We are fully in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on business is profound. From finance to marketing, recruitment to customer support, AI is transforming how businesses operate. But is it a blessing or a curse for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
At PBC we stay ahead of the curve in business support and believe embracing technology is essential for success. To help SMEs navigate this shift, we’ve outlined key ways AI can be an advantage.
Business Planning
Starting a business? AI can now help generate a basic business plan using platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini. By providing details such as industry type, business structure and estimated start-up costs, AI can draft an initial plan to guide you.
However, AI-generated plans are generic. A successful business plan must reflect your unique circumstances skill set and resources. Use AI as a starting point but consult one of our Business Advisers to refine your strategy and ensure it aligns with your goals.
Finances
Finances are the backbone of any business. Previously entrepreneurs relied heavily on accountants or struggled with complex spreadsheets. AI now simplifies financial planning by helping calculate turnover costs and tax estimates based on your inputs.
That said, AI has limitations. It won’t account for industry-specific expenses or unique financial circumstances. A better approach is to use AI for templates and calculations, then customise them with real-world data. Our Business Advisers and financial workshops can help you interpret the figures and create a robust financial plan.
Marketing
AI plays a major role in marketing offering two key benefits:
Marketing Strategy Development – AI tools can help draft a sales and marketing plan based on business objectives.
Content Creation – AI-powered platforms can generate social media posts graphics and videos.
While AI can streamline content creation, overuse may make marketing materials feel generic or inauthentic. Search engines like Google also penalise excessive AI-generated content.
The best approach? Use AI for ideas, then personalise your content for a human touch. Our marketing workshops provide strategies to enhance your online presence and craft engaging content.
Day-to-Day Management
AI-powered assistants - integrated into phones, computers and software like Microsoft Office - can optimise scheduling email management and customer interactions, improving efficiency and saving time.
For SMEs, organisation is crucial. Business owners juggle multiple roles: CEO, HR, Sales Marketing and Finance. AI can help, but knowing how to leverage it effectively is key. Our Business Advisers can guide you on using AI to streamline operations, without losing the human touch.
Getting Started with AI
If you’re new to AI, start by experimenting. Set up a free account on ChatGPT or Gemini and ask business-related questions. AI tools improve with follow-up prompts so engage in a back-and-forth to refine responses.
Prefer human advice? That’s why we’ve been here for nearly 30 years - to provide personalised support tailored to your business needs.
Get Involved!
While AI is powerful, knowing how to use it effectively is crucial. Want to learn more? Join us for a Free Introduction to AI with our Operations Manager and experienced Business Adviser David Taylor at our next business networking event on Thursday 20 March at Trejos Tacos. CLICK Here to book.
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