Too many people see AI as merely a time-saving technology. That's selling it short. Here are five ways AI can give you a real competitive advantage in your business.
Whether you're using ChatGPT with its new project-based memory feature or the more sophisticated Claude Code working directly with files on your computer (backed up in GitHub), these strategies will transform how you operate.
1. Client Intelligence That Spots Patterns
Store every client interaction—emails, meeting notes, project updates—in ChatGPT Projects or local files. Build prompts or agents that analyze patterns across all engagements to uncover insights you'd never spot manually.
I've used this approach to reveal persistent business patterns for clients, including identifying underperforming employees who needed coaching or replacement.
Quick start: Upload your last 20 client emails to ChatGPT or connect it to Gmail using the Connectors feature (Claude and Gemini offer this too). Ask: "What patterns distinguish highly satisfied clients from those at risk of churning?" or "What recurring themes across these conversations reveal opportunities or weaknesses in my business?"
2. Continuous Team Performance Intelligence
Create running records of feedback sessions and check-ins for each direct report. Use AI to track accountability and spot improvement opportunities before they become crises.
Quick start: Record your next one-on-one and upload relevant emails for a single team member. Ask ChatGPT to identify wins, challenges, and emerging trends. Have it draft follow-up emails post-meeting. Review patterns weekly or monthly instead of waiting for annual reviews.
3. Battle-Test Ideas Before Launch
Create detailed customer personas in ChatGPT or have Claude Code develop persona agents. Test every pitch, product idea, and marketing message through their lens before going live. Let AI poke holes in your strategy before real customers do.
Quick start: Describe your ideal customer to ChatGPT in detail. Have it critique your homepage copy from that customer's perspective—you'll be surprised what you've been missing.
4. Real-Time Financial Intelligence
Upload Quickbooks files to Claude or ChatGPT or connect QBO through Zapier or MCP to build dynamic financial dashboards. Spot cash flow patterns and expense trends as they develop, not after they've become problems. Claude excels at this, though ChatGPT works well too.
Quick start: Export 12 months of P&L data (yes, QBO's export function isn't great—save monthly files). Ask AI to identify your biggest expense trends, revenue patterns, and potential red flags.
5. Multi-Perspective Decision Making
Create AI advisors modeled after successful entrepreneurs to stress-test your major decisions from multiple angles.
Quick start: For your next big decision, ask ChatGPT to evaluate it as Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and your top competitor would. Convene them like a board of directors to debate your plans and expose blind spots.
The Costs?
Investment: Under $100/month
Setup time: 1-2 hours per system
Learning curve: If you can use ChatGPT, you can build these
The businesses building information advantages today will dominate their markets tomorrow.
Ready to Build Your AI Advantage?
I'm running an 8-week AI workshop starting September 19th with 10 business owners who want to stop flying blind and start making data-driven decisions. This workshop is designed by a small business owner for small business owners. We'll build systems like I outlined above together, plus several more advanced applications.
Two spots remain: