A 10-step, bite-size guideline for business owners not knowing where to start with AI

Embarking on the AI journey might feel like rushing to stake a claim during the Gold Rush, but instead of pick axes and shovels, today’s tools are algorithms & big data sets. For small to mid-size business owners like our friends Jacques & Elsa (see previous post), navigating this new frontier can be daunting. Yet, integrating AI, such as through marketing platforms like Highlevel, can truly catapult a business into new realms of efficiency & growth, like never before.

Before deciding whether or not AI is for you & your company, here is a bite-size, easily digestible guideline containing 10 short steps, to make the AI leap less of a giant jump & more of a confident stride.

1. Start with the 'Why'

Before you even look at AI tools, define why your business might need AI. Are you drowning in data you can’t process? Do you need to enhance customer interaction? Or, like Jacques, are you simply tired of your marketing efforts not being as targeted as you’d like which result in a severely depreciated value creation potential?

Understanding your 'why' will naturally guide your 'how' & 'what', which will complete your introductory self-assessment.

2. Identify Your AI Readiness

Evaluate what you currently have in terms of technology & what you need in terms of skills. It's like checking your backpack before a hike.

Some key questions to ask yourself could be: Do you have the right shoes (technology infrastructure), provisions (data), & map (skills)? If not, pencil down what you need to acquire as soon as possible.

3. Small Steps Are Key

Implement AI solutions gradually. Start with something small while still thinking big, like automating social media posts or using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Highlevel, which can automate responses to clients & manage marketing campaigns.

Jacques, for instance, started with an AI-powered chatbot that accidentally recited poetry, adding unexpected charm to his customer service.

HighLevel is a fully-integrated, all-in-one CRM software which will catapult your business on a track which only resided in your wildest dreams before.

4. Choose the Right Tools

Invest in tools that are scalable & suitable for your business size. HighLevel, for example (which is also used by ‘THE 9 KEYS’ in its own marketing efforts), offers an all-in-one marketing application that grows with your business, ensuring you don’t pay for features you don’t need right away.

Because in today’s globally digital world, your business is only guaranteed to thrive & grow at scale if it prioritizes a digital, Customer Relationship Management platform.

5. Leverage AI for Data Insights

Use AI to gather value-adding insights from your existing data.

For Elsa, this meant deploying AI tools to analyze customer behavior & personalize wellness plans, significantly boosting customer satisfaction & retention.

6. Train Your Team

AI isn’t just a plug-and-play solution. Your team needs to understand it & adapt to it as much as you do.

Offer training sessions, & maybe even make them fun—like "AI Fridays" (building on the traditional Friday cake culture), where everyone tries out new AI tools & shares snacks & stories to spread the learnings at lightspeed.

7. Monitor & Adjust

Keep a close eye on how your AI implementations are performing.

Are they saving you time?

Increasing productivity?

Reducing costs?

Adjust as needed, just like Jacques did after realizing his AI was a tad too enthusiastic about ancient tea ceremonies.

8. Stay Informed

AI technology evolves rapidly. Stay informed about the latest developments in AI tools & technologies. Subscribing to newsletters (like the one from Superhuman AI is a great place to start - Just click on the link below), attending free webinars on global social platforms like Linkedin, &/or joining forums can help keep you up-to-date without overwhelming your schedule.

Appointing a dedicated mind from your team for scouting all latest AI related news might also be another good place to begin with.

9. Address Ethical Considerations

As you integrate more AI into your operations, consider the ethical implications as your North Star.

Ensure your AI tools are transparent in how they use customer data, & be clear about your own data protection policies.

10. Celebrate Success & Learn from Failures

Every milestone deserves recognition.

Did your first AI-driven campaign increase sales? Celebrate it!

And if something doesn’t work, learn from it without discouragement. Remember, AI is going to be a life-journey, not a sprint! And remember. Success often comes to those having the greatest fun at what they do. So never forget to add it to your daily ‘recipies’ moving forward!