AI for small business owners who don't like computers

If you run a small business, you are probably doing the admin yourself, often in the evening. AI won't run your business for you, but it can take a real share of the paperwork off your desk. You don't need to be good with computers to use it.

Five jobs AI does well for small firms

1. Replying to enquiries. It drafts a reply to each email or website message. You check it and press send.
2. Quotes, letters and proposals. Turn a few lines of notes into a tidy, professional document quickly.
3. Notes from meetings and calls. A short summary and a list of actions, without anyone taking notes.
4. Adverts and posts. Product descriptions, adverts and Google Business posts, written in your own voice.
5. Answers from your own documents. Ask a question and get the answer from your price lists, policies and past jobs.

What it costs

Many tools have free versions, and business versions typically cost from about £15 to £25 per person per month. The bigger cost is usually the time it takes to set them up properly, which is why it pays to start small.

Staying safe with customer data

Don't paste customers' personal details into free consumer AI apps. Use business versions that keep your data private. Check everything before it goes to a customer. And give your staff a short, written policy on what can and cannot go into AI. One page is enough.

How to start

Pick the one repetitive job that eats most of your week. Try an AI tool on it for two weeks, and note the time you save. If it works, move on to the next job. If it does not, you have lost nothing.

Or have it set up for you

The AI Kick-Start is half a day at your business, across Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham and Thanet. I look at how your week actually runs, set up three quick wins on your own work before I leave, and send you a written plan within three working days. It costs £395, and the fee is credited against Managed AI set-up, or any build quoted at £1,000 or more, taken within 60 days. Read about the AI Kick-Start, or ring 07500 511462 for a free 15-minute call.