In the second episode of Vodafone Business's new video series, three leaders break down the tools and strategies that support them, while other founders make the most of AI.
When Vodafone launched its connected digital skills initiative in May 2021, research showed that 27% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owners are not confident they will adopt the new technology.
But today, YouGov suggests that 31% are actively using tools or solutions using artificial intelligence (AI), while an additional 15% say they plan in the future.
Just like the rapid rise of AI in the wider society, ChatGpt has become the fastest growing app in history, reaching 100 million users in just two months. This is also changing with regard to the use of AI in the business world.
A suitable tool for your work
Part of this depends on the abundance of AI tools that businesses currently have at their fingertips. Some of these could bear a monthly premium, but some actually sit within your business's existing subscription.
This applies to Microsoft's Copilot. This is the company's integration into the Microsoft 365 suite. Currently, an application feature such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, AI Assistant can help you with everything from drafting emails to analyzing your data.
Vodafone Business Partners with Steven Bartlett's FlightStory Studio launches a social-first content series that empowers small and medium-sized businesses in the UK
Each episode features a dynamic, spinning panel of entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in lively and honest discussions about the real challenges facing SMEs today. Importantly, they share experiences, tips and actionable insights on navigating digital opportunities and change.
“If you have an enterprise-level Microsoft 365 Business Structured Account, explains Kirstie Kavanagh, a high-tech consultant and AI enablement expert.
However, as the name suggests, AI is simply Co-pilot And he is not in charge of “Flying an Airplane.”
“There are elements that AI tools can handle everything, but not everything,” Kirstie says.
So, one of the most important skills for small businesses to hone is to learn how to blend AI and human touch.
A good first step to hitting this balance is to run an audit across your business. This not only helps to clarify which tools may already be in place, but also helps to identify gaps in expertise that AI could potentially help plug.
Please see more: Microsoft 365 & Business team
AI is beyond phishing – Vodafone Business responds with a free, professionally led cybersecurity video series
Vodafone Business has launched a new professional-led e-learning course designed to help small businesses identify and counter the threat of new AI-driven phishing scams.
There is a number of safety
Every year, insufficient cybersecurity measures cost UK small businesses a total of £3.4 billion, with the average cost of cyberattacks ranging from £3,398 to £5,001, depending on the size of the business.
AI definitely helps to make some of these threats more effective, but when you try to avoid them, it also serves as an important line of defense.
By actively detecting potential violations and monitoring network traffic, AI assistants can help SMEs prevent cybersecurity threats that may have previously been outside the scope of their expertise.
That being said, human input remains important again here as well when considering the use of new AI-based tools. All of this makes our professional partner even more valuable.
“Small and medium sized businesses that want to start experiments [AI] “We're a great fan of the world,” said Christiana, co-founder of FlightStory, the media company behind Stephen Bartlett's “The Diary of a CEO.”
When it comes to GDPR, compliance, cybersecurity, and more, you're looking for expertise and advice from partners like the Vodafone business to make sure they do it right.
Christiana Brenton, co-founder of Flight Story
“For us, when it comes to GDPR, compliance, cybersecurity, and more, we're looking for expertise and advice from partners like the Vodafone business to make sure we do that right.”
On the topic of GDPR, Cirstie has guidance that will also be useful for small and medium-sized businesses. “If you're using new tools, always visit our website first to view privacy regulations and privacy documents.
“If you're a UK-based business and your tool stores data in the UK, is there a GDPR reference in your privacy policy? You can immediately tell if this tool is regulated or not.”
Similarly, businesses need to implement their own policies, making it clear what data they can and cannot upload. This reduces the risk of unintentionally sharing sensitive information.
Please see more: Cybersecurity solutions for business
Cybersecurity threats faced by all small businesses
For all online threats, there is a shield to protect your business and customers. There's everything you need to know, including how Vodafone business can help.
Every day at school
The potential impact of AI on small businesses may be enormous, but ultimately it depends on the individual who understands how to unlock this possibility.
Therefore, upskills become an important part of the equation, especially for small teams with a wider job scope.
However, this doesn't have to be expensive or very time-consuming. Without a doubt, when it comes to AI, the most important quality that a company should have is curiosity.
“No one has a mature department with this,” says Leo Harrison, founder of AI-based recruitment and technology companies.
Vodafone's business. A connectivity program targeting 1 million UK small business users
Introduced in 2021, business.connected, a company struggling with the pandemic, has evolved to become Vodafone's flagship small business support initiative.
Similarly, companies don't just need to default to the biggest and most well-known tools. After all, niche companies often need more professional support.
“There are so many small tools that can unlock massive victory by ultimately saving as a founder on the most valuable currency resources,” says Christiana.
“So, ask ChatGpt, because you talk about other tools that you can use as well.”
By handcrafting a specific platform and learning where you can make the most impact over time, your business can quickly create your own AI-powered toolkit.
Please see more:Digital Upskills | Business and Community
With more companies looking at AI than ever before, the Business.Connected series is here to provide practical advice and inspiration from the UK's most exciting entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Watch the latest episodes featuring Kirstie, Christiana and Leo on YouTube. Find out more on the VodafoneBusiness website.
Follow us with the latest news from Vodafonethree to stay up to date LinkedIn and Twitter/x.
