Creative

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constantly face the challenge of limited resources. With tight budgets and small teams, small business leaders intuitively understand the need to maximize productivity and get the most bang for our buck. 

Perhaps that is one of the reasons you’ll find many SMEs leading the way when it comes to adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI). When thoughtfully implemented, AI has the power to significantly multiply the impact of a small business’ existing capabilities. It can act as a “force multiplier”. (Context: In military science terms, a force multiplier is a factor {like a tool}, ‘which increases a unit’s combat potential, allowing it to fight on a par with a larger force’. Pasha Irshad, co-founder of Shape & Scale, made this reference in my recent conversation with him on my podcast, The 4am Report – if you’re an audio person, listen in.)

So, how CAN AI help small business teams simplify our workload and find more time? Here are some of the top things you need to think about to operationalize.

1. Spot, and map out, your (repeat) friction points that can be automated

Use AI tools – like ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, Notion, MidJourney, and Perpexity, as well as workflow automation tools like Zapier, Hubspot and others to identify repetitive tasks that create friction and automate them. Tasks like basic research, data sorting, scheduling social media, formatting reports, and other rote workflows can save a lot of time when approached with the principles of robotic process automation (RPA). Thinking of AI like “RPA for the founder mind” can free up mental bandwidth for small business leaders to focus on more strategic priorities.

2. Surface insights from your data

As agile early adopters of tech, SMEs often collect troves of data but may lack the analytics horsepower to gain value from it. Generative AI makes short work of analytics to help uncover patterns and insights. This will help you better understand your customers, identify new opportunities, and make smarter decisions (in less time).

3. Learn how to prompt generative AI and build institutional memory for AI learning

An important part of leveraging AI as a small business is learning how to properly prompt the technology. Thoughtful prompts allow you to tap into the full potential of generative AI. Take the time to experiment with different prompts, inputs, and examples to see what works best for your to-do list.

You’ll also want to build institutional memory by cataloging your successful AI use cases, queries, and prompts in a knowledge base. This allows your team to reference past learnings rather than starting from scratch each time. Organizations that master prompting and create AI knowledge repositories will find themselves ahead of the curve and in possession of a decided edge when automation-by-AI gains mainstream traction. (Which I totes believe it will. Like the birth of the internet! Or the calculator!)

Looking to really unlock the power of AI for your small business? Join The AI Advantage premium content program. Dubbed ‘an essential AI textbook’ for small business, this program will give you access to in-depth tutorials, actionable strategic marketing plays, and an exponentially growing generative AI prompt library that will take your AI skills to the next level. 

Don’t just dip your toes in, dive all the way into transforming your marketing and workflows with artificial intelligence! I can help.

Give me The AI Advantage 

4. Simplify content creation 

Content marketing is pretty key for most small businesses, but quality content takes time. AI writing assistants like ChatGPT can help speed up the creation of content drafts. Generate blog posts, social captions, and other marketing copy a LOT faster than before. While human review is still required, AI provides a strong starting point to build on. For example, you’ll be starting your drafts at 30-50% instead of starting from zero each time. This percentage increases as skill and mastery from humans is fed into our AI tools to further speed up the content creation process.

5. Vastly improve your customer service

With limited staffing, many SMEs can easily get overwhelmed in the process of operationalizing the high level of customer service that we hope to deliver. Paradoxically, it is this commitment to delivering a high level of service to customers that sets many small businesses apart. Generative AI combined with human effort will enable you to make short work of overflowing inboxes, and create the kind of institutional memory that will simplify the management of common requests and repeat actions. This improves customer satisfaction while creating the time and space for your people to focus on high-value actions that focus on relationships.

6. Put saved time into your life’s real priorities 

At its core, AI allows you to get more done with less. This means saving time for what matters most, whether it’s strategic work to solve the world’s problems, family time, or health.

Using AI thoughtfully is about working smarter, not harder. And that is often why many entrepreneurial minds got into the game to begin with! The key is to apply AI to amplify existing resources, not replace them. With the right focus, AI can help us SMEs punch WAY above our weight class.

It’s important to remember that an early adopter advantage will only be ours for a limited time. So it’s important that we each move as fast as we (comfortably) can. So, if you’re looking to get moving with AI for your small business and are want a powerful learning resource, I can help. Get The AI Advantage.

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📌 Generative AI tools and enablers referenced in this article are rounded-up below for easy reference 👇(it’s worth noting that all of these have a free version, many robust enough for ongoing use)

ChatGPT – ubiquitous at this point, and defo the folks who brought us to mass adoption of AI in one weekend! Chat.openai.com 

Jasper – a copywriting AI assistant that’s been around for a while and has massively improved in a post ChatGPT world! Jasper.ai 

Claude – claude.ai – generative AI language model. Like ChatGPT but better is the way they tell it. Are they? Stay tuned for our break down on the mainstream NLPs in a future episode.

Building a second brain: https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/ 

Notion – Knowledge management system – Wiki x Docs x Projects – it’s like the concert headliner act of AI tools to many 💁‍♀️ https://www.notion.so/ 

Perplexity.ai  – AI-powered search engine. Think ChatGPT and Google’s love child 😁 

Zapier.com – the workflow automation tool of small business champions! It’s an accessible tool that can string a lot of the other generative AI tools together into an actual automated action.

Between work, family, and keeping up with everyday chores and tasks, it’s easy for busy entrepreneurs, especially parents and caregivers, to feel overwhelmed and constantly short on time. Could we get back 10+ hours each week through smart use of artificial intelligence (AI)? 

I decided to find out!

AI tools like ChatGPT have quickly advanced to not just help with professional productivity, but also generate huge time savings by reducing your repetitive personal tasks. 

The key is prompting your AI well, helping it understand your specific needs to create solutions that will work for you. And then you can say hello to an iceberg-like potential for lateral gains outside of work.

Waste less time meal planning and grocery shopping 🍽️

Planning healthy meals, checking your pantry to avoid food waste, creating shopping lists, and going to the store can take up a massive chunk of time each week. As a busy business owner whose time is scarce and valuable, you’ll find those hours add up fast. 

With the right prompts, an AI assistant can instantly create customized weekly meal plans based on your family’s food preferences, dietary restrictions, on-hand ingredients, and budget. No more racking your brain or doom scrolling through recipe sites for ideas.  

And the AI can take it a step further by auto-populating your Instacart or grocery pickup order with all the ingredients you need. This makes shopping fast, avoiding impulse purchases. Getting a week’s meals and groceries planned out can now take as little as 15 minutes instead of hours.

This type of change in how we spend our time does not get nearly enough air time in the world of work!!! (Well, until now. If you’re a fan of the audio medium, YOU KNOW we’ve got a podcast episode on the subject. You’ll find it here on Spotify. Please leave me a 5-star review! A girl’s gotta eat 😁)

Can you tidy up your home in half the time? 🧹

Let’s get real here. It’s easy for cleaning to fall by the wayside when you’re short on time. But can AI come to the rescue here as well? Yes! The answer is yes. Smart prompts delivered to your AI with details of your home size, family members, cleaning supplies, and such can help you save gobsmacking amounts of time in the process of cleaning. 

AI will generate a customized step-by-step cleaning schedule for every room, including assigning lists of ‘who does what’ and the order in which tasks need to be done, based on your unique needs. 

I find this helps me knock out chores efficiently instead of wandering aimlessly trying to figure out what’s next, and what system to follow, answering all the questions from the family every two seconds, and generally ditches the drudgery! Using ChatGPT has saved me 5+ hours a week of cleaning time by making the process more efficient and systematized. (Unfortunately, it can get on its haunches and scrub the baseboards yet; but SOON. Also there’s Roomba till then!)

The key is customization ✅

The full benefits of AI come from giving it with YOUR specific parameters and needs so it can make the answer YOURS. Don’t just ask your AI for generic meal plans or cleaning checklists. Give it deeply textured details like:

– Your family’s food preferences and dietary needs
– Exactly which rooms and areas need cleaning
– Time and tools available for tasks at hand

Prompting will be the defining skill to learn in the next decade. Much like learning how to search the internet has been the backbone infrastructure we all had at our fingertips the last few decades. When prompted right, AI delivers huge time savings tailored to your life.

Speaking of prompting – know that AI literacy will become non-negotiable for SMEs

I’m inviting forward-thinking founders and small biz owners to think about where AI fits in your business. With ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard exploding right now, SMEs will see a leveling of the playing field. As one of the first AI creative agencies out there, we’ve got the inside track on how to use these tools to your best advantage. We’ve done the thinking so you can just copy and paste!

Inside my program, The AI Advantage, I’ll show you how to leverage generative AI for freakishly effective marketing 😁 We’ll dive deep into how to create kick-butt campaigns, write copy that converts like cray-cray, and build hype AF content – all fueled by AI!  You’ll also get my simplified automation strategies to save HOURS of time while amplifying your marketing results.

Give Me the AI Advantage

Focus on what only YOU can do 🧠

The goal of using AI is not to fully automate everything in your work and personal life. The idea isn’t to create a dystopian futuristic existence in which robots do it all; and we are merely their captives who do the coding! Remember human empathy, critical thinking, and creativity are irreplaceable. And they are best used for high-level tasks. 

So, make a commitment to spend as much time as you can in your ‘zone of genius’. The stuff only you can do. And use AI to free up the mental bandwidth previously occupied by tedious busywork. 

A good place to start is to outsource meal planning, cleaning organization, and basic repetitive business tasks to your AI assistant.

Let’s dive head first into a topic crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to harness the potential of AI: the need to build strong AI foundations. Listen, AI is transforming the landscape of business, and SMEs are seizing the opportunity to leverage its power for growth and innovation all over the place! 

I am SOOOOO here for this awesomeness 💪
You gotta love a thing that can level the playing field. Especially during a recession.

The complex made simple

While Generative AI offers immense potential, it can be a daunting realm for SMEs to navigate. With the vastness of information and technical jargon, it’s easy to get lost in the complexity. 

My mentor reminded me earlier this week of the Microsoft story from 1981 when they created MS-DOS, the operating system that revolutionized personal computing. Back then, the idea of having a computer on every desk seemed audacious, but they believed in the power of technology to transform lives. Today, we find ourselves on the brink of another transformative era – the mainstreaming of AI. This will change the world. And the fact that you’re reading this makes you an early adopter who will be miles ahead when the slower, less agile firms catch up.

Remember this: the key to leveraging AI is a strong foundation

Here is a simple 3-step framework SMEs can follow to start building an AI foundation:

1. Identify your business priorities
   -What are your current pain points?
   -Where could automation help?
   -Define specific use cases where AI can drive efficiency or value.
2. Start small, scale thoughtfully
   -Begin with a contained pilot project, like AI-generated social media posts. Slowly expand AI capabilities once impacts are understood.
3. Focus on augmentation over automation
   -Use AI to complement human workers, not replace them. For example, use AI tools to draft content, freeing up employees for strategy.

Follow these steps consistently for 2-3 months to:

• Evaluate AI impacts before more complete integration
• Build team and customer trust through transparency
• Develop institutional knowledge before expanding AI operations

Start with targeted AI uses that align with business goals. Quick wins will allow for organic scaling while monitoring for risks. An iterative approach focused on human-AI collaboration will help you adopt AI sustainably over the long-term.

AI literacy is non-negotiable for SMEs

Listen up forward-thinking founders and small biz owners. AI can totally transform your marketing game and unlock major gains for you. But only IF you use it with the right frameworks and systems to make it work for you.

With ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard exploding right now, SMEs will see a leveling of the playing field. As one of the first AI creative agencies out there, we’ve got the inside track on how to use these tools to your best advantage. We’ve done the thinking so you can just copy and paste!

Inside The AI Advantage, I’ll show you how to leverage generative AI for freakishly effective marketing 😁 We’ll dive deep into how to create kick-butt campaigns, write copy that converts like crazy, and build hype AF content – all fueled by AI power!  You’ll also get my simplified automation strategies to save HOURS of time while amplifying your marketing results. This is not cheating, it’s just smart 😎

So, if you’re a founder ready to scoop up those huge gains in the AI blue ocean, you need The AI Advantage.

Give Yourself The AI Advantage

ChatGPT’s ‘custom instructions’ put an end to repeating yoursel

Get pumped, my AI-loving friends! ChatGPT dropped some updates in July that make convos with the cult-fave AI bot less riddled with repetition. Say hello to ‘custom instructions’. With this feature, you’ll find there’s no more having to repeat yourself over and over every time you start a new chat. Like if you’re a teacher planning lessons, you won’t have to say “Remember I teach 3rd graders” in every freaking convo. ChatGPT’s got you now! 

Or if you’re a coder who hates Python with a fiery passion, you can say “Java or bust, baby!” one time, and ChatGPT will keep that locked in its AI brain. Ahhh, the relief from all that repetition! 😅

This is only available on the paid plan now; but OpenAI has said that they are working on extending the ‘custom instructions’ awesomeness to free users soon.

Read: Setting up custom instructions on ChatGPT

Exciting Canva update for AI enthusiasts

HeyGen, a cutting-edge AI video generation platform, has joined forces with the popular graphic design platform, Canva. They’re bringing AI avatar videos right into your Canva designs. 

With HeyGen x Canva, we can now create talking avatar videos in a couple of minutes. I couldn’t resist giving it a try, and let me tell you, seeing my avatar is surreal!

HeyGen’s AI technology aims to make producing videos cost-effective and easy for many use cases where videos need to be created at scale. Think customer service and various walkthroughs, for starters. 

Very cool?
Very creepy?
A bit of both?

I want to hear from you, my fellow AI enthusiasts! Would you use this AI avatar technology to scale your video production? Hit reply and let me know your thoughts! I’m curious AF.

Oh, and don’t forget to watch the video to see HeyGen x Canva in action in the form of my very own podcaster avatar.

@thatpodcastgal

POV: you just discovered the Canva x HeyGen AI avatar video collab Have you tried this feature? Would you use it to produce videos at scale for various use cases? drop me a comment #founders#b2bmarketers#canva#heygen#ai#video

♬ original sound – 🎙Susan Diaz | AI + podcasts

Is your AI getting dumber?

Let’s chat about two interesting AI concepts – behavioural drift and model collapse. 

‘FFS why???’, you may ask. Well, to explain in some degree why articles like this are making the viral news circuits: “Is ChatGPT getting dumber?” – New York Magazine  

The reasoning behind why is fascinating. And also mildly disturbing if we’re being real.

Let’s start with behavioural drift. This is when an AI starts acting differently over time compared to its original programming. Imagine you spent months teaching your AI bot to say “Hello world!” but then one day it starts saying “What’s up dude?” instead. A bit like AI adolescence! 

Now model collapse is when an AI just full-on stops working correctly. It’s like your chatbot hits AI teenager-hood and starts ignoring you, refusing to respond at all! This happens when an AI encounters entirely unusual new data that it can’t handle, and it just shuts down in confusion. An angsty AI teen shouting “You don’t understand me!” before slamming their metaphorical door 🙅‍♀️

Behavioural drift can lead to model collapse. If an AI keeps drifting from its training, it might end up in a situation it can’t deal with. You could call it an AI meltdown.

So how can researchers prevent this AI cray-cray? 

By continually training AIs with new data so they don’t freak out from novel experiences. Think of it like giving your angsty bot some therapy and life coaching.

Say the words ‘artificial intelligence’ and you’ll often conjure up images of a dystopian future where machines have gained dominion over humanity 💀 The image results in a Google search will exude a similar vibe; so who can be blamed for thinking like that?! 

Know this: concerns about AI are not new. Since the inception of AI in the 1950s, the fear of machines taking over has been a recurring theme. Despite these fears, we’ve yet to witness any such dystopia! So, where do the guardrails of reality stand amidst the hype?

To get to the bottom of where some of our fears around embracing new technology comes from, I spoke to someone! Someone who spent six years studying technology. And then proceeded to work in technology, before becoming a B2B marketing leader! Say hello to Caroline Dunn; electrical engineer turned marketer, early adopter of artificial intelligence, and Vice President of Marketing at Wahsega.

So what’s the verdict?
Will AI be our masters?

You can breathe.
Artificial intelligence isn’t nearly as thrilling or as terrifying as some folks portray it to be. Caroline throws back to the 90s, when she worked at General Motors, where there were major concerns that all factory workers would be replaced by machines. Here we are 30+ years later where the transformation never occurred on anywhere close to the drastic scale in which it was portrayed.

Perhaps some of our visualization and comprehension comes from Hollywood’s portrayal of AI? From robots coming to life without EVER seeming to need recharging(!) to machines taking over the world, the drama is REAL. Reality is much less dramatic. AI, including ChatGPT, is a tool in the hands of skilled individuals, not a malevolent force seeking domination of the galaxy.

As we explore the potential of AI, it’s essential to stay grounded in reality. We are still in the early stages of AI. Its possibilities are only just starting to emerge. 

Rather than fearing its potential, can we focus on making our computers and handheld devices the most valuable tools we have?

Can we get REALLY CLEAR that AI is not inherently good or evil?
AI is merely a tool.
The moral compass is held in the hands of the user of artificial intelligence. 

Yes, there will always be people who misuse technology, but that doesn’t make the technology itself sinister. 

As we continue to unravel that idea, many people will be uncomfortable.
This discomfort will make for a safer and even more equitable evolution for AI. 

And I, for one, am here for that 💁‍♀️

When it comes to content creation, AI can be a powerful asset for marketers and communicators, especially those in founder-led brands. ChatGPT (and the plethora of competitors that have sprung up in 2023) can assist you in conducting extensive research in magically short amounts of time. Generative AI helps marketers connect the dots and present relevant content to their audience in a way that is stupidly easy compared to how we did it before. It streamlines mundane tasks, freeing up time for more critical revenue-generating activities. 

The stuff where we really should be spending ALL OUR TIME.

Some may question whether leveraging AI is “cheating”. And I’m keen to get perspectives on this from as many leaders as I can. 

Here’s Caroline’s take: “Consider this: did you ever use a calculator in school? If you were allowed to bring a calculator to assist in mathematical calculations, why not utilize AI to augment your marketing strategy? Just like a calculator, AI is a tool to work faster and more efficiently.”

Of course, everyone must decide for themselves what they feel comfortable with and what aligns with their ethical principles. But let’s not forget the competitive landscape we operate in. Embracing AI as a tool – one that enhances our capabilities rather than replacing them – can be a strategic advantage in the race for success.

AI is unlikely to make us its minions any time soon.
So let’s move ourselves out of imagining fantastical, Hollywood-esque plotlines, and, instead, let’s focus on how we, as the creators and controllers of AI, can learn use it masterfully, responsibly, and ethically to fuel innovation, drive growth, and stay ahead relevant. 

 🚀 Serious about incorporating AI into your business to relieve bandwidth without breaking your budget, you may need to give yourself “the AI advantage”.

Deets 👉https://cp.digital/the-ai-advantage/