Ask the Coach - November 13th
By: Merrill Pierce
AI for small business…. Tips for getting started
Dear Coach,
We are hearing so much about AI and its importance in business. I must admit, I am older and not excited about learning another new tool – that said, some of my staff are already using it, and I don’t want to fall behind. Do you have any tips or ideas for how best to get started? Thanks, appreciate the guidance.
Thanks for your question. Many of us are in a similar boat, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the many options to explore. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer for large corporations – it’s transforming how small businesses operate, from saving time to improving customer experiences. AI tools can help level the playing field. Here are five simple, practical tips that are informative and aimed at small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to integrate AI without being overwhelmed.
1) Start with a clear purpose – don’t just use it because it’s trendy – use it to solve a real problem or opportunity. For example, if you’re spending too much time or money on admin work or data analysis, choose an AI tool that directly addresses that pain point.
2) Automate repetitive tasks – you can use AI tools for scheduling, invoicing, or bookkeeping. This frees up your time to focus on strategy, sales and customer relationships. Examples: QuickBooks for financial tasks and Calendly or Motion for scheduling.
3) Use AI to understand your customers – these tools can help you track behaviour, analyze data and predict what your customers want next. Use these insights to personalize marketing materials, tailor offers, or improve customer satisfaction. HubSpot for CRM and ChatGPT are great resources.
4) Upgrade your marketing game – AI can make marketing faster and more effective, from creating social posts to reviewing customer engagement – these tools can help small businesses compete with much bigger brands. Examples: ChatGPT, Canva’s Magic, Surfer SEO.
5) Streamline hiring and HR – AI can actually help with recruiting by screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and even identifying the best-fit candidates – it can also support employee engagement and performance tracking. Try LinkedIn Recruiter with AI filters or Bamboo HR.
Start small, then scale – begin with one or two tools to solve the immediate challenges. As you become more comfortable and see results, you will gain confidence and expand your use of AI into other areas of your business.
Final thought, AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them. When used strategically, it can help small businesses work smarter, grow faster and compete more effectively in an increasingly digital world.
Best,
Merrill
