(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Let’s Recap:
- There’s a bunch of free AI training now available, but be careful as to who’s doing it.
- Xero customers can now benefit from financial coaching.
- Autodesk finally releases a small business product.
- Agents are going to turn e-commerce upside down.
- A tech writer makes 5 great Windows Defender suggestions.
Read on…
You asked for AI training, so here it is. But buyer beware.
With the burgeoning of AI in the business world, there are still organizations that need training to stay competitive. The US Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched “Small Business B(AI)sics” — an AI training course for entrepreneurs and small business owners. This free course will teach professionals “real world applications” of the technology at their own pace. The US Department of Labor has introduced its own resource “AI in Registered Apprenticeship Innovation Portal” — “a one-stop resource for organizations looking to build artificial intelligence literacy and develop AI-focused Registered Apprenticeship programs,” as described on the website. The goal is to increase AI literacy among workers. Similarly, American Express is investing its resources into developing an AI skill set: “AI Upskilling for Small Businesses” and a scholarship program “Smart Futures for Small Businesses” for hands-on, practical AI training — both programs are available globally with courses in multiple languages. (Source: US Chamber of Commerce; US Department of Labor; American Express)
Why this is important for your small business:
People ask me frequently where they can get AI training so here are a few options. Be careful about the quality you’re getting and do a little background checking on the person doing the training. If you’re still not convinced, consider YouTube. However my recommendation is if you use Microsoft Office then hire a Microsoft consultant and if you use Google Workspace then hire a Google consultant. In addition, get training from your accounting, CRM and HR software vendors on the AI tools they’re providing.
A free accounting coach? Why wouldn’t you do this?
Accounting platform Xero has launched Xero Coaches — a new service for small businesses that offers personalized support and guidance for leveraging Xero’s financial management tools. In the first 90 days of setting up an account, users will have access to one-on-one human coaching to answer questions and get support with: Account setup; Managing invoices, bills, and expenses; Understanding cash flow and financial reports. Virtual calls with Xero Coaches are included in the 90-day window. The goal is to give business owners clearer insight into their financial streams and strengthen decision-making. CEO Matan Bar stated, “With Xero Coaches, we’re combining powerful accounting software with human expertise … to help customers unlock their numbers faster, build stronger financial habits and make more confident decisions.” (Source: PRWeb)
Why this is important for your small business:
Face it: you don’t know as much about your accounting as you should and that’s not good if you’re running a business. My best clients know their numbers. The good news is that this stuff isn’t rocket science. I would take Xero up on its offer and lean into your financial “coach” for the free 90 day period. You have the opportunity to learn a lot of key financial information that you might not otherwise know.
Autodesk releases a small business product…finally.
Autodesk — the software company that designs products for the construction and engineering industries among others — has introduced a new initiative called “Autodesk for Small Business.” According to the company, Autodesk for Small Business is designed to support the growing number of independent professionals — (1 in 5 per Autodesk research) — across design and make industries. Company research also revealed that nearly 60 percent say current technology is too complex or not built for small teams. With these data points in mind, Autodesk wants to make the process of launching an operation as smooth as possible. Users can explore products and find the right tools for their needs while staying within budget. “We’ve heard directly from our customers that they need more flexibility, more clarity, and technology that reflects how they actually work,” Dara Treseder, Autodesk Chief Marketing Officer explained. (Source: Autodesk)
Why this is important for your small business:
Autodesk has always been a powerful brand in the construction and engineering field but most of the companies I run into that use are usually larger enterprises. It can be complex and a little pricey, but worth it if you have the right resources. Many small firms have the same challenges as their larger counterparts, so why not a small business version of this popular application? My question is whether Autodesk will take this market serious, devote the right people and support and make a long term commitment to their small business community. This is not an overnight thing, profits won’t be immediate and the company will soon find out that the small business market is very different from their core market. But there’s opportunity both for the company and its customers if they stick to it.
The agents are coming…get ready.
According to a new report released by ICIC and McKinsey & Company, “Shopping in the age of AI: Redefining stores for a new era,” agentic commerce could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Agentic commerce is the utilization of AI tools to search, compare and potentially complete a purchase. The report found that AI shopping companions are gaining popularity as 68 percent of consumers recently used AI in some part of their shopping activities, and 62 percent used AI to compare brands, products or prices. However, AI tools aren’t diminishing the relevance of brick-and-mortar establishments — 40 percent of Gen Z and millennials said they preferred the in-store shopping experience. Some retailers like The Vitamin Shoppe view AI as an integral part of their business model (they recently opened an AI innovation store in NYC). Based on this data, the future will likely be a hybrid of AI-driven shopping activity and in-store interaction. (Source: Retail Dive)
Why this is important for your small business:
Big e-commerce companies are already leaning into agentic AI. Let them. The technology is still in its infancy and there will be a lot of problems to work out. But smaller e-commerce providers and entrepreneurs with storefronts should be paying close attention. Agentic commerce is going to be a big thing and it’s already happening. These tools will be expected by shoppers and it will be essential to lean into the tools made available by your storefront platform.
A technologist says to change these 5 Windows Defender settings immediately.
PCWorld contributor Chris Hoffman offers some helpful suggestions for Windows 10 and 11 users. Hoffman explains how the antivirus program Windows Defender can be strengthened with a few simple steps. For example — “controlled folder access” which offers extra ransomware protection for important files should be activated (it’s off by default.) He also suggests disabling the “no threats found” — the daily system scan that Windows runs and alerts you that your system is healthy. Because it performs this automatically, Hoffman says daily confirmation pop-ups aren’t necessary. Another tip he offers is setting up scan exclusions like trusted folders if possible. Doing so can speed up your system’s performance. To see the rest of Hoffman’s suggestions with specific steps to follow visit the link. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your small business:
I implemented every one of his suggestions on my laptop. Then I made sure that all of my employees did the same. It’s great advice.
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.
