10 Ways to Use Gen AI to Streamline Your Small Business

Nearly three-quarters of independent contractors report being familiar with AI, and 37% say they are using AI for their work, according to MBO’s survey on AI in the workforce. AI presents a range of exciting opportunities to streamline and grow your independent business. Consider these 10 ways to use the power of AI and achieve greater success.

Better Business Organization for Independent Contractors With AI

1. Automate Content Generation

Generating content takes time, and there’s no getting around it! When you’re running your own business, your time is very valuable, and it can be hard to find hours to brainstorm blog ideas, write marketing emails, or create a weekly newsletter. AI can help by generating content ideas—or even creating content—for your website, social media, newsletters, or marketing materials.

2. Use Chatbots for Client Support

AI-powered chatbots can be a helpful tool for providing clients, or potential clients, with information about your services. You can also set up a chatbot to answer frequently asked questions, schedule meetings, or assist with troubleshooting. This can save you time by handling basic questions and only directing more complex ones to you.

Discover: 4 Ways to Create Long-Term Value for Your Clients

3. Personalize Recommendations

AI algorithms are great at analyzing customer data and offering personalized recommendations. If you understand your target audience well, you can use AI to adjust your services to better meet their needs. For example, by looking at client preferences, purchase history, and behavior, AI can help you figure out what a specific audience may or may not value, so that you can create a better experience and boost sales.

4. Automate Scheduling

Going back and forth on scheduling with a client can take up more time than you expect. With AI-powered scheduling tools, clients can book appointments without needing to consult you directly. These tools can sync with your calendar to manage availability, send reminders, and even help with rescheduling or cancellations.

Explore: How to Eliminate Your Back-Office Burden as a Self-Employed Professional

5. Generate Documents

Another big part of your job as an independent contractor is creating documents, like contracts, invoices, reports, and proposals. These are important for your work but can take up a lot of time to write and produce. AI can help by creating custom templates that you can fill out quickly and easily, ensuring your documents stay consistent. You can also use AI to review your documents for spelling and grammar errors.

6. Simplify Data Entry

If your work includes data processing, AI-powered tools can automate many of these tasks. One major benefit is AI’s ability to extract information from documents, invoices, and forms, which makes data entry more efficient, reducing errors, and improving accuracy.

7. Get Creative With Design

A strong brand is important for independent contractors and small business owners. It’s how the public will see and experience your company, helping you attract new clients and keep them engaged. If design isn’t your strength, try using AI tools for creative design and branding. These tools can assist with logo creation, graphic design, or video editing, making it easier to generate content for your social media, ads, website, or marketing campaigns.

Check Out: 9 Ways to Build a Personal Brand for Your Consulting Business

8. Offer Virtual Consultations

Offering a client a virtual consultation can be a fun and unique way to land a new contract. This strategy may lend itself better to certain businesses than others, but you can get creative in many ways! In a consultation, use AI for multimedia support such as sharing a presentation, video, or interactive demo. This can help engage clients virtually and convey your services in an interesting way.

9. Explore New Product Design

Diversifying your offerings can help grow your business, prepare for uncertain times, or get through slow periods. If you’re interested in diversification but don’t know where to start, use AI to get ideas on how to expand your services. AI can analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitors to suggest business opportunities, or help you come up with product development ideas based on the preferences of a new target audience.

Take the Next Step: 5 Ways to Diversify Your Small Business

10. Take Advantage of Language Translation

There are many potential clients around the world, including in the U.S., who may speak different languages. You can grow your client base as an independent contractor by using AI for language translation. Offering your services to people who speak other languages can help expand your business and bring in a more diverse group of clients.

Additional Tools and Resources for Independent Contractors

Looking for more resources designed for the modern independent contractor? MBO Partners shares regular content on a variety of topics that provide insights and ideas to help you grow your business and build a better career. We also give you access to the latest consulting projects so you can do the work you love, the way you want.