No? don’t worry, most businesses aren’t.

AI readiness requires change in every corner of your business, from employee skills and company culture, to your data, technological infrastructure, and management practices.

And even though it seems like AI is all around us these days, the reality is that the majority of businesses – especially smaller ones – are nowhere near ready to fully adopt AI. In fact, a recent survey by Cisco found that although 97% of businesses believe there was an urgency to adopt AI, only 14% were ready to take the leap. This survey focused on businesses with over 500 employees, so the stats surrounding AI readiness would likely be even lower in small and mid-sized organisations.

But there’s no need to rush. Taking the time to carefully plan and implement an effective AI strategy is far more beneficial than hastily jumping in.

In this blog, we’ll explore what being “AI-ready” truly means and outline practical steps you can take to embark on your AI journey with confidence.

Embracing AI in Small Businesses vs Larger Organisations

The way AI is viewed varies significantly between small businesses and larger organisations. According to a survey of 1000 UK companies, 42% of medium to large businesses (250+ employees) see AI as more of an opportunity than a threat compared to only 27% of smaller organisations (<250 employees).

This difference in perception could be due to a difference in resources, infrastructure, and risk tolerance. Larger organisations typically have more financial flexibility, technical expertise, and strategic frameworks to experiment with AI solutions. On the other hand, smaller businesses face challenges such as limited budgets and in-house expertise. Plus, the perceived risks associated with implementing new technologies can be daunting for smaller organisations.

However, this doesn’t mean AI is out of reach for small businesses.

In fact, AI can offer unique advantages to smaller players, allowing them to become more agile, personalise customer experiences, and streamline operations in ways that were previously only accessible to larger organisations.

The key for small businesses is to start with a clear understanding of their specific needs and challenges and go from there, taking a phased approach. While the path to AI readiness may look different for small businesses compared to enterprises, the journey is no less important. By understanding their unique position and leveraging the right strategies and partnerships, small businesses can successfully embrace AI and harness its potential to drive growth.

The Journey to AI Readiness

Before we talk about the practical steps to achieving AI readiness, keep in mind that the journey is as much about people, culture, and strategy as it is about technology.

When navigating the path to becoming AI-ready, it’s essential to recognise that it’s not just about having the latest tech tools and software solutions. It’s about building a holistic ecosystem that empowers your business to leverage AI effectively. This involves nurturing and upskilling your team fostering a company culture that embraces change and aligning your AI strategy with your broader business objectives within a clear ethical framework. You also need to ensure your data is accurate, organised, and secure and your infrastructure is robust and up-to-date. With these pillars in place, you’re not just adopting technology; you’re setting the stage for transformative growth.

Practical Things to Consider to Be ‘AI-Ready’

While the concept of AI readiness might seem daunting, especially for small businesses with limited resources, it’s manageable when approached strategically. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Figure Out Your Strategy – What do you want to achieve with AI? How do you think it will benefit your business? What’s the long-term goal? Begin by pinpointing what exactly you want to address with AI, so your strategy has a clear direction and purpose.
• Assess Your Current Capabilities – What are your current technological capabilities, skills, and data infrastructure like? Understanding where you stand will help you identify the gaps and areas that need enhancement to support AI initiatives.
• Educate and Train Your Team – Investing in education and training for your team is crucial for AI readiness. This includes not only technical training for your IT team but also awareness sessions for other employees to understand the basics of AI and how it can impact their work.
• Prioritise Data Quality and Management – Since AI tools are only as good as the data they are built on, ensuring quality, well-organised, and accurate data is essential. This might involve auditing your current data management practices and implementing improvements where necessary.
• Strengthen Your Infrastructure – Evaluate your current IT infrastructure to assess its AI readiness. You need to ensure it can support AI technologies. This may involve upgrading systems, adopting cloud services, or enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.
• Partner with the Right AI Providers – For many small businesses, building AI solutions from scratch is not feasible. Partnering with reputable AI vendors or service providers can offer access to advanced AI capabilities without the need for significant upfront investment in technology and skills development.
• Plan for Ethical and Responsible AI Use – As part of becoming AI-ready, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. You need to ensure that your use of AI aligns with regulatory requirements and societal values. This includes issues like privacy, bias, and transparency.
• Start Small and Scale – Begin with small, manageable AI projects that can deliver quick wins and tangible benefits. This approach allows you to build confidence and expertise in AI, making it easier to tackle more complex projects over time.
• Engage Your Stakeholders – Keep your stakeholders informed about your plans for AI readiness. This includes employees, customers, and partners. Transparency about your AI journey can foster trust and collaboration.
• Measure and Adjust – Continuously monitor the performance of your AI investments and assess the impact on your business. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and approach based on what you learn.

How Are You Planning to Become ‘AI-Ready’?

Gearing up for AI readiness is more than just tech adoption; it’s a strategic journey that impacts every aspect of your business. It’s about creating an environment where technology meets talent, innovation is welcomed, and data-driven decisions become second nature. For small and large businesses alike, the road to AI readiness offers a chance to revolutionise processes and drive growth.

Remember, the journey is manageable with the right approach, and starting small can lead to significant gains. If you’re looking for ways to boost productivity through AI, our team is ready to guide you. Reach out to us to explore how AI can reshape your business landscape.