With the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, AI is promising awesome advancements in business efficiency, improved data management, advanced marketing techniques, and so much more. However, within the buzz of possibilities, unintended effects and disparities are emerging, particularly with AI for small business.
How do we, as small business owners, grab the opportunities for growth and innovation, while at the same time mitigate at least some of the harsh realities of unintended effects?
Embracing AI For Small Business
The marvels of AI have long been anticipated, and now that it is here, the potential is truly awe-inspiring. At Synthesis, we have only begun to tap into the vast capabilities. From refining grammar in our writing to assisting with code snippets, and deciphering complex equations. So cool to leverage AI for small business tasks like SEO optimization and even simple communication. Certainly, AI has become another cool tool in our arsenal.
Yet, even with these really cool advancements, as we look deeper, we are confronted with a growing realization: The gap between small businesses and larger companies is widening. Is there a way to use these new tools and not be left behind?
The HUGE Unintended Challenge
While AI undoubtedly aids productivity, it also demands a steep learning curve. The more we integrate AI into our workflows, the greater the pressure to keep pace with the evolving technologies.
It is so easy to focus on the necessity for acquiring new skills while feeling the pressure of juggling ever more responsibility. Implementing AI for small business is another version of the dilemma: While the new technology promises efficiency, mastering it requires time and resources that are already scarce.
The accessibility of AI tools and needed expertise remains skewed towards larger corporations with dedicated resources. With AI for small business, the challenges lie in acquiring and maintaining proficiency in AI technologies without the support of specialized teams. Consequently, we find ourselves in a perpetual cycle of learning and relearning, in an attempt to harness the potential of AI. But, the other responsibilities in running a business don't go away, or even pause while we learn the new tools.
We look out and read about larger companies hiring AI specialists or making new departments for AI. The new people have the singular responsibility for their AI technologies, while the rest of the company continues to work along. It seems like their trajectory easily changes to embrace and accelerate with the AI technologies, while small business is left farther behind.
Is it a death spiral? Or is there an exit ramp that will bring the benefits of AI for small business without so much added pressure?
Navigating the AI Landscape
First, we need to look at the premise: Is it true that small business is being left behind? Does AI really favor larger companies with more resources to spread?
I believe the answer is Yes, for both questions. However, this is not inherent to the size of the company; rather, small businesses are hindered by the specialization needed to fully make use of AI tools. Small companies can still benefit greatly by the AI technologies, but we might have to shift our paradigms just a bit.
By definition, people running small businesses are spread thinner - especially the owners - because they wear so many hats. Solopreneurs are the pinnacle of this paradigm.
Despite these responsibilities, there are opportunities for small businesses to thrive in an AI-driven world. By embracing the concept of specialization, we can leverage the expertise of freelancers and agencies for specific tasks, much like seeking medical attention, when we need it, from a specialist.
This approach is not without obstacles, including the transfer of knowledge and the reluctance of small entities to engage with one another. Sharing knowledge and the time it takes to bring a freelancer up to speed is not trivial. But, gaining a new partner as greater leverage for a small business is exactly the paradigm of small business. Adaptation conquers challenges.
While outsourcing certain tasks may seem impractical, the alternatives might be disaster. Head in the sand is not a survival technique. Developing internal capabilities can be out of reach. Survival in the age of AI demands ingenuity and flexibility as we find solutions to our unique AI needs.
Is There A Competitive Advantage With AI Technologies?
The initial answer might be YES, but look a little deeper, and it really might be NO.
Certainly the AI community will say YES, there is an advantage, but if the advantage is there for everyone, then it is not an advantage. It is really more of a disadvantage for those who don't, can't, or won't embrace AI technologies. Competing against those with the resources to employ experts certainly puts small businesses at a significant disadvantage. Right?!
Well, there is still the perennial advantage for creative thinkers over any AI. Even Google has found itself in the trap of rewarding volumes of content, because now AI has given rise to mountains of useless spew on the web. Google is now back-tracking and trying to identify content that is unique, useful, and . . . well, human written? For those of us that did not or didn't have the time to jump on that bandwagon, are now not disadvantaged. (OK, things will improve with AI technologies, so don't count on that for long.)
Anyway, I still predict that the best competitive advantage comes from things that can't be duplicated - like creativity, deep understanding of design, reasoning, and balancing conflicting needs. There will always be a need for thinkers that can go beyond the known and create that which is not yet known. How fascinating it will be when AI technologies begin to do that.
Moving Forward with Optimism
As we navigate the complexities of AI integration, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook. Despite the hurdles, AI presents awesome opportunities for innovation and growth. Some we may need in house, and some we might not, so collaboration might be a significant solution. By sharing insights and experiences, we can collectively navigate the evolving landscape of AI for small business.
Speaking as a small business owner, the possibilities seem limitless, but I also see the other side. If everyone has access to the same tools, those who can leverage them best will certainly squish the companies that don't. No, it won't happen fast, but if we ignore these AI technologies or fail to bring them into our processes, we will certainly be left behind.
At Synthesis, we see the need to have some of the AI technologies in house, and some we must develop relationships for collaboration. I see it as a way to move forward using the technologies, while still allowing the time to manage our small business. Certainly, AI for small business offers advantages, but we will have to pick and choose how we implement.
I absolutely love, for instance, the way AI can dissect data - boil it down to answer questions. That is so powerful, but the real key is the creativity that can ask the right questions, then make the informed decisions. Certainly that is a big benefit to anyone with an eye to see it.
Celebrate!
If you are a successful small business owner, you already have a drive that is not common. You likely have some creativity too, so adding some AI tools will only enhance it.
It is easy to get drawn into the negatives of being run over by new AI technologies. Certainly AI for small business is not going to be easy, but I think it is necessary. We must use the gifts we already have to keep the competitive advantage, then use AI to enhance it.
So, let's celebrate the strides we are making and embrace the challenges with optimism and determination. After all, AI is an innovation, and as creative thinkers, we can innovate even more. Maybe even faster using AI for small business innovation.
We are wishing you a wonderful day filled with creativity and success!"
Final Thoughts?
If you have thoughts on this subject, share them, and share your experiences and strategies in the comments below. Perhaps more than ever, it is time for small businesses, together, to pave the way for a brighter future powered by AI.
In full transparency, the above article was assisted by AI. The original article was fed to ChatGPT, multiple times with various instructions. However, in the end, I rewrote it (using some of the AI driven content), but taking out a bunch of the fluff and weird detours that AI took. As much as people love to tout the wonders of AI writing, when I get into it, if I am the expert, the AI writing is not that good. Check out our simple AI test article.
AI technologies certainly have a leg up when it comes to grammar and spelling, but not yet in context. Again, let us know what you think of AI for small business.
Finally, the images on this page are AI generated. It took several attempts to get some images of value, but here they are. If nothing else, they are pretty cool. Just don't ask for anything serious because - at least in my experience - it fails. (Like putting the tongue on the back of a trailer. That was a useless, but entertaining endeavor.)
I look forward to your comments. Have a wonderful day.