Switchboard Connect #004

Every other week, I curate a few relevant pieces of AI & Automation content to help SMB teams and operators navigate these new waters.

Let’s dive in.

My default with this newsletter is to save you time by summarizing things, but I encourage you to read Aaron’s full post as he nails how AI will unlock 90% of our unstructured workplace data.

We’re moving beyond the era of meaningless consultant-speak like “Data Lakes” and “Data Warehouses” into one where more data means more insights, not noise.

There’s a lot of hype around “AI Agents” but Relevance is a tool that makes them work well here and now.

After putting it through its paces, I’m quickly becoming a big fan and wanted to share it with those of you on the cutting edge of bringing AI into your workplace.

• What it is: Relevance has a user-friendly platform that simplifies AI integration and provides tailored solutions by connecting various AI “agents” (aka tools) together to do disparate tasks in a unified way. Imagine finding and researching a sales lead. Or reviewing a customer or clients industry to do analysis.

• Why I’m loving it:

  • Streamlined AI Implementation: Easily deploy AI tools with a user-friendly interface, removing barriers of cost and complexity.

  • Solves for Many Needs: Automate tasks, enhance customer service, optimize marketing and sales, and gain data-driven insights with solutions designed for SMBs.

  • Cost-Effective: Access advanced AI capabilities without significant upfront investments or maintenance costs.

  • Scalability: Adapt and grow your AI solutions as your business evolves, ensuring long-term efficiency.

There will be many more players in this space and while it can be technical to implement (happy to help 👋), this is where AI is headed to automate tasks so getting in at the ground floor can be a big competitive advantage.

We all know about Shadow IT but as more leaders grapple with Shadow AI and how their org and teams use AI, I wanted to share a good “food for thought” article The FT posted.

If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, here’s my takeaways:

• AI’s Secret Use: A LinkedIn survey found that three-quarters of white-collar workers use AI at work, usually without employer knowledge due to fear of repercussions.

  • Takeaway: Leaders must shift from questioning if AI will be used in their org to shaping how it will be used.

• AI Changes Workplace Dynamics: We assume human intelligence as the sole form of work intelligence, but this is no longer true. Surveys show workers appreciate AI for taking on tasks they dislike, even with job risk concerns.

  • Takeaway: Embracing tools like ChatGPT & MS Copilot allow employees to delegate routine work so focus on empowering that openly versus inviting security and performance risks by making people (who are going to use them anyways) feel like they have to hide it.

• What is happening: B2B AI apps are increasingly focused on owning the workflow, marking “Wave 2” of AI apps for the workplace. A16Z wrote a great post with examples and insights into this ongoing trend.

• Why it matters: The shift towards AI-driven automation can significantly streamline operations but that makes it more crucial than ever for businesses to choose software that aligns with their specific workflow needs and long-term goals.

Okay, that’s all for this week.

Looking forward to our next newsletter where I’ll share our guide to picking the right software in this new era of AI & automation! 👋