{
  "id": 4438848,
  "title": "Big business has shown small firms what to do – and what not to do – with AI | Gene Marks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/big-business-has-shown-small-firms-what-to-do-and-what-not-to-do-with",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-30T14:00:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/30/ai-small-business"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Small business owners have observed both the successes and failures of large corporations in their AI endeavors. What they've learned is that these corporate giants often invest heavily in bleeding-edge technologies, such as the internet, mobile transactions, and cloud computing, which eventually become more accessible and cost-effective for smaller businesses. However, their AI initiatives haven't always been a success. This has been the case with artificial intelligence, as well. The billions invested – and in many cases wasted – by big brands have taught SMBs what works, what doesn't, where to allocate resources, and what to avoid. Small businesses can benefit from these lessons without incurring the colossal costs of their big counterparts' missteps.\n\nAI has proven effective for software development, customer service, security, and voice automation. Big tech companies have been using AI to write, review, and test code, enabling smaller development teams to achieve more. Customer service processes have also seen some success with AI, and IT departments are increasingly relying on AI-enabled security platforms to identify and rectify unusual behavior, phishing attacks, and other vulnerabilities. Furthermore, AI-powered voice systems that handle incoming calls and perform rudimentary tasks are becoming more prevalent. Small businesses are taking note and are actively implementing these tools.\n\nMany laid-off employees from large tech companies are leveraging AI tools to rebuild their careers and serve smaller businesses on a larger scale. Simultaneously, big companies have discovered the astronomical computing costs associated with excessive token consumption by AI agents. Small businesses, like yours, have witnessed these colossal investments result in little to show for it. Rather than blindly following the big corporations' lead, small businesses are adopting a more cautious approach, focusing on low-hanging fruit and avoiding the mistakes of their larger competitors.\n\nMany big companies have been criticized for their extensive AI investments, with CEOs gushing over the cost savings and headcount reductions they anticipate. This public enthusiasm has mostly resulted in backlash from employees and the general public, who prefer to see AI used to boost productivity without cutting payroll. Small businesses have learned not to advertise their AI investments in the same way, opting instead to increase productivity without reducing staff.\n\nAI has also been used as a scapegoat by corporations to justify mass layoffs. Despite their mismanagement and over-hiring, companies have used AI as an easy excuse to lay off employees, only to rehire them later. Small businesses are not falling for this trick. They are using AI to increase productivity without resorting to layoffs and are not replacing their accounting, marketing, and customer service departments anytime soon. Instead, they are using AI to analyze their businesses, offer recommendations, and suggest strategies. They are patient and do not trust anyone, especially bots.\n\nIn summary, big corporations have taught small business owners the importance of trusting their instincts and common sense when it comes to AI implementation. While many predictions about AI's impact on the workforce have yet to materialize, there will undoubtedly be changes to the way businesses operate thanks to AI's progress. Small businesses will continue to wait for larger corporations to figure out the best ways to leverage this technology at their own expense.",
  "summary": "Small business owners have watched large companies fumble – and sometimes succeed – with AI, and then use what works One thing I’ve learned about corporate America is that what it succeeds at ultimately trickles down to benefit small businesses. Bleeding-edge technologies such as the internet, mobile transactions and the cloud were first perfected by large organizations – government and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Large corporations' AI investments teach SMBs what works and what doesn't",
    "AI benefits software development, customer service, security, and voice automation",
    "Small businesses avoid big tech's costly AI missteps and layoffs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}