AI can be scary -- like most innovations of the past 50 years. So how will you use it?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of the business world today. From marketing to sales and customer service, AI is revolutionizing how companies operate, and the trend is only set to continue in the future.

One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately. With AI-powered tools, businesses can gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and industry developments that were previously impossible to obtain.

However, the benefits of AI are not just limited to big corporations. Small businesses in the United States can also leverage AI to boost their productivity, increase efficiency, and streamline operations. For example, chatbots can help small businesses provide 24/7 customer support, while automated data analysis tools can help them make more informed decisions.

The future implications of AI for small businesses are significant. As AI technology becomes more accessible and affordable, small businesses that fail to adopt it risk being left behind. However, the adoption of AI also presents new challenges, such as ensuring data privacy and security and the need for retraining employees to work with AI-powered tools.

In conclusion AI is rapidly changing the business landscape, and small businesses in the United States need to embrace it to stay competitive. While there are challenges that come with AI adoption, the benefits far outweigh the risks. As the technology continues to evolve, it is exciting to think about the possibilities for small businesses in the years to come.

Yeah. That wasn’t me.

That opening was written by my new friend, ChatGPT. I asked it to “Write me an engaging article in 250 words or less on the rise of AI in the business world today and what the future implications are for small businesses in the United States.”

And there you have it.

Now my promise to all my readers is that I’m sticking to my own content. I love writing and my content will continue to be my very own.

But that doesn’t mean I won’t utilize AI in a myriad of ways. And you should, too.

Let’s start with me.

I love to write, but I struggle with creating outlines, engaging subject lines and titles, and tables of content, to name a few. I’m creating an online course that will soon be announced. The content is easy for me. The outline and chapter titles, not so much.

I asked ChatGPT to create all of that for me and it was accomplished in about 13 seconds. I might have taken 13 days. That’s a significant time and financial ROI for me.

I’ve used it to do research, which is something I loathe. In mere seconds, I’ve scoured the Internet for great data that I can use in my content creation.

What about you and your business and career?

The whole concept of the power of AI is both creepy and scary. That opening 250 words is a great example. There is concern about students (including those in professional circles still doing education) using ChatGPT and other AI to write full reports or cheating in other ways.

However, with every innovation in the past 50 years, the same concerns have existed. Ultimately, humans usually figure out ways to manage it. I’m certain someone somewhere is at this moment creating some other AI to spot AI!

Let’s get back to you.

I’m not a subordinate for ChatGPT, but it’s the only one I know so let’s use it for our example.

The values to your business and career abound if you simply get creative. Here are a few:

Research: You already read my example. Where can you use it?

Instead of investing your valuable time (or payroll) to scour the Internet in search of data that is important to you, ChatGPT can find it in seconds. If you doubt the validity, then go do your own investigation. My guess is you’ll be wasting time.

We are living in a data-driven world. It includes keeping up on where your most sales are occurring, who’s the most productive employee in the shop, what’s your ROI in internet revenue, and what hotel has the best reviews. This isn’t new to you. We’ve all learned how to leverage technology to get more accurate and fast data to help our business.

What we can increase is productive time, and investing time in research can be greatly improved using AI.

Getting unstuck: I mentioned earlier my use of it for creating outlines, chapter titles, and subject lines. Many times, I’m stuck and using AI helps in activating my creative brain (I think I may have one of these!).

You may need the same boost. Asking for ideas and then tailoring them for your need isn’t “cheating.” It’s no different that opening your dictionary or thesaurus for help. It accelerates and improves the process of creating your own content.

You may not write or publish content like me, but you do write emails and newsletters that might benefit from more interesting subject lines. Maybe you must give bad news by email and can use a helping hand on getting the right words down.

You may just need to brainstorm ideas and ask for a kickstart.

Wherever and however, you’re stuck in the head, AI might just be the hand outstretched to lift you out of it.

Staying current: Business has always evolved. It just feels like it’s happening with more velocity than ever. Sometimes I hear people of around my generation decry technological advances and refuse to “give in.” Funny. These might be the same people who thought their parents old-fashioned for not giddily moving from cassette tapes to CDs back in the 1980s!

If you’re in business, you must be aware of advances that not only can help you but might also be used by your competitors. It might be creepy and scary; and it also might be exciting and revolutionary.

For your own business, career, and life, maybe it’s’ time to start a chat with AI. You might find that you’ve got a new and productive ally.

Dan Weedin is a strategist, speaker, author and executive coach and regular contributor to the Kitsap Sun. He helps small business and middle market business leaders and entrepreneurs to grow more profitably and create a better life. He was inducted into the Million Dollar Consultant™ Hall of Fame in 2012. You can reach Dan at 360-271-1592; e-mail at dan@danweedin.com or visit his web site at www.DanWeedin.com.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: How will you use AI in your business and career?