AI Revolution in Small Business: My Very Human Perspective 🤖
AI Revolution in Small Business: My Very Human Perspective 🤖
As a business owner and consultant working with businesses and freelancers on a daily basis, I've not only witnessed the transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, Canva AI, and Google's AI solutions but also experienced and utilised them in my business. I’ve been asked to do a short talk for Devon Women in Business , and as I prepare my talk content, I think AI is here to stay and is being used in more daily life touch points. So, let's talk briefly and honestly about what AI can and cannot do for your business.
My thoughts so far:
The Positives:
• Accelerates routine tasks
• Enhances productivity
• Reduces operational costs
• Enables 24/7 customer support
• Improves existing software capabilities
• Makes available advanced capabilities for small businesses
The Reality Check:
• AI lacks genuine human empathy
• Cultural nuances often get lost
• Complex emotional intelligence just isn't there
• Long-term memory differs from human experience or is a false memory
• Sustainability concerns with energy consumption - a BIG topic
The 🌱 Sustainability Angle:
While AI can optimise resource usage through automation and GenAI plus reduce waste, it needs to be acknowledged there is an environmental impact through massive data centres and energy consumption. Do we really know the size of the carbon for AI in comparison with say, archived emails or search engine usage? My current perspective is that is is key for us to find the sweet spot between innovation and responsible usage, conversations I have touched on with Lizzi Larbalestier MA PCC and Cal Major recently.
For Those Hesitant About AI:
AI is a tool, not a replacement. Think of it as having a highly efficient assistant - it's there to enhance your capabilities, not take over your life. Start small, experiment, and maintain control over how you integrate it. I use Grammarly, for instance, to improve my spelling, grammar, and writing skills. It checks this document as I write!
A Smart Approach:
Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, and to improve my decision-making - I regularly argue with my AI team (am I arguing with myself really? hmm), and free up time for what truly matters - human connection, creativity, getting outside in nature and strategic thinking.
Your business still needs you.
Did I use AI to write this post?
I used Penn at sintra.ai to draft the post using information and my opinions that I gave it, a good basis to start; I then rewrote it in my voice, ensuring that the points matched my views - this resulting post may or may not be as good as the AI version; however, it is my version albeit gammer checked and spell check with Grammarly.
If you have anything to add, I’d be keen to hear it. I want to make my talk as applicable to small businesses as possible!
📷 Gerard Siderius
#LornaEvans #womeninbusiness #SmallBusiness #AI #BusinessGrowth hashtag#Sustainability #Innovation #BusinessTechnology
