Running a business often means wearing multiple hats, from creating content to managing operations, all while trying to stay ahead in a competitive market. For many entrepreneurs, the idea of incorporating AI into their workflow can feel daunting. Vernette John Joilles broke down the practical ways AI can support businesses without overshadowing the personal touch that makes them unique.

Her insights were not about using AI to replace creativity but about enhancing it, with a focus on making technology work for you in a way that feels both manageable and meaningful.

Focus on What Matters

It is easy to get caught up in the sheer volume of tools available. Vernette encouraged a thoughtful approach, asking business owners to reflect on their needs rather than trying to use everything at once.

She highlighted two main approaches to using AI:

• Augmenting tasks to assist and support your efforts while you remain hands-on.
• Automating tasks to take over repetitive or time-consuming processes entirely.

By clarifying what you need, you can integrate tools into your business in a way that feels purposeful and effective.

Tools That Make a Difference

Vernette introduced two AI tools that have transformed her approach to content creation:

1. Copy AI
   Copy AI simplifies the process of brainstorming and drafting content. Its pre-built prompts take the guesswork out of generating ideas, making it perfect for creating blog outlines, social media captions, or even email drafts. Vernette stressed that while the tool provides a great starting point, it is essential to personalise the content to reflect your voice and values.

2. MidJourney
   When it comes to visual content, MidJourney is a game-changer. It allows you to generate custom images that align perfectly with your brand. Whether you need something unique for your social media or a visual that stock libraries cannot deliver, MidJourney offers endless possibilities for creative, tailored content.

Addressing Common Challenges

Many business owners struggle with two key aspects of content creation:

1. Building a strategy
   It is easy to dive into creating content without a plan, but this often leads to inconsistency and missed opportunities. AI tools can help by providing structure and suggesting strategies that align with your goals.

2. Measuring success
   Understanding what works and what does not is essential to growing your business. AI-powered analytics tools can simplify performance tracking, giving you the insights you need to refine your efforts.

Using AI Responsibly

A significant point Vernette made was the importance of not treating AI as a shortcut. These tools are there to enhance your efforts, not replace them.

Her advice included:

• Always fact-check, especially for data or claims in your content.
• Use AI-generated content as a starting point and adapt it to suit your brand’s voice.
• Avoid relying solely on AI; your input is what makes the content resonate with your audience.

Investing in Your Business Tools

One of the most practical takeaways from Vernette’s session was recognising the value of investing in the right tools. While many entrepreneurs shy away from paid options, viewing them as unnecessary expenses, Vernette reframed them as essential operational costs for running a digital business.

For example:

• Copy AI costs around £40 per month.
• ChatGPT’s paid version is £20 per month.

If these tools save you time or improve your workflow, they are worth the investment.

Start Small, Think Big

If you are considering using AI in your business, begin by identifying tasks that are time-consuming, repetitive, or difficult to manage. Focus on tools that can help streamline these processes, and decide whether you need them to assist (augment) or take over (automate).

The goal is not to replace your creativity or personal touch but to free up time to focus on what matters most to your business.

This article is based on Vernette John Joilles’ session at a Digital Women event.