As 2025 starts, using AI might still seem overwhelming for many business owners, but it doesn't have to be. Here’s how to choose the right AI tools for your business and add them smoothly into your current setup: By Sachin Dev Duggal
Small business owners close out in 2024 wondering if their tech stack could handle not just the holiday rush, but the challenges of 2025. While 40% of SMBs admit to experiencing "AI FOMO," according to a survey by my company Builder.ai, they're hitting real roadblocks: budget constraints, integration headaches and that nagging question: "Is this the right time to jump in?" It was nearly a decade ago when software development was an unplanned route for my professional journey and not something that I had anticipated.
I was co-founding my photography company and found myself frustrated at software developers who were supporting us at that time. This sparked a slew of ideas around the question of if professional engineers are struggling, how could entrepreneurs or startups create their own apps with little to no technology experience? I can imagine how difficult it would be for small businesses to cut through this noise and stand out during the busiest shopping time of the year. It was a lot to get through with the pressure of promotion, battling through sales, marketing, and customer service.
Think of AI like the perfect holiday gift: daunting in its selection process but ultimately transforming. From helping with routine queries from customers to streamlining management of inventory, AI is almost like having that tireless assistant who never requests overtime. But here's the thing: Choosing the right AI tool shouldn't feel like blindly picking from a gift catalog. The key is finding a solution that plays nice with your existing tech and feels less like a disruption and more like a natural extension of your business. Think of it as adding a new team member who seamlessly fits into your existing crew.
Implementing AI during uncertain times
In today's volatile economic climate, having AI as your business best friend is very much like stabilizing a flying business. From automating tasks to using data-backed solutions and the painful reality check- resistance vs. progress - lies the challenges: proper support education and resources about implementing AI-based solutions across every business. From my own experience, one of the largest issues I have witnessed in the technology industry is the daunting barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, especially for those running a small business.
There is an elephant in the room that needs to be addressed: AI is not the new kid on the block, but its recent explosive growth has many small business owners on high alert. The concerns are genuine: 29% fear that technology will malfunction on them, 28% fear their workforce will resist it and 27% worry that costs are burning holes in their pockets, according to a Builder.ai survey. Throw into the mix the 30% watching the AI regulatory landscape with raised eyebrows.
Although these fears are valid, I have learned strategies to navigate these concerns and found in my journey that it is not the technology that is the barrier for users, but the need to understand and deploy it to make it accessible and integrated throughout a business. It is critical for small businesses to stay competitive and not fall behind on technological advancements in their respective industries. While there are apprehensions and outside factors to consider, small businesses should embrace AI as soon as possible to improve their business model and ROI as we head into the new year.
Still, here's an interesting twist: despite these fears, 54% of small businesses are planning to invest more in AI this year. Why? Because smart business owners know that competition is when innovation feels uncomfortable.
While bringing in additional holiday chaos, it presents year-round perks for AI. Think easier development with apps, more effective use of time, and seamless communication-whether within or outside your business. The best part? You're always firmly in the driver's seat, with transparent processes that keep you in control. AI can really be support during your last minute of the year and work toward streamlining procedures to get your overall workflow running efficiently.
If looking for an AI tool, consider one that will be a team player, seamlessly integrating with technology and infrastructure already in place. It should be simple, transparent, and fully give small business owners control over the project they are working on. AI and software solutions can provide structure and support during uncertain times to keep small businesses on track no matter the storm.
The final take
The holiday season reminds us sometimes that the best gifts have been intimidating at first. In my career life, I have learned firsthand that technology is meant to empower entrepreneurs to make them feel like superheroes, not bring them back. AI feels like that hard gadget you are afraid to unbox, but once you do, you will wonder how you ever managed. And unlike those holiday sweaters that end up in the return pile, this is one investment that keeps on delivering value.
For small businesses leaping headfirst into 2025, the question isn't really whether to adopt AI, but how to do it smartly. With the right approach and tools, AI can be the gift your business didn't know it needed — no gift receipt required.
Sachin Dev Duggal is the CEO and founder of Builder.ai, a pioneer scale-up company that is transforming the AI space with its application-building software. He believes in a world where everyone should have the ability to build software unshackled to power their future
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