At our Spring General Membership Luncheon, we tackled a topic every business owner needs to think about: AI in the workplace. The panel shared valuable insights across industries—from HR to legal, tech, and leadership. Here are the top things I want to make sure YOU know:
1. You Need Policies
AI is already being used in the workplace—whether you’ve approved it or not. Without clear policies, you’re leaving your business open to risk. Be proactive: set expectations for how AI should be used, when it’s appropriate, and what tools are approved. Pay special attention to privacy, proprietary data, and client confidentiality.
2. AI Isn’t Replacing People—But It Is Reshaping Roles
AI won’t necessarily take jobs (this was a point of conversation at the luncheon)—but it will change them. Tasks like data entry, scheduling, and even writing can be done faster with AI, which means employees will need to shift toward strategy, creativity, and analysis. Equip your team with the skills to adapt, and encourage a mindset of learning.
3. AI Is a Tool—Not a Fix-All
AI isn’t perfect. It makes mistakes, can show bias, and needs human direction. Use it to enhance your work, not replace it. Leaders who understand when to lean on AI—and when to lean on people—will be the ones who move ahead.
4. The Human Touch Still Matters
AI can write a blog (ChatGPT helped me write this one), an email, or a policy draft—but it can’t understand your culture or your voice. That’s where you come in. Always review, edit, and personalize before you hit send or publish. AI is only as effective as the human guiding it.
5. Embrace the Tech—Just Start
You don’t need to be an expert to use AI well. You also don’t need expensive programs—you can use the free version of ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini. Use it to brainstorm ideas, draft communications, or simplify repetitive tasks (see some prompts below). The key is to get comfortable and curious.
Prompts to Try Right Now:
- “Write a thank-you email to clients who attended our event last night.”
- “Give me 5 ways to promote our new service on social media.”
- “Draft a job description for a marketing assistant starting in June.”
- “Summarize these meeting notes into 3 key action items.”
- “List pros and cons of switching to a 4-day workweek.”
Tip: The more specific your prompt, the better the response. Think of AI as your assistant—it needs direction.
Additional Use Cases & Prompts
1. Writing Help
Need help drafting content quickly?
- “Write a professional email inviting members to our upcoming networking breakfast on May 10 at 8:00 AM.”
- “Create a social media caption for a photo of our team volunteering at a local nonprofit.”
2. Brainstorming Ideas
Use AI as a thought partner when you’re stuck.
- “Give me 5 creative event ideas to engage local small businesses this summer.”
- “What are some fun ways to celebrate our company’s 10-year anniversary with staff and clients?”
3. Streamlining Operations
Simplify repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
- “Summarize these meeting notes into 3 key action steps.”
- “Create a checklist for onboarding a new employee at a small marketing agency.”
4. HR and Hiring
Save time with templates and interview prep.
- “Write a job description for a part-time customer service associate working weekends.”
- “Suggest interview questions for a sales manager role focused on B2B relationships.”
5. Strategic Decision-Making
Get quicker insights.
- “What are 5 trends in retail that small businesses should watch in 2025?”
- “Create a pros and cons list for outsourcing IT support vs. hiring in-house.”
Bottom line: AI is already changing how we work. Embrace it, guide it, and make it work for you—not instead of you.
Shout out to the moderator of our Spring General Membership Luncheon—Nikki Green, Life and Business Resiliency Expert with Green Chameleon Collective; and our panelists: Jeff Risch, Co-Chair of Labor & Employment at Amundsen Davis; Rachel Miklas Enasescu, SHRM-CP, MBA, Human Resources Specialist at Insperity; and Elizabeth Rio, PHR®, SHRM-CP, also a Human Resources Specialist at Insperity—for your insight and expertise. And thank you to ChatGPT for assisting in crafting this piece.