Webinar Recap: Growth Masterclass - A Simple AI Playbook for Real Business Growth

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just a buzzword - it's becoming a game-changing tool for small businesses. In this engaging session, Susan Frew explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a "future trend" - it's a present-day advantage that small businesses can't afford to ignore.

Whether you're just starting with AI or looking to optimize existing tools, these three key takeaways will provide actionable insights on saving time and money, improving operational efficiency, and meeting the rising expectations of customers. By applying these strategies, AI for small businesses is a practical, growth-driving part of their day-to-day operations.

1. AI Saves Real Time and Money

AI tools aren't just for large enterprises. Affordable and accessible solutions can help small businesses streamline tasks like email summarization, marketing insights, and client research.

The real value lies in optimizing everyday operations - from analyzing data to improving onboarding systems and automating marketing - all of which directly translates to measurable cost savings.

According to the Thryv AI Impact Report, small businesses adopting AI have seen significant time savings and operational efficiencies that translate directly to cost savings.

2. The Biggest Value of AI is Efficiency - Not Replacement

AI isn't about replacing people; it's about giving teams tools to work smarter. AI can analyze customer data, generate presentations, or summarize emails in seconds - freeing up valuable time for growth activities.

We need to think about becoming emergent in the AI arena because your competitors will be using AI, and it is time for all of us to become emergent, or we run the risk of becoming obsolete. - Susan Frew

3. Customer Expectations Are Driving AI Adoption

Today's customers expect fast responses, accurate information, and personalized experiences. AI helps businesses deliver on these demands quickly and at scale, ensuring small teams can meet modern service standards without burning out or overextending resources. In the list below, Frew outlines key tools and illustrates how they can support small business owners.

Useful AI Tools for SMBs

1. Notebook LM
   Scan websites or client info, then generate mind maps, briefs, and study guides. Get a complete view of your clients and create strategic plans - all while staying focused on your target market.
2. Google Email Summarization
   Quickly summarize all your emails and focus on what matters most. Instead of spending hours reading every message, use AI to extract key points so you can spend more time running your business.
3. Google Studio
   Analyze your own videos or competitors' content to see what drives engagement. From LinkedIn clips to marketing campaigns, Google Studio breaks down why videos succeed and helps you replicate that success - all for free and usable on any platform.
4. Gamma
   Generate fully branded presentations instantly by simply entering a URL. Customize colors, images, and brand elements in advance, and let Gamma handle the design - saving time while keeping your content professional and on-brand.
5. RingCentral AI - Smarter Customer Communication
   Automate and streamline customer interactions with AI-powered answering services, ensuring timely responses without overloading your team.
6. HeyGen - Create AI Video Avatars
   Easily generate realistic video avatars for marketing, training, or client communication, adding a personal touch without the need for on-camera filming.

Dip Your Toe Before Diving In

It's important to review current workflows before diving into AI adoption.

Go old school before you go new school. Analyze your business, plan strategically, then use AI to amplify what works. - Susan Frew

By first analyzing where processes can be improved, small businesses can identify the best areas to integrate AI for maximum impact. Once those priorities are clear, AI can amplify what's already working, creating efficiencies across customer service, marketing, and operations.

Watch Susan Frew's webinar to learn more about how your small business can harness AI to save time, improve efficiency, and meet customer expectations.