In every organization I’ve been a part of, and with the clients I work with today, there’s an undeniable curiosity surrounding AI and its potential. From automating routine tasks in finance, sales, and marketing to sparking creativity in brand or innovation development, the opportunities seem endless. Yet, there’s also a familiar hesitation. Many teams are so stretched thin that finding the time to explore and implement AI can feel impossible. On top of that, there’s an understandable fear: What happens to my role if AI can do part of it?
As a new small business owner myself, I’ve had to confront these questions firsthand. Without a large team to rely on, I’ve embraced every AI tool I can get my hands on. Honestly, I don’t know how I’d run my business otherwise. Many of these tools were recommended by colleagues who are also navigating small business life, while others I stumbled upon myself. Every day, I discover new ways AI can support my business, whether it’s helping me craft a client proposal, designing logos and brand materials, creating website copy, synthesizing data, taking meeting notes, or even building a simple CRM.
For me, AI isn’t about replacement—it’s empowerment. It allows me to do more with less, filling the gaps and giving me a level of efficiency I wouldn’t have otherwise. And I know I’m not alone in this. For small businesses especially, AI isn’t a threat; it’s an opportunity to thrive, bringing ideas to life that might otherwise remain dreams. AI allows us to tackle complex tasks, maintain our agility, and serve clients without needing a full-scale team. (Although some day, I’d love to have humans to bounce ideas off of. I miss my last team so much).
Why AI Isn’t Just for Large Teams
For larger organizations, implementing AI can seem like a daunting, time-consuming process. But for solopreneurs or small teams, AI can actually be a lifeline, leveling the playing field. Rather than focusing on replacement, think of AI as a way to increase productivity and free up time for the strategic, creative tasks that AI can’t replace. Small business owners are already making AI their “team,” using it to scale capabilities, speed up processes, and maximize results.
My Approach to Learning AI
Starting from scratch with AI has been a journey, and one I’m still on. I’ve taken every opportunity to learn—through reading, webinars, and countless conversations with others who are also experimenting with AI. One of the best ways I’ve found to make AI work for me is through word-of-mouth recommendations. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so learning which tools work best for my unique needs has made all the difference. And, I never take the AI suggestion as is. I always take a critical eye towards what has been presented to me based on my experience or competiting information. And, if gathering research or insights challenge the tool… where is the information coming from? Is it biased at all? Common sense usually wins.
For those new to AI, I recommend starting small. Pick a few areas in your business where time is tight or creativity could use a boost, and explore the tools out there. Many of them offer free trials or introductory pricing, so you can experiment and find what truly makes a difference.
AI for All: Taking the First Step
AI has the potential to benefit businesses of every size, from the corporate world to solo entrepreneurs like myself. For any business wondering where to begin, start small. Try automating a single task or project, and let your comfort level grow from there. Each step you take will make it clear: AI is not here to replace your role, but to empower you to achieve more with the time and resources you have.
