AI Isn't Science Fiction - It's Your New Business Advantage
Adapted from our recent webinar on AI for small and mid-sized businesses
For those who missed our recent webinar on practical AI implementation, or wish to revisit the key insights from our discussion, this article captures the essential strategies that can transform how your firm operates.
If you've ever felt like AI is this exciting yet slightly intimidating spaceship that's landed in the middle of your workflow, you're definitely not alone. As Lou Lamb, VP of Marketing and Operations at One82, opened our discussion, "Small and mid-sized businesses deserve the same unfair advantages the big players enjoy, and AI can absolutely be one of them."
The reality? While nearly 90% of small and medium-sized businesses believe AI gives them a competitive edge, only about half are actually using it. Even when they are, it's often driven by curious team members without formal training or clear strategy.
The Time Thief Every Executive Faces
Let's start with something every executive in accounting, legal, and financial advisory services knows intimately: there's never enough time. As Lou perfectly captured, "How often have we all wanted to clone ourselves?"
Farzon Almaneih, founder and CEO of One82, brings a refreshing perspective: "AI isn't science fiction. It's a screwdriver - a tool that turns effort into impact. Time is the one resource we can't print more of."
AI, when used wisely, buys back hours so you can invest them where humans outperform machines - in creativity, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Everything we discussed answers one critical question: How do we reclaim time without risking our data, our jobs, or our sanity?
Busting the AI Myths That Hold You Back
Myth #1: I need a PhD to use AI.
The fact is, great tools today hide the math so you can focus on results.
Myth #2: AI will take my job.
As Lou highlighted, "AI takes tasks, not purpose. The paradox is that the more routine work AI absorbs, the more valuable your uniquely human judgment becomes."
Think of AI as Farzon described: "a junior colleague who never sleeps, never complains, but desperately needs your guidance."
Real Results: How AI Transforms Daily Operations
During our webinar, Farzon outlined specific applications already transforming professional services:
- Executives: AI summarizes 40-page reports into one-pagers, so decisions happen in minutes, not days
- Sales: AI drafts emails, analyzes CRM notes, and surfaces hidden buying signals
- Marketing: "After our last webinar, we fed the recording into AI. It cut it into clips, created blog drafts, generated email series, and scheduled 20 social posts - all in one afternoon. Same content, five times the reach."
- Admin: AI transcribes meetings and builds follow-up checklists before the Zoom window closes
- HR: AI drafts job descriptions and pre-screens resumes
As Lou summarized, "AI eats repetition and spits out focus."
This is where One82's AI implementation services make the difference, helping firms identify time-consuming tasks and design solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.
Seeing Is Believing: AI in Action
Digital Twin Technology: Farzon shared how HeyGen AI transformed his onboarding process: "I used to spend two days recording orientation videos. Now I create a digital twin of myself. New hires get consistent onboarding, and I get my weekend back."
Content Multiplication: Using Quozlo.ai, one webinar became 15 ninety-second branded videos ready for LinkedIn - with zero video editing expertise required.
Microsoft Copilot: Automatically records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings. "You can be truly present instead of half-listening while typing notes," Farzon noted.
One82's IT Managed Services expertise becomes invaluable here - we handle the technical complexity of integrating these tools with your Microsoft ecosystem while maintaining security protocols.
The Security Question Every Executive Should Ask
Lou outlined three critical concerns for professional services firms:
Privacy Risks: "Never input client names or sensitive data into public AI tools. If it's not safe to email to a stranger, it doesn't belong in a prompt."
This is particularly critical for firms subject to FTC Safeguards Rule requirements or PCI compliance standards.
Accuracy Concerns: "AI doesn't always know what's true. It knows what sounds true." Always verify output, especially with legal, financial, or compliance-related content.
Over-Reliance: "AI doesn't think - it predicts patterns. Use it to draft, not decide."
One82's Cybersecurity Managed Services provide AI-driven security that acts in milliseconds, ensuring your AI implementation enhances security rather than creating vulnerabilities.
The Smart Way to Start Your AI Journey
Farzon's advice for firms without dedicated tech teams: start with one repetitive task and imagine it enhanced by AI.
Microsoft Copilot: The Recommended Starting Point
"Microsoft Copilot is actually ChatGPT, but protected. You get the power of ChatGPT and automations, but keep it protected under your tenant," Farzon explained. "Microsoft has about a $100 million bond behind protecting your data."
Critical Questions Before Implementation:
- What tasks are repetitive but don't require deep expertise?
- Which AI tools are low-risk for experimentation?
- What guardrails protect client data?
- Who reviews AI-generated content?
- How will we measure if AI is helping?
One82's Compliance Services help navigate the regulatory landscape, establishing proper governance frameworks that enhance compliance rather than create risks.
A Real-World Success Story
When asked for a concrete example, Farzon shared how AI transforms recruitment - a challenge every growing firm faces:
"You get a thousand resumes, but only 10-15 are worth looking at. AI can take your job description, compare it against every resume, and surface the best candidates. It provides interview questions, analyzes recorded interviews, and even helps craft compelling offers. It saves so much time and makes the entire process more systematic."
Your First Steps Start Today
Immediate Actions:
- Identify one repetitive, time-consuming task
- Evaluate your Microsoft licensing for Copilot options
- Establish guidelines about AI prompt data usage
- Designate an AI champion (curious and process-savvy, not necessarily technical)
When to Seek Expert Guidance:
As Farzon noted, "If it feels overwhelming, that's a sign to call for help."
At One82, we've developed a systematic approach starting with a quick-win pilot tailored to your workflow. Our four-pillar approach - AI implementation, IT Managed Services, Cybersecurity, and Compliance - ensures your AI journey enhances every aspect of operations while maintaining the security and regulatory compliance professional services firms require.
The firms that start their AI journey today will have significant competitive advantage. The technology is accessible, the tools are proven, and the benefits are immediate.
Ready to explore how AI can transform your firm's operations? Contact One82 today to schedule your AI readiness assessment and discover your first quick-win implementation.
