{"id":28415,"date":"2024-04-12T09:09:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T08:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=28415"},"modified":"2024-04-12T09:09:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T08:09:50","slug":"nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Ways Small Businesses Use AI To Grow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>AI is changing the way we work, and small businesses might just be poised for the most radical transformations because of this technology. Intelligent automation, when properly used, can free up small teams to do more with limited resources, improve customer experience, and even scale up when it\u2019s time. Let\u2019s look more closely at how AI can change the game for small businesses.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading h2\">Why are more small businesses using AI?<\/h2>\n<p>Since generative AI first gained popular attention in 2023, people have been fascinated by its ability to produce natural language narratives nearly instantaneously. It wasn\u2019t long before innovative thought leaders started to see its real potential as a business tool.<\/p>\n<p>Today, businesses of all sizes turn to AI to improve efficiency, support employees and enhance communication. AI helps small businesses punch above their weight, gaining a competitive edge and driving strategic growth. As AI technology advances, small businesses find it instrumental, helping them to remain agile, make informed decisions and unlock new opportunities.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading h2\">9 ways small businesses can use AI<\/h2>\n<p>From streamlining customer support with AI-powered chatbots to automating routine tasks and gaining insights through data analytics, you can use AI to optimise your operations. You can use it to personalise marketing campaigns, enhance communication platforms and streamline the talent acquisition process.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Enterprise-level polish on a small-business budget<\/h3>\n<p>Many technologies take several years to reach critical mass at the enterprise level before they percolate down to small and midsize businesses. That\u2019s not the case with AI, which has gained an immediate foothold in businesses of all sizes. That\u2019s because AI is highly affordable and a tremendous value for the money.<\/p>\n<p>With AI, you can automate tasks normally requiring so much manpower that they would be cost-prohibitive. This technology can synthesise and summarise vast amounts of information within minutes, freeing humans for the high-value activities they do best.<\/p>\n<p>For example, small teams can use AI to keep track of notes in video meetings and on calls with customers so they can focus more on big ideas and strategy. Here\u2019s what\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/blog\/enterprise-connect-2024-announcements\/\" data-dl-name=\"RingEX\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">RingEX<\/a>\u00a0Smart Notes looks like:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-56131 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Smart-Notes-GIF.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>2. Free up time for small teams<\/h3>\n<p>You can use AI to automate routine tasks and streamline operations. For example, most customer service enquiries focus on very common questions or concerns. AI-driven chatbots can understand exactly what a person is asking for and deliver the right answers quickly. That saves time for a small team and provides the added bonus of keeping customers happy.<\/p>\n<p>AI also automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as data entry, scheduling, email and social media sorting, and managing records. When many of these tasks are done manually, errors tend to creep in. By automating these tasks with AI, you reap the additional benefit of fewer errors and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/blog\/increase-productivity-watch-out\/\" data-dl-name=\"increased productivity\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">increased productivity<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Improve customer interactions and experience<\/h3>\n<p>AI has great potential to improve the customer experience (CX). Automated chatbots save time and money and offer great self-service options for customers who want immediate answers. As a bonus, they\u2019re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. AI also makes it possible to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/cx-trends\/\" data-dl-name=\" personalize those interactions\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\"> personalise those interactions<\/a>, further enhancing customer satisfaction and making your small business seem like a much larger one.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rc-post-content-cta rc-post-content-cta_orange\">\n<div class=\"rc-post-content-cta-columns\">\n<div class=\"bottom-cta-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"responsive-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Blog_Hero-930x700-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"930\" height=\"700\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>4. Data analysis and insights<\/h3>\n<p>AI lends itself to powerful data analytics that offer actionable insights for managers. AI offers predictive analytics for sales forecasting, customer behaviour analysis and more. By analysing outbound sales calls, for example, AI can identify opportunities for coaching in skills like empathetic communication or effective cold calling.<\/p>\n<p>Because AI can discern human sentiment, it is well-suited to assess employees\u2019 soft skills, identify learning opportunities and deliver engaging, interactive soft skills training. Here\u2019s what sentiment analysis looks like in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/blog\/whats-new-in-ringcx\/\" data-dl-name=\"RingCX\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">RingCX<\/a>\u2018s conversation tracker:<\/p>\n<h3>5. Marketing and lead generation<\/h3>\n<p>AI has amazing potential for enhancing your company\u2019s top line. Imagine, for example, that during an online meeting one of your customers mentions that they have just merged with a smaller competitor. That could mean more business for your company, provided that you follow up proactively.<\/p>\n<p>AI can identify potential revenue opportunities like that and support targeted campaigns at scale. AI-powered chatbots can streamline audience segmentation, lead generation and lead qualification, helping you focus on the prospects that matter most.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Employee productivity and collaboration<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53892\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Meeting_Summaries_GIF_1920x1080-1.gif\" alt=\"conversation intelligence - video meeting summaries\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p>AI supports efficient project management and task automation as well.\u00a0AI-driven<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/office\/how-it-works.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dl-name=\" communications platforms\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">\u00a0communications platforms<\/a>\u00a0can summarize conversations, identify action items, trigger workflows, and more. AI-driven virtual assistants can help with scheduling, reminders and workflow optimisation.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Cybersecurity and data protection<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s more important than ever for small businesses to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/cybersecurity-predictions\/\" data-dl-name=\" remain attentive to potential security threats\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">\u00a0remain attentive to potential security threats<\/a>. Until now, cybersecurity has required a combination of technical monitoring and employee training. Nevertheless, the human element often remains the weakest point. AI-driven communications intelligence can help you\u00a0identify and mitigate threats proactively by detecting unusual patterns and potential security breaches in real time.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, AI-driven security protocols help ensure data protection and regulatory compliance, which has historically been a time-consuming and difficult job for small businesses in heavily regulated industries.<\/p>\n<h3>8. AI in HR and talent management<\/h3>\n<p>AI assists with\u00a0recruitment and employee onboarding, identifying potential job candidates and automating applicant screening. It also supports rapid employee onboarding, which brings new hires up to speed quickly. That leads to higher productivity, fewer errors, and a happier workforce. Companies that use AI to support soft skills training also benefit from higher employee retention rates and a more positive workplace culture.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Adaptability and scalability<\/h3>\n<p>Today\u2019s powerful cloud-based AI platforms offer immediate rich benefits for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/solutions\/small-business.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dl-name=\" small businesses\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">\u00a0small businesses<\/a> now and help ensure the same benefits as businesses grow. AI is inherently scalable, so you can expand rapidly without straining your AI-based systems and processes. Automation, training, analytics, employee onboarding and customer support can continue apace, without adding to your growing pains. The inherent scalability of AI supports your company\u2019s growth, without requiring a proportional increase in resources.<\/p>\n<h2>AI: The secret weapon for small businesses<\/h2>\n<p>The AI revolution is unfolding rapidly. As it does, innovative small businesses seize the opportunity to improve operational efficiency, enhance CX, upskill their employees and identify new revenue opportunities. AI supports employees by automating many of their tedious day-to-day tasks, enabling them to shift to high-value activities. It enhances managers\u2019 visibility to some of the most important factors in their companies\u2019 success, providing deep insights based on details they were never able to see before.<\/p>\n<p>For small businesses in particular, the inherent scalability of AI is a game changer, empowering leaders to make informed decisions, coach their employees effectively and stay competitive in today\u2019s fast-paced business environment.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dl-name=\"RingCentral\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">RingCentral<\/a>, the leader in AI-infused cloud communications, brings all the benefits of this new technology to small businesses in a single, fully integrated platform. RingCentral\u2019s products are designed from an AI-first perspective, offering real-world benefits such as intelligent call routing, sales coaching, automated customer service, management insights, intelligent productivity tools and more.<\/p>\n<p>Many of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/whyringcentral\/casestudies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dl-name=\" the world\u2019s leading companies\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">\u00a0the world\u2019s leading companies<\/a>\u00a0rely on RingCentral to enhance their competitive edge. Small businesses can access all of those same benefits at a very affordable price. Learn more by visiting<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dl-name=\" RingCentral\" data-dl-element=\"link\" data-dl-additional-info=\"post content link\">\u00a0RingCentral<\/a>\u00a0today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AI is changing the way we work, and small businesses might just be poised for the most radical transformations because of this technology. Intelligent automation, when properly used, can free &hellip; <a href=\"\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;9 Ways Small Businesses Use AI To Grow&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":244,"featured_media":28416,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>9 Ways Small Businesses Use AI To Grow | RingCentral UK Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Intelligent automation can free up small teams to do more with limited resources. 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Let\u2019s look at how AI can support small businesses.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"RingCentral Team","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":":\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/"},"author":{"name":"RingCentral Team","@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cc4f043d2b478862a8622c28b0ebd08c"},"headline":"9 Ways Small Businesses Use AI To Grow","datePublished":"2024-04-12T08:09:22+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-12T08:09:50+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/"},"wordCount":1187,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Small Business"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":[":\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/","url":":\/gb\/en\/blog\/nine-ways-small-businesses-use-ai-to-grow\/","name":"9 Ways Small Businesses Use AI To Grow | RingCentral UK Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2024-04-12T08:09:22+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-12T08:09:50+00:00","description":"Intelligent automation can free up small teams to do more with limited resources. 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