Reasons to Use AI in Mid-Size Businesses

AI’s ability to make tasks not just cheaper, but also faster, is underrated in its importance in creating business value. For the task of writing code, AI is a game-changer. It takes so much less effort — and is so much cheaper — to write software with AI assistance than without. But beyond reducing the cost of writing software, AI is shortening the time from idea to working prototype, and the ability to test ideas faster is changing how teams explore and invent. When you can test 20 ideas per month, it dramatically changes what you can do compared to testing 1 idea per month. This is a benefit that comes from AI-enabled speed rather than AI-enabled cost reduction. That AI-enabled automation can reduce costs is well understood. For example, providing automated customer service is cheaper than operating human-staffed call centers. Many businesses are more willing to invest in growth than just in cost savings; and, when a task becomes cheaper, some businesses will do a lot more of it, thus creating growth. But another recipe for growth is underrated: Making certain tasks much faster (whether or not they also become cheaper) can create significant new value. I see this pattern across more and more businesses. Consider the following scenarios: - If a lender can approve loans in minutes using AI, rather than days waiting for a human to review them, this creates more borrowing opportunities (and also lets the lender deploy its capital faster). Even if human-in-the-loop review is needed, using AI to get the most important information to the reviewer might speed things up. - If an academic institution gives homework feedback to students in minutes (via autograding) rather than days (via human grading), the rapid feedback facilitates better learning. - If an online seller can approve purchases faster, this can lead to more sales. For example, many platforms that accept online ad purchases have an approval process that can take hours or days; if approvals can be done faster, they can earn revenue faster. This also enables customers to test ideas faster. - If a company’s sales department can prioritize leads and respond to prospective customers in minutes or hours rather than days — closer to when the customers’ buying intent first led them to contact the company — sales representatives might close more deals. Likewise, a business that can respond more quickly to requests for proposals may win more deals. I’ve written previously about looking at the tasks a company does to explore where AI can help. Many teams already do this with an eye toward making tasks cheaper, either to save costs or to do those tasks many more times. If you’re doing this exercise, consider also whether AI can significantly speed up certain tasks. One place to examine is the sequence of tasks on the path to earning revenue. If some of the steps can be sped up, perhaps this can help revenue growth. [Edited for length; full text: https://lnkd.in/gBCc2FTn ]

𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Depending upon who you listen to everyone is using AI or everyone on LinkedIn is just talking about AI.  Salesforce’s latest Small & Medium Business Trends report puts some hard numbers to it. Here are some of the stats and my take on what they really mean for the typical small business or the consultants who serve them: 𝟭. 𝟳𝟱% 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗠𝗕𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗜, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦: Yes, the adoption numbers are impressive. But plugging in an AI tool and calling it a day isn’t a strategy. I’ve seen too many businesses sign up for “AI-powered” solutions and never connect the dots to their real business challenges. The winners are using AI with intention, tied to revenue, customer experience, or freeing up talent for higher-value work. 𝟮. 𝟵𝟬% 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗠𝗕𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦: Efficiency isn’t just about automating busywork. The real impact comes when AI is mapped to the processes that actually drive growth, like faster proposal turnarounds, smarter lead scoring, or more personalized marketing. If you’re a consultant, this is your chance to help clients think beyond the “AI checkbox” and focus on real outcomes. (An AI tool we created for a client took a 40-hour process and turned it into a 7-hour process. Charges the same for it.) 𝟯. 𝟴𝟲% 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗜 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝘆𝘀. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦: That’s not because they just adopted AI, it’s because they’re using it to punch above their weight: automating what used to be manual, surfacing insights they couldn’t see before, and delivering experiences customers notice. The gap isn’t just in having AI, but in making it a core part of how the business delivers value. 𝟰. 𝟴𝟱% 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗠𝗕𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗢𝗜 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗜. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦: ROI only happens when you’re clear about what you want AI to do for you. I tell clients: start with one problem you can measure, apply AI thoughtfully, and build from there. The businesses that see returns are the ones connecting AI to their strategy, not just their software stack. 𝟱. 𝟰𝟭% 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗜. 𝘔𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦: Worries about data and privacy are real, but don’t let that stall your progress. The bigger risk is using AI haphazardly, without guidelines, training, or a plan. The right partner or tools can help you keep it safe 𝘢𝘯𝘥 focused. 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: AI adoption is only step one. The real leaders are those who use AI on purpose to deliver clarity, create customer value, and build a more resilient business. For consultants and business owners alike, the opportunity isn’t just to adopt AI, but to make it work 𝘧𝘰𝘳 you, not just 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 you. 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: Salesforce, Small & Medium Business Trends, 6th Edition, 2024.

Digital transformation isn't about AI for AI's sake. It's about solving specific business problems that compound into competitive advantage. Take supply chain optimization. Mid-market retailers using AI-driven logistics see 15-25% cost reductions and faster delivery times. The magic isn't in the algorithms - it's in targeting the right operational bottlenecks. I've guided teams through enough transformations to know that success comes from focus, not features. Pick your biggest operational pain point. Apply AI there first. Measure results. Then expand. Like building a ranch - you start with solid foundations, not fancy gates. The companies winning with AI aren't the ones with the most tools. They're solving real problems with targeted solutions. What's your biggest operational challenge that AI could tackle? #AIForMidMarket #DigitalTransformation #SupplyChain #FutureStack

When I talk with SMB leaders, many tell me they feel confident about how their business is running, but less certain about keeping pace with new technology. I’ve seen that hesitation firsthand... and I understand how trying something new can feel intimidating when time and resources are already stretched thin.      That hesitation shows up clearly in the data. Only 14% of SMBs consider themselves tech leaders. But when they do lean into AI, the results speak for themselves: 97% of SMBs using voice AI agents reported revenue increases, 82% saw stronger customer engagement, and 80% saved five or more hours every week. That time can go right back into serving customers, developing new products, or building stronger teams.      The real takeaway is that AI adoption doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about giving SMB leaders more confidence, more time, and more opportunity to focus on what matters most. Start small, learn as you go, and you may find that the tools you thought were out of reach are already within your grasp.     Learn more about how AI tools are helping SMBs work smarter and stay competitive: https://lnkd.in/ddcNuWkY

SMBs are facing a critical challenge: how to maximize efficiency, connectivity, and communication without massive resources. The answer? Strategic AI implementation. Many small business owners tell me they're intimidated by AI. But the truth is you don't need to overhaul your entire operation overnight. The most successful AI adoptions I've seen follow these six straightforward steps: 1️⃣ Identify Immediate Needs: Look for quick wins where AI can make an immediate impact. Customer response automation is often the perfect starting point because it delivers instant value while freeing your team for higher-value work. 2️⃣ Choose User-Friendly Tools: The best AI solutions integrate seamlessly with your existing technology stack. Don't force your team to learn entirely new systems. Find tools that enhance what you're already using. 3️⃣ Start Small, Scale Gradually: Begin with focused implementations in 1-2 key areas. This builds confidence, demonstrates value, and creates organizational momentum before expanding. 4️⃣ Measure and Adjust Continuously: Set clear KPIs from the start. Monitor performance religiously and be ready to refine your AI configurations to optimize results. 5️⃣ Invest in Team Education: The most overlooked success factor? Proper training. When your team understands both the "how" and "why" behind AI tools, adoption rates soar. 6️⃣ Look Beyond Automation: While efficiency gains are valuable, the real competitive advantage comes from AI-driven insights. Let the technology reveal patterns in your business processes and customer behaviors that inform better strategic decisions. The bottom line: AI adoption doesn't require disruption. The most effective approaches complement your existing workflows, enabling incremental improvements that compound over time. What's been your experience implementing AI in your business? I'd love to hear what's working (or not) for you in the comments below. #SmallBusiness #AI #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation

I’ve had 150+ Gen AI–related first-level meetings in 2024. One thing that’s become clear is that small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are often the real sweet spot, rather than large enterprises (those with $2B+ in revenue). 1) SMBs typically have their data well-organized, making it relatively straightforward to access with a single system or database. 2) Promoters or founders tend to be cost-conscious and are eager to replace labor with cheaper AI—especially in the US. (In India, it’s still cheaper to hire a human, and that option is more customizable.) 3) SMBs have fewer regulatory roadblocks and simpler approval processes, making it easier to implement AI solutions quickly. I expect this to change in 2025, but remember: the cloud has been around for over a decade, and yet only about 30% of enterprises are on it.

10 Ways Small Businesses Can Use AI to Reduce Contractor Costs 💡 Hiring freelancers for everything can get expensive—fast. But today’s AI tools make it easier than ever for small teams to do more in-house without sacrificing quality. Here are 10 practical ways AI can help you reduce reliance on contractors and save serious money: Graphic Design: Use AI tools like Canva’s Magic Design or Adobe Firefly to create professional graphics—no designer needed. Video Editing & Voiceovers: AI video tools can help you cut, caption, and narrate marketing videos with studio-quality polish. Content Writing: Blog posts, product descriptions, and newsletters can now be written (and optimized) in minutes using AI. Customer Service: AI chatbots can handle FAQs, returns, and support tickets—freeing up your team and reducing outsourced support costs. Bookkeeping & Invoicing: Tools like QuickBooks with AI features can automate expense tracking, categorization, and reporting. Website Management: AI website builders and content tools let you update and expand your site without hiring a developer. Social Media Management: Schedule, write, and even generate visuals for your posts with AI—no agency or VA required. Email Marketing: AI can personalize subject lines, optimize send times, and even write the emails for you. SEO Optimization: Use AI to identify keywords, write meta descriptions, and improve rankings without needing a specialist. Market Research & Trend Analysis: AI can scan your industry and competitors for insights—without paying for pricey reports. Bottom line: AI lets you keep quality high while cutting costs and reclaiming control. For many small businesses, that’s a game-changer. What task are you thinking of bringing in-house with AI? #SmallBusinessTips #AIAutomation #SaveMoneyWithAI #Entrepreneurship #CostCutting #DoMoreWithLess #Bootstrapping #SmallBizTools #AIForSmallBusiness

While there's been a lot of speculation regarding what companies see as the benefits of deploying #GenAI, there hasn't been a great deal of research diving into the topic. In this latest post covering the results of my in-depth study of how over 1,000 US-based businesses across 10 different industries are using the technology, I've got the top things that companies reported as upsides to using GenAI in their organizations. Not surprisingly, Increased Efficiency and Productivity is number one, highlighting many of the practical benefits that things like Document Creation and Summarization can enable. Second is Improved Quality of Output which speaks to the impressive level of capabilities the technology can bring. New Revenue Streams or Business Models came in at number three, offering a sense of what companies are hoping to be able to gain from the technology more than what they're likely experiencing in these early days of the technology. One interesting difference between business sizes is that Medium Businesses are more focused on new revenues than Large Enterprises. See https://lnkd.in/gdQzZCAb, https://t.co/mHYX232sXe and https://lnkd.in/gNzYW74r for the previous posts in this series. More #GenAI info to come... If you want access to a summary of the full study, you can find it here: https://lnkd.in/g_z3TZgm

AI integration isn’t a tech problem. It’s a workflow problem. After helping over 20 USA-based mid-sized companies adopt AI, we’ve seen the same thing again and again. They don’t need GPT-5. They need clarity. Here’s the 3-part framework that works: 1. Unify your team. Centralize AI usage with Copilot, Gemini, or CollabAI 2. Train with structure. Use job-specific demos, agents, and cheat sheets 3. Deploy fast. Launch one agent. Track ROI within 30 to 60 days This is already working in the field: → An accounting firm gained back 20 hours a week. 10 AI agents now reply to client emails, handle newsletters, and manage marketing tasks so their team can focus on actual accounting work. → A nonprofit is spending more time in the field. Agents review documents 5x faster, draft social media posts, and write donor letters in their tone with one click. → A law firm’s AI assistant handles research, flags key case points, and drafts admin tasks freeing up legal staff for real client work. AI agents don’t need to be perfect. They just need to work. If your team is still stuck in “exploring AI,” it’s time to move into execution. Comment Agent Ready or DM me to see how mid-sized USA companies are scaling smart with agents that get things done. What’s one task in your business that should already be automated? Let’s compare notes. Notes : images below generated using ChatGPT new version and one using flux ai ! Identify which one flux

Think of AI as a highly skilled employee who never sleeps, never gets tired, and is always ready to tackle the next challenge. It’s an asset that can handle repetitive tasks with precision, analyze vast amounts of data in seconds, and provide insights that would take humans much longer to uncover. Just like any valuable team member, AI can significantly boost productivity and efficiency when integrated effectively into your business. However, like any skilled employee, AI requires proper guidance and management to perform at its best. It’s not about replacing human intelligence but rather augmenting it—allowing your team to focus on more strategic and creative tasks while AI handles the heavy lifting of data processing and automation. When used thoughtfully, AI can become a powerful partner in driving innovation and achieving your business goals. The key is to approach AI not as a replacement but as a collaboration. By leveraging its strengths, you can unlock new opportunities and drive growth in ways that weren’t possible before. Embrace AI as a member of your team, and you’ll find that it can be a game-changer in how you operate and compete in the market.