Technology for Small Business: Top 5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Use AI

Artificial intelligence has grown tremendously in recent years, and its usage in various industries and their operations has become increasingly widespread. This applies to businesses both big and small, its applications enabling business owners around the world to introduce further innovation and new advancements to the businesses that they have built. 

For small businesses, adopting new technologies and AI-powered solutions allows them to improve their operations and remain competitive, especially with larger companies that have more resources available to them. Research shows that 58% of small businesses have stated that they use generative AI, which is up from 40% in 2024 and more than double compared to 2023 (23%).

Our team at Sedna Consulting Group has provided innovative technology solutions for small businesses and delivered AI-powered solutions that are tailored to specific industries and business needs. Through ethical and transparent frameworks, aligning AI with business objectives, and managing any potential risks, our AI services have helped businesses to grow and thrive in an era of advanced technology. 

In this article, explore the top 5 ways that small business owners can use AI. The possibilities can continue further when it comes to AI innovation, and our team is prepared to serve as a small business partner to help entrepreneurs navigate the evolving world of technology. 

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Using AI for Small Business

1. Exploring Custom GPTs for Niche Tasks

Custom GPTs are created through the customization of an AI model, such as the popular ChatGPT which has been widely used by individuals and businesses alike. These custom GPTs come from providing specific instructions and data to the model to shape its behavior. Small business owners can build custom GPTs that are tailored to their brand voice, strategy, and past performance.

For example, a custom GPT could manage company LinkedIn posts aligned to brand tone, analyze past content, and suggest improvements to enhance the performance of the profile. Through testing a custom GPT and gathering results and feedback, business owners can continue to edit it to their specific needs and preferences.

2. Utilizing ChatGPT Projects 

Use “Project Folders” in ChatGPT to create a sandbox where custom instructions, memory, and data are stored for specific clients, projects, or other topics. This makes it easier to get more relevant and specific output as the tool references previously uploaded material and custom instructions in the specific context of that project, meaning you do not need to reenter context in each new chat. This feature is perfect for managing and organizing separate projects or business functions, increasing efficiency across the board.

3. Adapting AI as a Thinking Partner

AI has great use in serving as a thinking partner, allowing for use of the Socratic method to enhance thoughtful planning and strategy. This means stimulating critical thinking by examining a deeper understanding of specific approaches and results. Instead of only asking for answers, small business owners can use ChatGPT to provide critical feedback/pushback by prompting: “Why do you recommend this approach?” “What are the alternatives? “Question my approach and identify holes.”

This makes the user approach their strategy and planning more thoughtfully since the tool can question and identify potential gaps in thinking that might not have been considered before. 

4. Automating Research & Workflows

One of AI’s most well-known uses is its ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing businesses more time to focus on strategy and client engagement. Small business owners can use AI to handle repetitive research, summarize data, and even connect apps (via Zapier or Make.com) to automate tasks such as transcribing calls, generating summaries, or syncing with tools like Airtable or Slack.

Exploring these uses will enable small business owners to free up valuable time each day to spend on operations that require more thoughtful planning and creative thinking. 

5. Utilize ChatGPT Tasks for More Automated Support

ChatGPT has a Tasks feature that allows for pre-written, scheduled prompts that run automatically. One example of how this can assist small business owners is staying on top of client relationships and follow-ups. You can set up a reoccurring task with specific instructions without needing to interfere. 

For instance, this feature can be instructed to review several weeks of sent and received emails with specific clients every week in order to identify clients that have not sent a new requirement, project update, or meeting request in the last two weeks. In addition, it can summarize the last touchpoints and draft tailored messaging to re-engage with the client. This is highly beneficial to business owners that typically have a lot of work on their plate and wish to stay as connected as possible with their customers.

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AI has great potential in assisting small business owners with their operations, allowing them to build efficiency and productivity while enhancing their day-to-day tasks. Learn more information by visiting an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer featuring statements from Sedna’s CEO, Neha Arnold, on AI for small businesses. 

Reach out to our team at info@sednacg.com to learn more about how we can best serve your business with AI-powered solutions and responsible use frameworks. 

“Artificial intelligence is the future, and the future is here.”

– Fei-Fei Li, Computer Scientist