Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) operate, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and overall success. In a recent episode of The Woodard Report Podcast, hosts Joe Woodard and Heather Satterley sat down with Allanté Collier, CEO and founder of Streamline and Scale, to explore how AI is transforming business processes and strategies.
Collier’s journey from industrial engineering to entrepreneurship demonstrates the power of adaptability and innovation.
After leaving corporate America in 2019, Collier focused on building sustainable business models that could withstand economic disruptions, such as the pandemic. Her mission: to help businesses become “sustainable, scalable and sellable” by leveraging AI and other modern tools.
AI has shifted from science fiction to an accessible tool for businesses of all sizes. Collier emphasized that the key to utilizing AI effectively lies in understanding its potential to take over repetitive tasks, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making processes.
She offers a compelling example of how AI can simplify the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs): By recording a workflow, extracting a transcript, and using AI tools to generate a detailed SOP, business owners can save significant time and resources.
AI's impact on marketing and sales is profound. Collier highlighted the importance of analyzing client data to identify trends and tailor marketing strategies.
By studying the demographics, psychographics and buying behaviors of ideal clients, businesses can refine their outreach and ensure they target the right audience. AI tools like ChatGPT can assist by analyzing data, identifying patterns and even suggesting strategies to improve client acquisition and retention.
For example, a CPA firm could review its client data from the past five years to pinpoint the characteristics of its most profitable and satisfying client relationships. By leveraging AI, the firm could streamline its marketing approach, focusing on high-value prospects.
Collier pointed out that AI serves as more than just a data analyst; it becomes a marketing and sales strategist, offering insights that can drive business growth.
Satterley shared her own success story using AI to optimize her workflow. After attending a company off-site, she used ChatGPT to restructure her SOPs in alignment with her company’s standards, completing the task in record time. This example underscores how AI can help professionals not only save time but also ensure consistency and quality in their work.
To maximize the benefits of AI, Collier advises businesses to integrate it gradually. Start small, using AI to handle simple, repetitive tasks—such as drafting emails or generating content—and build from there.
By treating AI as a team member, businesses can train it to understand their specific needs, tone, and style, making it an invaluable asset over time.
One common barrier to adopting AI is the fear of complexity or inadequacy. Collier recommends a practical approach: replace traditional search engines like Google with AI tools such as ChatGPT for daily queries. This simple switch helps users familiarize themselves with AI’s capabilities and build confidence in its application.
Another challenge is formulating effective prompts. Collier suggests being specific and clear about what you want AI to accomplish. If the AI’s response is not immediately helpful, refine your input and allow the tool to ask clarifying questions. As Satterley noted, persistence is key, and asking AI to explain its reasoning can further enhance understanding and trust.
Collier’s Six Sigma certification and expertise in lean business processes underscore her commitment to efficiency. She advocates for analyzing day-to-day operations to identify tasks that can be automated or optimized with AI. For instance, AI can manage administrative tasks, identify workflow inefficiencies, and even suggest tools to enhance productivity.
Satterley shared an insightful takeaway from a keynote speech by AI expert Ali Miller: “Right now, AI is the worst it will ever be.”
This statement highlights the rapid evolution of AI technology and the importance of embracing it early to stay competitive. Businesses that start using AI now will gain a significant advantage as the technology continues to improve.
For those new to AI, Collier recommends starting with small, manageable tasks, perhaps using AI tools for five minutes a day to replace Google searches, draft emails or analyze data. As you grow more comfortable, she said, explore its applications in marketing, operations and strategic planning.
For example, AI can generate travel itineraries, analyze market trends, or even provide guidance on customer engagement strategies. But don't forget about validating outputs and learning from this experience, Satterley added. By asking AI to explain its decisions, users can improve their own skills while ensuring the results align with their business goals.
AI is reshaping the business landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and efficiency. By starting small and integrating AI into daily operations, businesses can unlock their full potential.
As Collier states, AI is not something to fear but a powerful ally in achieving long-term success. For those ready to take the leap, resources and guidance are readily available to help navigate this journey.
To hear more about Collier's take on AI, as well as other topics on interest, listen to the full podcast below or take a peek at Collier's professional profile.
This episode is sponsored by Zoho, a unique and powerful software suite to transform the way you work, designed for businesses of all sizes, built by a company that values your privacy. Learn more at Woodard.com/podcast.