Turning AI from a Headache to a Help by Naomi D. Brown

In an increasingly tech-driven economy, woman-owned businesses are constantly looking for ways to stay competitive and improve their operations. We have previously discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its tremendous potential to level up your business. However, it can be wildly time-consuming to figure out exactly how to accomplish that…AS IF we have any spare time!

Per usual, Her Corner is here to help! AI can be intimidating, so we’ve pulled together some practical strategies to leverage this technology to your advantage, turning it from a headache into a valuable resource.

How AI Can Help Improve Your Woman-Owned Business:

(1) Analyzing Customer Insights

One of the most valuable ways AI can help woman-owned businesses is by helping to analyze customer behavior and preferences. AI algorithms can rapidly identify patterns and trends to surface customers' needs and preferences. This info can then be used to tailor marketing campaigns, improve products and services, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Although these insights may already be embedded into platforms you are using, a large language model (like ChatGPT or Perplexity) can analyze large amounts of data extremely quickly. 

Practical Example: Let’s say you sent out a short survey asking customers about their experience with your product or service. This short survey includes an open-ended question for customers to share their thoughts. Once you’ve closed the survey, you can use a large language model (think ChatGPT or CoPilot) to analyze and summarize the responses. 

(2) Personalized Marketing

AI can also support woman-owned businesses by creating personalized marketing campaigns. By using machine learning algorithms, businesses can analyze customer data to create targeted marketing messages that resonate with their target audience. This level of personalization can lead to higher conversion rates and increased ROI on marketing efforts. You’ll see this kind of AI built into platforms like MailChimp, which can pull together a marketing template from scratch. 

Practical Example: We recently used SlidesAI to pull together a last-minute presentation. We were in a pinch and needed visuals fast! SlidesAI put together a brief pitch-deck per our specifications so we were able to dive straight into refining the deck. This can save time in both the short-run (“We need a deck yesterday!”) and the long-run (imagine getting 50 hours back per year!). 

(3) Streamlined Operations

AI can also streamline operations and improve efficiency. AI-powered tools can automate repetitive tasks like data entry, scheduling, and customer service, freeing up time for business owners to focus on more strategic initiatives. These little automations can be fine-tuned to support better communications within teams and departments. 

Practical Example: Our team uses Monday.com to manage projects, and one of the things we really like is the functionality around automations. We recently added an automation that (gently) pings teams when they have an outstanding task that is due. Rather than putting our energy into reminding departments of their to-do’s, we can put that time into supporting the actual tasks. It is a small detail, but – as you’ve previously read here – details add up!

(4) Predictive Analytics

By analyzing historical data and trends, AI algorithms can forecast future outcomes and trends, helping businesses anticipate market changes, identify potential risks, and seize new opportunities. This can give businesses a competitive edge and help them stay one step ahead in a fast-paced market.

Practical Example: Our inventory management software has this feature already embedded – all we had to do is “turn it on!” The embedded AI analyzes our sales orders and predicts how and when they may change based on previous trends. Though we always center human thinking in these processes, it is surprisingly useful to have an AI “thought partner” as we engage in these processes. 

(5) Improved Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can also help small woman-owned businesses improve customer service. By providing 24/7 support, answering common customer queries, and assisting with basic tasks, AI can enhance the overall customer experience and increase customer satisfaction. This can lead to higher retention rates and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Practical Example: This one is new for us! We’d love to know where you’ve seen or used AI in the Customer Service process. We’ll be hosting an Executive Exchange conversation on precisely this topic so we can unpack it further. Stay tuned!

Leveraging AI technology to gain valuable customer insights, personalize marketing campaigns, streamline operations, use predictive analytics, and improve customer service, businesses can turn AI from a headache into a valuable asset. With the right approach and strategy, woman-owned businesses can harness the power of AI to stay ahead of the curve and achieve long-term success. Find a Her Corner program to help. We got you! Let us know if you found this helpful by clicking Her Corner.