Change Is Hard, Not Changing Is Harder

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most debated technologies in business, but too much of the conversation has been focused on what AI might take away rather than what it can deliver. From steam engines and railroads to the internet, every major technological shift has changed how people work and businesses operate, while raising questions about its impact on everyday life.

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As industries have evolved, some tasks and business models have naturally fallen away, while those same innovations also reimagined or created entirely new industries, opportunities and jobs that few could have predicted. AI may be advancing faster and reaching more industries than past advancements, but the fundamental challenge is no different. Business leaders have a unique opportunity to adapt and evolve by embracing new tools, helping position their organizations ahead of the competition.

How Small Businesses Can Use AI

While much of the broader conversation is centralized around large, enterprise grade AI partnerships, and many commercial or complex businesses are leaning in to deploy the new tool, America’s small businesses are the most ripe to create meaningful efficiencies with AI.

AI can give smaller companies and entrepreneurs access to capabilities that once required larger teams, bigger budgets or specialized vendors. These tools can help business owners test ideas, launch products, and scale more efficiently.

The key is to begin with a clear business problem rather than adopting AI simply because it is gaining traction. Instead, they should identify time-consuming and repetitive tasks where AI can support employees rather than replace their judgment.

Getting started can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to help:

1. Start with what you already pay for. Before buying anything new, ask your existing vendors, including your bank, what AI features they've already built in. Ask two things: what specific task can it automate and what does it cost for the size of your company.
2. Automate the repetitive stuff first. Target tasks that eat time but don't need real judgment. From client questions to scheduling and administrative tasks. AI has developed to support these functions, creating efficiencies in your day to day.
3. Use it as a first draft, not a final answer. AI is a valuable tool for content creation and I’d suggest using it. Take your thoughts and structure them into an outline for a blog post, and then repurpose that material for various channels and forums.
4. Keep a human on money and compliance. Drafting and summarizing: fine to hand off. Wire transfers, hiring decisions, anything with real financial or legal weight: that should still remain in your control.
5. Pick one problem, not the whole business. Don't overhaul everything at once. Choose one bottleneck or task that takes up a lot of time and solve just that. Once you see the time saved, you'll spot the next place to use it.

The goal isn't a tech overhaul. It's buying back a few hours a week, then spending those hours on the parts of the business only you can do.

Even Regulated Sectors Can Benefit

At ConnectOne Bank, we have taken a similar approach through our deployment of nCino’s AI capabilities. Rather than starting with broad or abstract use cases, we looked at specific pain points in our workflows where technology could make an immediate difference. As a result, these capabilities have reduced the time employees spend searching internal documents by 98%, from roughly 20 minutes to as little as 30 seconds. We have also seen a 60% reduction in the time required for certain administrative tasks related to updating individual and business relationships. These are practical improvements that give our employees more time to focus on clients, relationships and higher-value work.

Small businesses can do the same by starting with the tools they already use every day. Many platforms now offer AI tools that can help draft communications, analyze information, organize data and streamline routine tasks. By identifying one repetitive or time-consuming process, testing whether AI can improve it and measuring the results, businesses can start small, expand where the value is clear and ensure employees understand when human oversight is still needed.

Questions Yet to Be Answered

Optimism about AI should not minimize real concerns about job security, an overreliance on automation, or the loss of human interaction. Communities are also raising valid questions about the rapid development of data centers, including their energy demands, pressure on the electrical grid, and potential impact on surrounding property values. These are conversations we should be having.

Policymakers and business leaders will need to balance AI innovation with ethical safeguards and responsible oversight, while separating legitimate concerns from the broader fear that often surrounds unfamiliar technology. Responsible adoption will require workforce training, infrastructure planning, clear safeguards, and accountability to ensure AI creates lasting value without losing sight of its broader impact.

The Risk Is Staying Stagnant

Change is never easy, but only focusing on AI’s challenges can mean missing opportunities for growth and progress. As technology continues to evolve, businesses have the chance to explore new ways of operating, strengthen their capabilities, and unlock new sources of value.

AI will create disruptions, but it can also open the door to meaningful progress. Leaders who experiment thoughtfully, invest in their people, and focus on application will have the greatest chance of creating long-term value and helping shape what’s next.

By Frank Sorrentino, Contributor