Your AI Business Guy, Steven Edwards
Transforming Businesses, One Solution at a Time
AI is not just about automation and data crunching; it's about empowering businesses to make informed decisions.
Your AI Business Guy, Steven Edwards
Transforming Businesses, One Solution at a Time
AI is not just about automation and data crunching; it's about empowering businesses to make informed decisions
AI FOR BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
From Awareness to Action: How Average Joe Can Start Using AI in His Business
Last week, we explored how Average Joe is surrounded by AI every day—from music recommendations to navigation apps—often without realizing it. For many small business owners, that’s an eye-opener. But awareness is just the first step. The real opportunity lies in moving from noticing AI to using AI intentionally in your business.
Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough
Understanding how AI shapes your daily life is helpful, but unless you connect that to your business, nothing changes. Many business owners fall into the trap of thinking: “That’s nice, but it doesn’t apply to me.” In reality, ignoring AI now is like ignoring the internet in the early 2000s—it’s not a passing trend, it’s a competitive shift.
The First Step: Identify Bottlenecks
Every business has pressure points. These are the areas where you waste time, lose customers, or feel stuck. Instead of asking “What can AI do?” start by asking:
Where am I spending hours every week on repetitive tasks?
Where am I losing opportunities because I can’t respond fast enough?
Which parts of my business feel chaotic or unpredictable?
AI is most powerful when it tackles bottlenecks, because removing those creates immediate results.
Quick Wins That Build Momentum
You don’t need to start with complicated systems. Look for small, high-impact wins. Examples include:
Automating appointment reminders so customers actually show up
Using AI chat to handle frequently asked questions while you’re on the job
Letting AI write the first draft of emails, social posts, or invoices so you don’t start from scratch
Each small win frees up time, builds confidence, and shows the ROI of AI in real terms.
Avoiding the Overwhelm Trap
One of the biggest reasons small business owners hesitate with AI is information overload. There are too many tools, too many options, and too much jargon. The truth? You don’t need to understand how the engine works—you just need to learn how to drive the car. Focus on tools that are simple, affordable, and directly tied to your goals.
Building an AI Mindset
Adopting AI isn’t just about tools. It’s about shifting how you think:
Experiment often – Try one tool at a time, learn, and adapt
Value your time – Ask if the task you’re doing could be automated
Stay customer-focused – Use AI to improve their experience, not just your efficiency
This mindset ensures AI becomes a long-term business partner rather than just a shiny gadget.
The Competitive Edge
The businesses that start using AI now—before their competitors—will have an advantage that compounds over time. Faster response times, more efficient operations, and better customer experiences all add up. For “Average Joe,” it’s no longer a question of if he should adopt AI, but how soon.
From Awareness to Action: How Average Joe Can Start Using AI in His Business
Last week, we explored how Average Joe is surrounded by AI every day—from music recommendations to navigation apps—often without realizing it. For many small business owners, that’s an eye-opener. But awareness is just the first step. The real opportunity lies in moving from noticing AI to using AI intentionally in your business.
Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough
Understanding how AI shapes your daily life is helpful, but unless you connect that to your business, nothing changes. Many business owners fall into the trap of thinking: “That’s nice, but it doesn’t apply to me.” In reality, ignoring AI now is like ignoring the internet in the early 2000s—it’s not a passing trend, it’s a competitive shift.
The First Step: Identify Bottlenecks
Every business has pressure points. These are the areas where you waste time, lose customers, or feel stuck. Instead of asking “What can AI do?” start by asking:
Where am I spending hours every week on repetitive tasks?
Where am I losing opportunities because I can’t respond fast enough?
Which parts of my business feel chaotic or unpredictable?
AI is most powerful when it tackles bottlenecks, because removing those creates immediate results.
Quick Wins That Build Momentum
You don’t need to start with complicated systems. Look for small, high-impact wins. Examples include:
Automating appointment reminders so customers actually show up
Using AI chat to handle frequently asked questions while you’re on the job
Letting AI write the first draft of emails, social posts, or invoices so you don’t start from scratch
Each small win frees up time, builds confidence, and shows the ROI of AI in real terms.
Avoiding the Overwhelm Trap
One of the biggest reasons small business owners hesitate with AI is information overload. There are too many tools, too many options, and too much jargon. The truth? You don’t need to understand how the engine works—you just need to learn how to drive the car. Focus on tools that are simple, affordable, and directly tied to your goals.
Building an AI Mindset
Adopting AI isn’t just about tools. It’s about shifting how you think:
Experiment often – Try one tool at a time, learn, and adapt
Value your time – Ask if the task you’re doing could be automated
Stay customer-focused – Use AI to improve their experience, not just your efficiency
This mindset ensures AI becomes a long-term business partner rather than just a shiny gadget.
The Competitive Edge
The businesses that start using AI now—before their competitors—will have an advantage that compounds over time. Faster response times, more efficient operations, and better customer experiences all add up. For “Average Joe,” it’s no longer a question of if he should adopt AI, but how soon.