Small Businesses Matter in the Age of AI
2026 is here. For some of us the world has never felt faster or seemed more vast with all of the endless virtual distractions at our fingertips. Technology is supposed to be synonymous with words like progression and advancement. Yet, many of us are feeling increased loneliness and discontent. As a result, something else is starting to happen that is riding sidesaddle to technology. That something else - is a newfound appreciation for local goods and services that are provided by our small business communities.
People are really starting to connect the dots when it comes to the viability of their favorite small businesses. “If I don’t support my beloved coffee shop, it could disappear.” They are starting to appreciate actually knowing the person who provides their favorite goods or services. Suddenly, interacting with a bot or supporting another multi-billion dollar company has lost its glamour. There is a growing trend of people becoming energized by interacting, investing, and supporting their local communities. And at the heart of all local communities, are small businesses.
Small businesses bring a unique touch to a landscape filled with mass-produced stuff. It is the small business owner that actually knows their customers and values those relationships. It is the small business owner that still takes the time to create something meaningful.
Advancing technology and advancing human connection doesn’t need to be in opposition. Small business owners can actually benefit from AI. If used correctly, AI can actually give the gift of time to do the things that bring more joy, like connecting with customers in a more meaningful way or creating a new business offering.
So…in the Age of AI, how can the small business owner thrive and leverage technology for their sustained success? By recognizing that AI is not a replacement for our humanity or creativity and instead can be utilized as a time saving tool and supporter of small businesses.
Here are some examples of how small businesses can effectively use AI: (1) Have AI interview you - “I’m thinking of launching this new product, XYZ. What are five things that I have probably not thought about? (2) Have AI draft recurring content - “Create a social media campaign with graphics for my upcoming new product launch, XYZ.” (3) Have AI analyze sales data for better predictions - “Analyze the provided sales data. Forecast sales for the next two quarters, identify key growth drivers, and suggest three strategies to meet targets.”
If you need any help, operations is one of my specialities.
