If your business has legal counsel, involve them early in the AI adoption process. They can:

• Interpret relevant laws: AI regulations are evolving, and rules may differ between regions or industries.
• Review contracts with AI vendors: ensuring data ownership, privacy clauses, and liability terms are clear

Advice on compliance: for example, ensuring customer data use aligns with GDPR, CCPA, or local data protection laws.

Large datasets containing content from the internet are frequently used to train AI models. This implies that creating content that inadvertently mimics someone else’s protected work carries a slight but real risk.

• Check AI-generated text for plagiarism.
• Steer clear of using AI to illegally copy patented processes, logos, or proprietary images.

Maintain detailed records of the time and method used to create AI content; this will help you demonstrate originality if necessary.

When incorporating AI into your workflows, security should be your first concern.

• Trade secrets, customer lists, and financial records are examples of sensitive or proprietary data that should not be entered into open AI systems.
• If you must handle sensitive data, use AI tools with robust encryption and privacy safeguards.
• Be on the lookout for phishing attempts created by AI. These days, scammers use AI to create incredibly realistic emails that imitate reputable contacts or companies.

For small businesses, trust is a currency. It’s difficult to get back once lost.

• Recognize that detection tools may occasionally mark AI-generated messages as spam or “low quality.”
• Prior to publication, always manually review AI output, particularly for campaigns that interact with customers.
• Customers value real human connection, especially with small brands, so make sure your AI use doesn’t come across as impersonal.

Avoiding legal issues is only one aspect of using AI responsibly; another is upholding your company’s values.

• Make sure AI-generated content reflects the tone and values of your brand. Your culture won’t always be intuitively understood by AI.
• Consider making a public statement explaining how you use AI, even though it’s not required at the moment.
• Be open and honest about how AI can improve your reputation if it is used to create content, handle customer service, or suggest products.

Ask Where do we spend the most time or money? Customer service? Marketing? Accounting?

Pick one area to pilot AI. Example:

• Use ChatGPT for email drafts.
• Use Shopify Magic for product descriptions.

Most platforms you use (Shopify, QuickBooks, HubSpot) already include AI features.

Provide basic AI training so employees can use these tools effectively.

Track KPIs like time saved, cost reductions, or sales increases.

Once you see results, expand AI to other areas of your business.

For complex needs, work with providers offering AI development solutions tailored to your industry.