In this post, we are going to look at Ai for Business. If you run or are thinking of running a business then you have heard all the chatter about AI and how it can do all these amazing things.
What is AI for Business?
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is like giving brains to computers. It helps them think, learn, and make decisions, just like humans. For SMBs, this means a bunch of exciting possibilities to make things easier, faster, and smarter.
In another article, we talked about using Chatbots to help your business with support etc. Of course, this is just one of the advantages of AI for business.
You read the articles and then decide to have a go and the experience is nothing like what you expected. The graphics look generated, some of the material you generated is not up to scratch and there is the constant call to upgrade and pay a subscription for a better experience.
In many cases, there are already a lot of services and programs that can do a lot of it. The other day I tried to build a website with AI and the result was less than impressive. Even to write this article the output was not what I wanted.
The secret like everything is all in the question or prompt you use.
How to use Prompts to Get the right Outcome
Understanding how to use prompts effectively is a key skill for getting the right and relevant outcomes. Whether you’re working with language models like Chatgpt, Copilot, Bard etc. the use of prompts can significantly alter the quality of responses.
Its great for research and all kinds of data but be sure to check and edit especially if it is a blog like this. I write much of the blog but while researching if it spits out something I like and on topic I will use it.
Be Super Clear: When you type in your request be it for a article, graphic or solution to a problem, be as clear as possible. Tell it exactly what you want without any confusing words. Imagine you’re talking to a friend who needs really simple instructions.
You can also go back and refine the output.
So I was researching on how to get updates for you and got this response.
“AI models and systems are continually evolving. Stay informed about updates and improvements to ensure that you’re leveraging the latest capabilities. New versions may offer enhanced performance and better responses to prompts.”
Looks good but a little flowery for me so I asked to simplify it so it is easier to read and understand and ended up with this:
“Computers are always getting better. Stay curious and find out if there are new things your computer can do. Sometimes, updates can make it even more helpful.”
So you can choose. You could also make it more technical. Ask for the best places to get updates etc so you can expand it out.
It’s all in the questions/prompts you ask. The thing is you can also ask it to create the prompt for you or go online and look for a list of prompts around what you want.
Sometimes, changing the way you ask a question can make a big difference. Asking questions to ai is like talking to a friend – you just need to be clear and ask in a way it understands. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a pro at getting the right answers from your ai friend!
If your question needs extra information, make sure to tell the ai everything it needs to know. More details mean the computer can give you a better answer. If you answer need refining then ask. For exapmle I will ask it to suggest some good SEO tags for this article. It will usually give me a lit but I need it comma seperated si I simply ask.
Dont want it in point form then ask. Dont want numbered points the ask to remove them.
Some prompts can be a paragraph long if you want very specific information.
Similarly, AI can be creative or stick to the facts, depending on how you ask. Experiment with settings like making it more creative or keeping it straightforward.
Mastering the art of prompting in AI involves a combination of clear communication, experimentation, and an understanding of the underlying model. By following these tips, you can navigate the nuances of interacting with AI systems, unlocking their full potential and obtaining the right outcomes for your specific needs.
Remember, effective prompting is a dynamic process that requires ongoing refinement and adaptation as both technology and your objectives evolve.
Here is a library of great prompts to give you some ideas.
What Can AI Do For Your Business
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) might think that fancy technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is only for big companies. But guess what? AI can be a game-changer for SMBs too! I have done a lot of research on what AI is and how it can help your business grow.
1. Customer Support with Chatbots:
- Imagine having a super smart assistant that can chat with your customers 24/7. AI-powered chatbots can answer common questions, help with purchases, and make your customers feel cared for, even when you’re sleeping!
2. Smart Marketing Campaigns:
- AI can analyze data about your customers to understand what they like. It helps you create personalized marketing campaigns, suggesting products your customers are more likely to buy. It’s like having a marketing genius on your team!
3. Efficient Operations with Automation:
- Repetitive tasks taking up too much time? AI can automate them! From managing emails to handling data entry, AI frees up your time so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business.
4. Data Analysis and Insights:
- AI can crunch huge amounts of data in no time. This means you get powerful insights into your business – what’s working, what’s not, and where you can improve. It’s like having a data detective uncovering hidden secrets.
5. Inventory Management:
- Running out of products or having too much in stock can be a headache. AI can predict demand, helping you stock just the right amount. This saves money and keeps your customers happy.
AI Options for SMBs:
1. Chatbots:
- Example: Drift, Intercom
- How to Start: Choose a chatbot platform that fits your needs, customize it with your brand, and let it engage with customers on your website. I am using the WordPress ChatBot plugin to provide quick support and email functionality
2. Marketing Automation:
- Example: Mailchimp, HubSpot
- How to Start: Set up an account, import your customer list, and use the platform’s AI features to create personalized email campaigns.
3. Workflow Automation:
- Example: Zapier, Integromat
- How to Start: Connect your favorite apps and automate repetitive tasks. For instance, automatically save email attachments to your cloud storage.
4. Data Analytics:
- Example: Tableau, Google Analytics
- How to Start: Start small by tracking website traffic or customer interactions. As you get comfortable, explore more advanced analytics features.
5. Inventory Optimization:
- Example: TradeGecko, QuickBooks Commerce
- How to Start: Integrate an inventory management tool with your sales platform. Let AI help you forecast demand and optimize your inventory levels.
Final Thoughts:
AI might sound like a tech buzzword, but for SMBs, it’s a tool that can make a real difference. Whether it’s providing excellent customer service, optimizing your marketing efforts, or streamlining operations, AI is here to help your business thrive. So, don’t be shy – explore the AI options that fit your SMB and watch your business soar to new heights!
If you want to get the full video series of the AI Project Click Here.
