Discovering YOU Magazine September 2023 Issue | Page 54

3 Ways AI Can Save Small Businesses Time and Stress

BUSINESS CENTS

Article by Kelly Vincent, a VP of the Small Business Group at Intuit

(BPT) - Generative AI is creating an extraordinary amount of buzz, and it's catching the interest of people wondering how to take advantage of what it has to offer. If you're a small-business owner, you're likely curious about how it can help you grow and succeed, especially as your business becomes more complex. Beyond the initial start-up phase, there are some clear indicators that your business is beginning to scale. For example, you may be expanding your online sales channels or in-person locations, hiring more employees, and increasing your inventory - all of which demand more of your time. It's critical to prepare yourself with the best tools and technology for continued success. Turning to AI tools that are in products like Intuit QuickBooks can help automate tasks that would otherwise need to be done manually - freeing up your time to focus on what really matters to you.

Work smarter, not harder

Almost all small-business owners note that they are turning to AI to help them automate low-level tasks, according to a recent Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Survey. They plan to adopt AI to help with marketing and content creation, analyzing customer trends and behaviors, and customer service support. Another 28% plan to adopt AI tools for managing cash flow and 24% say they want to use AI to automate low-level tasks.

"The number one question I'm asked by our customers is 'How do I ensure the success of my business?'" said Kelly Vincent, a VP of the Small Business Group at Intuit. "The short answer is, know where to invest. If ever there was a time to tune in and understand how AI and technology can help your business, it's now. AI can help reduce the operational burden and automate low-level tasks, leveling the playing field for businesses