From Intimidated to In Control: How Small Businesses Can Start with AI

Everywhere you look, someone’s talking about AI.

And for most small business owners and COOs, it feels equal parts exciting and intimidating. You’re hearing you have to use it to stay competitive—but what does that actually mean?

The truth: AI isn’t about technology.
It’s about curiosity.

In this conversation with IT expert Nic Held, we broke down how AI can stop being an overwhelming buzzword and start becoming a practical tool for real-world operations.

When you shift from “I don’t get tech” to “I wonder what this could do for me,” everything changes.

1. Start Small—Replace a Google Search

Instead of trying to overhaul your business with AI, start with small, useful swaps.
As Nic explained, he uses AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot for everyday tasks—like comparing computer models or researching new tools.

“If I’m buying a new computer, instead of spending 10 minutes on multiple websites, I just ask my AI agent to find and summarize options for me.” – Nic Held

Try replacing your next Google search with a question for ChatGPT. You’ll save time and get more curated answers faster.

2. Treat AI Like a Thinking Partner, Not a Search Engine

When you interact with AI conversationally—asking follow-up questions and seeking clarification—it acts like a trusted advisor, not a data dump.

“You can’t ask an article a question—but you can ask AI. That’s the chat part.” – Jen Hamilton

If you don’t understand a response, literally ask, “What does that mean?” The magic happens in the back-and-forth.

3. Use AI to Clarify What You Do Repeatedly

Every business has its repetitive patterns—the things that eat time but create consistency. Identifying and improving those patterns is key to scalable operations.

“You have to find your unique repetitive steps. Once you do, you can figure out where AI can make those steps faster.” – Nic Held

Ask AI: “What are the 5 most repetitive processes in a [your industry] business, and how could AI help streamline them?”

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask, “How Do I Use You?”

One of the simplest, most effective prompts? Literally asking the AI how it can help.

“It’s like Jerry Maguire AI—‘Help me help you.’” – Jen Hamilton

That self-aware question opens up new ways to use the tool, even if you don’t know where to start.

Type: “I’m new to using AI. Give me 3 easy ways to use you for [your role or business type].” Then try one.

5. Simplify Everything—Ask It to “Explain Like I’m 5”

AI can overcomplicate things, especially with tech jargon. Don’t let it intimidate you—make it explain itself clearly.

“Tell it to dumb it down. Say, ‘I don’t understand—please explain this in simple terms.’” – Nic Held

When you get an unclear answer, reply: “Explain this in plain English.” Clarity beats complexity every time.

Ask yourself:
1. Where am I letting AI intimidation stop my curiosity?
2. What simple question could I ask AI today to make my workday smoother?
3. What process or decision could I speed up if I stopped searching and started conversing?

Remember—leaders don’t have to know everything. They just have to stay curious.

Next Steps: How to Start Using AI Without Overwhelm

✔️ Replace one weekly Google search with an AI conversation.
✔️ Ask “How do I use you [to make X decision]?” before your next big decision.
✔️ Use AI to compare your top 3 tools, vendors, or systems.
✔️ For any confusing response, ask it to “explain like I’m 5.”
✔️ Reflect weekly: Where did AI save me time or clarity?

AI isn’t replacing leaders—it’s revealing what curious leaders can create faster.
Start with questions, not perfection.

When you do, you’ll see it’s not about being a tech expert—it’s about being an adaptive, curious one.

Want help building systems and decision frameworks that actually work?

Book a Quick-Solve Session to uncover one simple way AI and operations can work together in your business.

Let’s lead with clarity—not intimidation.