Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a powerful tool that small businesses can leverage to gain a competitive edge. In this Q&A, I sit down to discuss the practical applications of AI, the difference between AI tools and true automation, and why embracing AI is becoming non-negotiable for survival in today's market.

The Practical Reality of AI for Small Businesses

Q: What should small businesses focus on when it comes to AI?

A:
The big thing is to focus on practical tools and reality, not the sci-fi rumors. We see a split between two factions: either AI can do everything better than you, or it's going to ruin the world. The truth is somewhere in the middle.

AI is a great tool that can make you a more efficient, productive version of yourself by taking away time-wasting tasks. This means replacing repetitive administrative work, making better decisions with data, and empowering small teams to act like full teams. It's like having a team of really good interns or assistants behind you.

Leveraging AI for Growth

Q: What are some practical ways small businesses are using AI right now?

A:
As a small business owner myself, we use it a lot for automation and improving processes. We use AI-powered SEO tools to monitor client sites, which gives us faster and better research. Research is where AI really shines.

If you want to add a better lead follow-up program, for example, AI can accelerate that process. Content writing, brainstorming, and editing are also great uses. I even used AI to pick out birthday presents this year, and the feedback was that they were the best presents ever because the AI could research things I never would have found.

AI Tools vs. True Automation

Q: What’s the difference between AI tools and true automation?

A:
AI tools are great for saving you time and making you more effective. True automation is about tasks that happen automatically on a regular basis, like sending a personalized response to a customer or running a daily report.

AI can empower automation, but it doesn't really understand time yet. You can't just tell ChatGPT to send you a daily notification; you have to keep reminding it. When you combine AI and automation, you get amazing things. Instead of a generic automated email, you can now send one based on the customer's history.

When to Be Cautious with AI

Q: What tasks should never be handed to AI?

A:
I would never fully hand anything over to AI. I've never seen a single use of it where it hasn't lied, made a mistake, or been outright wrong. I once asked it to research a client’s website for conversion rate improvements, and it told me products were out of inventory when they weren't.

You have to treat AI like the best intern you could ever hire: they have great ideas but will make mistakes. Anything that requires human judgment, a specific tone, or high accuracy should be approached with caution. And you should never use it for sensitive situations that require a real human connection.

Why AI Is Non-Negotiable for Survival

Q: Why is AI becoming a non-negotiable for small business survival?

A:
If your competitors are using it well, you're just going to get left behind. It's like they've doubled the size of their team overnight. You can't afford that kind of payroll.

AI is also great for infrequent tasks, like designing a flyer twice a year, where you wouldn't hire a full-time graphic designer. The learning curve is the bigger issue. If you're not using it now, you're falling behind every day.

Who Benefits Most from AI?

Q: Who benefits most from AI inside a company: the owner, employees, or customers?

A:
All of them. For owners, it helps leverage costs more effectively. For employees, it takes away the busy work, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.

If you're an employee, you have to learn how to leverage AI, or you won't have a job. And for customers, it means better, faster, and more personalized service. Everyone wins.