Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a valuable tool for businesses to use. But it can be difficult to know where to start. Digital Innovation Specialist, Lawrence Kwaasi shares his top tips for getting started with AI in your business.
Much like social media, AI serves as a powerful tool to directly connect with your audience and elevate your business strategies. With the vast possibilities it presents, using AI in your business can help you explore its applications to engage customers, optimise processes, and propel your businesses forward.
What are the benefits of using AI in business?
- Increased efficiency and productivity
- Reduced costs
- Improved decision-making
- New product and service development
- Enhanced customer service
Top tips for getting started with AI in business
1. Define Your AI Objectives:
Begin by understanding your business needs and setting clear objectives for integrating AI. Whether it's improving customer service or driving innovation, a well-defined strategy is key.
Like with any new toy, it’s tempting to start using it and hopes the functionality guides you. But with AIs vast uses, look carefully at your business for where you think it will make the most difference.
2. Start with a Pilot Project:
Kickstart your AI journey with a pilot project in an area where AI can make a significant impact. This approach ensures a manageable and successful introduction.
It also helps you monitor the success of AI – spreading it too widely too soon can mean you can’t understand the benefits and pitfalls of using it.
3. Leverage User-Friendly AI Tools:
Explore accessible AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, TensorFlow, IBM Watson, or Microsoft Azure that suit your business needs. There’s no point spending time and money on something you aren’t sure it going to work for you – get comfortable with widely used tools before you make an investment.
4. Invest in Training:
Once you’ve got your head around where you’re going to be using it and what impact you want it to have invest in training yourself or your team. At least a basic proficiency in working with AI technologies can maximize the benefits from the start.
We offer free support for Greater Manchester businesses with our.Digital Springboard programe..
Once you understand the basics, focus on...
1. Harnessing AI Analytics:
Use AI analytics to refine your strategies. Understand user interactions, preferences, and trends to continuously improve your AI initiatives.
With analytics you’ll be able to evaluate your pilot project, if it’s working you can start to see where else it may work in your business. But remember to monitor those too!
2. Ethical AI Implementation:
Prioritise ethical considerations in AI. You need to ensure transparency, fairness, and privacy to build trust with customers and stakeholders.
Many people say a fear of AI is what stops them implementing it into their business. Setting a clear ethical framework will not only make you more comfortable, but it also means that the impact on your business works for everyone involved.
3. Continuous Learning:
Stay updated on AI advancements and industry trends. The dynamic nature of AI requires businesses to embrace continuous learning. If you’re part way through your journey with AI, it’s always worth taking the time to reach out to experts.
Our in-house Innovation team can provide free expert support for Greater Manchester businesses that are looking to implement AI in their business.
And just remember, a poor workman blames their tools. Just like any tool AI isn’t a magic wand that can fix every issue in your business but when used effectively it can help transform what you do.
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