In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for large corporations; it’s also becoming a game-changer for small businesses. On this episode of The Small Business Show, we welcome Tami Cannizzaro, Chief Marketing Officer of Thryv, to explore how small business owners can harness the power of AI. With practical advice and real-world examples, Tami outlines actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth.
Tami Cannizzaro highlights the growing importance of AI for small businesses, emphasizing that it’s not just a tool for large enterprises. She begins by explaining how AI can enhance customer service through conversational bots that provide quick, personalized responses, which are especially useful for business owners who may not be available to answer inquiries throughout the day. AI’s ability to automate repetitive tasks is another significant benefit, helping small business owners streamline back-office processes like data entry, scheduling, and invoicing, freeing up more time to focus on their customers.
One of the most valuable areas where AI can impact is marketing efforts. Cannizzaro notes that many small businesses lack dedicated marketing teams, making AI-generated content, social media posts, and email campaigns an efficient way to stay connected with customers and drive repeat business. AI can also offer customer insights, analyzing sales data, website performance, and reviews to help business owners make data-driven decisions. Lastly, AI can significantly improve inventory management and sales forecasting, assisting businesses to optimize their supply chain and stay ahead of demand.
While Cannizzaro acknowledges some hesitancy around adopting AI, she emphasizes that it is more accessible than ever before. She points out that 38% of small business owners are already using AI, and the technology is becoming intuitive and cost-effective for all. Her advice? Start small, experiment with AI in areas where you feel comfortable, and gradually expand its use throughout your business.
“A full 38% of small business owners are already using AI, and while it might seem a little scary at first, it’s actually pretty intuitive. Start small, and you’ll see how much time and efficiency you can gain.” — Tami Cannizzaro.
