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Artificial intelligence has come a long way from being just an innovative idea to becoming a part of everyday life. AI is everywhere, from the personalized recommendations you get while streaming your favorite shows to the voice assistants that help with tasks. This shift affects individuals and opens new opportunities for small businesses to run more smoothly and connect better with customers. AI empowers small businesses to operate efficiently and make informed decisions.
Embracing AI for Small Businesses
The article "Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Small Businesses" by A.Z. Tishtykbayeva, N.N. Gelashvili, and A.E. Turusbekov explains how small businesses can use AI to improve their work. It explains that AI is not just for big companies anymore; small businesses can also use it to work more efficiently, save money, and make better decisions. The authors surveyed small business owners in Kazakhstan already using AI tools. Tishtykbayeya et al. (2023) stated, "The number of participants is 32 with businesses ranging from 3 months old to 6 years old. Survey has 6 close-ended and 5 open-ended questions that help to evaluate the businesses’ experience with AI adoption in terms of efficiency boost, money-time consumption and the field of work” (p.127). The research findings were summarized in a SWOT analysis table, showing the main points about AI use in small businesses from the perspective of business owners.
Image retrieved from the article "Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Small Businesses"
A common misconception is that using AI tools comes with high costs and complexity. However, that is not the case. Many AI tools are available at little to no cost, making it easier for small businesses to start. Tools like these allow business owners to experiment without breaking the bank. The best way to integrate AI into your business is to start small, get comfortable with one tool, and learn more as you go. However, it is essential to recognize that integrating AI comes with challenges. Small businesses often need technical expertise to fully utilize more advanced AI tools, which can lead to reliance on outside experts or services. Cybersecurity is another major concern. Since many smaller businesses operate on limited budgets, investing in strong security measures can be difficult. Even with these challenges, the benefits of AI make it worth considering for small businesses. AI tools can help improve efficiency, make customer interactions better, and support smarter decisions based on data. The key is to use AI wisely, adopting it at a steady pace to grow the business without taking on too much risk.
Final Thoughts
This study is interesting because it covers both the benefits and challenges of AI adoption. It shows that small businesses can start with affordable tools and gradually scale up, but it is essential to understand the pros and cons before moving forward. AI is changing how we live and work, and its impact will continue to grow. Using these tools does not have to be complicated or expensive for small businesses. As stated by Tishtykbayeya et al., "Starting basic AI implementation in a small business is relatively easy and requires minimal to no monetary investment if the business does not require custom or complex solutions” (2023, p.130). Using tools like Canva, ChatGPT, or other budget-friendly options is a great way to see how AI can benefit a small business. As with any tool, the key is to use it wisely and keep learning as you go. Embracing AI can make a real difference, helping a small business run more efficiently and prepare for the digital age.
References
Tishtykbayeva, A. Z., Gelashvili, N. N., & Turusbekov, A. E. (2023). Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Small Businesses. Bulletin of the Karaganda university Economy series, 111(3), 125-132.
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