3 Overlooked AI Businesses I'd Start TODAY (& How to Find More)

By The Next Wave

Categories: AI, Product

Summary

Serial entrepreneur Chris Kerner reveals how to spot AI business opportunities before they go viral by identifying just 2-3 data points that form a pattern. His BIES gas station e-commerce business—reselling 1,300+ products from 50 regional locations to customers nationwide—generates six-figure profits without customer-facing operations.

Key Takeaways

  1. Use the 'two-dot pattern' framework: identify just 2-3 data points to validate a business idea before scaling. No need for extensive market research—early validation with minimal capital reduces execution risk.
  2. Find underserved geographic arbitrage opportunities: BIES has only 50 locations concentrated in the Southeast/South-Central US. By dropshipping their products to underserved regions (e.g., Massachusetts), Kerner captures pent-up demand without competing locally.
  3. Build outsourced e-commerce stores for beloved offline brands lacking digital presence. The BIES model—loading a box truck, warehousing products, listing on Shopify—creates defensible distribution channels for cult brands without infrastructure.
  4. Scale through lifestyle/community obsession, not just transactions. BIES customers are fans seeking 'a fix' and branded merchandise (shirts, backpacks, coolers), which creates repeat revenue beyond snacks and higher margins.
  5. Pre-viral opportunity identification wins: Chris hunts YouTube rabbit holes and niche communities (gas station food YouTubers) to spot emerging trends before mainstream adoption. Social proof from micro-communities validates demand.

Related topics

Transcript Excerpt

That's genius. Genius. Genius. Genius. Okay, there's something here. I'd much rather ride a title wave than trying to stand up on a twofoot wave. You know, it's just easier. Chris Kerner is going to drop three businesses that will print money for you. >> There's a lot of use cases for AI in small businesses. Right now, there is just so many opportunities for you all to start a business using AI and likely opportunities you've never heard or even thought about before. That's why we had to bring the master of finding unique and differentiated business onto the show. Chris Kerner is going to drop three ideas that you can use AI for to start creating business and wealth for yourself. And as always on Marketing Against the Grain, Kip and I shared our ideas on how we would scale and grow these b…

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