Hi Reader,

I promised I'd share some AI wins after bashing on it for the last couple of months, so here goes.

• An old client of mine runs a wine shop in Brooklyn. She's got some help but she's largely a one-woman show. She's been using Monday's AI features to help her analyze and manage her inventory and understand seasonal sales trends to purchase more smartly.
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  She had to level up her investment and hire someone to help her set up the AI agents she needs but feels it's been money well-spent.
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• Another one of my early days clients is leveraging AI-enhanced Canva to design her workshop presentations and accompanying workbooks. She says her branding is clearer and more consistent and her decks are more eye-catching and fun, keeping audiences engaged.
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  It was a bit of a learning curve at first for them both, but now it's such a time-saver she doesn't know how she ever did all of it on her own.
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• A fellow consultant I spoke with is using AI to help her process large quantities of information her clients provide, cataloging and categorizing it and integrating notes from the research she's conducting. It's also helping her find the patterns across all these inputs so she can more easily develop reports and actions plans.
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  She says this has really allowed her to focus on the issues and solutions clients hire her to address while delivering against ever tighter deadlines and budgets.

Much like me, several small business owners told me they've been using AI-lite (my term, not theirs) for a while now to do everything from content and email drafts to creating meeting transcripts and note-taking.

Probably my biggest AI use comes into play with regard to SEO. I often use an LLM to help me draft the meta-descriptions for my posts and I use my web host company's AI tool to run SEO reviews and analysis of my site.

What many of my clients and colleagues agreed on, however, was keeping AI out of their front-end customer relationships. For small businesses, the personal (read "human") touch is one of our biggest selling points. Most didn't feel comfortable handing it over to AI.

So, I guess the point is: Be judicious with AI integration. Start with repetitive tasks or with areas of work that truly leverage what AI excels at, i.e., pattern recognition and large data organization. Mostly, expect it's going to take some time and tweaking to get things right and/or professional help and support.

If you're still grappling with how best to put AI to work for your success and growth, hit the reply button or schedule a time to talk.

Until next time,

PS—If you missed it, last month I wondered what happens When the Pope Speaks.
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Lauren is a true gem. Her realistic approach to business is something every owner needs to elevate their business to the next level. She's such an amazing coach! Elesia Forgie, Owner, Sunflower Laundromat Elevate YOUR business TODAY!

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