Question 1

What exactly can AI do for my St. Louis small business?

Accepted Answer

AI can help with content creation, customer service automation, social media management, email responses, document drafting, and data analysis. For local businesses, I've seen the biggest impact in creating consistent social media content, automating repetitive tasks, and improving customer communication. The key is starting with one specific use case and expanding from there.

Question 2

How much does AI implementation cost for a local business?

Accepted Answer

Most AI tools I recommend start at $20-50/month per tool. ChatGPT Plus is $20/month, Claude is similar, and many specialized tools are in this range. The real investment is in learning how to use them effectively. I offer training sessions that help you get maximum value from these tools without wasting money on features you don't need.

Question 3

Do I need technical skills to use AI tools?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! The tools I work with are designed for non-technical users. If you can use email or social media, you can use ChatGPT or Claude. The key is learning the right prompts and workflows. I provide hands-on training that gets you productive within hours, not weeks.

Question 4

Which AI tools should I start with for my coffee shop/restaurant?

Accepted Answer

For food service businesses, I typically recommend starting with ChatGPT for social media content and customer responses, Canva AI for graphics, and potentially a chatbot for handling common questions. These three tools alone can save 5-10 hours per week on marketing and customer service.

Question 5

How do I know if AI is actually helping my business?

Accepted Answer

I track specific metrics with each client: time saved on content creation, social media engagement increases, customer response times, and lead generation improvements. Most clients see measurable results within 2-4 weeks of proper implementation. The key is starting with clear goals and tracking the right metrics.

My AI Journal

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