Embracing the Future: A.I. in Small Business
As we tread deeper into the 21st century, the whispers of artificial intelligence (A.I.) are turning into a fervent chorus, especially among small businesses. The notion of A.I. might conjure images of robots taking over jobs, but the reality is far more nuanced. It’s about enhancement, not replacement. In the publishing sector, small businesses are leading the charge, proving that A.I. can be a powerful ally in the quest for efficiency and quality.
The Publishing Sector’s A.I. Revolution
Take Tim McConnehey, for instance, the founder of Izzard Ink Publishing, based in Salt Lake City. With a commitment to publishing around twelve titles a year, McConnehey has recognized the potential of A.I. from the get-go. “Our goal is to help ordinary writers become extraordinary authors,” he states, emphasizing the industry’s ripe potential for digitization.
At Izzard Ink, A.I. isn’t a standalone entity; it’s integrated seamlessly into their workflow. “From the minute a manuscript comes in, we sit down and we assess it,” McConnehey notes. “We assess it with A.I. and, more importantly, we assess it with human editors.” This blend of technology and human touch ensures that the creative process remains intact while enhancing the overall quality of content.
Efficiency: The Name of the Game
So, what exactly is A.I. doing in this context? McConnehey clarifies, “It’s helping us identify what the problems are. It’s giving us solutions and it’s helping authors know what to change and how to change it. It’s creating better content.” Rather than replacing the nuanced touch of human editors, A.I. serves as a sophisticated tool that enhances their capabilities.
The sentiment around A.I. is shifting rapidly. A recent survey by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices revealed that a whopping 58% of small businesses plan to invest in A.I. in 2024. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a recognition of A.I.’s potential to drive productivity and improve customer service.
Investing in Knowledge: A.I. Training
However, the road to A.I. integration isn’t without its bumps. Janetta King, part of the Goldman Sachs program, points out that small businesses will require adequate resources and technical expertise to adopt A.I. effectively. “We are advocating for additional training and tools at the federal level,” she emphasizes, underscoring the need for support systems to help businesses navigate this technological landscape.
McConnehey echoes this sentiment, urging fellow business owners to dive headfirst into the A.I. wave while also understanding its intricacies. “We have to understand the processes behind what we are doing, or A.I. will lead us astray,” he warns. “The businesses that employ a workforce that understands A.I. are the ones that will succeed.”
Looking Ahead: A.I. as a Strategic Partner
As we gaze into the future, it’s clear that A.I. is here to stay, and small businesses that harness its power will emerge stronger. The opportunity to enhance efficiency and improve customer engagement is immense. By equipping teams with the right knowledge and tools, businesses can unlock new potentials that were once thought unattainable.
In conclusion, the A.I. revolution is not just for tech giants. Small businesses can and should embrace this shift, transforming their operations and setting themselves up for success. As McConnehey aptly puts it, “A.I. is creating better content,” and it’s high time that the rest of the world catches up. So, are you ready to embrace the future?
For further details on this topic, refer to the original article by Scripps News Group: How small businesses are embracing artificial intelligence.
