In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the competition often means embracing the latest technological advancements. However, for many non-technical business owners, integrating new technology can be daunting. One such technology that has been making waves recently is the AI-powered Copilot. But what exactly is it, and why should you consider investing in it for your business?

Unsurprisingly, 848 adopted Microsoft Copilot on a limited basis because it was ‘the latest thing from Microsoft’. I was skeptical, the ability to summarise emails and documents was useful, but there is a built-in skeptism around trusting the data and where the data is going. This is a key question around using public AI (Chat GPT, Claude, Gemini etc) or enterprise AI like Microsoft Copilot and Chat GPT, which offer enterprise models.

Copilot, as part of a Microsoft 365 tenant, is a unique proposition if you are using Microsoft 365 as it can, out of the box, provide enhanced functionality using your existing data.

What is a Copilot?

Think of an AI-powered copilot as a digital assistant that works alongside you, helping to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance overall productivity. It’s like having an extra pair of hands and an extra brain, working tirelessly to support your business objectives.

Copilot is available across all key applications, as a mobile application and can also query the external internet, internal data, or both.

1. Enhanced Decision-Making

One of the significant advantages of an AI copilot is its ability to analyse vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. This means you can make more informed decisions based on real-time insights. Whether it’s understanding market trends, customer preferences, or operational efficiencies, an AI copilot provides you with the information you need to make strategic decisions confidently.

This is true, in and of itself, but you need to know what questions to ask it, the more accurate, the better.

2. Improved Productivity

Imagine having a tool that can automate repetitive tasks, allowing your team to focus on more critical and creative aspects of their work. An AI copilot can handle tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and even customer service inquiries. This not only boosts productivity but also reduces the risk of human error.

3. Cost Savings

While investing in new technology might seem like a significant expense, the long-term cost savings can be substantial. By automating routine tasks and improving efficiency, an AI copilot can reduce labour costs and minimise waste. Additionally, improved decision-making capabilities can lead to better resource allocation and reduced operational costs.

4. Enhanced Customer Experience

In today’s market, customer experience is paramount. An AI copilot can help personalise interactions, providing customers with timely and relevant information. For example, it can analyse customer data to predict needs and preferences, ensuring a more tailored and satisfying experience. Happy customers are more likely to be loyal customers, driving long-term growth.

The use of Microsoft Copilot in meetings and calls has been transformative for 848. Its ability to summarise and create action points saves me conservatively around 12 to 20 hours per week, and that is when I actually make the effort to write notes and summaries. Now that Copilot is implemented at 848 group, we can accurately remember what was said and decision-making and workflows are massively enhanced because of it.

5. Staying Competitive

Adopting AI technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity to stay competitive. Businesses that leverage AI copilot technology are better positioned to respond to market changes, innovate, and scale. It ensures that you’re not left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Speed to action is key now, and contrary to the scare tactics of the AI companies, AI is NOT coming to take your job, what it is is a way to hugely increase productivity across the board, you will get more done, more accurately, within the same work-life balance

Real-World Examples

To illustrate the benefits, let’s look at some real-world examples:

• Retail: An AI copilot can analyse sales data to predict inventory needs, ensuring shelves are stocked with the right products at the right time, reducing overstock and stockouts.

• Finance: In the financial sector, AI copilots can detect fraudulent transactions in real-time, protecting both the business and its customers.

• Healthcare: In healthcare, an AI copilot can assist in patient management, scheduling, and even diagnosing by analysing medical records and symptoms.

So, Should You Adopt An AI-powered Copilot?

For non-technical business owners, the idea of integrating AI might seem overwhelming. However, the benefits of an AI-powered copilot are clear: enhanced decision-making, improved productivity, cost savings, better customer experiences, and staying competitive. Investing in this technology can unlock your business’s potential, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business and serving your customers.

If you’re looking to justify the investment, consider the long-term gains and the competitive edge it provides. The future of business is here, and it’s powered by AI. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take your business to the next level.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to explore how AI copilot technology can be tailored to meet your specific business needs. We are currently offering customers a 10% discount on their first year of Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. This makes it even more affordable for small and medium businesses to access the benefits of Copilot. We’ll not just provide 2-hours free licensing and provisioning support, but we’ll deliver a free 2-hour adoption workshop to help you get going. Further adoption support is recommended and available from our team – just get in touch to get a quote.