AI or Actual Human? How to Make the Smart Choice for Your Small Business
Running a small business can feel like juggling flaming swords while balancing on a yoga ball. You're the CEO, the copywriter, the customer support team, and probably also the one refilling the printer paper. Enter: artificial intelligence.
But here's the catch—just because you can automate something with AI doesn’t mean you should.
In this post, we’ll break down:
✅ What tasks AI is perfect for
🙅♀️ What you still need a human brain (and heart) for
🧠 How to build a system that leverages both for maximum impact
Let’s dive in—without the jargon, the hype, or the “AI is going to replace us all” drama.
The Sweet Spot — What AI Does Best (and Fastest)
Think of AI as your endlessly energetic intern. It’s fast, doesn’t need coffee breaks, and can knock out repetitive tasks like nobody's business. Here’s where AI shines:
1. Content Drafting & Ideation
Need blog post ideas? Instagram captions? Email subject lines? AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper can whip up creative options in seconds. You still need to add your voice, but the heavy lifting? Done.
Best Use Case:
Writing outlines for blog posts
Generating FAQs for your services page
Drafting email sequences that you’ll later personalize
2. Admin Automation & Scheduling
From summarizing Zoom calls to categorizing emails to generating meeting notes, AI is a huge time-saver.
Try This:
Use AI to transcribe and summarize meetings
Automate appointment reminders with AI tools
Let AI draft follow-up emails after discovery calls
3. Market Research & Data Crunching
AI tools can analyze trends, compare competitors, and even help you identify content gaps.
💡 Pro tip: Use ChatGPT to summarize your competitors’ podcast guest appearances—yep, just like Rick Mulready is doing.
Ready to go deeper with AI?
Join me for a high-impact AI masterclass where you'll go from overwhelmed to empowered in just 90 minutes. Learn how to train AI to write in your voice, brainstorm smarter, analyze data instantly, automate content creation, streamline delegation, and stay laser-focused — all with the tools I personally use to save 10+ hours every week.
Where AI Falls Short (And Why Humans Still Rule Here)
AI is impressive, but it’s not a mind reader—and it definitely doesn’t “get” your brand voice unless you teach it.
1. Relationship-Building & Empathy
Your clients don’t want to talk to a bot when they’re confused, overwhelmed, or unsure. A human touch builds trust.
Use a Real Human For:
Discovery and onboarding calls
Customer support that requires nuance
Sales conversations and upsells
2. Strategic Decision Making
AI can give you options. But only you (or your strategist) can decide what’s aligned with your goals, values, and vision.
Where You’re Needed:
Choosing your core offers
Developing long-term business strategy
Deciding which tools to invest in (AI or otherwise)
3. Brand Voice & Storytelling
Yes, AI can write. But unless you train it on your voice, it will sound… meh.
Let a human editor (or you!) refine:
Your website copy
Personal stories and case studies
Launch campaigns that need emotional resonance
How to Combine AI + Humans Like a Pro
The real magic happens when you combine both—think Batman AND Robin, not Batman OR Robin.
The “AI First, Human Finish” Approach
Let AI take the first stab at repetitive or research-heavy tasks. Then step in to add soul, strategy, and sparkle.
Example Workflow:
Use AI to generate 10 blog post ideas
Pick your favorite and ask AI to write an outline
Flesh it out with your own insights and voice
Use AI to write a meta description
Add internal links + call to action manually
Delegate Wisely
Think of your business as a team. Assign AI the tasks it's great at (speed, data, repetition) and humans the tasks that require trust, creativity, and judgment.
⚡ Time-saving tip: AI tools won’t replace your VA—they’ll make your VA 10x more effective.
If you're ready to level up your business with AI (even if you're a total beginner), I've got something you're going to love: AI 101 Masterclass.
