Field Notes

Practical AI for
small business.

Honest writing on the AI questions small business owners actually ask: which tools are worth buying, which are not, and what AI can’t do for you yet. Published when there’s something useful to say.

Featured

Decision Tools

The three questions to ask before you buy any AI tool

Almost every small business owner I've audited has paid for an AI tool that didn't fit. These three questions catch it before the credit card.

Justin Thompson/Founder & Principal

April 28, 2026/5 min read

Field Notes
The cheapest AI win for most small businesses
It's not chatbots. It's not agents. It's the boring 30-minute task you do every day that a $20 tool can do in 30 seconds.
Justin Thompson/Founder & Principal
April 15, 2026
4 min read
Decision Tools
What AI can't do for your small business yet (and probably won't this year)
An honest list, because the vendors won't give you one.
Justin Thompson/Founder & Principal
March 30, 2026
6 min read

Practical AI for small business.

The three questions to ask before you buy any AI tool

The cheapest AI win for most small businesses

What AI can't do for your small business yet (and probably won't this year)

Practical AI for
small business.