Bridging the AI Gap: Tips for Small Businesses

In a world where AI adoption is crucial for business growth, small businesses often find themselves lagging behind. Rebecca Hegeman, an AI expert at Localsearch, offers valuable insights to help bridge this gap and empower small business owners to leverage AI tools effectively. Deloitte and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) data reveal a stark contrast in AI adoption between small and large businesses in Australia, with only 1.4% of all firms officially using AI compared to 9.5% of larger firms. Despite over half of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognizing the importance of investing in AI, 80% face barriers in adopting or further investing in AI technologies, with 28% citing a lack of understanding about the new technology. Hegeman stresses the importance of investing time to understand AI tools, recommending at least 10 hours of familiarization to set oneself up for success. She highlights the benefits of using generative AI like ChatGPT for tasks such as creating recipes, meal plans, and shopping lists. Hegeman also recommends upgrading to the paid version of ChatGPT for enhanced capabilities, likening it to a personal assistant that can help with communication, brainstorming, and productivity. Another AI tool she praises is Claude, which offers a different approach to content creation compared to ChatGPT. Hegeman advises starting with the free version and considering an upgrade for more intelligent content creation. Providing context when using AI tools is crucial, akin to briefing an intern on the task at hand. Hegeman emphasizes the importance of clear communication, specific directions, and thorough review of AI-generated content to ensure clarity and engagement. By following these actionable steps and recommendations, small business owners can begin integrating AI tools into their operations, bridging the knowledge and resource gap that many face in the AI landscape.