Embracing AI: From Conversations to Actions

Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging with around fifty local business owners at an event organised by Kiwibank here in New Zealand. These proprietors represented a diverse slice of our SME landscape, all keen to discover how AI could elevate their operations.

The discussions were rich, peppered with genuine curiosity and some reservations concerning costs, governance, and security surrounding AI technologies.

Through our lively conversations, a pivotal issue emerged: the gap between personal experimentation with AI and the practical needs of businesses. This gap is not merely a crevice but a chasm that many companies fall into, seduced by slick sales pitches that bind them to subpar solutions.

The big players in the tech world often pitch subscriptions that are more shackles than support, trapping businesses in costly and ineffective cycles.

To bridge this gap and steer clear of potential pitfalls, I propose the concept of an AI Enabler.

Think of it as a cross between an eager dog and a skeptical cat—a hybrid of enthusiastic practitioner and seasoned coach. This AI Enabler wouldn't just chase its own tail; it would ensure that businesses don't end up skinning themselves in costly endeavours. It's about having an informed ally in your corner to help you navigate the complex, sometimes predatory, waters of AI integration.

Why an AI Enabler?

An AI Enabler would demystify the technical jargon, tailor AI solutions to specific business needs, and, most importantly, build a bridge from testing AI tools in a sandbox to fully integrating them into your business operations. This approach ensures that the tools you adopt are not just shiny new toys but genuine assets that enhance your business's efficiency and innovation.

I consider myself to be this kind of new breed, and thus, in my LinkedIn profile, I call myself an AI Enabler.

Get one

Before you sign up for any AI-powered tool that promises the moon, consider engaging an AI Enabler. (wink, wink). Thiscould save your business not just money but also invaluable time and perhaps even your peace of mind (no more grey hairs!). Get yourself an AI Enabler and make informed choices that truly benefit your business in the long run.

A Short Note: This newsletter is a bit shorter as I've been battling a mundane lung infection, courtesy of the changing weather—and my forgetfulness to zip up my jacket in the chilly blast. Always remember to dress warmly! Keep cool your cool but stay warm.

Ngā mihi

Jussi

The Quote of the week

“Artificial intelligence is one of the best tools we've seen come along to reshape our society. And it's also one of the best tools ever for a fraudster." – Cassi Chandler, CEO and former FBI Special Agent.