The dawn of the automobile famously rendered the horse and buggy obsolete, ushering in new industries, new jobs, and new ways of life. Businesses that swiftly recognized the shift and adapted, from carriage manufacturers to early car makers, thrived, while those resisting change faded into history. Today, we’re witnessing a similar “Deja Vu” period as the Internet, once the main disruptor itself, rapidly intersects and dissolves into an artificial intelligence partner. For decades, businesses have focused on digital presence and online transactions, using the Internet’s reach for marketing and operational purposes. AI now promises a leap just as profound, automating analysis, personalizing experiences, and generating content at unprecedented scale and speed, completely changing and increasing the power of the Internet.
The lesson from the late 19th Century is clear: those who cling to the status quo risk being left behind. Embracing AI is not just about adopting new tools; it is about reimagining processes, customer engagement, and even whole business models. The winners will be the small and medium-sized businesses that adapt and change quickly using AI. It is not the enemy; it is an assistant for business growth, just as the visionaries did when cars first motored down dirt streets. In the social media business world alone, leveraging AI for content creation and analytics can help position businesses, now at the forefront of this historic transformation, into thriving growers of change and success.
Remember, history proves that those who adapt early define the future. Just as the arrival of the horseless carriage reinvented transportation and commerce, AI is poised to reshape how business is done. The choice is clear: harness AI’s power now to innovate, streamline, and lead, or risk being left behind in the slow lane of progress. Don’t be the business left holding the horse’s reins for the coachman.
This blog, about small businesses, is from Jim Vogel, Small Business Ambassador, Cornelius, NC.
Chair, Lake Norman Small Business Network
https://www.facebook.com/SmallBizKnowledgeNetwork
https://substack.com/@smallbusinessknowledgenetwork
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The information in this blog article is for informational purposes and is not presented for any other reason.
