Recently, it appears that AI is either going to rescue us, take our places, or ruin everything around us. I’ve been considering how to assist you in distinguishing the valuable insights from the distractions. First and foremost, it’s not malicious, nor is it going to endanger your business. You can form more informed opinions about AI once you begin utilizing it. AI is already aiding me in coaching, marketing, and resolving issues.
Enhance your mentoring or coaching skills
I volunteer as a mentor for small business owners through SCORE.org. In a typical coaching session (I specialize in digital marketing and social media); I often encourage my clients to conduct market research. Then I share my screen and allow them to pose questions (which in the AI realm are referred to as prompts) to ChatGPT, such as:
My Facebook posts aren’t getting any reactions. What should I do? How much should I charge for my product or service compared to nearby competitors? Can you assist me in composing a business plan for a loan application? How many competitors exist for my service within these zip codes? (Competition tends to be intense for businesses like landscaping, home renovations, beauty salons, food trucks, restaurants, bookkeeping, and childcare, among others.) The advantage of ChatGPT is that the client can make follow-up prompts with my assistance and extract richer and more comprehensive information. The more detailed your prompts, the more precise the responses will be. Don’t hesitate to use a 250-word prompt; just ensure specificity.
Warning – Naturally, the client needs to be advised that these responses should be verified. The tool may occasionally present outdated information or even generate some to fulfill the request. For more in-depth guidance, 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 organization, we need to attract both people and donors, and we must achieve this without a large marketing budget.
At a colleague’s suggestion, I used my iPhone at one of our social gatherings to shoot a series of interviews with SCORE volunteers about their motivations for volunteering and the benefits they gain. Afterwards, I edited these interviews. You can utilize iMovie, which has become much more user-friendly, or any other free tool of your choice. I created 10 videos, each around 30 seconds long. Although there was some background noise, I believe my colleagues appear sincere and credible, likely due to the informal and spontaneous vibe of the videos. I uploaded them to my YouTube channel, where they have accumulated over 500 views.
Resolve technical issues
Whenever I encounter difficulties in getting a device or application to perform as expected, I no longer resort to the HELP or SUPPORT features associated with that service. I find far more effective solutions through ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity. 1. I faced an issue where my Apple messaging app wouldn’t send messages to contacts with Android phones. ChatGPT guided me through approximately a dozen troubleshooting methods (the tone of the chatbot’s replies increasingly mirrored my frustration!). Ultimately, it came down to a single setting hidden deep within the iPhone’s interface. I would never have discovered this on my own, and the supposedly helpful sections for the hardware and software were ineffective. 2. Another instance involved accidentally pressing the wrong button on the TV remote, which activated an annoying robotic voice announcing show names in the on-screen directory. I consulted the TV’s manual, the online help resources, replaced the remote’s batteries, and restarted the TV multiple times — nothing worked. It turned out the robotic voice was governed by a discreetly hidden setting designed for the visually impaired (a thoughtful and wonderful feature!). I would have never thought to check that specific setting, but it resolved the issue.
Have inquiries? Reach out to SCORE for complimentary, expert mentoring and resources to assist you throughout your small business journey. Visit score.org for further information.
**Leveraging AI in Your Business: Lessons from the Ask SCORE Series**
In the swiftly changing business environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful agent of change, providing inventive solutions to boost efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and stimulate growth. The Ask SCORE series has delivered insightful perspectives on how businesses can successfully weave AI into their operations. Here are key insights for incorporating AI into your business.
### Grasping AI and Its Uses
AI encompasses diverse technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. These technologies can be employed across multiple business functions:
1. **Customer Service**: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can manage customer inquiries around the clock, providing immediate replies and allowing human agents to focus on more complex challenges.
2. **Marketing**: AI can examine consumer data to pinpoint trends, classify audiences, and customize marketing strategies, resulting in elevated engagement and conversion figures.
3. **Operations**: Predictive analysis can refine supply chain management by anticipating demand, minimizing waste, and enhancing inventory oversight.
4. **Finance**: AI algorithms are capable of identifying fraudulent transactions, automating bookkeeping, and offering insights for improved financial decision-making.
### Steps to Adopt AI in Your Business
1. **Determine Business Needs**: Evaluate which areas of your business could reap benefits from AI, from improving customer engagement to optimizing internal workflows.
2. **Investigate AI Solutions**: Look into existing AI tools and platforms that align with your identified requirements, considering aspects like scalability, integration ease, and costs.
3. **Begin with Small Steps**: Introduce AI solutions on a limited basis to evaluate their effectiveness. This pilot phase allows for refinement and learning before a broader implementation.
4. **Train Your Team**: Ensure that your staff possesses the skills required to collaborate with AI technologies. Training programs can assist them in adapting to new tools and workflows.
5. **Monitor and Assess**: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of AI implementations. Gather data on critical performance indicators to gauge success and discover areas for enhancement.
### Navigating Challenges
While the advantages of AI are substantial, businesses may encounter obstacles such as:
– **Data Quality**: AI systems depend on high-quality data. Ensuring data accuracy and coherence is vital for effective AI performance.
– **Implementation Costs**: Initial investments in AI technology can be considerable. Companies should balance long-term benefits against upfront expenses.
– **Managing Change**: Employees may resist changes introduced by AI. Effective communication and engagement during the transition can help mitigate this resistance.
### Future Developments in AI
The Ask SCORE series emphasizes several emerging trends in AI that businesses should observe:
– **Greater Automation**: As AI technology progresses, an increasing number of business processes will become automated, enabling companies to concentrate on strategic initiatives.
– **AI Ethics and Governance**: With the expansion of AI use, the demand for ethical standards and governance will rise to ensure responsible application of AI technologies.
– **Integration with Other Technologies**: AI will more frequently be integrated with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, creating new avenues for innovation.
### Conclusion
Incorporating AI into your business can yield notable enhancements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall competitiveness. By comprehending AI applications, following a systematic implementation approach, and staying updated on future trends, businesses can harness AI’s potential to propel success. The insights from the Ask SCORE series provide invaluable resources for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of AI integration.
