AUSTIN (KXAN) — Establishing a small business can incur significant costs, ranging from marketing expenses to bookkeeping. This financial burden has prompted some small business proprietors to explore the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As indicated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, approximately 25% of small businesses have reported either utilizing or experimenting with AI technologies to gain a competitive edge in the market.
AI Initiatives in Austin
In collaboration with the City of Austin and the Texas Veterans Commission, Distance Learning Media has initiated programs to educate small business owners on leveraging AI to enhance their operations and effectively compete with larger enterprises.
Julie Niehoff, the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Distance Learning Media, conducts workshops elucidating the benefits of AI adoption.
Niehoff explains, “AI encompasses any automated processes that streamline tasks for individuals. Despite the intimidating connotations often associated with AI, its practical applications in daily operations are far from daunting.”
She elaborates on the ease that AI brings to tasks such as marketing and design creation, citing examples like Chat GBT’s capability to generate social media posts or class outlines swiftly. Furthermore, AI can offer insights into customer demographics and potential objections, serving as a valuable resource for strategic decision-making.
During these instructional sessions, Niehoff underscores that AI serves as a catalyst for innovation rather than a mere tool for task completion.
She emphasizes, “AI insights should not be viewed as definitive solutions but rather as prompts for further exploration. By sparking new ideas, AI can lead businesses towards unexplored avenues of revenue generation.”
Niehoff concludes by highlighting the irreplaceable value of human input in conjunction with AI technologies.
She asserts, “The human element remains indispensable in providing a personalized touch that machines cannot replicate. Human intelligence complements AI functionalities, enhancing overall outcomes.”
Illuminating Experiences with AI
Shani Montique-Ahmad, the proprietor of Franklin Music Academy in south Austin, has collaborated with Distance Learning Media to optimize her music instruction business.
Specializing in tailored music lessons alongside her husband, Montique-Ahmad acknowledges the transformative impact of AI integration on their operations.
“The toolkit offered valuable insights on streamlining processes and boosting efficiency, crucial for small businesses striving to keep pace with larger competitors,” Montique-Ahmad remarked.
By harnessing AI capabilities for project management, task allocation, marketing endeavors, and content development, Montique-Ahmad has witnessed tangible enhancements in business productivity.
She notes, “AI facilitates the creation of custom applications, automates marketing tasks, and even aids in financial management, exemplified by platforms like QuickBooks.”
This strategic integration of AI has not only optimized operational efficiency but also resulted in cost savings for Franklin Music Academy.
Montique-Ahmad affirms, “Automation features within financial tools have significantly reduced our expenditure on manual bookkeeping services, underscoring the cost-effective nature of AI implementations.”
Looking ahead, Montique-Ahmad envisions sustained growth for her business through continued utilization of AI technologies.
Expressing her aspirations, she states, “Our aim is to achieve exponential growth by leveraging AI capabilities to propel our business forward, transcending incremental progress and embracing transformative advancements.”
