
Speaking | |
October 29, 2024 | |
Hammond, LA | |
Small Business Dev Center |
In this session, “Your AI GPS – A Guided Tour Into the Future,” we’re taking a deep dive into the practical realities of AI for businesses. As technology evolves, the impact of AI on customer experiences and business efficiency is becoming crucial, but not all implementations are created equal. Our goal is to help business owners understand the stark difference between poorly executed AI and well-integrated, intelligent AI systems. We’ve structured this session to be highly interactive, evaluating both bad and great AI applications through a concept I call “AI A/B.” Playing off the idea of A/B testing, this workshop will help you spot critical differences and avoid costly mistakes in AI implementation.
We kick off with an engaging introduction, including a poll to get everyone thinking about their worst AI experiences—because, let’s face it, we’ve all had them. From there, we’ll define what makes an AI implementation weak versus exceptional, with evident characteristics and concrete examples. This includes a tour of three different types of businesses—software agencies, retail glasses shops, and healthcare providers. You’ll see firsthand how badly AI can frustrate users, disrupt workflows, and damage reputations. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ll also spotlight great AI implementations, showcasing how thoughtful AI design can enhance personalization, increase sales, and improve user satisfaction.
Then we run through an exercise called “Thinking in AI,” where we help each other solve common work problems with potential AI-based solutions. The exercise is as instructive as it is entertaining. This session lets us break through the most complicated AI step, step 1.
In the final session, we return to business logistics one last time to improve. We invite audience members to suggest businesses or products for a “Real-Time AI A/B.” In this group activity, we’ll collectively brainstorm a “bad AI” version for a chosen product or business and then discuss what a well-executed AI could achieve. This activity solidifies your understanding and demonstrates how quickly and creatively you can pinpoint risks and opportunities.
To wrap things up, we’ll consolidate the lessons learned and emphasize the importance of focusing on AI that elevates customer experience over cost-cutting shortcuts. The session will end with an open floor for questions and a deeper discussion of your businesses’ AI challenges. By the end, you’ll leave with practical insights and a clearer vision for using AI as a strategic tool rather than just another trend.