There’s something a little bittersweet about writing a final blog post.

When I started blogging in May 2019, I didn’t fully know where it would lead. I simply knew I had things I wanted to share — ideas about business, customer relationships, better systems, and practical improvements that help people work smarter and serve others well.

Over time, this blog became a place for me to share what I was learning and what I was seeing in the real world. It became a place to talk about CRMs, automation, follow-up, AI, workflow improvements, and the very human side of running a business well.

And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

If you’ve spent time here reading what I’ve written over the years, thank you. Truly. I never take it lightly when someone gives their time and attention to something I’ve created. There are always a hundred other things competing for that attention, and I’ve always appreciated the people who chose to spend even a few minutes here.

This blog has been an important part of my journey.

It gave me a place to think out loud, test ideas, share what was working, and, hopefully, encourage business owners and leaders who were trying to build something meaningful without drowning in manual work, missed follow-ups, or disconnected systems.

But sometimes growth means more than just adding new things. Sometimes it means getting clearer about where different kinds of content belong.

That’s where I am now.

My work has expanded, but one thing has not changed: I still care deeply about helping people simplify operations, improve follow-up, make better decisions, and use technology in ways that feel practical, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful.

Going forward, I’ll be continuing that work through two distinct publications.

If you’re looking for practical small business guidance — including automation, follow-up, CRM use, and ways to make your business run more smoothly without losing the human touch — the SMB Automation Brief is the best place to stay connected.

If you’re more interested in broader leadership and technology topics — including emerging technology, execution, risk, and business value — the Enterprise Technology Leadership Brief will be the better fit.

Both are designed to provide focused, useful content for different needs, and you can choose the one that fits you best using the buttons below.

So while this blog is coming to a close, the work itself is not going away. It’s simply moving into clearer, more intentional homes.

Thank you again for being part of this chapter.

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for supporting my work.
Thank you for allowing my words a place to land.
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I’m grateful for the journey, and I hope you’ll stay connected for what comes next.

Please choose your selection below to keep my content coming your way!

Do you ever wish AI could make your life easier, without demanding you become a tech expert?

Good news: you don’t need to be tech-savvy to benefit from AI. An AI assistant acts like a digital helper, taking repetitive, exhausting tasks off your plate—so you can focus on what matters. They can take you from chaos to clarity in less than a week!

AI Assistants Are Quietly Giving People Their Week Back

Small business owners and freelancers are using AI to reclaim hours each week—handling admin, writing, planning, and even tracking down notes. The more routine tasks you automate, the more time you get back.

Personally, I went from spending hours on blog posts and skipping LinkedIn to writing a blog post in 30 minutes and 6 LinkedIn posts in under 15. That’s 3.5 hours saved each week, just by working differently.

So, What can an AI Assistant Actually do for You?

With the right tools and prompts, AI assistants can help you:

Plan your day by priority:

• Rewrite emails in your style.
• Summarize messy notes or meeting transcripts.
• Organize your to-do list.
• Follow up with leads automatically.

Small tasks, big impact: when these run automatically, you regain focus and sanity.

Top No-Code Tools for Your AI Assistant

Here are some top tools, by function:

Daily planning:

• ChatGPT: sounding board, planner, and editor
• Notion AI: organizes notes, SOPs, team updates
• Motion or Reclaim: auto-schedules tasks and meetings

Customer communication:

• Springboard: automates email workflows and reminders. It’s by far the best CRM I’ve ever used!
• Tidio or ManyChat: easy chatbots for web or Messenger.
• Chatbase: trains bots on your docs to answer FAQs.

BONUS TIP: Let ChatGPT Work With Your Tools (OpenAI Apps + Projects)

If you’ve ever thought, “This would be amazing… if it actually knew what was going on in my business,” this is the upgrade inside ChatGPT by OpenAI. OpenAI calls these connections Apps (they used to be called “connectors”). You connect the tools you already use—like Google Drive, Gmail, and calendars—so ChatGPT can access your real materials without you copying and pasting everything.  

To set it up, go to Settings → Apps in ChatGPT, find your app (like Google Drive), and connect it. Then, access it in chat with @ or the “+” menu.

1. If you want this to feel organized rather than random, create a Project for your business and keep everything related to it inside it (files, chats, and instructions).  
2. For repeatable workflows, add a Google Drive folder as a Project source (Projects support linking Drive files/folders). That way, ChatGPT can pull from that folder any time you’re working on the Project.

If you use a tool like Fathom for meetings, save transcripts to Drive and link that folder. ChatGPT can then summarize meetings, extract action items, and draft follow-ups automatically.

Start Small

Pick one task that drains your time, try one tool, and see how much space you can free in your week.

Want more help? Join my 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge to get started!

​By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief Advisor, AI & Advanced Systems at Kent Solutions

If you’re a small business owner, you know the feeling: facing off against industry giants can seem overwhelming. While they boast bigger budgets and teams of specialists, you’re the one multitasking, wearing every hat, and hustling before most people have had their coffee. Does David squaring off against Goliath come to mind?

But here’s the exciting shift: AI has rewritten the rules for what “small” can achieve. It’s no longer about trying to outspend the competition—it’s about working smarter, not harder. With the right tools, you can move faster, adapt quickly, and finally focus on the work that actually grows your business.

And here’s the kicker—AI isn’t just for tech behemoths anymore. Today, practical, affordable tools help you automate the boring stuff, wow your customers, and make smarter decisions—all without a huge team. The real question: are you ready to use what’s already at your fingertips?

The “AI Is Only for Big Companies” Belief That’s Holding SMBs Back

Many small business owners still think AI is complicated or way too expensive. But the truth? AI-powered automation, chatbots, and smart analytics are now easy to access and surprisingly affordable. Whether you run a service business, an online shop, or a consulting firm, AI can help you get more done—with less hassle and without a big upfront spend.

Four Practical Ways AI Helps Small Businesses Compete (Without a Bigger Team)

So, how does AI actually help small businesses punch above their weight? Here are four game-changing ways:

• Automation – Let AI handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing you up to focus on what matters most: growth.
• Personalization – AI-powered marketing crafts messages that speak directly to your customers, sparking stronger engagement.
• Data-Driven Decisions – Tap into insights that reveal exactly where to double down and how to make smarter moves.
• Scalability – Grow your business efficiently—without breaking the bank or hiring a massive staff.

What This Looks Like in the Real World (Examples You Can Steal)

AI isn’t just hype—it’s already transforming small businesses just like yours:

• A local HVAC company uses AI chatbots to handle customer inquiries 24/7.
• A boutique e-commerce store leverages AI for personalized product recommendations.
• A consultant automates follow-ups, increasing conversions without extra effort.

Where This Is Headed (And a Simple Way to Start Without Overthinking)

AI is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Small businesses that embrace AI-powered solutions will save time, cut costs, and scale faster. Those that don't? They risk falling behind. The future is here, and it's time to take advantage of it.

The best part? Getting started is easier than you think. In just a few clicks, you can see how much money AI could save your business—no guesswork required.

Estimate Your Potential Savings in Minutes

Curious if AI could really save you time and money? You don’t have to guess.

Try my AI Cost Savings Estimator—it’s quick, free, and gives you instant, personalized estimates based on your business and industry benchmarks.

Click the button below to calculate your potential savings.

Happy 2026! There’s something about turning the calendar that makes everything feel possible again. Not in a “new year, new you” kind of way — more like a chance to breathe, simplify, and finally fix the stuff that’s been quietly driving you up the wall.

If you’re like most business owners or team leaders, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I make this year better than the last?”

Let me ask you this: Have you ever felt like your business could run more smoothly—less busywork, faster follow-up, clearer priorities, better results? You’re not alone. These challenges are more common than you think. The good news: change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, all it takes is a few small, intentional actions to create a ripple effect of growth.

That’s precisely why I created the 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge!

1. The Problem:

Let’s be honest—keeping up with leads, follow-ups, admin tasks, and scattered systems can feel like a juggling act. Things slip through the cracks, manual work eats up your day, and you end up spending time on tasks that shouldn’t require your brainpower. Sound familiar?

2. The Solution:

This 5-day challenge is all about practicality. It’s designed to help you apply AI in simple, bite-sized ways that save time and create momentum fast. In just five days, you’ll choose a real business use case, test an AI assistant, automate one repetitive task, and use insights to make smarter decisions—without getting buried in tech.

Each day builds on the last, so you can make real progress without feeling overwhelmed.

3. The Results:

By the end of this challenge, you’ll feel more confident using AI—and you’ll have at least one practical improvement in place that reduces friction in your week. Imagine starting 2026 with fewer manual tasks, faster follow-ups, and clearer visibility into what’s working. This challenge can shift how you operate in ways that feel immediately useful.

Are You Ready?

Join the 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge and make 2026 your best year yet!

Running a business today means juggling a lot: constant email, shifting priorities, and customers who expect fast, personalized responses. In the middle of all that, AI has quietly gone from “interesting experiment” to everyday business tool. It’s now powering everything from inbox triage to customer support—and most people don’t even realize it’s there.

The good news? You don’t have to be a tech expert—or even particularly curious about AI—to benefit. You need to start using it on purpose. As AI becomes more common in tools you already use, the gap will grow between businesses that experiment with it and those that don’t. Let’s look at where AI is heading and how you can put it to work in ways that actually support your day-to-day operations.

Why Modern Business Leaders Can’t Ignore AI
AI is transforming every industry, from manufacturing to professional services. It’s not just a trend; it’s a revolution. The competitive advantages are clear: increased efficiency, significant cost savings, and improved decision-making. Plus, with AI becoming more accessible and user-friendly, you don’t need a coding background to take advantage of it. This accessibility empowers business leaders, making AI adoption a feasible and rewarding endeavor.

Key AI Shifts Reshaping the Future of Work
Generative AI and Always-On Chat Assistants

Generative AI, including chatbots, is revolutionizing customer interactions. These AI-powered assistants handle inquiries 24/7, providing instant responses and freeing up your team. Chatbots enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving response times and personalizing interactions.

Intelligent Automation Across Your Business

AI-powered automation eliminates repetitive tasks in marketing, sales, and operations. This aspect saves time and reduces human error, allowing your team to concentrate on strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. With automation, businesses can scale operations without a proportional increase in labor costs.

Looking Ahead with Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics uses historical data to forecast future outcomes. By analyzing trends, businesses can anticipate customer needs and market shifts. This capability leads to informed decision-making and proactive responses, helping companies stay ahead of competitors.

Smarter Personalization at Scale

AI enhances personalization by analyzing customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to tailor marketing efforts, from personalized emails to targeted product recommendations. Such customization boosts customer satisfaction and retention rates.

Common AI Misconceptions (and What’s Actually True)
Myth: AI is only for big corporations.
Truth: AI tools are now affordable and scalable for small businesses.

Myth: AI will replace human jobs.
Truth: AI enhances human work by automating repetitive tasks so that teams can focus on strategy.

Myth: AI is too complicated to implement.
Truth: Many AI tools integrate seamlessly with the software you already use.

Practical Ways to Begin Using AI—Without the Overwhelm
Start small! Automate one key process, like email marketing or lead follow-up, and choose AI tools that integrate with your existing systems. Upskill your team to boost their confidence in using these tools. This approach makes AI adoption less daunting and more manageable, helping leaders stay ahead of the game.

# # #

Would you like some help getting started? Sign up for our free 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge! You'll learn the power of streamlining emails by automatically categorizing and prioritizing them, setting up intelligent triggers for follow-ups, and implementing practical, bite-sized strategies in just five days.

Running a small business can sometimes feel like playing a boxing match where you come out on the losing end. With their massive budgets, specialized teams, and advanced technology, big corporations can make even the most determined entrepreneurs feel outmatched.

But here's the exciting twist: AI is revolutionizing the landscape, empowering smaller players to compete like never before. AI is not just leveling the playing field; it's like giving small businesses a turbo boost to cross the finish line and win the race against bigger competitors.
​
If you think AI is just for massive corporations with deep pockets, think again. The good news is that AI-powered tools are now more affordable and accessible than ever. This means that small businesses can now automate tasks, boost efficiency, and even outmaneuver larger competitors in key areas. The only question is: Are you taking advantage of this affordable revolution?

AI Isn’t Just for Big Businesses

Many small business owners assume AI is complicated or too expensive. However, the reality is that AI-powered automation, chatbots, and intelligent analytics are now practical and within reach for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're running a service-based business, an e-commerce store, or a consulting firm, AI can help you do more with less—without a substantial upfront investment.

4 Ways AI Levels the Playing Field for Small Businesses

So, how exactly does AI give small businesses a competitive edge? Here are a few key ways:
​

1. ​Automation – AI eliminates repetitive tasks, giving you more time to focus on growth. 
2. Personalization – AI-powered marketing tailors messages to customers, increasing engagement.
3. Data-Driven Decisions – Get insights that help you make smarter business moves.
4. Scalability – Grow your business efficiently without hiring a huge team.

Small Businesses Winning with AI: 3 Examples

AI isn't just a theory—it's already transforming small businesses:
​

1. A local HVAC company uses AI chatbots to handle customer inquiries 24/7.
2. A boutique e-commerce store leverages AI for personalized product recommendations.
3. A consultant automates follow-ups, increasing conversions without extra effort.

The Future is Here—How Will You Not Get Left Behind?

AI is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Small businesses that adopt AI-powered solutions will save time, reduce costs, and scale more efficiently. Those that don't? They risk falling behind. The future is here, and it's time to take advantage of it.

The good news? Getting started is easier than you think. In just a couple of clicks, you can find out exactly how much money AI could save your business.

AI Saves You Time & Money—Want to Learn How Much?
​
Does that seem too good to be true? It's not! Try my AI Cost Savings Estimator—it's free, fast, and eye-opening. This tool uses industry data and your business-specific details to provide an estimate of the potential cost savings AI could bring to your business.

🔹 Click the button below so you can calculate your AI savings instantly!

When I sit down with enterprise leaders, the question is simple: "Which parts of our operation need attention right now?" With multi-agent AI, the answer arrives in seconds—no spreadsheet wrangling, no dashboard spelunking, no waiting on ad-hoc reports. It's not hype; it's what coordinated AI agents (agentic AI) do when they turn siloed data into immediate, defensible direction at scale--without a data analyst!

How Multi-Agent AI Actually Works

You've likely heard me discuss AI agents, so you may wonder how multi-agent systems differ from them. In short, these platforms have numerous AI agents, AKA bots, collaborating to achieve complex tasks, such as financial forecasting, inventory management, and customer service.

Each agent specializes in a specific task, working together to tackle complex business challenges. These intelligent agents, powered by machine learning algorithms, collaborate seamlessly, constantly learning and adapting to your company's evolving needs. They transform how businesses operate by pulling data from various sources, analyzing it in real-time, and instantly delivering actionable insights.

Where Enterprises Feel the Pain

Imagine the relief from the slow, fragmented, and expensive traditional decision-making processes. Finance teams and supply chain managers often spend weeks compiling reports using outdated tools, such as Excel and Power BI. The disconnected ERP, WMS, and sales platforms make it challenging to see the big picture. The result?

1. Delayed Insights: Slow reporting leads to missed opportunities.
2. Data Silos: Disconnected systems prevent comprehensive analysis.
3. High Labor Costs: Heavy reliance on analysts and consultants.
4. Missed Revenue: Poor forecasting and inefficient inventory management.
5. Complex Processes: Inefficient workflows that hinder growth.

Why Enterprises Are Moving to Multi-Agent AI

Multi-AI agent applications address these challenges by streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making through:
​

1. Faster Decision-Making: Reducing decision-making time from weeks to minutes provides a significant competitive advantage.
2. Cost Reduction: Minimize reliance on manual analysis and eliminate the need for expensive BI tools.
3. Unified Data Insights: Integrating with ERP, WMS, and sales systems for a comprehensive view of your business.
4. Scalability & Adaptability: Continuously learning and improving to grow alongside your business needs.
5. Dynamic Planning & Pricing: Instantly adjusting inventory, procurement, and SKUs based on real-time data.
6. Conversational Decision Support: Providing immediate, actionable insights through natural language interactions.

Ultimately, multi-AI agent applications transform business operations by delivering faster insights, reducing costs, and boosting decision-making accuracy, making your business more productive and efficient.

# # #

Would you like to see an example of a multi-agent platform in action? My strategic partner, Heft IQ, has a fantastic platform. Check out this video to see for yourself the power of these systems!

Before I close, I want to mention how GAME-CHANGING this platform is. I haven't been this excited about a platform in a long time! Can you imagine the power of knowing, in less than one minute, what areas of your business need attention on any particular day? It's incredible.
​
Want to learn more? Schedule a FREE 15-minute demo with our partner, Heft IQ, today!

Your day leaks minutes in tiny ways like a dripping faucet: tag a contact here, rename a file there, paste the same note. Again. Let's flip that. I get it! So, do I have a deal for you!

In one short sprint, you'll spot 10 "agentable" tasks—simple, repeatable steps an AI helper or light automation can take over so you don't have to. Do it right and you'll feel the significant time savings this week, motivating you to continue automating tasks.

Why this works
According to McKinsey and Company, today's gen-AI and related tech can automate activities that soak up 60–70% of employees' time. The trick isn't hype; it's picking the right, low-risk tasks first.

Introducing the 20-minute finder
Here's a fast approach to identifying tasks ripe for automation. By selecting a standard path within a workflow you interact with daily, such as lead follow-up, invoice nudges, or meeting prep, you can quickly spot tasks that can be automated. Remember, every additional role, branch, or handoff adds time, so keep your focus narrow.

Walk that slice in your head and write micro-steps as verb + object: send welcome email, tag contact, rename file, log note, move attachment. Keep steps that are repeatable, rule-based, and already inside tools you use (email, calendar, CRM, docs, sheets, chat, web apps). Aim for ten keepers.

Examples you'll spot in minutes

1. Draft a reply from a template after a form submit → Done-when the draft sits ready for review.
2. Tag new leads by source in the CRM → Done-when the record shows the tag.
3. Create a calendar hold after a booking click → Done-when the hold appears.
4. Summarize meeting notes from a transcript → Done-when the summary sits in the deal record.
5. Rename and file attachments to the correct client folder → Done-when the path matches the standard.
6. Send day-before call reminders → Done-when the reminder logs in the thread.
7. Open a follow-up task after a no-show → Done-when the task appears in the queue.
8. Capture post-call action items into a checklist → Done-when the list attaches to the deal.

Turn ideas into pilots
Give each candidate three rails so it runs without babysitting:

1. Impact (1–5): hours you save each week if this runs on autopilot
2. Effort (1–5): setup steps and access you need to start
3. Risk (1–5): chance of a mess-up or escalation if it misfires

Pick three with high impact, low effort, and low risk. Start with drafts, tags, reminders, and file moves—not auto-send to customers. Keep your first pilots inside one tool for speed. Add branches and cross-team handoffs later.

Bottom line
The goal is not a complete transformation, but rather a series of small wins. By identifying and automating ten tasks, you can significantly reduce the time you spend on repetitive activities. I'm here to help you finalize your list, minimize the risk of your pilots, and integrate them into your existing tools.

Do you need some help with this process? Book a free 30-minute consultation and we'll pick your safest, highest-impact wins together.

2026 is approaching quickly, and AI has officially transitioned from a buzzword to a business tool. What's your plan to put it to work profitably?

Approximately 58% of U.S. small businesses currently use generative AI (U.S. Chamber of Commerce), and this trend will continue to rise. That's why I've compiled a list of ways to implement AI in your business to help keep you ahead of the curve and stay ahead of that trend!

Here's the good news: you don't need to be techy—or even that curious—to benefit from AI. If you've ever wished for a clone to keep up, a simple AI assistant might be the next best thing. It's easy to implement and will make a significant difference in your business operations.

AI Assistants Are Quietly Saving Hours, Easing Your Workload
Employees report saving approximately five hours a week on average with AI-assisted work (≈approximately 52 minutes/day). That's nearly a full day back every week—without adding anyone to payroll.

What Can These AI Assistants Do?
Think of them like reliable, no-drama assistants that don't need sleep, coffee, or context switching.

With the right tools and prompts, they can help you:

1. Plan your day based on energy and urgency
2. Reword emails in your voice
3. Summarize messy notes or meeting transcripts
4. Sort your to-do list by impact
5. Follow up with leads (without you even thinking about it)

Small tasks? Yes. But when they run consistently, they give you back focus—and sanity.

The Best No-Code Tools for Building Your AI Assistant
Here are the top tools grouped by function:

Planning, Focus, and Daily Support

1. ChatGPT (Free or Plus): Acts like a sounding board, planner, and editor in one—with the right prompts
2. Notion AI: Great for organizing notes, SOPs, and team updates
3. Tability: Keeps team OKRs and goals on track with lightweight updates

Client Communication & Follow-Up

1. Springboard: My favorite CRM for automating email workflows, lead follow-up, and reminders
2. Tidio or ManyChat: Easy-to-use chatbot tools for websites or Messenger
3. Chatbase: Lets you train a bot on your documents so it can answer FAQs for you

​Workflow Automation

1. Zapier: Links tools together to handle tasks like email sends, CRM updates, or tagging
2. Make: Similar to Zapier, but with more customization and logic branches

A Quick Word on ChatGPT's Newer "Agent" Feature
Some of you may have heard about OpenAI's newer Agent tool. It can browse, plan, and even attempt to act on tasks such as booking a service or placing an order. It's powerful but not infallible—treat it like a sharp intern: helpful under supervision, not for high-stakes tasks.

Start Small. Save Hours. Repeat.
It's as simple as picking one task you're tired of doing, choosing one tool, and giving it a chance. Let it free up some space in your week and see the difference it makes.

Want some help with that? Then sign up for my 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge! This email challenge will guide you through the process of selecting and implementing an AI tool for a specific task in your business. Each day, you'll receive a new lesson and a task to complete, helping you to start putting AI to work for you!

This picture brings back good memories.

One of my greatest joys has been playing guitar and singing on my church’s worship team. Sometimes, I even had the privilege of leading the band! This particular group will always hold a special place in my heart. More than just bandmates, they were true friends, and some of my favorite people to make music with. We shared incredible camaraderie, plenty of laughter, and the kind of teamwork that made every rehearsal and service both meaningful and fun.

Those experiences taught me something important: great music isn't about one person carrying the show. It's about everyone knowing their part and working in harmony. When we're in sync, the result is bigger than any of us could pull off alone.

AI, like a supportive bandmate, works in harmony with the team. It's not a solo act or a quick-fix tool. To make it work, you have to give it a role, let it practice, and teach it how to play in harmony with the rest of your team. That's when the magic happens.

1. Give AI a Role, Not the Whole Stage
In a band, I'd never ask the drummer to sing lead or the bass player to handle every instrument. Each person has a clear role, and when they stay in their lane, the group shines.

AI works best the same way. For platforms like ChatGPT, properly designed prompts can make the difference between a good and an inadequate response. And if you don't know how to do this, ask ChatGPT for guidance.

When AI knows its part, it supports the team instead of competing with it.

2. Practice Until It Flows
Rehearsals aren't always pretty. Wrong notes and false starts happen, but practice makes Sunday morning sound seamless.

AI also needs its version of 'rehearsal.' The first draft of a model may be clunky, and the first workflow may miss a step. But with feedback and iteration, it starts to blend in and feel like a natural part of the team. This iterative process is crucial in AI integration, just as it is in perfecting a musical performance.

3. Build Trust Through Consistency
Great bandmates show up prepared and dependable. That reliability builds confidence across the group.

AI earns trust by handling repetitive work consistently and on time. When it 'keeps time' behind the scenes, your team is free to focus on creativity and human connection, relieving them of mundane tasks.

The Harmony of Humans + AI
At the end of the day, great music isn't about one instrument playing louder than the rest. It's about harmony.

Business is no different. AI isn't here to replace humans; it's here to join the band. When you treat it as a teammate, not just a tool, your business doesn't just work. It sings.

# # #

Is your business ready to bring AI into the band, not as a flashy solo act, but as a reliable teammate? The AI Readiness Assessment will show you exactly where your team stands today and what gaps to close before AI can truly harmonize with your people and processes. Think of it as your soundcheck: making sure everything is tuned, balanced, and ready before the performance begins.