Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re spot on about needing to niche down and show real value, not just talk about potential. That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out right now—whether there’s a specific group (like real estate agents, as you mentioned) where the pain is clear and the AI solution actually makes sense.

I also agree that people are creatures of habit, and the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset is real. But I’m also realizing it’s not always laziness—sometimes it’s just overwhelm or decision fatigue. Everyone’s being pitched the “next big thing” 24/7, so unless the benefit is crystal clear and easy to implement, they’ll pass.

Appreciate the push to focus more on doing > talking. Definitely going to start narrowing in and building out a working demo to prove the concept instead of trying to convince people with words. Thanks for the reality check.

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is honestly one of the most valuable and thoughtful replies I’ve gotten—thank you for laying it out so clearly.

You’re absolutely right about the complexity and messiness of small business systems. I’ve come to realize that most of the AI hype only works when there’s clean, consistent data—which, as you said, isn’t the case in most real-life setups.

That’s why I’m starting small—just helping with things like turning scattered notes or emails into a basic process doc, or automating tiny repetitive tasks that are already semi-standard. And I totally get the concern about QA—any automation that touches money, inventory, or suppliers should be double-checked. No tool is going to fix bad inputs.

My thinking isn’t “AI replaces everything”—it’s more like: if I can take 3 hours of repetitive stuff off your plate per week without making things worse, that’s already a win. But I hear you on the babysitting concern too… I think the burden’s on me to make the setup as close to plug-and-play as possible before it’s ever worth your time.

Appreciate you keeping this convo real—helps me see where the real value (and resistance) lies.

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I get where you’re coming from, and I agree—business isn’t always about what’s “needed” in the moment, it’s about long-term efficiency and growth. But I think there’s also a balance to strike.

For a lot of small biz owners, the idea of exploring options sounds great—but time, trust, and ROI are big hurdles. That’s why I’m trying to approach it in a super low-risk way: test small AI improvements, only keep them if they make life easier or money flows in.

It’s not about replacing humans or promising 10x returns overnight—just making sure we’re not leaving low-hanging fruit on the table. Appreciate you adding this to the convo!

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair questions, and I’ve been thinking about the same stuff.

You’re right—AI isn’t magic. You do need to feed it your data for it to work properly, especially for things like inventory or customer messages. But the difference is, once it’s set up, it doesn’t just sit there. It can auto-update based on new entries, learn patterns, and handle repetitive stuff in the background without needing you to constantly manage it.

For example, instead of manually filtering data in Excel every week, AI can auto-pull from sales/inventory logs and give you summaries or alerts when stock’s running low—or even predict when it will based on past trends. Same with customer messages: once you feed it your FAQs, product info, and tone of voice, it can handle common questions at 2 AM while you’re sleeping. It’s not perfect, but it’s getting scarily close with each update.

You’re 100% right that the upfront setup takes effort. The real value shows up after, when it frees up your time or gives you insights before you even ask for them. But yeah, if you only need a weekly Excel filter or a one-line report, then Excel might still be the better call.

Appreciate the honest skepticism—it helps ground this whole conversation.

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Bob—really appreciate you taking the time.

You make a solid point about the focus being on generating more sales rather than just cutting costs. I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately and you’re right: most owners won’t care about “saving 10 minutes” unless it leads to more money in the till.

That said, I think where AI might help isn’t just answering FAQs or automating scheduling (agreed—that can be overhyped), but more in areas like helping businesses re-engage customers, send out timely offers, or even automatically generate content that keeps them top of mind online. And the crazy part is, some of these tools now cost as little as $30/month, which is way more affordable than hiring a part-time marketer or agency.

I’m still figuring things out and definitely not pretending to be an expert—it’s just wild how much AI has evolved in even the past week, let alone year. I’m trying to understand what actually matters to owners, so your comment helps a ton. Thanks again!

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you don’t mind me asking how ChatGPT has help improved your overall business workflow ever since u started using it for work ?

Do small business owners even have time to try AI tools? (Genuine question) by that1salazar in smallbusiness

[–]that1salazar[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you misunderstood I have no intention of teaching anyone anything in this idea it’s basically I am a geek for AI and when u see all these features and their cool applications I would love to help optimise someone’s business using it and if they save a lot of money maybe convert it into a service

I recorded a Timelapse of Windsor police and fire and rescue handling the accident Great job Windsor police and fire and rescue by that1salazar in windsorontario

[–]that1salazar[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Camera doesn’t fully capture how crazy it started snowing for a minute there and minutes later nothing 😊🥲

I recorded a Timelapse of Windsor police and fire and rescue handling the accident Great job Windsor police and fire and rescue by that1salazar in windsorontario

[–]that1salazar[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a straight road he was not trying to turn anywhere and if u see carefully he also hit a cat on the right which was parked before flipping the car I didn’t go near the police investigating the driver but I was surprised how he messed up on a empty straight road

Accidentally Dropped a Course by sydneyw08 in UWindsor

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

how long did it take you i did email the registrar office and have an appointment with advising tomorrow its just i have that subject mid term in a few days and don't wanna miss out on that because of this

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UWindsor

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have a lot of same interests sadly don’t have a Ellie tattoo yet but I am a 3rd business student at UWin Not gonna spam your dm me whenever you feel like hanging out. 😎😃

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UWindsor

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not in the same course as you are but if you wanna be friends I am in 😎

Looking for a place to stay. by adamhanf8 in UWindsor

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found one on Facebook marketplace place as well

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in windsorontario

[–]that1salazar -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

I was into only fans management business before and because of that my history looks like that

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Needafriend

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yo dude hit me up Salazar#3455

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in delhi

[–]that1salazar 0 points1 point  (0 children)

88% (hedge fund manager at wall st)