With the ever-evolving technology of AI utilized in business and everyday personal life, it’s natural to be curious about what this futuristic tool can do for your business — or what it can take from it.
While AI can be a great time-saving technology, if you’ve ever struggled your way through an automated phone system or dealt with the unfair rejection of AI in a resume screening, you know it’s not the exact fix-all or human replacement people believe it to be. Furthermore, is it a breach of consumer trust to utilize AI-generated content when it’s believed they’re engaging with an actual person? Does the use of AI align with your company’s overall vision or mission?
Shouldn’t a human hand play the biggest role in business when it comes to planning or scaling, or in attracting and retaining clientele? Shouldn’t it be a real human voice that covers social media posts for quality engagement, enrichment and interaction? Why do 78 percent of businesses embrace AI to boost sales and productivity, and why do even small businesses (89 percent of them, to be exact), incorporate artificial intelligence into their regular taskforce like a trusted friend?
In the overwhelming and constantly evolving world of AI, there are considerations that can help you stay on track, protect your business, and help you scale growth and achieve your company’s goals without having to worry about AI taking you down a path you don’t want to go — even if you still want to utilize it.
How tech-savvy is your team? If your team won’t learn how to use AI within a short amount of time or aren’t likely to use it and go ‘old school’ in their tasks instead, then AI as a regular tool may not work out for you. Boomers and Gen X team members, for example, may be more reluctant to embrace AI than Gen Z or Millennial team members.
If your business is in the medical sector, for example, HIPPA laws should be heavily protected against any type of AI infringement. The good news is that most customers trust privacy laws against potential AI threats, especially if the use of AI means a more customized and user-friendly experience for them in return for this trust.
This customer trust is beneficial to your business, so weigh the risks of AI inclusion in the workforce against its benefits when considering patient privacy issues, especially if medical, financial and identifying records are involved. It’s also valuable to consider if AI will compromise your company’s cyber security efforts before committing.
You might outgrow your AI tools quickly. This could force you to upgrade services before you’ve fully learned them and before you’re budget-ready. Before selecting AI tools to serve you now, think of where you want your business to be in five years and select AI assistance based on your company’s goals.
If there is a task AI could take over, then it’s worth giving AI a try in your business. AI reportedly increases productivity by up to 40 percent by delegating simple tasks elsewhere, so your human team members can focus on the areas of their jobs that bring the most profits to your business.
AI can coexist with your regular workforce, but with caution. Before taking the leap, think about your business model and overall goals. ●
Michele Cuthbert is CEO and creator at Baker Creative
