AI expert offers tips to help small businesses leverage AI tools

Rebecca Hegeman, an AI expert at Localsearch, has shared several recommendations aimed at helping small business owners leverage AI tools effectively. Her insights come in response to findings from Deloitte and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) which illustrate a gap in AI adoption between small and large businesses in Australia.

Deloitte's data highlights that only 1.4% of all firms in Australia are officially using AI, compared to 9.5% of larger firms with more than 200 staff members. Research from CBA has also indicated that over half (56%) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) believe investing in AI is crucial for business growth. However, 80% of these businesses face barriers when it comes to adopting or further investing in AI technologies, with 28% citing a lack of understanding about the new technology.

Hegeman emphasises the importance of an initial time investment to understand AI tools. "To set yourself up for success, it's important to spend at least 10 hours familiarising yourself with the AI platform. It might sound like a large chunk of time, but this first step allows you to get acquainted with the AI and see what it's capable of," she explains. As an example, she suggests using generative AI like ChatGPT to create a recipe and then build a meal plan and shopping list.

On the topic of AI tools suitable for SMEs, Hegeman recommends upgrading to the paid version of ChatGPT. "While the free version is powerful, the paid version is hyper-intelligent and can act like a personal assistant, making it an investment that pays for itself. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to express yourself when busy, stressed, or tired. ChatGPT can help with overcoming blank page syndrome, managing communications, and even responding to tough emails," she notes. Additionally, she suggests using ChatGPT for brainstorming, finding inspiration, and organising one's schedule to enhance productivity.

Hegeman also speaks highly of another AI tool, Claude, for content creation. "Claude offers a different personality and approach compared to ChatGPT. I would recommend starting with the free version and if you find it useful, consider upgrading to the paid version for more intelligent and nuanced content creation," she advises.

Providing context when using AI tools is essential, according to Hegeman. She likens it to briefing an intern, "Start by clearly stating the nature of your work, what your company does, and the purpose of the task. For example, explain that you're creating marketing content for a small business in Australia, aiming to engage local customers." She further recommends specific directions such as outlining the type of content needed, using Australian English, and setting a desired word count.

Hegeman warns against common pitfalls when using AI-generated content. "Do not overlook the crucial step of thoroughly reviewing AI-generated content to ensure the messaging is clear and concise. Just because AI wrote it, doesn't mean it's perfect. These tools can sometimes waffle and repeat themselves, so it's important to edit the content to make sure it's engaging and to the point," she advises. She also stresses the importance of double-checking facts and details to maintain credibility and trust with the audience.

These actionable steps and recommendations from Hegeman provide small business owners with a foundation to start integrating AI tools into their operations, thus bridging the current knowledge and resource gap that many face.