Recently, it appears that AI is positioned to either assist us, supplant us, or cause chaos. I’ve been contemplating how to assist you in distinguishing sound information from the distracting noise. Firstly, it’s not malicious and it will not ruin your business. You can make more informed decisions regarding AI as you begin to utilize it. AI is already aiding me with coaching, marketing, and problem-solving.
Enhance your mentoring or coaching skills
I serve as a mentor for small business owners through SCORE.org. During a typical coaching session (my expertise lies in digital marketing and social media); I frequently recommend that my clients conduct market research. I then share my screen, allowing my client to pose queries (in the AI realm, they’re termed prompts, not questions) to ChatGPT, such as:
Why aren’t people engaging with my Facebook posts? What price should I set for my product or service, in comparison to nearby competitors? Can you help me draft a business plan to secure a loan? How many competitors for my service are within these zip codes? (Competition tends to be intense for landscapers, home improvements, beauty salons, food trucks, restaurants, bookkeeping, and childcare, among many others.) The advantage of ChatGPT is that the client, with my guidance, can create follow-up prompts to gain deeper and more effective research. The more detailed your prompts are, the more useful the responses will be. Don’t hesitate to utilize a prompt that’s 250 words long. Just ensure specificity.
Beware – Clearly, clients must be warned that these responses should be validated. The tool may sometimes generate outdated information or even fabricate responses to satisfy the inquiry. For more comprehensive advice, I recommend technology and management expert Ethan Mollick’s Using AI right now: A quick guide. https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/using-ai-right-now-a-quick-guide
Marketing – Like any nonprofit, we must attract individuals and donors, and we need to execute this without a large marketing budget.
At the suggestion of a colleague, I used my iPhone at one of our social events to capture a series of interviews with SCORE volunteers about their motivation for volunteering and what they gain from it. I then edited the interviews. You can accomplish this using iMovie, which has become much simpler to navigate, or any other free tool of your choice. I created 10 videos lasting around 30 seconds each. There was some background noise, but I believe my colleagues appear sincere and credible, perhaps due to the casual, spontaneous nature of the videos. I uploaded them to my YouTube channel. They received over 500 views.
Resolve technical issues
Whenever I encounter challenges with a device or an application not performing as expected, I no longer rely on the HELP or SUPPORT buttons associated with that service. I find far more effective solutions from ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity. 1. I struggled to get my Apple messaging app to send messages to my contacts using Android devices. ChatGPT guided me through about a dozen troubleshooting scenarios (the tone of the chatbot’s responses gradually seemed to reflect my own frustration!). Ultimately, it came down to a setting buried incredibly deep within the iPhone. I would have never figured this out on my own, and the supposed help sections for the hardware and software proved ineffective. 2. On another occasion, my thumb accidentally hit the wrong key on the TV remote, triggering an annoying robot voice that started announcing the names of shows in the screen directory. I referred to the TV’s paper manual, its online help site, replaced the remote’s batteries, restarted the TV multiple times — nothing worked. It turned out that the robot voice was triggered by a well-concealed setting designed for the blind and visually impaired (a wonderful, thoughtful feature!). I never considered checking that setting. But that resolved the issue.
Have inquiries? Contact SCORE for complimentary, expert mentoring and resources to assist you on your small business journey. Visit score.org to discover more.
**Leveraging AI in Your Business: Insights from the Ask SCORE Series**
In the current rapidly changing business environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game-changing element, empowering companies to boost efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and foster innovation. The Ask SCORE series has offered valuable insights into how businesses can seamlessly integrate AI into their operations. Here are some vital points from the series.
### Comprehending AI and Its Uses
AI involves a variety of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Companies can utilize AI in numerous ways, such as automating repetitive tasks, analyzing extensive datasets for insights, and tailoring customer interactions. Understanding the specific applications of AI pertinent to your sector is vital for optimizing its advantages.
### Recognizing Business Requirements
Before deploying AI solutions, it’s critical to ascertain the particular needs of your business. The Ask SCORE series emphasizes conducting a thorough evaluation of your operations to identify areas where AI can deliver benefits. This might include enhancing customer support through chatbots, streamlining supply chain management, or refining marketing tactics with predictive analytics.
### Selecting Appropriate AI Tools
With a multitude of AI tools on the market, choosing the right ones for your business can be overwhelming. The series recommends assessing tools based on criteria such as ease of integration, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. It’s also crucial to determine if the tools align with your business objectives and the specific challenges you intend to address.
### Data Management and Quality Assurance
AI systems heavily depend on data, making data management a vital aspect of effective AI implementation. The Ask SCORE series highlights the necessity of ensuring data quality and accuracy. Businesses should invest in processes for data cleaning and organization to guarantee that the AI algorithms operate optimally and deliver accurate insights.
### Education and Skill Development
Implementing AI is not solely about technology; it also encompasses personnel. The series underscores the importance of training employees to collaborate with AI systems. This includes learning to interpret AI-generated insights and making informed decisions based on them. Cultivating a culture of continuous education will facilitate your team’s adaptation to new technologies.
### Evaluating Success
To assess the effectiveness of AI initiatives, companies should establish clear performance metrics. The Ask SCORE series suggests monitoring indicators such as efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and customer satisfaction rates. Regularly reviewing these metrics will empower businesses to refine their AI strategies and ensure alignment with their goals.
### Ethical Considerations
As organizations adopt AI technologies, ethical issues must be considered seriously. The series addresses the necessity for transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications. Companies should aim to implement AI in a manner that respects customer privacy and avoids biases in decision-making processes.
### Future Developments
Looking ahead, the Ask SCORE series points out emerging trends in AI that businesses should remain informed about. These include advancements in AI-driven analytics, increased automation across various sectors, and the growing significance of AI in bolstering cybersecurity measures. Staying updated on these trends will aid businesses in maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly AI-centric world.
### Conclusion
Utilizing AI in business introduces substantial opportunities for growth and innovation. By leveraging insights from the Ask SCORE series, organizations can navigate the complexities of AI implementation, ensuring they harness its full potential while addressing challenges that may arise. Embracing AI is not merely a technological transition; it’s a strategic necessity for businesses striving to succeed in the contemporary market.
