Audience Questions

We’ve talked about how most LLMs today are generally bad at math, but have any of the panelists come across an AI tool that works well for accurate financial modeling and forecasting? How far do you expect we are from having those tools?

while general-purpose language models may struggle with complex math, there are specialized AI tools that excel in financial modeling and forecasting—tools that many small businesses are already using to support decision-making.Specialized AI Tools for Financial Modeling • Dedicated Financial Platforms:Tools like Fathom, Jirav, and LivePlan are designed to handle financial forecasting, scenario analysis, and KPI tracking. These platforms use advanced algorithms to analyze historical data and project future trends, helping you plan cash flow, budget effectively, and identify growth opportunities. • Integrated Accounting Software:Many small businesses are now leveraging accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, which have integrated AI modules. These tools offer automated reporting, expense tracking, and forecasting features that simplify the financial management process. • Advanced Analytics in Enterprise Tools:For those looking to go beyond basic forecasting, platforms such as Adaptive Insights (Workday) or Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service provide more robust modeling options. While these are traditionally aimed at larger enterprises, scaled-down versions or similar functionalities are increasingly accessible to very small businesses.Real-World Example:Imagine a small retail business in Benicia using Fathom. The owner uploads historical sales data, and the platform automatically generates forecasts, highlighting seasonal trends and potential cash flow gaps. With this information, the owner can make informed decisions on inventory purchases and marketing spend—leveraging AI insights without needing a dedicated financial expert.

Is there a danger of people manipulating the answers AI will give the way social media is being manipulated now?

Yes, there is a risk that people could manipulate AI outputs by feeding biased or misleading inputs, similar to tactics used on social media. Bad actors might attempt to steer responses through coordinated prompts or adversarial attacks.However, developers are actively working to strengthen safeguards, improve data quality, and implement robust monitoring systems to mitigate these risks. As AI continues to evolve, maintaining transparency and ethical oversight will be key to ensuring reliable and unbiased outputs.

Do you see print still being effective in the era of AI as being a source of truth that could be referenced later, or are we heading to the 1984 Orwellian timeline where AI has control over truth?

Answered in the panel…here is more: Print continues to serve as a reliable source of truth due to its rigorous editorial processes, fact-checking, and permanence. Its tangible nature and established standards often provide a stable reference point that can be trusted over time, even as digital media rapidly evolves. However, the risk of misinformation through AI-driven channels is real, and the potential for manipulation exists if safeguards aren’t in place. Rather than an Orwellian takeover of truth by AI, the future likely calls for a balanced media ecosystem where traditional print and advanced digital tools work together, ensuring accountability and cross-verification across sources.

If AI were an employee at a small business, what job would it be best at—and what job would you never let it do?

If AI were an employee at a small business, it would excel in roles that require processing and analyzing large amounts of data—think administrative support, scheduling, customer service chatbots, and digital marketing analytics. These tasks benefit from AI’s speed, consistency, and ability to uncover patterns, freeing up human staff to focus on creative and strategic work.On the other hand, I’d never let AI handle roles that require nuanced human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making—such as sensitive HR issues, complex legal decisions, or customer conflict resolution. These areas demand a level of interpersonal understanding and ethical consideration that AI currently can’t replicate reliably.

For business owners who are resistant to AI, what are the real risks of not adopting it, and is there a way to benefit from AI without fully relying on it?

For business owners resisting AI, the real risk lies in falling behind competitors who leverage AI for enhanced efficiency, customer insights, and operational agility. Without AI, businesses may face higher costs, slower decision-making, and missed opportunities for growth in a rapidly digitizing market.However, you don’t have to fully rely on AI to benefit from it. A hybrid approach—using AI tools to automate routine tasks and generate insights while maintaining human oversight for strategic decisions—can provide a low-risk way to enhance productivity without compromising the personal touch that distinguishes your business.

What’s the biggest misconception small business owners have about AI, and what’s one simple, actionable way they can start using it effectively today?

The biggest misconception is that AI is too complex or expensive for small businesses—many believe it requires deep technical expertise and massive investments. In reality, AI is increasingly user-friendly and accessible, with solutions that can be implemented incrementally to streamline everyday tasks rather than overhaul entire operations.One simple, actionable step is to start with an AI tool that automates a routine process, such as scheduling appointments. For example, using a tool like Calendly can save time and reduce errors in managing meetings, giving you immediate efficiency gains without a steep learning curve or significant investment.

Gemini and MS Copilot haven’t gotten much love today, and those are the two main AI tools I use. How come they are not preferred, and should I switch to ChatGPT? Also, what are some good starting image creation prompts? Thanks!

Your preference for Gemini and Microsoft Copilot makes sense, as they each have their strengths—especially if you’re already in the Google or Microsoft ecosystem. However, if you’re wondering why ChatGPT tends to get more love, here are a few reasons:Why ChatGPT Tends to Be Preferred 1. Conversational Depth & Memory • ChatGPT (especially paid versions like Plus/Pro) tends to offer more nuanced and context-aware responses over time. If you’re using it frequently, it can remember things about your projects and adapt accordingly. 2. Creativity & Code Assistance • It generally excels in brainstorming, writing, storytelling, and coding. While Gemini and Copilot are good at factual responses, many users find ChatGPT more creative when it comes to long-form writing or problem-solving. 3. Better at Multi-Turn Conversations • If you’re having long discussions or working on evolving projects, ChatGPT handles continuity better than Copilot, which tends to reset more often. 4. More Third-Party Plugins & Tools • With features like web browsing, Python execution, file analysis, and AI-generated images (DALL·E), ChatGPT integrates a broader toolset in one place. 5. Image Generation Built-In • ChatGPT (via DALL·E) provides built-in image generation, while Gemini has limited options, and Copilot relies on Bing Image Creator, which sometimes has more restrictions.Should You Switch?It depends on your needs!

Stick with Gemini if you’re deep into Google Docs, Sheets, and Gmail and need AI help inside those.
Stick with Copilot if you rely on Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, or Teams.
Use ChatGPT if you want a mix of creativity, coding support, and more flexible AI tools in one place.
Use All Three if you want a hybrid approach (e.g., Copilot for work, ChatGPT for creative tasks).

For those of us that are not coders, what recommendations do you have for individuals to become experts or totally absorbed in the future of AI.

For non-coders eager to become experts in AI, start by building a strong conceptual foundation. Begin with accessible online courses like Andrew Ng’s “AI for Everyone” on Coursera, which explains the fundamentals without requiring coding skills. Supplement your learning with books, podcasts, and blogs that break down AI trends, ethics, and applications. This broad perspective will enable you to grasp how AI impacts industries and business strategies.Next, immerse yourself in hands-on experiences using no-code and low-code AI tools such as Lobe, Bubble, or even user-friendly platforms like ChatGPT. Experiment with these tools to solve real-world business problems, and participate in online communities, webinars, and local meetups to network with industry professionals. This combination of structured learning, practical application, and community engagement will rapidly boost your AI fluency and keep you updated on emerging trends.

What about agent force?

Answered by Brian on the panel. Here is some additional info: Salesforce has been embedding AI into its platform through tools like Einstein, effectively empowering the traditional “agent force” with AI capabilities. These AI Agents can automate routine tasks such as handling common customer inquiries, lead scoring, and data analysis—freeing up human agents to focus on more complex, relationship-driven interactions. This blend enhances productivity and ensures that even small businesses can leverage sophisticated AI tools without needing a massive team.For small businesses, the integration of Salesforce’s AI Agents means you can start with simple implementations—like using Einstein Bots for customer support—and gradually scale to more advanced forecasting and personalized marketing strategies. Rather than replacing human talent, AI serves as an augmentation tool, offering actionable insights and streamlining operations to help you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

When using AI tools, isn’t it true that when you upload information to an AI platform or chat gbt that the platform now owns that information? That you no longer own the image you upload or content you upload? Our business is concerned about ownership of ideas and confidential information.

Most platforms state that you retain ownership of the content you upload, but you typically grant them a license to use that content for purposes like service improvement, research, or training. For example, OpenAI’s policies let you keep your data while allowing the company to use it under specific terms—though enterprise solutions often come with extra protections. It’s crucial to carefully review each platform’s terms-of-service to understand exactly what rights you’re granting.If your business is concerned about the confidentiality of proprietary ideas or sensitive data, consider opting for enterprise-grade services that offer robust data protection and privacy controls, or avoid uploading sensitive information altogether. This way, you can benefit from AI tools without compromising your intellectual property.

When you create content in AI, who owns the rights? Lyrics, music, videos?

The ownership of AI-generated content is a complex and evolving issue. In many cases, AI platforms state in their terms-of-service that you retain ownership of the output, but you often grant the platform a license to use that content for service improvement or research purposes. This means that while you may still hold the rights, the platform might have the right to reuse or share the generated material under certain conditions.For creative works like lyrics, music, and videos, there’s an added layer of legal complexity. Copyright law traditionally requires human authorship, so purely AI-generated works might fall into a gray area. However, if you significantly contribute to the creative process, you can claim ownership over the final product. Always review the terms-of-service of any AI tool you use, and consider consulting legal advice to ensure your intellectual property is adequately protected.