How To Guide - 6 Considerations for the AI Question in your Business

AI - what does that make you feel? Excited, exhausted, overwhelmed or nothing at all maybe?

The thing is, AI is here to stay. It's a toddler, it's fallable & it's super quick. You may be taking an ostrich approach and I get that, but it's clear that small, micro business has an opportunity to try or use some AI tools to support challenges like low capacity, customer interface, marketing or finance efficiency and more.

So what do we need to understand about AI really & how can we make the most of the best bits to help businesses our size? Here are 6 things to think about in the world of AI.

1. Understand what AI can and can't do first. Like I said AI is still pretty much a toddler. Spouting back only what it hears and sees, unruly and making mistakes all the time. Definitely cute and addictive of course, but needs firm boundaries and lots of practice! But seriously, it's important to remember that however astonishing AI is, you're the boss and the more your watch, observe & learn, the better you will be able to make the most of the bits that are useful.

2. Start with the goals. Where are you trying to get to in your business? Think about the vision, mission & purpose and remember what the most important thing is that you deliver (psst, this might be the magic, not the stuff).

3. Be clear on the problem. Often called the 'problem statement' in business, identify where you have problems, bottlenecks, challenges in your business. Think about where you run out of time, when you're stressing that your responses aren't quick enough, when you have to spend hours thinking of content ideas or need to help your bookkeeping. Only think about using AI if it potentially solves a real problem.

4. Understand where the love needs to be and where you can use tech. We know that AI can do almost anything, but do we want it to do everything? Think about where the human connection needs to be and where you can wing it with AI. For example, do you want to use AI for your graphics content or get a real pro human to do it? Is it better for your business to have a bot that answers quick questions or do you convert more customers when they get to speak to you in person? Keep it human where it needs it most.

5. Don't rush in. Trying out is the way to go and a perfect time to ask fellow small business owners what they are using, hated or loved. There are so many apps and AI extensions to our favourite platforms that the options are limitless. I'd go one at a time, and if it involves your customers think about choosing a handful of super fans who will try out the new system first.

6. Align and integrate. Most of you will already have a website and perhaps one or two other platforms you use from Xero or Trello, from Canva to Dubsado. So...consider how any AI use will align and integrate with what you already use. Also consider which of your choices will grow with your business or be adaptable for future evolutions. By making sure all your platforms 'speak to each other', you're avoiding a future headache & complexity that may well counteract any benefit you got from using AI in the first place.

If you're starting out on an AI journey or you're successfully using a platform you think everyone else should try, hop over to our Group chat today and ask questions and share wisdom!