Could Your Business Be Invisible to AI?

Could Your Business Be Invisible to AI?

More Australians are asking ChatGPT and other AI tools for recommendations instead of using traditional search engines. The problem is many businesses don't know whether AI can find them, understand what they do or recommend them to potential customers.

At the same time, small business owners are under more pressure than ever. Small businesses make up 97 per cent of all Australian businesses and employ more than five million people across the country. Yet many business owners face the same challenge – there is never enough time in the day.

Between serving customers, managing staff, handling administration, marketing their business and planning for growth, many small business owners are stretched to the limit.

Communications specialist Cate Rocchi from Perth Media said businesses need to understand both sides of the AI opportunity.

"AI can help businesses work smarter, but it is also changing how customers discover businesses. If AI doesn't know who you are, you could be missing opportunities without even realising it," she said.

According to Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Strategic Development Manager Ian Cadwallander, artificial intelligence is the biggest opportunity small businesses have seen in decades.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy, but they often don't have the same resources as larger organisations," Mr Cadwallander said.

"AI is helping level the playing field. It can automate repetitive tasks, assist with research, support marketing activities and free up business owners to focus on growing their business."

"Businesses that embrace AI now will be able to achieve more, respond faster and compete more effectively than ever before."

Businesses are increasingly using AI to create content, analyse data, research new markets, improve customer service and automate routine processes. The next wave of technology is AI agents – digital assistants that can perform tasks automatically, helping businesses save time and increase productivity.

Andrea Jones from RDM Marketing Consultants, who created the marketing campaign for the summit, said AI had changed the way small businesses could access skills and support.

"AI has allowed me to build a team of agents that support different parts of my business, including research, planning, copywriting, content development and campaign delivery," Ms Jones said.

"For the Leading the Future AI Summit, AI has been used to help deliver the marketing campaign, from website content and social media assets through to video production. Tasks that would previously have required a team of specialists can now be managed by one person using the right AI tools."

The Leading the Future AI Summit will feature global AI strategist and keynote speaker Julian Moore. Business owners Sarah James and Robb Cass from Jacaranda Hill Farm will share how they have saved time and grown their business by automating repetitive tasks with AI. Participants will also learn how to improve their visibility in AI search and how to build a basic AI agent through practical workshops.

The City of Mandurah is the major sponsor of the event. The Leading the Future AI Summit will be held on Thursday 2 July at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. For tickets and more information visit leadingthefuture.peelcci.com.au.