AI Adoption is Growing Among SMBs

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 58% of small businesses report using AI in their operations, with nearly all planning to adopt emerging technologies in the near future. AI is helping SMBs in several key ways:

• Faster, data-driven decisions: AI can analyze large datasets quickly, allowing businesses to identify trends and make informed decisions in real time.
  
  Suggestion: Start by using AI tools for reporting and analytics in areas like sales, customer behavior, or inventory management to identify opportunities for improvement.
  
  

• Automating repetitive tasks: Routine work, such as scheduling, data entry, or customer support, can be handled by AI-powered systems, freeing staff for higher-value work.
  
  Suggestion: Implement AI chatbots for basic customer inquiries or automated workflows for internal processes to increase efficiency immediately
  
  

• Enhancing marketing efforts: AI can help generate content ideas, optimize campaigns, and analyze audience engagement to improve ROI.
  
  Suggestion: Use AI tools to test subject lines, content variations, or ad targeting to see what drives the best engagement.
  
  

• Increasing productivity without adding headcount: By optimizing workflows and automating manual tasks, AI allows SMBs to scale operations efficiently.
  
  Suggestion: Identify the most time-consuming manual tasks in your organization and explore AI solutions that can streamline them.

These numbers show AI is no longer experimental, it’s a business-critical tool for SMBs that want to scale effectively.

A Few Challenges SMBs Face When Adopting AI

While AI offers clear benefits, SMBs can face obstacles when adopting AI:

• Skills gaps: Staff may not know how to use AI tools effectively.
  
  Tip: Invest in short training sessions or online courses focused on practical AI applications relevant to your business.
  
  

• Integration complexity: AI tools need to work seamlessly with existing systems.
  
  Tip: Begin with AI solutions that integrate easily with your current software stack, and consider phased implementation to reduce disruption.
  
  

• Security and compliance risks: AI can expose vulnerabilities in data handling and regulatory compliance.
  
  Tip: Conduct a data audit before implementing AI to ensure sensitive information is properly protected and compliant with regulations.
  
  

• Ongoing maintenance: AI isn’t “set it and forget it,” it requires updates, monitoring, and optimization.
  
  

These hurdles can prevent SMBs from realizing the full potential of AI unless they have the right guidance and support.

Practical Steps SMBs Can Take Today

Start Small
Focus on one or two high-impact processes where AI can add immediate value.

Measure Outcomes
Track performance metrics to evaluate ROI and guide further adoption.

Invest in Training
Equip teams with the skills needed to interact with AI confidently.

Prioritize Security
Ensure all AI tools meet your company’s cybersecurity and compliance standards.

Iterate and Optimize
Continuously refining AI workflows based on results and feedback.

How Handled IT Partners Supports SMB Success

Successful AI adoption requires more than just implementing tools; it depends on having the right strategy, infrastructure, and support. Handled IT Partners helps SMBs in key areas that make AI adoption and business growth successful:

• Strategic IT Planning: Assess current systems and create technology roadmaps that align with business goals to ensure AI investments are purposeful and effective.

• Reliable Infrastructure and Security: Ensure networks, cloud systems, and data handling are optimized and secure to support AI tools safely.

• Ongoing Support: Monitor systems continuously and provide help desk resources so AI workflows run smoothly.

• Training and Change Management: Equip teams with the skills to use AI effectively and manage changes in workflows.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Maintain adherence to data protection regulations and manage operational risks when deploying advanced technologies.

By addressing these areas, SMBs can maximize AI’s potential, unlocking efficiency, improving decision-making, and scaling growth responsibly.

Schedule a 15-minute intro call today.

About Handled IT Partners

Handled IT partners with business owners large and small through their digital transformations. 

Handled IT Partners will evaluate your organization, identify its capabilities, and develop a custom roadmap and operating model to align your business with your desired results. Through every stage of our extensive process, we are intentional about listening, understanding, building, and delivering the best IT infrastructure for your business. 

Schedule a 15-minute intro call today.