help you figure out how smart appliances can be helpful without becoming frustrating.