Hassan Khan
If you run a small business, you already know change is the only constant.
I’ve been on that rollercoaster myself. Over the years, I’ve built companies in everything from sign repair to fintech, and I’ve seen how technology can either be your best friend or the thing that quietly pushes you out of business.
Now, Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest game changer. And trust me, ignoring it would be like ignoring the telephone in the early 1900s or the internet in the 1990s a mistake you can’t afford to make.
So, Let’s Get Started
The Telephone: The 1900s’ Business Superpower
Imagine running a shop in 1905. You rely on letters or messengers to reach customers and suppliers. Then the telephone comes along suddenly, you can talk in real time, answer questions instantly, and close deals the same day.
Businesses that jumped on it? They grew faster, built stronger relationships, and stayed ahead.
Those who thought it was “just a fad”? They got left behind.
That’s the thing with technology it doesn’t wait for you to feel ready.
The Internet: The Great Equalizer
Fast forward to the 1990s. The internet arrives and suddenly, a small shop in a small town could sell to someone halfway around the world. You could automate tasks, advertise online, and compete with companies 100 times your size.
But I still remember business owners saying, “Websites? Nah, my customers don’t need that.”
A lot of them didn’t survive the next decade.
The internet didn’t just change business it changed who got to stay in business.
AI: The New Frontier
Now here we are. AI is no longer Science fiction; it’s part of everyday life. Whether it’s answering customer questions through a chatbot, forecasting cash flow, or helping you target the right customers, AI is putting Fortune 500 level tools into the hands of small business owners.
If you ignore it, you risk repeating history just like the companies that refused to adapt to phones or the internet.
Why AI Isn’t Something to Fear
I get it new tech can be intimidating. But fear often comes from not fully understanding something.
Here’s why AI should feel more like an opportunity than a threat:
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It’s a tool, not a takeover. Like the telephone and internet, AI helps you do more with less effort.
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It levels the playing field. Affordable tools mean you don’t have to be a big corporation to benefit.
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You’re probably already using it. Email spam filters, Google search suggestions, even your phone’s voice assistant that’s AI in action.
What Happens If You Ignore AI?
History has a long list of “we’ll be fine without it” businesses and most didn’t last.
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Blockbuster dismissed streaming.
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Kodak clung to film.
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Countless small businesses ignored the internet boom.
The pattern is clear: technology moves forward, and those who refuse to adapt eventually get left behind.
Five Simple Ways to Start Using AI
You don’t need a tech degree to start. Here’s how you can dip your toes in without feeling overwhelmed:
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Audit your daily tasks. Spot repetitive work or things that eat up time these are prime AI candidates.
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Start with one area. Try a chatbot for customer service or an AI accounting tool for invoices.
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Train yourself and your team. Even the best tools are useless if no one knows how to use them well.
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Set clear goals. Know whether you want to save time, reduce errors, or improve customer satisfaction.
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Stay curious. Tech will keep evolving keep an eye on what’s working for others in your field.
Embrace the Change
Every big leap from the telephone to the internet has created winners and losers. The winners weren’t always the biggest or richest; they were the ones willing to adapt, learn, and use the tools available to them. AI is no different. Start small, keep an open mind, and focus on results. The real risk isn’t trying AI it’s ignoring it while your competitors use it to get ahead.
The future belongs to the curious, the adaptable, and the doers. Be one of them.
Are you already using AI in your small business, or are you still on the fence? Share your experience in the comments you might inspire someone else to take that first step.
