AI is here, and it’s not going away.
That may sound intimidating, but this moment in the AI revolution actually represents a unique opportunity for those willing to seize it. AI is brand-new for everyone. If you make moves to master the technology now, you’re positioning yourself to stay ahead of emerging trends (and your competition!).
Of course, you should never make a significant business decision simply because everyone else is doing it. This moment calls for careful, strategic consideration.
What steps can you take to start incorporating AI into your business in a thoughtful, productive manner that sets you up for long-term success?
You can’t possibly stay ahead in the AI revolution if you don’t know what’s happening! That’s why it helps to have some go-to publications where you can find the latest unbiased news.
Here are some publications to check out:
And, of course, if you’re using any AI tools in your business, sign up for the company’s newsletter. That’s the best way to ensure you know about any product updates and new features!
Once you’ve learned about the latest AI updates, it’s time to share that knowledge with your team.
This does not need to be a highly formalized process; you can post in your #AI-Tips Slack channel or send a team email. But do make a point to share updates regularly. Put a reminder in your calendar to help you maintain a steady cadence!
Sending regular reminders will demonstrate your continued commitment to making the most of AI. Plus, it will help your team remember to lean on your new AI-enabled tools (like the ones in our post on using AI for sales).
Forming a new habit can take anywhere from a few weeks to the better part of a year. If you want your team to make AI part of their routine in the long term, regular updates can help reinforce their habitual use of the tool.
It’s also not a bad idea to set up regular in-person AI-focused sessions. Consider establishing bi-monthly or quarterly lunch and learns where everyone can gather to discuss how things are going.
Your lunch and learns aren’t just an excellent opportunity to educate your team about new ways to use AI. They’re also a chance to hear feedback from the employees who use the technology daily. They might have insights into how you can do even more with AI.
AI isn’t going anywhere, so you want to consider it when assessing prospective hires, whether you’re hiring technicians, sales representatives, or administrative assistants .
If you can find a candidate already well-versed in AI, that’s fantastic! However, because this is still an emerging area, not everyone will have a background in AI. If you’re considering a group of candidates who lack previous AI experience, that’s okay. In these instances, you should look for someone with adaptability and the right mindset.
Businesses must remain nimble to adjust to future AI advances. You’ll want to seek out team members who are comfortable with change, excited about the possible benefits of AI, and demonstrate a general comfort with tech that means they’ll be able to adapt to new ways of working.
We get that this deluge of AI information can feel overwhelming, but now is not the time to go deer in the headlights!
Remember, everyone is brand-new to AI–you, your colleagues, your friends, and your competitors. Anyone who’s adopting AI today is facing the same learning curve and challenges, but that won’t be the case forever. This technology is quickly evolving, and hesitating for even a few months can put you behind your peers.
Still trying to figure out where to start? Here are some easy, accessible tools to try right now.
Once you’ve gotten familiar with these introductory AI tools, it’s time to step things up. There are dozens of AI tools that can help service businesses and call centers to work more efficiently, and many of them integrate with your current technology to enhance your established workflows. It’s simply a matter of researching your options and finding the best solution for you.
Every business right now is scrambling to jump on the AI bandwagon, including your current tech vendors!
Reach out to the providers you already use to see how they’re updating their software to incorporate the latest in AI. If you use any of the following solutions, you should give them a call.
If you’re using any tech within your business, now is the time to ask your providers if they’ve added AI-powered enhancements. If there’s a new AI tool to try, request that your vendor arrange team training so you can get up to speed.
Ultimately, exploring your AI options is about positioning your business for future success.
You don’t need to overhaul all your systems overnight. But now is the time to systematically assess where you stand, how you might incorporate AI going forward, and what steps you’d need to take to make AI implementation possible.
To prepare yourself, take time to:
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