The U.S. Small Business Administration illuminates the positives and the negatives of using AI
While artificial intelligence (AI) tools may sound like something only befitting large enterprises, truth be told, it’s equally valuable for small businesses — providing business owners are fully aware of how best to use it, what to do and, just as important, what not to do. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) published a guide to help navigate this revolutionary new technology.
The Dos of AI for Small Businesses
Here’s how AI can help small business owners:
- Preventing problems Use AI to monitor traffic and flight delays to avoid delivery or travel issues. Use AI to take advantage of rate optimizers to reduce shipping costs.
- Keep your data safe Use software that automates security functions. Quickly responding to attacks or data breaches can be a lifesaver when seconds count.
- Make more informed decisions You have the client data, use AI to strategize your path forward. Use your data to compare your business to similar businesses. AI can reveal gaps to close and find advantages you can exploit.
- Put repetitive tasks on repeat Set calendar to remind your employees of key deadlines. Use AI to sort emails by task. AI can help restock inventory.
- Create content with a prompt AI can draft business plans, write product descriptions, and write and schedule social media posts to keep your business relevant and top of mind for customers and prospects alike.
- Serve your customers better The addition of a chatbot to your small business’s website can provide answers to commonly asked questions or help complete orders. AI can automate your phone service by automatically routing calls to the right department.
The Don’ts of AI for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, you’ll want to be sure your AI conforms to applicable laws and meets customer expectations. These are some of the risks to keep an eye out for:
- Infringing on others’ intellectual property AI will source content from the web. That means you need to keep an eye out that what your AI produces doesn’t infringe on patents, copyrights, or trademarks.
- Beware of security risks Be mindful of entering sensitive or proprietary information or data into your AI system. Thieves can’t steal what they don’t have access to.
- Your customers’ trust is priceless AI-created content can mimic spam. If a customer’s email perceives your email as spam that may erode their trust in your company’s outreach going forward. It’s important that you or someone on your team review all the messages AI generates prior to sending them out.
- Ethics, ethics, ethics While disclosing AI-generated content may not be mandatory in your jurisdiction, it is considered best practice in many circles. Posting a statement about how your organization uses AI can alleviate customers‘ and prospects’ concerns about what or who they’re engaging with during their experience with you.
AI can be a game changer for small business owners if, and only if they understand the rewards and the risks.
Top 3 Takeaways
- AI can help you make better decisions for your small business
- Mind the Dos and Don’ts of how to use AI in your business
- You work hard to earn your customers’ trust, don’t sacrifice it for the savings AI can provide
Keywords: AI Today, AI, small business, SBA
