Managing a small business, especially a start-up, can be overwhelming, as various aspects of the company often need to be handled by the same people. However, advancements in today’s technology, particularly with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools, allow business owners to manage their operations more efficiently.

Contrary to popular belief, AI isn’t just for big companies — many affordable or even free-of-charge (albeit with limited access) AI-powered tools are available to help businesses of all sizes succeed.

AI-powered tools can be seamlessly integrated into day-to-day operations and existing systems. While basic tools are user-friendly and do not require deep technical knowledge, more advanced AI implementations may require some technical support.

These tools can significantly help business owners better manage their companies — all while being cost-effective, which is essential for those in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) segment who have limited staff and financial resources.

Below are some examples of how AI-powered tools can help you manage your business and navigate tasks more effectively.

HOW AI-POWERED TOOLS CAN MAXIMISE EFFICIENCY

Automation, powered by AI tools, is a game changer for small businesses and start-ups with limited resources. By automating repetitive tasks like data entry, report creation, and invoice processing, these businesses free up valuable time and resources to focus on higher-value activities like strategy, creativity, and customer relationships. For example, AI-powered tools like Zapier automate workflows by connecting different apps and services, streamlining tasks, and reducing manual effort. Similarly, document creation tools like Otter.ai can help automate the process of generating meeting minutes and reports by transcribing audio recordings, saving significant time and effort for businesses that frequently conduct meetings.

AI-powered inventory management and order processing tools empower business owners to efficiently manage stock across various sales channels. By predicting demand, maintaining optimal stock levels, and automating reordering, these tools help prevent overstocking and stockouts. They also provide real-time insights and track trends to ensure timely restocking decisions. This automation also helps optimise warehouse organisation and streamline fulfilment processes, leading to faster and more efficient order processing. Affordable options like Zoho Inventory (Global Edition) and Unleashed cater specifically to small businesses with their low monthly subscription fees. For a more comprehensive solution, Inventory365 offers advanced features, although at a slightly higher cost.

AI has revolutionised customer service, allowing businesses to handle customer inquiries 24/7, provide instant responses, and help reduce wait times for support. Advanced AI chatbots for instance can understand and resolve common issues, while sentiment analysis helps tailor responses to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Freshdesk is an example of an AI-powered solution that provides many features, including chatbots, multi-channel communication support, and a ticketing system, making it suitable for businesses with complex support requirements. Another example, Intercom, focuses on conversational customer engagement and offers features like targeted messaging, lead qualification, and in-app support, making it ideal for businesses looking to engage with customers proactively. Tawk.to, on the other hand, stands out for its free plan, which provides basic live chat and messaging features, making it a good entry-level option for small businesses with limited budgets.

With AI-powered features, digital marketing solutions can analyse customer data to personalise marketing campaigns, predict the performance of ads, and recommend the best times and channels to reach the target audience. This ensures resources are utilised effectively, maximising return on investment (ROI) on marketing efforts. For instance, AdCreative.ai automates the generation of ad creatives for various platforms, using AI to optimise designs for higher conversion rates. Another helpful tool is HubSpot, which offers AI-powered features for content optimisation, email marketing, and lead generation, even in its free version.

Data analysis empowers MSMEs by transforming raw data into actionable insights. This leads to smarter decisions in all areas, from fine-tuning marketing campaigns and optimising operations to understanding customer preferences and predicting future trends. Tools like Google Analytics provide valuable website traffic data, while Microsoft Excel offers accessible data organisation and visualisation capabilities. Even email marketing platforms like Mailchimp have built-in analytics to track campaign performance and refine outreach strategies. By leveraging these readily available tools, MSMEs can unlock the power of their data to improve efficiency, boost customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive growth, all while staying within limited budgets and resources.

With cyberattacks increasingly targeting MSMEs, AI-powered cybersecurity tools are vital for proactive protection. These tools continuously monitor networks, identify suspicious patterns, and automatically neutralise attacks, safeguarding sensitive data and preventing costly downtime, even without dedicated IT staff. By automating complex security tasks and providing user-friendly interfaces, these tools empower small businesses to implement robust cybersecurity measures, regardless of their budget or expertise. Unifi’s Kaspersky Small Office Security (KSOS), for instance, offers comprehensive protection against various cyber threats, covering multiple users and devices (the numbers vary depending on the subscribed plan). Designed specifically to benefit small businesses, KSOS’s starter plan is available at only RM30 per month.

Adopting AI allows small businesses to streamline operations and improve efficiency while saving valuable time and resources. It creates opportunities to enhance customer experiences and build stronger, data-driven strategies.

By embracing AI, businesses can stay competitive and adapt to evolving market challenges while focusing on growth-oriented strategies. This approach not only fosters growth but also positions small businesses for long-term success in a rapidly advancing digital landscape.

However, leveraging AI effectively requires a reliable and consistent Internet connection, as many AI tools rely on cloud-based platforms and real-time data processing. In this digital era, integrating AI with advanced Internet infrastructure is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring sustained success.

For a strong and stable wireless broadband connection, consider Unifi Air Biz, designed specifically for MSMEs in Malaysia. Starting at just RM149 per month, Unifi Air Biz offers unlimited 5G and 4G LTE networks across the country and supports up to 30 connected devices simultaneously.

Check out Unifi Business portal for more information on other connectivity and digital solutions offered by Unifi.