Artificial intelligence is often seen as an innovation adopted by big, well-funded companies. But it’s not just accessible to small businesses. The same technology-driven opportunity, It may also increase motivation to use these tools.
A recent survey by Deloitte and Stanford University found that 25% of small businesses are currently use AI in some way Includes chatbots, predictive analytics, and marketing automation. And while its adoption may seem a little slower than large companies (40% of which are using AI), small businesses have a unique opportunity when it comes to new technology.
“SMEs can often be more open to new technologies,” says Joseph Cole, chief marketing director at skills intelligence platform Glider. “For companies, there is a little more uncertainty, more processes, more bureaucracy. They often have legacy programs in place. There are too many unknowns. yeah.”
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But the very same lack of freedom and rigor Making AI more accessible In addition, it may be difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to introduce the system. Unlike large companies, which often have more employees and resources, small businesses often have more time to learn new processes and programs, even if they help eliminate inefficiencies in the long run. You can’t always afford to spend.
Most business leaders recognize this push-pull, according to Narrative Science, a software company that analyzes business data. According to Narrative Science, a software company that analyzes business data, 80% of business and IT leaders agree that AI will improve productivity and create jobs. 84% feel AI will come true Helps to gain or maintain a competitive advantage, 44% of companies report cost savings as a benefit of AI deployment. However, scaling the tech stack is often hampered by the fear that lengthy training can waste valuable time and effort and slow down production.
“A lot of the time they are very busy,” says Cole. “They understand that AI can help them, but they have to stay in business or they will fall behind. I don’t know where or how to install it.”
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The most arduous processes that small businesses spend their time on—administrative tasks, recruiting, marketing, and more—can be made seamless with AI. As an example, Cole said some of Glider’s own clients could use his AI for recruiting support and stop paying to outsource professional recruiters.
“What small businesses have to understand is they need to identify how long they are currently taking. What are their current inefficiencies? And how can those inefficiencies be addressed by AI? Can we handle it?” Cole says. “In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes.”
In addition to saving time and increasing efficiency, the introduction of AI signal to employees (current and future) about the values and goals of the organization. Leveraging AI sends a very clear message that the company is fully committed to meeting the future needs of its workforce, especially for small businesses that are struggling to attract and retain top talent. can send
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“If you are highly responsive to candidates, AI can help drive that responsiveness, but applicants are more likely to have a positive opinion of your company,” Cole says. say. “For small businesses, this is important because they are always competing against large companies with strong brand recognition. It’s important to do.”
Even the creators of AI have publicly called out: Additional regulations and careful consideration It is unlikely that the entire enterprise will avoid the benefits of developing these powerful and advanced tools. Currently, 90% of big-name companies are investing in AI, and the AI market is expected to reach $300 billion by 2026, according to technology insight website BusinessDIT.
“AI is getting smarter,” Cole says. “The biggest thing you can do right now as a small business owner is to really learn how to embrace AI and understand how to use it, because the people who will be most successful are the people who use it.”
