Did you know that you can use generative AI to grow your business—without losing what makes it yours!?
- Carla Medina
- May 28
- 6 min read
You've seen it popping up throughout social media feeds and search engines like Google and Microsoft. And now you've begun to see it through some of your favorite brands like Canva or Mailchimp; the adoption of generative AI tools. Now, not only have you found these tools within your favorite brands, but we're also seeing a massive boom of new generative AI resources and solutions.
Believe it or not, generative AI has been in the background working its magic for years! Growing and changing with the help of amazingly talented engineers—creating impactful change throughout a multitude of digital sources like smart electronics found within your Alexa or your smart robotic vacuum; predictive technologies like your predictive emojis or GPS; and automations, like those you can build into your email sequences or website. Engineers have been working hard to create a magical universe of smart technologies to support humans in ways that we've never seen before. And to my small business friends, it is not only a resource adopted by billion-dollar companies, but it can also be used by you! The small business owner or non-profit.
Now, please - don't get stuck in tech shock and fear, or be so comfortable using traditional applications that you miss out on the ways that generative AI can support you. It is not designed to harm us like the bad bots we saw on iRobot, nor was it designed to replace human thought. It is literally here to support humans and be a valuable asset towards growth and efficiency.
Now Let’s Talk AI: What does it really mean for your small business, and how can you benefit from it?
Starting from the top; you don't have to be a tech-wiz to use or benefit from generative AI. Consider AI as your personal assistant or little business sidekick. It's here, it's not going anywhere, so it's time to buckle up and learn, at least the basic facts about how to use it and how it can help you grow.
Now before I begin, I want you all to know that I am not a subject-matter expert of generative AI, but I'm learning more and more every day through my corporate job and with the help of the advanced courses that I'm taking through the University of Texas McCombs—with our fabulous instructor, Kori Ashton—the founder of Kori Ashton - WordPress Business Coach | Digital Strategist | Speaker. I have been learning some cool stuff that I want to share with all of my small business and non-profit friends—because it's about ubuntu for me. I am, because you are. And that's on peanut butter and jelly—so let's jump in.
For starters, did you know that many software solutions now include some form of generative AI integration? Super interesting stuff, right?!?!
So as a small business owner, the main question on many of our minds, is how can we benefit from it? Better yet, how can we use it while staying authentic to our individual brand? And what best practices can we implement so that we're staying ethical and sensible?
The best tip that I've learned so far, is to take it slow but go! Utilize some of the tools that you already have access to. Test and put into practice some of the applications that can now be found through software's we already use. And most importantly, when using these generative AI tools - get granular, be specific, and don't be afraid to reframe your prompts, if the outcomes aren't what you were looking for.
When using generative AI tools—now built through and into platforms like ChatGPT, Google's Genisis, Pexels, Semrush, Shutterstock, Honeybook, Hubspot; even your most commonly used website hosting platforms like Wordpress, WIX, GoDaddy, and Squarespace—it’s essential to follow each software’s best practices. Most will include tutorials, usage guides, or even live demos to help you get started. Some platforms are still in BETA, while others have fully integrated AI features ready to go.
The second-best advice I can give— Don’t overcomplicate it. The more specific and detailed your prompt, the more relevant and accurate your results will be.
But hear me—and hear me loud and clear: Generative AI is not here to make you lazy. It’s not a replacement for human creativity, strategy, or thought. Never take the results you get at face value. Instead, treat them as a guide to help shape your final work—another words, don't just copy and paste!
When generative AI is used intentionally, it can make your biz more personal, not less personal.
By allowing generative AI to handle the busywork, AI can free you up to connect deeper with your clients or customers; you're able to show up more consistently and it gives you time back to focus on what only you can do.
Doesn't that sound 'cooler than cool'?
Now understand the facts my small business buds, in service-based businesses and non-profits your customers or clients want more of you. And I get it! Historically, as small business owners, we usually wear a thousand and one hats - but what if you used generative AI to relieve some of that pressure from doing so much work? What if you were able to use generative AI so you could wear less hats and breathe more while still growing your business?
Ya'll! You are no good burnt TF out! So let generative AI lessen the weight of your daily load so you can focus on what matters most. Avoid the burnout from doing it all—you are, as a reminder, only human, so let AI help.
Here are 5 Main Points to Consider as You Navigate Generative AI in Your Small Business or Non-Profit
Start with Practical AI Tools
You don’t need to go all in from day one. Start with entry-level AI tools like ChatGPT or Canva Magic Write to streamline content creation, draft emails, or generate social captions. Focusing on practical AI applications ensures you see value without overwhelm.
Use Generative AI to Scale Content Without Losing Your Brand Voice
AI can be a powerful little assistant, but it’s your unique voice that builds trust. Use AI for content creation, then refine the results to align it more with your brand’s tone and mission.
Select the Best AI Tools for Your Small Business, Team or, Non-Profit
You don’t need complex platforms to see an impact. Choose user-friendly AI tools that are affordable, intuitive, and designed to support growth—like AI writing assistants or AI graphic generators.
Adopt Ethical AI Practices to Build Audience Trust
Transparency matters. Whether you're automating donor outreach or creating marketing content, being open about AI usage and protecting customer data is key for ethical AI implementation. *A little word to the wise —if you want to protect your trade secrets or collateral, it is recommended to not add specifics details about that collateral into sources like ChatGPT—it is a smart web-based and adaptive software, it pulls ideations from multiple sources. If you don't want your trade secrets floating around the world wide web—avoid adding essentials asset or trade secrets into your prompts.
Leverage AI to Boost Productivity and Focus on Impact
Let AI handle repetitive admin tasks so your team can focus on mission-driven growth. From auto-generating meeting notes to optimizing workflows, AI for business productivity can free up time and energy for what truly matters. A great example is Honeybook's Meeting Notetaker. When you enter into an eligible video meeting, it will ask your permission to enter first (such manners, lol!) and if you approve, the notetaker will generate meeting notes that'll be available shortly after you end the meeting. What I personally love about the tool, is that it not only transcribes the entire conversation with a client, but it also gives a summation of the convo providing you with a quick glance at all the high-value details through a carefully drafted meeting overview. AND it'll organize your next steps and action items based on the contents captured within the call.
Having a little AI sidekick as a small business owner with a little bit of neuro-spiciness is FANTASTIC for me. So maybe it'll help you.
Yes! My small business gurus and non-profit amigos, generative AI is a resource that can support you in the most magical of ways. It is here to stay!
So, get out there, try it out for yourself, and pass the knowledge onward!
Happy Growing!
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