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By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder of Kent Solutions Running a small business can sometimes feel like playing a boxing match where you come out on the losing end. With their massive budgets, specialized teams, and advanced technology, big corporations can make even the most determined entrepreneurs feel outmatched. But here's the exciting twist: AI is revolutionizing the landscape, empowering smaller players to compete like never before. AI is not just leveling the playing field; it's like giving small businesses a turbo boost to cross the finish line and win the race against bigger competitors. If you think AI is just for massive corporations with deep pockets, think again. The good news is that AI-powered tools are now more affordable and accessible than ever. This means that small businesses can now automate tasks, boost efficiency, and even outmaneuver larger competitors in key areas. The only question is: Are you taking advantage of this affordable revolution? AI Isn’t Just for Big Businesses Many small business owners assume AI is complicated or too expensive. However, the reality is that AI-powered automation, chatbots, and intelligent analytics are now practical and within reach for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're running a service-based business, an e-commerce store, or a consulting firm, AI can help you do more with less—without a substantial upfront investment. 4 Ways AI Levels the Playing Field for Small Businesses So, how exactly does AI give small businesses a competitive edge? Here are a few key ways:
Small Businesses Winning with AI: 3 Examples AI isn't just a theory—it's already transforming small businesses:
The Future is Here—How Will You Not Get Left Behind? AI is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Small businesses that adopt AI-powered solutions will save time, reduce costs, and scale more efficiently. Those that don't? They risk falling behind. The future is here, and it's time to take advantage of it. The good news? Getting started is easier than you think. In just a couple of clicks, you can find out exactly how much money AI could save your business. AI Saves You Time & Money—Want to Learn How Much? Does that seem too good to be true? It's not! Try my AI Cost Savings Estimator—it's free, fast, and eye-opening. This tool uses industry data and your business-specific details to provide an estimate of the potential cost savings AI could bring to your business. 🔹 Click the button below so you can calculate your AI savings instantly!
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By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder of Kent Solutions When I sit down with enterprise leaders, the question is simple: "Which parts of our operation need attention right now?" With multi-agent AI, the answer arrives in seconds—no spreadsheet wrangling, no dashboard spelunking, no waiting on ad-hoc reports. It's not hype; it's what coordinated AI agents (agentic AI) do when they turn siloed data into immediate, defensible direction at scale--without a data analyst! How Multi-Agent AI Actually Works You've likely heard me discuss AI agents, so you may wonder how multi-agent systems differ from them. In short, these platforms have numerous AI agents, AKA bots, collaborating to achieve complex tasks, such as financial forecasting, inventory management, and customer service. Each agent specializes in a specific task, working together to tackle complex business challenges. These intelligent agents, powered by machine learning algorithms, collaborate seamlessly, constantly learning and adapting to your company's evolving needs. They transform how businesses operate by pulling data from various sources, analyzing it in real-time, and instantly delivering actionable insights. Where Enterprises Feel the Pain Imagine the relief from the slow, fragmented, and expensive traditional decision-making processes. Finance teams and supply chain managers often spend weeks compiling reports using outdated tools, such as Excel and Power BI. The disconnected ERP, WMS, and sales platforms make it challenging to see the big picture. The result?
Why Enterprises Are Moving to Multi-Agent AI Multi-AI agent applications address these challenges by streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making through:
Ultimately, multi-AI agent applications transform business operations by delivering faster insights, reducing costs, and boosting decision-making accuracy, making your business more productive and efficient. # # # Would you like to see an example of a multi-agent platform in action? My strategic partner, Heft IQ, has a fantastic platform. Check out this video to see for yourself the power of these systems! Before I close, I want to mention how GAME-CHANGING this platform is. I haven't been this excited about a platform in a long time! Can you imagine the power of knowing, in less than one minute, what areas of your business need attention on any particular day? It's incredible. Want to learn more? Schedule a FREE 15-minute demo with our partner, Heft IQ, today!
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions Your day leaks minutes in tiny ways like a dripping faucet: tag a contact here, rename a file there, paste the same note. Again. Let's flip that. I get it! So, do I have a deal for you! In one short sprint, you'll spot 10 "agentable" tasks—simple, repeatable steps an AI helper or light automation can take over so you don't have to. Do it right and you'll feel the significant time savings this week, motivating you to continue automating tasks. Why this works According to McKinsey and Company, today's gen-AI and related tech can automate activities that soak up 60–70% of employees' time. The trick isn't hype; it's picking the right, low-risk tasks first. Introducing the 20-minute finder Here's a fast approach to identifying tasks ripe for automation. By selecting a standard path within a workflow you interact with daily, such as lead follow-up, invoice nudges, or meeting prep, you can quickly spot tasks that can be automated. Remember, every additional role, branch, or handoff adds time, so keep your focus narrow. Walk that slice in your head and write micro-steps as verb + object: send welcome email, tag contact, rename file, log note, move attachment. Keep steps that are repeatable, rule-based, and already inside tools you use (email, calendar, CRM, docs, sheets, chat, web apps). Aim for ten keepers. Examples you'll spot in minutes
Turn ideas into pilots Give each candidate three rails so it runs without babysitting:
Pick three with high impact, low effort, and low risk. Start with drafts, tags, reminders, and file moves—not auto-send to customers. Keep your first pilots inside one tool for speed. Add branches and cross-team handoffs later. Bottom line The goal is not a complete transformation, but rather a series of small wins. By identifying and automating ten tasks, you can significantly reduce the time you spend on repetitive activities. I'm here to help you finalize your list, minimize the risk of your pilots, and integrate them into your existing tools. Do you need some help with this process? Book a free 30-minute consultation and we'll pick your safest, highest-impact wins together.
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions 2026 is approaching quickly, and AI has officially transitioned from a buzzword to a business tool. What's your plan to put it to work profitably? Approximately 58% of U.S. small businesses currently use generative AI (U.S. Chamber of Commerce), and this trend will continue to rise. That's why I've compiled a list of ways to implement AI in your business to help keep you ahead of the curve and stay ahead of that trend! Here's the good news: you don't need to be techy—or even that curious—to benefit from AI. If you've ever wished for a clone to keep up, a simple AI assistant might be the next best thing. It's easy to implement and will make a significant difference in your business operations. AI Assistants Are Quietly Saving Hours, Easing Your Workload Employees report saving approximately five hours a week on average with AI-assisted work (≈approximately 52 minutes/day). That's nearly a full day back every week—without adding anyone to payroll. What Can These AI Assistants Do? Think of them like reliable, no-drama assistants that don't need sleep, coffee, or context switching. With the right tools and prompts, they can help you:
Small tasks? Yes. But when they run consistently, they give you back focus—and sanity. The Best No-Code Tools for Building Your AI Assistant Here are the top tools grouped by function: Planning, Focus, and Daily Support
Client Communication & Follow-Up
Workflow Automation
A Quick Word on ChatGPT's Newer "Agent" Feature Some of you may have heard about OpenAI's newer Agent tool. It can browse, plan, and even attempt to act on tasks such as booking a service or placing an order. It's powerful but not infallible—treat it like a sharp intern: helpful under supervision, not for high-stakes tasks. Start Small. Save Hours. Repeat. It's as simple as picking one task you're tired of doing, choosing one tool, and giving it a chance. Let it free up some space in your week and see the difference it makes. Want some help with that? Then sign up for my 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge! This email challenge will guide you through the process of selecting and implementing an AI tool for a specific task in your business. Each day, you'll receive a new lesson and a task to complete, helping you to start putting AI to work for you!
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder of Kent Solutions This picture brings back good memories. One of my greatest joys has been playing guitar and singing on my church’s worship team. Sometimes, I even had the privilege of leading the band! This particular group will always hold a special place in my heart. More than just bandmates, they were true friends, and some of my favorite people to make music with. We shared incredible camaraderie, plenty of laughter, and the kind of teamwork that made every rehearsal and service both meaningful and fun. Those experiences taught me something important: great music isn't about one person carrying the show. It's about everyone knowing their part and working in harmony. When we're in sync, the result is bigger than any of us could pull off alone. AI, like a supportive bandmate, works in harmony with the team. It's not a solo act or a quick-fix tool. To make it work, you have to give it a role, let it practice, and teach it how to play in harmony with the rest of your team. That's when the magic happens. 1. Give AI a Role, Not the Whole Stage In a band, I'd never ask the drummer to sing lead or the bass player to handle every instrument. Each person has a clear role, and when they stay in their lane, the group shines. AI works best the same way. For platforms like ChatGPT, properly designed prompts can make the difference between a good and an inadequate response. And if you don't know how to do this, ask ChatGPT for guidance. When AI knows its part, it supports the team instead of competing with it. 2. Practice Until It Flows Rehearsals aren't always pretty. Wrong notes and false starts happen, but practice makes Sunday morning sound seamless. AI also needs its version of 'rehearsal.' The first draft of a model may be clunky, and the first workflow may miss a step. But with feedback and iteration, it starts to blend in and feel like a natural part of the team. This iterative process is crucial in AI integration, just as it is in perfecting a musical performance. 3. Build Trust Through Consistency Great bandmates show up prepared and dependable. That reliability builds confidence across the group. AI earns trust by handling repetitive work consistently and on time. When it 'keeps time' behind the scenes, your team is free to focus on creativity and human connection, relieving them of mundane tasks. The Harmony of Humans + AI At the end of the day, great music isn't about one instrument playing louder than the rest. It's about harmony. Business is no different. AI isn't here to replace humans; it's here to join the band. When you treat it as a teammate, not just a tool, your business doesn't just work. It sings. # # # Is your business ready to bring AI into the band, not as a flashy solo act, but as a reliable teammate? The AI Readiness Assessment will show you exactly where your team stands today and what gaps to close before AI can truly harmonize with your people and processes. Think of it as your soundcheck: making sure everything is tuned, balanced, and ready before the performance begins.
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions Every business runs on processes, but when they start dragging, growth stalls. Process steps can sometimes feel like climbing up an endless staircase. The trouble is, inefficiencies rarely shout. They creep in until deadlines slip, employees get frustrated, and hours vanish. One of my clients lived this: a rigid stage-gate slowed a new product cycle to three years. Believe me, the pain was real. That pain didn't show at first; spotting it required zooming out to see patterns, not one-off misses. So, how do you identify if your processes are slowing you down? Here are five telltale signs your processes are ripe for streamlining. Recognizing these signs helps you take a decisive first step towards regaining control and accelerating your business's growth. It's a moment of hope, knowing that you can unlock your business's full potential. 1. Delays pile up and deadlines slipApprovals bounce between too many desks, and nothing moves. The real issue is the lack of visibility into where work stalls, making it difficult for teams to unblock quickly. 2. Too many handoffs with no ownershipWork passes through a maze of steps with no clear owner. Teams lose context, rework rises, and "I thought someone else had it" becomes the norm. 3. Data scattered across tools and peopleKey info lives in spreadsheets, inboxes, and memories. Without a single source of truth, decisions take longer to make, and duplicate work increases. 4. Teams constantly reinvent the wheelWithout standards, people recreate templates and steps. Teams don't capture lessons learned, so mistakes repeat and momentum fades. 5. Employees bogged down with repetitive tasksMcKinsey Global Institute estimates that about 30% of work activities in 60% of occupations could be automated (A Future That Works, 2017). This means that tasks such as manual scheduling, reporting, and data entry, which currently drain focus from high-value work, could be automated, freeing up time for more strategic tasks. How to Fix the BottlenecksBack to that client: once they streamlined, planning took two months, and they launched within a year, plus five cross-line subsystems. Here's the kicker--we didn't automate any of it. Imagine if we had affordable options for automation in the 2018, they could have experienced even great benefits: 1. Delays → automated approvals and reminders keep things moving. 2. Handoffs → workflows assign ownership and pass context automatically. 3. Scattered data → centralized CRM and ops systems. 4. Reinventing the wheel → reusable templates and playbooks standardize best practice. 5. Repetitive tasks → AI agents handle routine updates, routing, and reporting. With all these benefits, they would have experienced even shorter cycle times, cleaner accountability, and throughput that would have scaled without adding headcount. ConclusionInefficient processes don't just waste time — they slow growth and frustrate your best people. The upside? When you spot the signs, you can redesign workflows and apply automation where it matters most. Ready to streamline your processes and boost efficiency? My team and I are offering a sweet deal! Sign up for our FREE 30-minute consultation, and we'll assess what's slowing you down and share tailored automation solutions to fix it.
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions When I first delved into the world of AI, I anticipated a few shortcuts and some help with repetitive tasks. What I didn't foresee was the profound transformation it would bring to my work and client service. The unexpected benefits of AI have been a revelation. I've been pleasantly surprised in ways I never saw coming. From proposals to growth plans, AI has seamlessly integrated into my workflow, much like a partner I didn't know I needed. Here are six surprising ways AI has helped me in my business: 1. Smarter Work, Faster Results Drafting proposals used to take hours of polishing. With AI, I now create clean, professional drafts in a fraction of the time, freeing me to focus on strategy. And then there were contracts. Comparing a redlined draft against a final version used to be exhausting. Now, AI gives me a clear breakdown of the differences in minutes. What once felt overwhelming is now simple. Takeaway: AI isn't just fast; it delivers clarity and peace of mind. 2. Creativity Where I Needed It Most AI has not only streamlined my workflow but also sparked creativity where I needed it most. It has been instrumental in brainstorming fresh ideas and structuring larger projects, such as strategic growth plans. What once seemed daunting became manageable with AI as my creative partner. Takeaway: AI is more than automation — it's a creative partner for vision and planning. 3. Serving Clients in New Ways The most rewarding surprise has been the impact on my clients. When I show them how AI can support their marketing — from newsletters to social posts — they feel empowered and excited. Teaching them has been just as valuable as the automation itself. Takeaway: Sharing AI knowledge builds trust and deepens loyalty. 4. Turning Conversations Into Action Another practical win has been with meeting transcripts. Instead of letting notes sit, I use AI to summarize discussions and create clear action items for both sides. A 45-minute call instantly becomes a roadmap with next steps. Takeaway: AI helps conversations gain momentum, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. 5. A Better Rhythm for My Day AI has not only revolutionized my business but also my daily routine. It helps me design efficient workflows that keep me focused and productive. When the day runs smoothly, everything else falls into place, thanks to AI. Takeaway: AI can enhance not only your business but also your everyday workflow. 6. The Biggest Surprise of All? The truth is, AI has evolved from a tool to a partner in my work. It helps me think, create, and deliver at a higher level. It's like having a knowledgeable assistant who can handle repetitive tasks, freeing me up to focus more time and energy on strategy and creativity. If you're curious about how ready your business is to harness these kinds of surprises, take my AI Readiness Assessment. In just a few minutes, you'll see where you stand — and where AI could make the most significant difference for you.
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder, Kent Solutions Do you ever wonder if AI can be doing more for you? Here's the good news: you don't need to be techy—or even that curious—to benefit from AI. If you've ever wished for a clone just to keep up, a simple AI assistant might be the next best thing. AI Assistants Are Quietly Saving Hours, Easing Your Workload According to McKinsey, small businesses using AI save an average of 5 to 8 hours a week on administrative tasks. That's nearly a full day back every week—without adding anyone to payroll. In my case, I used to spend three hours writing a blog post and skipped LinkedIn altogether. Now? I write a blog in 30 minutes and generate six LinkedIn posts in under 15. That's over 3.5 hours a week I've reclaimed—just by shifting how I work. What Can These AI Assistants Actually Do? Think of them like reliable, no-drama assistants that don't need sleep, coffee, or context switching. With the right tools and prompts, they can help you:
Small tasks? Yes. But when they run consistently, they give you back focus—and sanity. The Best No-Code Tools for Building Your AI Assistant Here are the top tools grouped by function: Planning, Focus, and Daily Support
Client Communication & Follow-Up
Workflow Automation
A Quick Word on ChatGPT's New "Agent" Feature Some of you may have heard about OpenAI's new Agent tool. It can browse, plan, and even try to act on tasks like booking a service or placing an order. It's a powerful tool, but it's important to note that it's not infallible. Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has cautioned users not to rely on it for high-stakes tasks. It's exciting, but still has some room for improvement. Think of it like a sharp intern—helpful under supervision, not ready to run solo. Start Small. Save Hours. Repeat. It's as simple as picking one task you're tired of doing, choosing one tool, and giving it a chance. Let it free up some space in your week and see the difference it makes. Want some help with that? Then sign up for my 5-Day AI-Powered Business Boost Challenge! This email challenge will start you on the path of putting AI to work for you!
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist, Kent Solutions AI is certainly in the spotlight these days, and for small business owners, that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, there’s pressure to keep up. On the other hand, there’s a quiet hesitation: Is this actually ethical? Will it still feel like me? You’re not alone in that tension. And here’s the good news: you can absolutely use AI in a way that supports your values, builds trust, and feels authentic. This empowerment comes with a clear understanding of what responsible AI means. What Is Responsible AI? It's not a complex set of rules or a daunting task. It's a simple, straightforward approach to AI use that aligns with your values and respects your customers. Think of it as AI with boundaries. It’s not about rules written by tech companies—it’s about how you choose to use it. For small businesses, responsible AI usually comes down to three simple things: 1. Use AI to help people, not replace them. Let it handle the tedious stuff so you can focus on relationships. 2. Be transparent. If AI helped you write something or answer a question, don’t pretend it didn’t. People respect honesty. 3. Respect privacy. Don’t feed sensitive customer info into random tools. Stick to trusted platforms, and read the fine print. Here’s a stat that puts this in perspective: 62% of consumers say they’re more likely to trust companies that use AI transparently and responsibly. — Salesforce, State of the Connected Customer, 2023 A Real-Life Example: From Uncertain to Empowered Not long ago, a channel partner and I gave a workshop to a group of nonprofit ministry leaders. Most of them were skeptical about AI, and some were even nervous. But by the end, they were relieved to learn it wasn’t out of reach or out of alignment with their mission. They left energized, not overwhelmed because we kept it simple, values-driven, and honest. That’s what responsible AI looks like in action. A Few Ways to Start (That Won’t Make You Cringe) Here are some practical ways to use AI responsibly right now: 1. Use it to draft—not to publish. Your voice matters. Let AI give you a start, then you shape the message. 2. Templatize what you repeat often. Use AI to create friendly drafts of common messages or FAQs—but always add your personal touch. 3. Pause and gut-check. Would you be okay telling a client that AI helped with this? If not, revise—or don’t use it. Curious What AI Could Look Like in Your Business? Let’s explore it—without the overwhelm. Book your FREE 15-minute AI Strategy Call, and we’ll talk through your goals, your comfort level, and where AI might help you breathe a little easier.
By: Kathy Kent Toney, Chief AI Strategist & Founder at Kent Solutions What if you could clone yourself—but only the version that handles all the repetitive stuff you dread each week? That's essentially what a task-based AI agent does. It's not some futuristic tool for coders—it's a practical, repeatable solution you can use today, empowering you to focus on what truly matters in your business. And for business owners like you and me, that kind of time freedom is priceless. From Content Chaos to Calm: My Personal Story Not long ago, I spent an entire day each week creating content. One blog. Daily posts for my personal and company LinkedIn pages. It didn't matter how organized I was—it drained my energy and cluttered my week. So, I built an AI agent. I trained it to prompt me for a blog topic, a quick story, and a single stat—then it runs with the rest. This training process involves setting up the AI agent's parameters and preferences, which is a straightforward and user-friendly process. Now? Content creation, including AI-image generation, takes me 1–2 hours instead of 6–8. That time savings isn't just about hours—it's about peace of mind, knowing that your tasks are being handled efficiently. What Is an AI Agent? An AI agent is a digital teammate. Not a chatbot. Not a VA. Not automation in the traditional sense. An AI agent is a step above these tools, as it is capable of learning and adapting to your specific needs and preferences. It's an intelligent assistant trained to perform specific tasks—such as creating content, summarizing notes, or organizing outreach. Other tasks could include managing your calendar, responding to routine emails, or even analyzing data for business insights. You teach it once—and it applies your logic over and over again. It's like hiring a super-reliable intern who never sleeps, forgets, or burns out. Why AI Agents Save So Much Time Repetition is the real productivity killer. Most business owners lose countless hours each week to tasks that could use streamlining—or delegated to a digital assistant. And the data backs it up: According to Zapier's 2023 Automation Report, 74% of small business workers say they spend too much time on repetitive tasks—and nearly half say automation saves them 6+ hours every week. AI agents go a step further. They don't just save time—they reduce mental load and free up creative energy. You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone If the idea of "training an agent" sounds confusing, you're not alone. Most people don't know where to start—or which task to delegate first. That's where I come in. In a free 30-minute consultation phone call, we'll look at:
Ready to Reclaim Your Time? Book your free 30-minute consultation phone call to discover how an AI agent could give you back hours every single week.
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