What AI Can Do In his talk at CPE, Steven gave a live demonstration of how to automate key retail tasks using Google Gemini. Similar to ChatGPT, Gemini takes your requests and generates a response.
With Gemini, there are three different modes you can use: Fast – Answers questions quickly and uses less credits
Thinking – Solves complex problems with structured reasoning
Pro – Thinks longer for advanced math and code
Knowing which one to use can help improve your outcome.“ When doing social media and marketing, I tend to use‘ Thinking’ for better results,” Steven says.“ If I am analyzing reports and data, I will use‘ Pro.’ For everything else, choose‘ Fast’ when you don’ t need complex results.”
You can also select which tool you will need for the task. Some of the key tools include:
Image Generation( also called Nano Banana) – Used to create or modify images, logos and posters from text, drawings, photos or a combination of these
Video Generation( also called Veo) – Used to create short video clips from images or text prompts
Deep Research – Used for deep research on a topic Guided Learning – Used to learn a topic
With Nano Banana, you can create just about any image you can dream up. For your retail store, here are some prompts Steven suggests using:
• I need this product in a basket in a gift display for a Facebook post.
• I’ m hosting a book study on the Armor of God. Generate a clean, modern square graphic for Instagram that uses a shield motif and includes my shop’ s logo in the corner.
• Generate a mockup of a“ Community Prayer Wall” for the corner of my shop. It should have a rustic wooden frame and small colorful sticky notes where customers can write requests.
These are just some of the many ways AI can work for you. From content creation and administrative support to tracking and improving inventory through your POS system, AI can help small business owners save time and money with a limited staff or budget. The key is to treat it as a supportive tool— not a replacement for people— so you can focus on what matters most: leading your team with both heart and smart technology. CRA
PRACTICAL PROMPTS
If you’ re wondering how AI can help you, the following are some suggested prompts that Steven offers to get you started:
Bible Study Outreach – Draft a warm email from our Christian gift shop to local pastors. Invite their small groups to hold their next book study in our store’ s community space. Mention we can coordinate their curriculum orders and offer a group discount.
Staff Devotional – Provide a 5-minute devotional for my gift shop staff huddle based on the theme of“ Service as Worship.” Focus on how helping a customer find the right gift can be a form of ministry.
New Release Buzz – Write a short, exciting Instagram caption for a new Max Lucado book release available at our gift shop. Make it feel personal, like a recommendation from a friend to a friend.
Review Management – A customer left a 5-star Google review about the prayer room in our gift shop. Write a humble and grateful reply inviting them back soon.
Special Event Script – Write a 2-minute opening script for our gift shop’ s“ Local Author Night.” Welcome the community and thank the author for sharing their ministry through their writing.
Gift Recommendations – Create a list of five thoughtful gift ideas for Christian gifts available at a Christian gift shop, ranging from Bibles to keepsake jewelry.