Is it a game-changer or just something more to worry about?

Everyone is talking about it—how it boosts productivity, streamlines operations, improves decision-making, and opens up new opportunities. What is it? AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we do business. While some see the many benefits, others are a bit uneasy about using it. What are the downfalls? That’s the topic I discussed recently with Dean Mercado, founder of marketing company Online Marketing Muscle®.

Mercado has seen AI’s impact firsthand. “AI has been around longer than most realize, but it’s only been in the public eye for the past year or so in a big way,” he explained. “Businesses are now consciously embracing it, and that’s where the real challenges begin.”

Mercado has also seen the mistakes businesses make with AI. A few of the pitfalls companies can fall into include:

• Jumping on the AI bandwagon before making a plan
• Selecting AI tools that don’t fit
• Treating data as an afterthought
• Leaving your team in the dark
• Failing to integrate AI with existing systems
• Implement too many AI tools simultaneously
• Ignoring privacy, legal, and ethical concerns
• Expecting miracles
• Putting customers on the back burner
• Relying solely on AI, forgetting the human element.

AI is here to stay. It isn’t going away. It will continue to evolve, expand, and reshape industries. But as Mercado emphasized, the key isn’t just using AI—it’s using it wisely.

“The best businesses will be those that embrace AI strategically, train their teams properly, and maintain the human touch,” claimed Mercado. As for those who are still concerned about AI—don’t let fear stop you from using AI to your advantage. “Don’t fear AI—leverage it.”

Jeff Cross is the media director for ISSA, which publishes three print media brands. He can be reached at [email protected] or 740-973-4236.

Sidebar

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/ai