(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Let’s Recap:
- A new study finds that AI is leading to more work
- Google rolls out new Gemini tools for small businesses
- AI is predicted to be 20% of all business tech spending next year
- How ChatGPT helps reconcile cash
- Using Zoom and Claude to run your small business
AI Leading to More Work, Not Less, According to New Study
Danish tech company Jabra released a study conducted by its research institute on the impact AI is having on day-to-day work. In every category of profession that was examined employees reported that AI has caused their workloads to increase. The study — Worklife 2026: The New Shape of Work — surveyed more than 6,000 knowledge workers across six countries, including the United States. The researchers found 85 percent of employees reported an increase in at least one type of work due to AI, while only 35 percent said AI had reduced any part of their workload. Additionally, 42 percent of workers said they collaborate more with colleagues than they did a year ago, compared with 13 percent who reported less collaboration. Of this group 64 percent of frequent AI users reported increased collaboration, compared with 25 percent of less frequent users. The data shows that AI appears to be expanding what employees can accomplish and strengthens workplace collaboration. (Source: KRON4)
Why this is important for your small business:
It’s not using AI, it’s how you’re using AI. I’m leaning heavily into AI as a tool to help me do research, keep track of conversations, analyze prospects and market opportunities and offer advice. All of this is simply saving me time from searching on Google. The big savings are going to come once agents become reliable enough to handle many mundane transactions that are being done by employees. Get ready.
New Gemini Tools for Small Business Owners
Google just announced new AI-powered tools for its Gemini app that’s used by “tens of millions of small businesses,” according to the company. The new tools include a centralized hub that will feature a new Gemini landing page allowing small business owners to manage branding, financial analysis, customer insights and other daily business activities. Gemini now connects with the Google Business Profile Google Ads and Google Workspace, along with third-party applications including Adobe, Canva, Dropbox, Shopify and others. Businesses can take advantage of Google’s Nano Banana 2.1 image-generation model to refine branding — and can upload their websites, logos, fonts and color schemes to create consistent marketing materials and promotional images. Gemini can also transform spreadsheets or purchase records into clear financial graphics for insights. Google these new tools will begin rolling out globally over the coming days to all Gemini app users. (Source: Google)
Why this is important for your small business:
I’m picking ChatGPT as my small business AI platform and leaning into it. I know that Claude, Gemini and Copilot all have small business options like this above (as does ChatGPT) and, for now, I’m convinced that they each have their pros/cons to consider. I’ve been using ChatGPT for a few years now and have a lot of data on it. It knows me. And as long as OpenAI continues to develop and expand its capabilities I’ll stay on board. That’s my decision, but yours may be different. In the end, choose your platform and lean into for your business.
Forrester’s 2027 Technology and Security Predictions: AI Will Account for 20% of All Business Technology Spend
Global research firm Forrester released its 2027 technology and security predictions, which forecasts that artificial intelligence will account for 20 percent of all business technology spending next year. With global technology investments expected to reach $6.1 trillion in 2027, “AI will command an unprecedented share of technology budgets,” Forrester’s chief research officer Sharyn Leaver stated. Other key predictions from the report: Faulty AI-generated software will trigger a global disruption affecting multiple industries; quantum computing will draw more attention among executives; AI infrastructure requests will require alternatives to NVIDIA’s processors. The bottom line — with more capital being invested in AI businesses will face increasing pressure to show solid ROI while managing rising costs and cybersecurity threats. (Source: Business Wire)
Why this is important for your small business:
Maybe for big companies, but small businesses aren’t going to spend 20% of their tech money on AI in 2027. They’re already paying a lot for managed services and all of their cloud applications, including office platforms. What’s more likely is that most of my clients will expand the AI capabilities of the applications they already own, rather than investing in new AI applications.
Franchisee Reconciles Cash in 94% Less Time with ChatGPT Work
OpenAI published a story about restaurant franchisee owner Ted Taylor who uses ChatGPT and ChatGPT Work to dramatically reduce administrative workloads, improve pricing strategies and generate additional annual cash flow. Taylor operates three co-branded Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon restaurants in New Mexico and has integrated AI into several aspects of his business: menu pricing, employee scheduling, payroll and financial management. Taylor shared numerous benefits that ChatGPT has given his operations such as greatly reducing the time he spends on menu-pricing. “ChatGPT Work tears through it in a matter of moments,” said Taylor. Another major benefit has been ChatGPT’s ability to help him manage labor costs. AI compares employee schedules, labor costs and sales forecasts to find staffing inefficiencies. Taylor estimates improved scheduling could free up $50,000 to $100,000 annually — yet to be realized. OpenAI’s case study shows how smaller restaurant operators can use AI for more than customer service and marketing — and in Taylor’s case — proves to be a reliable tool to save time and money. (Source: OpenAI)
Why this is important for your small business:
Here’s a perfect example of a guy who’s taking the time to really figure out how AI can generate ROI for his business. Like Taylor, my mindset is changing. As I come across things to do, instead of thinking “how am I going to get this done” I’m thinking “how can I use AI to get this done.”
How to Use Zoom and Claude to Run Your Small Business
Zoom just announced its features are now accessible through Anthropic’s Claude to help small businesses automate administrative tasks and manage customer relationships. Through Zoom’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) connector and its Bonsai business management platform, users can ask Claude to schedule Zoom meetings, send invitations and coordinate appointments using natural language. Claude connects with Bonsai to update customer records, document client conversations and track projects. Claude can also generate invoices through Bonsai, which also supports online payments and automatic payment reminders. According to Zoom, it just takes a few minutes to connect Claude using Zoom and Bonsai MCP connectors. There’s also a 30-minute video on Zoom’s website that demonstrates various features. (Source: Zoom)
Why this is important for your small business:
Love this for any business that’s standardizing on Claude. For me, we use Zoho CRM so I’ve connected that to Zoom and whenever I schedule a meeting in Zoho it creates the meeting in Zoom automatically. Zoom gives me a transcript which I then upload to ChatGPT and I’m doing this for all conversations so I can go back to ChatGPT and ask questions about my clients and other calls or to prep me for more conversations.
Note: Have a technology story that small business owners should know about? Don’t mind me sharing my opinion? Share it with me on X @genemarks.
