Strategy 14 October 2026 · 5 min read
Where should a small business start with AI?
Start with the task your team hates most. Here is a simple way to pick your first AI project.
Many owners ask us the same question: where do we start? The honest answer is simple. Start with the task your team hates most.
Look for repeat work
Write down every task your team does more than five times a week. Next to each one, note how long it takes. You will quickly see where the hours go.
Pick the task with a clear number
Good first projects have a number you can measure. Hours saved, replies sent, leads answered or errors removed. If you cannot measure it, pick something else.
Keep a person in control
Your first AI project should help your team, not replace a decision. Let AI draft the reply or fill the form. Let a person approve it.
Give it four weeks
Most good first projects show results in under a month. If you do not see a clear gain by then, change the task, not the goal.
If you want help picking your first project, take our free AI check. It takes five minutes and gives you a short list of ideas for your business.
Want help with this?
Book a free 30-minute call with our team.
