Recently, it appears that AI is positioned to either rescue us, take our place, or disrupt everything we know. I’ve been contemplating how to assist you in distinguishing useful information from the irrelevant. Firstly, it’s not malevolent, and it won’t obliterate your enterprise. You can make improved decisions regarding AI as you begin to utilize it. AI is already assisting me with coaching, marketing, and resolving issues.
Enhance your mentoring or coaching skills
I serve as a mentor for small business owners through SCORE.org. During a standard coaching session (my focus is digital marketing and social media); I frequently recommend that my clients undertake market research. Then, I share my screen and allow my client to pose questions (in the realm of AI, these are referred to as prompts, not questions) to ChatGPT, such as:
Why aren’t people engaging with my Facebook posts? What should my pricing be for my product or service, considering my nearby competitors? Can you develop a business plan for me to secure a loan? How many competitors for my service exist in the following zip codes? (Competition is generally intense for landscapers, home repair and remodeling services, beauty salons, food trucks, restaurants, bookkeeping, and child care, among several others.) The advantage of ChatGPT lies in the fact that the client, with my assistance, can create follow-up prompts to obtain more comprehensive and enhanced research. The more detailed your prompts, the more accurate the responses will be. Don’t hesitate to utilize a prompt that’s up to 250 words long. Just ensure it is specific.
Warning – Clearly, it is imperative to caution the client that these responses must be verified. The tool may occasionally present outdated facts or even fabricate information to meet the request. For deeper insights, I recommend technology and management expert Ethan Mollick’s resource, Using AI right now: A quick guide. https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/using-ai-right-now-a-quick-guide
Marketing – Like every nonprofit, we need to attract both individuals and donors without a substantial marketing budget.
Following a colleague’s advice, I utilized my iPhone during one of our social gatherings to capture a series of interviews with SCORE volunteers about their reasons for volunteering and what they gain from the experience. I then edited these interviews. This can easily be achieved with iMovie, which has become much more user-friendly, or with any other free tool of your choice. I produced 10 videos, each roughly 30 seconds long. There was some ambient noise, but I believe my colleagues appear genuine and trustworthy, possibly due to the informal, spontaneous style of the videos. I uploaded them to my YouTube channel, where they have garnered over 500 views.
Resolve technical issues
Whenever I encounter difficulties getting a device or app to function as intended, I no longer resort to the HELP or SUPPORT options provided with that service. I obtain far better resolutions from ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity. 1. I struggled to get my Apple messaging app to send messages to my contacts who use Android phones. ChatGPT guided me through approximately a dozen distinct troubleshooting steps (the tone of the bot’s replies gradually began to echo my own frustration!). Ultimately, it came down to one setting buried intricately within the iPhone’s menus. I would never have identified this on my own, and the so-called help sections for the hardware and software were ineffective. 2. On another occasion, my thumb slipped and pressed the wrong button on the TV remote, triggering an irritating robotic voice to announce the titles of shows in the on-screen directory. I checked the TV’s printed manual, its online support site, replaced the remote’s batteries, rebooted the TV several times — nothing worked. It turns out the robot voice is activated by a discreet setting meant for the blind and visually impaired (a thoughtful and wonderful feature!). I wouldn’t have thought to check that setting. But that fixed the issue.
Have questions? Contact SCORE for complimentary, expert mentoring and resources to assist you on your small business journey. Visit score.org to find out more.
**Utilizing AI in Your Business: Insights from the Ask SCORE Series**
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the business landscape, presenting innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, enrich customer experience, and stimulate growth. The Ask SCORE series has yielded valuable insights on how small businesses can effectively harness AI technologies. Here are some primary takeaways from the series.
**1. Comprehending AI and Its Uses**
AI includes a spectrum of technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Businesses can employ AI for various purposes, including automation of repetitive tasks, data analysis for improved decision-making, and personalized customer engagement. Grasping these applications is essential for pinpointing areas where AI can provide added value.
**2. Recognizing Business Requirements**
Prior to implementing AI solutions, businesses should evaluate their distinct needs and obstacles. This includes scrutinizing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and determining how AI can optimize operations. The Ask SCORE series stresses the importance of aligning AI initiatives with business objectives to ensure a strategic direction.
**3. Selecting the Appropriate AI Tools**
With numerous AI tools accessible, choosing the right ones can seem overwhelming. The series suggests assessing tools based on user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and growth potential. Businesses should consider initiating with user-friendly options that demand minimal technical know-how for a smoother transition.
**4. Data Management and Integrity**
AI systems are heavily reliant on data. Ensuring the presence of high-quality, relevant data is critical for effective AI deployment. The Ask SCORE series underlines the significance of data management practices, including data cleaning, organization, and security. Businesses should invest in robust data frameworks to bolster AI initiatives.
**5. Training and Development**
To fully utilize the benefits of AI, employees must possess the necessary competencies. The series advocates for implementing training programs to assist staff in understanding AI technologies and their applications. Cultivating a culture of ongoing learning will empower businesses to stay in step with evolving AI trends.
**6. Assessing Success**
Establishing clear metrics to measure the success of AI undertakings is vital. The Ask SCORE series advises businesses to define key performance indicators (KPIs) that correspond with their goals. Consistently evaluating these metrics will aid in determining the effectiveness of AI solutions and guiding future investments.
**7. Ethical Considerations**
As businesses integrate AI, ethical implications must be taken into account. The series emphasizes the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications. Businesses should formulate guidelines to enable responsible AI usage, fostering trust amongst customers and stakeholders.
**8. Remaining Informed and Adaptive**
The AI environment is continuously advancing. Keeping abreast of the latest innovations and trends is crucial for businesses seeking to retain a competitive advantage. The Ask SCORE series encourages entrepreneurs to engage with industry resources, attend workshops, and participate in discussions to stay adaptable.
**Conclusion**
Incorporating AI into business operations offers substantial opportunities for growth and efficiency. By leveraging insights from the Ask SCORE series, businesses can better navigate the complexities of AI implementation, ensuring they maximize its full potential while responsibly tackling challenges. Embracing AI transcends mere technology; it’s about transforming business practices to meet the demands of a swiftly changing market.
