Every week a new AI product promises to “transform” your business. Most small business owners don’t have time to test them all, and don’t want to pour customer data into something they don’t understand. So we asked three businesses, a bakery, a tour operator and an accounting practice, what has actually earned a place in their week.
Worth your time
Three to approach with care
Fully automated customer chatbots can frustrate customers and give wrong answers in your name. Keep a human handoff. “AI hiring” tools that rank applicants can carry hidden bias and may expose you under anti-discrimination law. And free tools with vague data terms are no place for client files, health details or anything covered by the Privacy Act.
Start with the task you hate most, not the tool everyone’s talking about.
A simple way to start
Pick one repetitive task. Try one tool on it for a month. Write down the time saved and the mistakes caught. If it helps, write a one-page rule for staff on what can and can’t go into it. That’s an AI strategy, and it’s more than most big companies have.