Imagine if there was a way you could automate routine tasks, improve user experience, interact with customers, keep a running audit of your inventory, and even improve employee engagement? Is this the distant future, or is this what AI can do for small business in 2021?
The theme for any successful business is to work smarter, not harder. AI applications can lessen the workload for your employees.
AI for Small Business: Automate, Automate, Automate
In an AI fueled business, routine tasks can be automated. Highly customizable AI solutions mean you can run inventory checks, accounting applications, audits, routine network monitoring, payroll…pretty much anything that your employees are currently doing by hand.
Drive Targeted Prospects to Your Business
Using AI algorithms to find the right target audience is something you’ve already experienced on a personal level. Amazon is a great example of this; if you shop for a bike in Amazon, chances are you will see dozens of bike ads pop up all over your internet searches. Google is the king of the targeted ad campaign, as are Facebook and other social media platforms.
AI for Small Business Means Better Customer Service
In today’s “instant gratification” market, people are coming to your website expecting immediate answers and help. If they can’t quickly find what they need, they will abandon your site and find it somewhere else. Customers are impatient. No one wants a “call back” or to interact in the traditional ways anymore. There is hope, however…your old friend, the chatbot.
IBM has estimated that a chatbot can successfully respond to 80% of questions. The trick is getting to the nitty gritty…what questions are “routine” for your business? Once you understand what your customers are asking, your chatbot can be your most productive “employee.”
AI Can Help You Find Talent
Is your human resources department drowning in resumes? It shouldn’t be this hard to find talent…and thanks to AI, it doesn’t have to be.
Just over 50% of job recruiters say the screening process is the toughest part of hiring talent. AI can be programmed to look for key words to reduce the number of qualified applicants, but that’s just the beginning.
AI can be further honed to look for things that would indicate a good job-culture fit and can even predict a candidate’s odds of being successful at the job.
AI for Small Business Means Embracing the Internet of Things (IoT)
Your business is probably using the IoT in ways you don’t consider, from automated thermostats to security features. Take it one step further, and you can use the IoT to monitor logistical, mechanical, and even employee behavior. This information will allow your business to gather intelligence in additional ways you can automate or improve the way you do business.
AI and Your Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence can work in complete harmony with your network. From automated network monitoring and reporting to enhanced cybersecurity, AI is making businesses run smoothly. AI is already incorporated into some of the applications you currently use, including Office 365, email and spam filters, and anti-malware.
Getting the Most Out of AI for Small Business
Here’s a few important things to keep in mind about AI for small business.
First, it’s important to remember that AI is meant to boost your employee productivity and customer interactions…not replace them. Train your employees to use the AI technologies to help boost performance, save time, and increase efficiency and productivity.
Next, your AI strategies must have buy-in from the entire company, not just the IT department that launches them. Remember that there are different age demographics in every business, including older employees who may not be comfortable using AI for small business solutions.
Third, it’s better to go all-in on AI strategies and build scalable, long term AI solutions. Commit to a complete digital transformation and go all-in with AI platforms that will grow with your business and help save time and money.
Tying into the last thought, remember that you can’t use AI to solve problems that aren’t clear. You will need to have specific questions that you need your AI solutions to answer about processes and outcomes you want to achieve.
Thinking of Using AI for Your Small Business? Integris can Help
Integris has been using AI in many solutions, from network monitoring to our cutting-edge Iconic Fortify antivirus platform. We can show you ways your business will benefit from Artificial Intelligence with a short, no obligation, free consultation. Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us now.
