Introduction: AI for Small Businesses—A Game-Changer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often seen as a cutting-edge technology reserved for large corporations with unlimited resources and teams of skilled engineers. However, this perception is rapidly changing. For small businesses, AI is becoming a powerful tool that can simplify operations, save time, and boost efficiency. Evermile, a UK-based company, is at the forefront of this transformation, offering an AI-powered platform designed specifically for local retailers. With plans to expand to the U.S. in 2023, Evermile aims to demonstrate how AI can revolutionize the way small businesses operate. In this article, Evermile’s co-founder and CEO, Omer Goldschmidt, shares insights into how AI can transform small retail businesses and empower them to compete on a level playing field with larger competitors.
How AI Can Transform a Small Retail Business
Small business owners often face a daunting challenge: time. Juggling orders, deliveries, marketing, and customer support leaves little room for strategic planning or growth. This is where AI comes into play. By automating repetitive tasks, AI can free up valuable time, allowing business owners to focus on what truly matters. For instance, Miles, Evermile’s AI agent, can automate up to 70% of daily tasks, acting as an additional team member. This automation not only streamlines operations but also enables small businesses to operate with the efficiency of much larger companies, giving them a competitive edge.
AI in Practice: Real-World Applications for Local Businesses
AI’s practical applications for local businesses are abundant. One common pain point for retailers is delivery coordination, which often involves manual processes like switching between spreadsheets, couriers, and phone calls. AI can simplify this by analyzing delivery locations, driver availability, and costs in real time, assigning the most efficient and cost-effective option automatically. This not only saves time but also ensures a seamless customer experience. Another example is customer service. AI agents like Miles can consolidate inquiries from multiple platforms (such as websites, Facebook, and SMS) into a single inbox, providing instant responses based on live data, such as order status or product availability. Essentially, AI acts like a 24/7 customer service team.
AI in Marketing: Personalization and Data-Driven Insights
Marketing is another area where AI can make a significant impact. For small businesses, marketing is often an afterthought due to limited resources. AI can automate personalized campaigns, such as sending tailored promotions to customers who haven’t made a purchase in a while. Additionally, AI can analyze delivery data to identify trends and automate promotions accordingly. For example, if a bakery notices that customers frequently order cakes on Fridays, AI can suggest midweek discounts to drive more orders. The real-time decision-making capabilities of AI make it an invaluable tool for small businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts without manual effort.
Considerations Before Adopting AI
While AI offers immense potential, small businesses must consider a few key factors before adopting it. First, AI is only as effective as the data it works with. Many small businesses rely on unstructured data, such as handwritten notes or scattered spreadsheets, which can limit AI’s capabilities. Centralizing and organizing this data is a crucial first step. Second, businesses should choose AI tools tailored to specific tasks rather than generic solutions. For instance, task-specific AI can be pre-programmed to manage delivery routes for a florist or answer product questions for a boutique. Finally, maintaining human oversight is essential. While AI excels at handling routine tasks, complex issues should be escalated to humans to ensure efficiency without losing control.
The Future of AI in Small Businesses
The future of AI in small businesses looks promising. Over the next decade, AI adoption is expected to define small business success. As the technology evolves, we can anticipate even more advanced applications, such as predictive inventory management and dynamic pricing strategies. What’s most exciting is the democratization of AI capabilities. Tools that were once accessible only to large corporations are now within reach for local businesses, enabling them to compete and thrive in ways previously unimaginable. One retailer using Evermile’s AI agent, Miles, reduced response time to customer inquiries by 90% and saved over 15 hours weekly on delivery coordination—testament to the tangible impact AI can have.
Addressing the Skepticism: Is AI Overhyped?
Some critics argue that AI is overhyped, and for years, many tools have overpromised and underdelivered. However, the maturity of AI technology has now reached a point where real, tangible results are being achieved. For example, one retailer using Miles saw a 90% reduction in response time to customer inquiries and saved over 15 hours weekly on delivery coordination. These outcomes are not hypothetical—they directly impact the bottom line. While AI is not a magic bullet, it is a powerful tool that, when implemented correctly, can make a significant difference. As AI continues to evolve, its role in empowering small businesses will only grow, proving that it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer.
