How small businesses can leverage AI AI models can assist small businesses with a wide range of tasks that larger companies handle with expert hires, particularly in administrative and secretarial roles. Tools like Notion AI are being used by individuals like tutor Sam Finnegan-Dehn to manage recordkeeping, refine teaching strategies through meeting summaries, and assist with goal-setting and invoicing. While AI offers significant benefits in streamlining operations and saving time, small businesses must carefully weigh the costs and potential drawbacks, such as AI inaccuracies and privacy concerns, against the advantages.

• AI can help small businesses manage tasks like accounting, design, market research, and product development.
• Notion AI is used by tutor Sam Finnegan-Dehn for administrative tasks, including recording and summarizing client meetings, drafting lesson notes, invoicing, and social media management.
• AI can assist with goal-setting by generating concrete steps towards long-term objectives.
• Companies like Grandma’s Quilt Shop use tailored AI software to generate inventory descriptions and pricing, significantly reducing listing time.
• Small businesses should carefully assess the cost and benefits of AI tools, considering potential drawbacks like ‘clunky’ interfaces and monthly fees.
• It’s important to look before leaping, input data conveniently for AI models, and weigh options before committing to an AI ecosystem.
• AI should be used to supplement human skills, and humans should remain in charge where accuracy is critical, as AI can hallucinate and make mistakes.
• AI is not always the best tool; traditional platforms may be safer and more efficient for certain tasks.
• Using local AI models can mitigate privacy risks associated with online AI models collecting user data. Continue reading https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/06/02/1138227/how-small-businesses-can-leverage-ai