Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Selling to Yesterday's Customer

The Business Edge with CWCU

The Business Edge with CWCU
Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Selling to Yesterday's Customer
May 25, 2026
Central Willamette Credit Union

 This episode dives into a hard truth for small businesses: the customer you built your business around in 2019 may not be the same customer you’re serving today. Dave Dirks explores how changing expectations, digital habits, AI, and customer behavior are reshaping the way businesses compete and what small business owners can do now to stay relevant, valuable, and easy to choose. 

Episode Artwork Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Selling to Yesterday's Customer 9:12 Episode Artwork Small Business in a Changing World: AI is Your New Employee 9:05 Episode Artwork Small Business in a Changing World: Stop Reacting, Start Adapting 8:32 Episode Artwork Building Your Brand: Local Stories, Partnerships, and Patience 9:58 Episode Artwork Small Business Branding: Your Local Advantage 11:40 Episode Artwork From Stigma to Schedule III: The Cannabis Industry’s Next Chapter 20:45 Episode Artwork Dirks' Must Reads: The Network is Your Customer 6:13 Episode Artwork Dirks' Must-Reads: Whatcha Gonna Do With That Duck? 5:04 Episode Artwork Pouring Passion into Business: Lessons from La Dama Bartending 43:36 Episode Artwork Dirks' Must-Reads: The Messy Middle 9:21 Episode Artwork Dirks' Must-Reads: Customer Satisfaction is Worthless 8:30 Episode Artwork HR Insights: Pay and Benefits for Small Business Success 13:44 Episode Artwork Brick & Mortar Basics 5:22 Episode Artwork Value First: How Free Content Can Win You Customers 5:19 Episode Artwork Turning Loyal Customers into Brand Ambassadors 3:55 Episode Artwork Surviving and Thriving in Uncertain Economies 6:15 Episode Artwork Andy from CannXperts Returns! 29:23 Episode Artwork Building Your Dream Team 14:02 Episode Artwork Beyond the Sale: Building Lasting Key Account Relationships 4:15 Episode Artwork Special Guest: Dr. Kristine Medyanik 28:36 Episode Artwork Special Guest: Ellen Yin, Cubicle to CEO 30:19 Episode Artwork Website Wins: Optimize to Attract & Grow Your Business 7:22 Episode Artwork Special Guest: Camille Mercier, CEO Spirit Mountain Casino 31:35 Episode Artwork Gratitude That Grows 4:03 Episode Artwork Special Guest: Andy Shelley, CannXperts 35:33