From Novice to Pro: Your Business’s Journey to AI Mastery
By Kraig Kleeman
“If the thought of integrating AI into your business feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark, you’re not alone. Let’s shed some light on the process with some bright ideas that even a novice can follow.” – Erik Severinghaus, Founder and CEO
Introduction
You probably listen a lot about AI and maybe thinking how to start using it. I have been in your place—very excited but also feeling unsure about how to put AI into a business. But no worry, I help you step by step like I did in my company. Here is how you can make AI a important part of your work, one stage at a time.
Step 1: What’s the Goal?
First, must know what you want from AI. In my starting time at Bloomfilter, I learned difficult way that if no clear goal, it is like aiming in the dark. You want make your customers more happy? You wish to have operations work better? Define it very clear. This will be your main goal, helping you make every choice about AI.
Step 2: Check Your Tech
AI focuses on data—plenty of it. So, you must think if your present technology setup can manage collecting, storing, and examining all that information. When we begin, our systems are not very organized and need much effort to arrange everything correctly. It is important you keep your data safe and ensure it can be managed easily without causing stress.
Step 3: Get the Right People
Here’s the deal: AI isn’t magic. It’s powered by really smart people. Depending on what you want, maybe you hire some AI experts or work together with a good AI company. Also, keep in mind that technology changes quickly. Keep your team learning and evolving, and you’ll stay on the cutting edge.
Step 4: Picking Your Tools
Now, we talk about tools. Many AI frameworks and platforms exist. Pick what fits your goals and budget. Sometimes, simpler is better. Don’t get dazzled by fancy features you won’t use.
Step 5: Test the Waters with a Pilot Project
Begin with something simple. Pick a small part of your business that might gain from AI use and start a test project there. It is similar to a practice run that lets you understand what is effective and what isn’t without disrupting your entire operation. At Bloomfilter, we began with just one procedure, and it provided us with significant insights on how to grow bigger.
Step 6: Go Big, But Carefully
If your pilot performs well, that’s fantastic! Now it’s time to begin extending AI implementation to other areas of your business. Go step by step. Growing carefully helps you solve issues before they turn into big problems.
Step 7: Keep Tabs and Tweak
Using AI is not the final step. You must always watch how it performs. Are you reaching those goals made in Step 1? Make changes and get better as needed. Think of it as fine-tuning your guitar until it sounds just right.
Step 8: Build an AI-Savvy Culture
Finally, make sure everyone joins in. When your entire team feels enthusiastic about AI and understands its purpose, that’s when you truly experience amazing results. At Bloomfilter, we often discuss AI, and not only within the tech team but also in other departments like marketing and customer service.
So, that is it! Bringing AI into your business isn’t only for big tech companies; anyone can achieve it with the correct method and some patience. At Bloomfilter, watching our work become more efficient with AI has truly changed the game. I am excited to learn how AI changes your business as well! Dive in, the future’s waiting!
About Erik Severinghaus
Erik Severinghaus is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and mountaineer. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Mark Zuckerberg’s visionary approach to business and Tony Stark’s electrifying approach to saving humanity. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating customers, investors, and marketing partners.
Erik’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding, operating and exiting multiple ventures that have created a combined $600M in value. Erik’s investment skills are striking. He was a founding investor in Hyde Park Angels which recently helped ShipBob achieve unicorn status. He raised $6M startup capital for his newest venture, Bloomfilter, which is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter.
As an endurance athlete, Erik has conquered some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest in 2018. In his public appearances, Erik is quick to discuss that learning to navigate through the valleys in his business life is what has led him to properly navigate the victories.