AI for Small Business: A No-BS Getting Started Guide
TL;DR: Start with one AI tool that solves your biggest time-waster. Master it before adding more. Most small businesses only need 2-3 AI tools.
Step 1: Identify Your Biggest Time-Waster
Is it writing emails? Creating social media content? Answering customer questions? Data entry? Start with the task that eats the most hours per week.
Step 2: Pick ONE Tool
- Writing everything: ChatGPT Free — emails, proposals, social posts, blog content
- Design work: Canva Free — social graphics, presentations, marketing materials
- Repetitive processes: Make Free — automate data entry, email sequences, notifications
- Customer questions: ChatGPT — build a FAQ chatbot or use for draft responses
Step 3: Commit for 30 Days
Use the tool daily for 30 days. You will be terrible at first. By week 2, you will see real time savings. By week 4, you will wonder how you worked without it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing up for 5 tools at once (overwhelm)
- Expecting perfect output without editing
- Sharing sensitive business data with free AI tools
- Replacing human judgment with AI for critical decisions
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