AI

Whether you realize it or not, artificial intelligence is already part of how your business runs.

That email feature that predicts what you’re about to type?

The chatbot that handles customer questions after hours?

The software that flags invoices or suggests what to reorder?

That’s all AI.

It’s slipped into our everyday tools – quietly, efficiently, and without much fanfare. Which is exactly why you need to stop and take a closer look.

AI can save time, cut costs, and even help you grow. But it also comes with risks if you’re not keeping an eye on how it’s being used.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about becoming a tech company. It’s about protecting your business.

Here’s what’s at stake:

If you’re using AI – powered tools to make decisions – hiring, pricing, marketing – you need to know how those decisions are made. AI isn’t magic. It’s built by humans, and sometimes it gets things wrong. It can carry bias. It can make bad calls. And if it does, you’re still the one responsible.

That means someone in your business needs to be accountable. Not to micromanage every tool, but to check the work. AI should support your team, not replace their judgment.

Another big concern: data.

AI tools often need data to learn and work well. But how that data is handled matters – a lot. Are you sharing sensitive client info with third – party tools? Do your employees know what’s safe to upload and what’s not? A careless mistake could cost you a client… or worse, lead to a breach.

So, what can you do without hiring a full – time tech guru?

Start with a simple policy.

Write down what tools you’re using that involve AI – whether it’s something as small as a Gmail add – on or a full – blown business platform. Be clear about what’s okay to use, what needs approval, and how data should be treated.

Then train your team.

They don’t need to become programmers – but they do need to know the basics. What AI is. What it can do. What it can’t. And when to raise a red flag.

You don’t need to be scared of AI. But you do need to be smart about how it is being used.

Used right, it can give you a real advantage over your competitors. Used carelessly, it can create a mess that’s hard to clean up.

We help businesses like yours use AI responsibly – without getting lost in the weeds. If you want help setting up clear guidelines or choosing tools that make sense for your team, we’re ready when you are.

Let’s make AI work for you – not against you. Give us a call at (734) 457 – 5000.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an incredible tool. It’s revolutionizing industries, advancing medical research, and making businesses more productive. But like any powerful technology, it can also be used for the wrong reasons – and it’s important you’re aware of it.

Cyber criminals have discovered that generative AI (the same kind of AI that powers tools like ChatGPT and Copilot) makes their scams faster, smarter, and more convincing than ever…

AI-generated malware

Malware (malicious software) isn’t new, but AI has made it quicker to produce, harder to detect, and more effective at bypassing security measures. Cyber criminals use AI to write malware that looks like legitimate browser extensions, software downloads, and even innocent-looking files like PDFs or images.

Stay safe: Keep your security software up to date and never download software or browser extensions from unknown sources.

Fooling security systems

Most cyber security software works by spotting known malware patterns. By slightly tweaking existing malware, scammers can create thousands of unique versions that security systems don’t recognize.

Stay safe: Regularly update your security software to keep up with evolving threats. AI-powered security tools can also help to detect suspicious activity.

AI-powered password cracking

Cyber criminals are now using AI to break into accounts faster than ever. AI can test millions of password combinations per second, analyze leaked passwords, and even predict passwords based on common patterns.

Stay safe: Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.

Smarter phishing scams

Phishing emails used to be easy to spot – bad grammar, weird phrasing, and suspicious links were all giveaways. But with AI, scammers can create perfectly written, highly personalized messages that look exactly like they came from a trusted colleague or supplier.

Stay safe: Always verify unexpected emails, especially if they request payments, login details, or sensitive information. Hover over links before clicking and double-check sender addresses.

Deepfake impersonation

Imagine getting a video call from your CEO asking you to process an urgent payment. You recognize their voice and face… but it’s not actually them. AI-generated deepfakes can clone voices and faces to trick employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.

Stay safe: If something seems unusual or too urgent, verify the request by calling on a known number or confirming in person.

In an age where technology continually reshapes the landscape of how we do business, staying informed and adaptable is key. As a non-technical business owner, you might have heard about the buzz surrounding generative AI, but what exactly is it, and more importantly, how can it benefit your small business? This article breaks down the essentials of generative AI and provides practical ways to integrate this innovative technology into your business strategy.

Understanding generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence that can generate new content, from written text to images, and even music. This technology, powered by sophisticated algorithms, learns from existing data to create original, realistic outputs. The most common examples you might have come across include chatbots, image generators, and content creation tools.

Enhance customer service with AI chatbots

One of the most immediate applications of generative AI for small businesses is through AI chatbots. These virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries, provide product recommendations, and offer support 24/7. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also frees up your staff to focus on more complex tasks. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3 have made creating these chatbots more accessible than ever.

AI-generated content boosts online presence

Creating engaging content consistently can be a daunting task for many business owners. Generative AI comes to the rescue by assisting in generating blog posts, social media updates, and even marketing copy. Tools like Jasper or Writesonic can help you craft compelling content that resonates with your audience, saving you time and resources.

Personalizing customer experiences

Personalization is a key differentiator in today’s market. Generative AI can analyze customer data to create personalized recommendations, tailored emails, and targeted advertising campaigns. This level of personalization can significantly enhance customer engagement and loyalty.

Streamlining operations with automated processes

Generative AI can also play a pivotal role in streamlining business operations. For instance, AI can automate invoice generation, schedule appointments, and even manage inventory. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error.

Exploring creative possibilities with AI generated designs

For businesses that rely on creative outputs like graphics, marketing materials, or product designs, generative AI offers a world of possibilities. Tools like DALL-E or Canva’s Magic Write can generate high-quality images and designs based on your specifications, providing a cost-effective alternative to hiring designers.

Understanding the limitations and ethical considerations

While generative AI offers numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and ethical implications. AI-generated content may require human oversight to ensure accuracy and relevance. Additionally, issues around data privacy and intellectual property rights in AI-generated content are important to consider and navigate carefully.

Generative AI is not a distant, high-tech dream but a tangible tool that small businesses can leverage today to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and create engaging customer experiences. By understanding and integrating this technology into various aspects of your business, you can stay ahead in a competitive market.

As you explore generative AI options, remember that the key is to use these tools as a complement to human creativity and expertise, not a replacement. Embracing AI smartly can unlock new horizons for your business and pave the way for future innovations.

Start small and experiment with AI tools relevant to your business needs. Whether it’s enhancing customer service, content creation, or operational efficiency, the journey into the world of generative AI promises to be both exciting and rewarding for forward-thinking business owners.

Reader’s Note: This article was written entirely by AI using the prompt “write a newsletter geared toward non-technical business owners about how to use generative AI in their small businesses.” This is a technology that goes beyond automation and the AI we used to know. It can create, content, solutions, and possibilities before unimaginable. The landscape of small business marketing is evolving rapidly. The integration of AI technologies is reshaping strategies for growth. Small businesses are turning to GenAI to enhance their marketing efforts. Despite how useful AI can be, it isn’t a replacement for human review, tweaking and approvals.

Do you ever find yourself asking, “What is all this hype about AI?”

If so, you’re not alone.

The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives is inescapable. But how can you navigate through the noise and truly harness the power of AI to meet your business’s big goals?

It’s a question that keeps many business leaders awake at night.

Imagine being able to predict market trends before they happen, or to streamline your operations with almost exact precision. This isn’t some far-off dream; it’s the promise of generative AI.

But there’s a lot of speculation around AI. Right now, it’s uncertain, so… should you simply wait and see what happens?

Of course not!

In fact, now is exactly the time to start exploring generative AI for your company.

Sitting back isn’t an option when your rivals could be leveraging this technology to gain a competitive edge. Yes, there’s a lot to learn and understand, but isn’t that part of the thrill of doing business in the 21st century?

But one thing to keep in mind amidst the excitement, is not to lose sight of your core aims, goals, and cultures. What good is a new AI system if it doesn’t align with the way your business behaves? While the world of AI may seem like uncharted territory, some classic rules still apply.

Will you implement it? Will it generate revenue? Can it reduce your costs? Will it boost productivity? If not, perhaps it’s not the right move for your business right now.

The hackers are using AI, too

With the advancement of AI comes new developments for bad actors to weaponize, too.

Artificial intelligence has become incredibly powerful. We can create animated avatars of ourselves with just a facial scan. A few words in the right search engine can generate beautiful imagery and art.

You can even find AI to write entire book chapters (although, they don’t always make much sense).

Unfortunately, cybercriminals have learned how to code entirely new malware in significantly less time than it takes to build by hand.

Usually, malware takes up to an hour to code. Not ChatGPT: the chatbot can code phishing scams honed to lure in more victims, and it can do it in mere minutes.

It also creates infected attachments that try to give the hacker remote access to your machine. Hackers will be able to really hone their scam messages using AI that has quantitative knowledge about what works best.

They can fine-tune their ability to detect exploitable vulnerabilities on your systems. Who knows what threatening idea they’ll have artificial intelligence machines make a reality for them next?

Users need to be careful engaging with nascent technology and stay abreast of new developments that the good guys are working on, so that we can all stay ahead of cybercriminals no matter what they dream up next.