This week is National Small Business Week — and as someone who’s worked with hundreds of small business leaders across Ohio, I can tell you: the game has changed. Smart technology isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s the edge.
Here’s how I’m seeing small businesses make bold, effective moves — and how you can, too.
AI Search Is Changing the Rules — Are You Showing Up?
Not long ago, getting found on Google was the benchmark for online visibility. Now? Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are changing how people search — and how they find your business.
If you’re not showing up in those AI-generated answers, you’re invisible to a growing number of potential customers.
The good news? You don’t need a marketing agency to fix this.
You need a clean, useful website that answers real customer questions in plain English.
I always tell business owners:
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Keep your blog active.
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Use an FAQ that reads like a helpful human.
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Make sure your services are clearly described.
AI prioritizes content that’s current, structured, and human. Bonus points if your customers are talking about you — because AI tools scrape reviews and feedback, too.
Small Businesses Are Winning With AI — Because We Can Move Faster
Unlike big companies with old systems and bloated tech stacks, small businesses are built to move. That makes us better suited to adopt AI tools quickly — and effectively.
The data backs this up: According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses using AI are seeing higher profitability compared to those who aren’t.
I’m seeing businesses use AI to:
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Cut admin time in half
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Improve inventory management
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Offer faster, 24/7 support with AI-assisted chat
The key is to start small. Tackle one issue — like stock tracking or appointment scheduling — and let tech do the heavy lifting. You don’t need a complete overhaul. Just one smart change at a time.
And here’s the thing: AI is a tool, not a replacement. The businesses getting it right are the ones using tech to amplify the human touch — not remove it.
Know What Your Customers Care About — Then Act On It
Tech is one piece of the puzzle. The other is understanding your customer.
Right now, we’re seeing a shift in buying behavior — people want experiences, not just products. They want comfort, self-care, meaning. They want brands that align with their values.
That’s where small businesses have the advantage. We’re not faceless. We’re real people, running real businesses, in real communities. We can talk about our process, our sourcing, our values — and mean it.
Customers can feel that. It builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.
Small Changes, Big Results
You don’t have to be a tech expert to future-proof your business.
Start with one thing: Clean up your site. Try a basic AI tool. Talk to your customers and listen. Then keep going.
Smart moves don’t have to be flashy. They just have to be thoughtful.
Happy Small Business Week — let’s keep building smarter.
– Randy
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free 20-minute consult with our team and we’ll walk you through quick wins you can implement immediately — no tech jargon, no sales pressure. Just practical strategies that work for small businesses.
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