Community Voices: The top 5 AI tools every small business should try – LINK nky
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This Community Voices column is written by Dawn Winterhalter Parks, Director of BizAccessHub at NKU’s Haile College of Business and an AI strategist.
Ever feel like tech changes faster than you can finish your morning coffee? You’re not alone. If you’re a small business owner of a certain age, you might feel like the younger generation got handed the tech instruction manual, and you got a fax machine.
The truth is, most local small businesses are run by seasoned pros who know their industry inside and out. But when it comes to AI and automation, it’s easy to feel like you’re a few steps behind.
The good news: You’re not behind. You’re just busy. And the right tools can actually give you more time, not take it away.
To cut through the noise, I reached out to a few of my favorite local AI celebrities and collaborators to answer a simple question: What tools should small businesses really be using right now?
Here’s what they said.
1. Don’t overlook the tools you already have
Helen Todd, co-founder of Sociality Squared, made a great point: Before rushing out to buy something new, take a closer look at the tools you’re already using. Platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom, and others are quietly rolling out powerful AI features in their standard offerings.
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From automated writing help to smart calendar suggestions, these features are already built in but often underused. And as Helen reminded me, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking 10 minutes to explore that new button you’ve been ignoring.
2. Don’t start with the tool; start with the problem
Digital strategist Kendra Ramirez, owner of KR Digital Agency, reminded me of something critical: You don’t need more tech. You need the right solution to the problem in front of you.
Are you struggling to keep up with content? Juggling customer emails? Spending too much time doing repetitive admin tasks? Start there. The right tool will emerge once you understand what you’re trying to fix. That mindset shift, problem first and tool second, keeps you from wasting time or money chasing the latest trend.
3. Use what you already have
Whitney Barkley, owner of Speakerazzi and a branding coach, sees a common trap: small businesses constantly stressing about creating new content when they’re already sitting on gold.
Webinars, podcasts, training videos, client testimonials are often collecting digital dust. Whitney suggests using tools like OpusClip to repurpose these into short, social-ready clips that can be used again and again. This kind of content works harder for you, especially if your team is lean or you’re a solo act.
4. Get comfortable with ChatGPT (or try a friendlier one)
Greg Goshorn, another local AI and marketing pro, recommends Magai for those who want to explore and leverage multiple large language models such as ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, and Perplexity for one low price.
Each tool has many of the current features, allow you to the everyday things such as emails, rewriting content, and data analysis, plus save conversations, group projects, and even create “personalities” for specific types of writing or content.
5. Don’t want to be on camera? Let an avatar handle it
Video continues to dominate online content, but not everyone loves being in front of the camera. Helen Todd recommended HeyGen, a tool that lets you create realistic AI avatars that speak your script. It’s perfect for onboarding videos, quick updates, or social content—without the time, equipment, or nerves required to film yourself.
This is especially helpful if you want to show up more consistently online but don’t have the time or team to produce polished video.
Final thoughts: You’re not behind. You’re just busy
If you’re a certain age and running a business, you’re already juggling more hats than most people realize. You don’t need to become a tech guru. You just need a couple of tools that make your life a little easier.
Start small. Identify one problem. Then solve all or part with an AI tool.
You bring experience, grit, and business wisdom that no app can replicate. Let these tools meet you where you are and help carry some of the load.
So, what’s one thing you’d like to spend less time doing this month? Chances are, there’s a tool that can help with that.
Note: This article was developed with the support of AI tools. I used ChatGPT and Perplexity.ai to help inform the content. I also used Grammarly to review spelling, grammar, and clarity. These tools helped organize, refine, and strengthen the ideas presented, but every sentence was reviewed and shaped by me. The thoughts and conclusions are my own.
If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@linknky.com.
Click here to read more Community Voices columns.
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