Pushing forward in the age of AI

Fancy graphics, professionally shot videos, citywide billboards and more. They can all make small business owners feel like they’re falling behind. They don’t have the resources of big box stores and it’s impossible to compete. Owners who are also the marketing directors, business managers and accountants of their businesses can quickly become overwhelmed and wonder how to break through the noise.

It doesn’t take a multi-million-dollar advertising budget to connect with customers. It typically takes less than one might think. It’s a matter of focusing on the right initiatives at the right time and upgrading your employees’ skills or adjusting institutional workflows to achieve small and manageable goals. However, in the busy day-to-day of just trying to survive, many business owners don’t know where to turn. They can’t afford to hire more help or spend long hours in educational programs.

That’s why the Better Business Bureau has created an extensive catalogue of online learning opportunities, ranging from one-hour workshops to full certificate courses. The subject matter il all-encompassing. Businesses can develop according to their individual areas of need. It’s also important to recognize that businesses may have needs that haven’t yet been identified, especially as technology grows around us.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly pervasive, factoring into all aspects of life, it’s important for professionals to learn how to harness its power properly to advance their businesses ethically. It’s also important to learn what pitfalls to stay away from and the limits of AI. Those who haven’t had time to learn more about it may find themselves falling behind. The same goes for multi-media advertising. As the online world advances, those who manage the many demands of a small business can find themselves at a disadvantage.

AI courses have become popular on BBB Learning powered by MindEdge. In one, AI experts walk business owners through how they can get their business names out there now that AI summarizes search engine results.

While many look to the future and new technology, businesses must also remain mindful of the basics. Lessons in leadership can go just as far as seminars on artificial intelligence. Recruiting and maintaining good, honest employees goes a long way in cultivating a strong brand and thus retaining customers. Leadership is something professionals can always improve, and the results tend to ripple positively through the entire company.

While many professionals talk about professional development, few follow through. Amid busy work and personal lives, most don’t find the time or opportunities to develop their hard and soft skills. Doing so can not only elevate individuals, but businesses as a whole and BBB Learning powered by MindEdge provides an easy way to fit those lessons into already-busy lives.

To celebrate small business week this October, the Better Business Bureau is offering 40 per cent off these courses for accredited businesses (code: SMBIZ40) and 25 per cent off for non-accredited businesses (BBBTRUST25). Visit https://www.bbb.org/all/business-education to get started.