Picture this: An AI opening an internet browser, developing a ’90s-style website, fixing code bugs, and automating tasks a human developer would handle. Sounds futuristic? Well, it’s happening now – watch the video! And while it may not be perfect (yet), the sheer potential for what AI can do is already clear.
In this video, an AI shows off its skills by doing tasks that, frankly, many of us spend hours on. But what if we could flip the script and get AI to handle more of those repetitive tasks so that we can focus on bigger things?
Now, before you think, “Is this a singularity, where AI and robots take over?” Let’s take a step back and see the bigger picture: AI is evolving quickly, and that’s good news for business advisors and their clients. Why? Because it’s an opportunity for us to create, not a threat for us to fear. Let’s talk about what this means and how you can get ahead of the game.
AI: Your New Favourite Assistant (Who Never Takes Breaks)
Right now, AI can perform basic computer tasks about as well as an average person. Simple? Sure. But what’s exciting is where this is headed. We’re on the verge of AI being able to handle complex tasks, stringing them together to complete end-to-end processes. And I’m not talking about tasks that take a couple of minutes – think hours or even days’ worth of work done in the blink of an eye.
Take, for example:
- A developer automating repetitive code tasks, finding bugs, and doing website QA.
- Non-tech-savvy individuals navigating complex software like pros.
- Accountants quickly downloading and reconciling data from various systems, analysing it, and creating detailed financial reports, charts, and explanations.
The future isn’t far off where AI can read a 50-page research report and create an executive summary or build a fully functional website from a wireframe. As advisors, this has significant implications for our clients and us.
What Does This Mean for Business Advisors?
Here’s the light-hearted reality: AI isn’t coming for our jobs; it’s coming to help us do our jobs better, faster, and more creatively. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, AI is freeing us up to focus on higher-value activities – like strategic planning, business growth, and problem-solving.
Think of it like this: You’ll have a competent and capable assistant at your fingertips, handling the mundane so you can dive into the exciting stuff or maybe even take time off. And yes, that means even some traditionally “hands-on” fields like accounting, IT, and operations can use AI to elevate their work.
- Financial advisors can use AI to sift through and analyse vast volumes of data, freeing them to focus on interpreting results and advising clients.
- Consultants can have AI summarise industry reports and generate client-ready slide decks in a fraction of the time.
- Developers can leverage AI to build websites, troubleshoot code, and streamline testing processes.
Getting Ahead of the Game
The key to thriving in this AI-driven future isn’t to fear it—it’s to embrace it. The organisations and advisors who will win in this new era are those who see AI as a tool to improve productivity, efficiency and creativity.
Here’s how you can prepare and help yourself get ahead of the curve:
- Automate the Repetitive: Start small by using AI tools for simple, repetitive tasks like scheduling, data entry, or generating reports. This will free up your time for more strategic work.
- Upskill Your Team: AI doesn’t replace us; it complements us. Invest in learning how to integrate AI into everyday workflows so you can use it to your advantage. Whether it’s understanding AI-powered financial models or marketing analytics, there’s an AI tool for almost every task.
- Encourage Innovation: AI’s strengths are only as good as the creativity we bring to the table. Encourage your team (and clients) to experiment with how AI can streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
- Collaborate with AI: Don’t think of AI as a separate entity; instead, think of it as a partner or assistant in your work. The most successful future teams will combine human intuition, creativity, and problem-solving with AI’s speed and data-processing capabilities.
A Cheerful Outlook
AI might be making waves, but it will not replace us if we choose not to let it replace us. It’s here to transform how we work, making our lives easier and our clients’ businesses stronger. The companies that embrace this change early will be the ones that stay ahead of the curve, offering faster, more innovative services.
The future is closer than we think. The next five years are critical, and an AI strategy today is not optional but essential. Embracing AI is about staying competitive, innovating faster, and unlocking potential that might have once seemed out of reach.
Our message is clear: start small, explore the tools available, and take that first step. The rewards of adopting AI are within reach, and the journey can start today.
UKBA and Ziptech are delighted to announce their collaboration to help SMEs harness the power of business transformation using technology and AI. This new service will provide tailored guidance to help small businesses understand, adopt, and integrate AI into their operations with a clear focus on the company—boosting productivity, reducing costs, and driving growth. Stay tuned for more details on how this initiative can benefit your business and make AI work for you.