In this last installment for 2024, we'll summarize the biggest technology takeaway of the year and what is on the horizon for 2025 and beyond. As we all know, AI was the big focus for 2024 with every major service racing to leverage it. In fact, as 2024 closes, if you are not leveraging AI and a key component or feature of your product, you are considered already “behind the curve”.
While there has been steady advancement in AI since the 1950s, the release of OpenAI’s ChatGTP-4 in 2023 is considered a watershed moment, which has only accelerated the growth and capabilities of AI worldwide. As 2024 closes and the thirst for AI computing power grows, there are many hurdles to overcome. The most critical challenge is in power generation, followed closely by computing power.
It's Not all Rosy in AI-land
It’s important to note that there are already legal challenges including intellectual property rights, data inaccuracy, and data privacy - not to mention the regulatory constraints surely to be implemented by the Federal government. I expect these legal challenges to only grow, which will somewhat stifle the “wild west of AI” as it is today.
As we move into 2025, it’s clear that the use of AI in our everyday business will proliferate as companies seek to reduce costs and remain competitive. Notice I said, “remain competitive”. With very few exceptions, not adopting AI in some capacity in 2025 and beyond will put your business behind the proverbial 8-ball as it becomes more and more mainstream.
How are Small Businesses Using AI?
Small businesses just like yours are already leveraging AI to do some amazing things, including:
- Content Development - marketing, blogging, social posting, image generation, and more,
- Automated Support - chatbots, automated responses,
- Research - conversational research on just about any topic you can imagine and
- Improved Cybersecurity - enhance detection, prevention, and mitigation
While you may not need all of these, I'm certain you can take advantage of some of these approaches.
How to Get Started Using AI
These things and AI in general may sound intimidating if you are not tech savvy, but the tools and techniques are readily available and are getting easier to use all the time. In fact, if you have CoPilot or Apple Intelligence on your computer, you may already be using it.
The secret sauce for your business is in how you will leverage it. If you haven’t thought about AI and what it means to your business in the future, now is the time. You can embrace the change or ignore it at your own peril.
Let’s discuss how we can help you devise an AI strategy for your business.
