Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of the daily routine of many companies, regardless of size. In Brazil, 47% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), for example, already use or plan to adopt AI in their operations, according to a survey by Serasa Experian. Among Brazilian startups, this number is even higher: 78% of them already have some form of AI in their routines, according to the Founders Overview 2024
A Speed up, online accounting startup, it is a practical example of this adoption. According to Adriano Fialho, CTO and co-founder of the company, the transition to the use of AI faced some internal resistance, but the positive impact on productivity soon became evident
One of the biggest impacts was on the commercial process. We have AI capable of conducting a sale from start to finish, increasing efficiency. Another significant impact was on the autonomy of the teams. People who are not from the technology field can already create solutions using AI, without needing to resort to the developers for everything. This increases the independence and productivity of the company as a whole, explain Fialho
AI and the job market
The advancement of AI also raises questions about the future of work. According to the expert, technology is transforming employment dynamics, replacing some operational functions, and also creating new opportunities
"The risk of unemployment exists for those who do not keep up with change", but, at the same time, new opportunities are arising. The profile of professionals will change, and entrepreneurs will need smaller teams, more strategic and complemented by 'virtual employees' – that is, "AI agents that take on repetitive and operational tasks", Fialho analysis
AI Tips for Small Businesses
According to Adriano Fialho, if he had to choose a single essential tool, it would be ChatGPT for its flexibility.
He is not just a text assistant, has research skills, search for references, image generation, even voice and video conversation. It is a versatile tool that can help in various areas, from customer service to internal process automation, explain
But there are many other options that he recommends and can be incorporated into your day-to-day business:
- Claude (Anthropic): Powerful alternative to ChatGPT for writing tasks and data analysis
- MidJourney and Leonardo.AISpecialized platforms for generating images with AI
- PhotoRoom:Excellent for quick image editing for social media
- Runway:AI solution for video editing and creation
- Descript:Transcription tool, editing and creating videos from audio
- ElevenLabs:AI specialized in generating realistic voice for dubbing and narrations
- Fireflies.aiIdeal for automatic transcription of meetings and calls
- Gamma.appTool for automated presentation creation
- AI concept:AI that assists in organizing information and generating intelligent summaries
AI as an ally for small business owners
Just like what happened with the internet, AI is becoming an essential tool for businesses. "Small entrepreneurs who quickly adapt to this new reality tend to stand out in the market", leveraging the full potential of this technological revolution, says the businessman
According to him, the use of AI can provide significant competitive advantages for small businesses, optimizing time, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. However, the specialist warns of the need for a conscious use of technology
"It is not enough to adopt AI in any way" – it is necessary to know technology well, choose the right tool for the right problem and ensure that the data is protected. Whoever knows how to use these technologies well, can gain a significant advantage in the market. On the other hand, those who choose not to explore these innovations may face significant challenges in keeping up with the evolution of the sector, finalizes Fialho
