AI Tools for Small Businesses

Are you a little bit afraid of artificial intelligence (AI)? You’re not alone. In the fast-moving world of business, the introduction of something like AI that feels all-knowing and all-performing can make even the most tech-savvy entrepreneur feel intimidated or overwhelmed.

I’ll be the first to admit that my immediate response to the big boom of AI was to feel worried and question what it means for everyone's job. There’s no denying that the implementation of AI on a large scale will change the future of business operations in ways we can’t pretend to know yet. Fortunately, conversations are already taking place about the ethics of AI in the workplace to combat some of the immediate concerns about its adoption.

While we can’t know what the future holds for AI and its role in business, we can learn how to make some of its more simple capabilities work for us. So, whether you’re ready to be an early adopter, or just keeping an eye on the evolution of AI until you’re comfortable taking that leap, it's important to understand its capabilities and how they can work for you.

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Here are 3 ways AI can help you as a small business owner.

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1. Calendar Automation

One of the key ways a new or small business owner can use AI is the adoption of automation tools. Gone are the days of emailing back and forth or spending long bouts of time on the phone with clients to schedule meetings - calendar management tools like Calendly and Doodle allow your clients to book time with you directly without the hassle. You simply input your availability on the backend, and clients can select which of the blocks works best for them!

2. Document Automation

Keeping up with client inquiries and document distribution can be a juggling act. Platforms like Honeybook and Dubsado allow you to automate responses to inquiries, distribute proposals and invoices, and send follow up communications to new potential clients. These automations limit delays, keep your clients engaged, and allow you to focus less on admin work, & more on what your business does best.

3. Crafting Replies and Editing Copy

I would NOT recommend allowing AI to do all the talking when it comes to writing blog posts, articles, or email responses for your business. Writing these things on your own allows your true voice to shine through and that authenticity is unmatched. That said, I do think there’s benefit to Generative AI tools like Grammarly that don’t necessarily do the writing for you, but can act as a quick copy editor to help with sentence structure, punctuation, and cutting down on wordiness.

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AI doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t have to implement it in ways that feel like sacrificing your ethics. However, as a small business owner, some AI implementations can help you stay well-positioned in the competitive landscape by simplifying your daily tasks & freeing up your time.