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Most companies now have AI somewhere in the stack. But the ones pulling ahead are training their people to actually use it, and that’s where the real competitive gap is forming. AI is already integrated into the operations of nearly 89% of small businesses. But while the rush to adopt AI is understandable, diving in without preparation can backfire. One of the most common missteps AI consultants see is businesses jumping straight to implementation without recognizing a critical truth: not every team member is starting from the same level of familiarity or comfort with AI.
That’s why training must come first. Think of AI like a power tool — in trained hands, it can unlock remarkable efficiency and innovation. But without proper training, it risks being underused, misused, or even becoming a liability. As AI continues to reshape how we work, dabbling won’t cut it. The real competitive edge won’t go to those who simply have AI, but to those who know how to use it strategically and confidently.
In this blog article, we’ll explore the AI journey for SMBs, why investing in AI training is so critical, and what you stand to gain (or lose) along the way.
The AI Journey Begins With AI Training
At LouderAI, we view AI adoption for SMBs as a journey — one that begins with a thoughtful training plan and leads to meaningful transformation through strategic implementation. This foundational first step—AI training—is essential to building a workforce that is not only informed, but empowered to apply AI confidently and strategically across the business. When employees grasp the fundamentals and start experiencing real productivity gains, adoption becomes smoother, implementation more efficient, and the value more immediate.
In fact, a study by Forbes shows that 77% of employees feel lost when it comes to using AI in their careers — a clear indication that most teams lack the training and support needed to use these tools effectively. Without proper education, even the most powerful AI platforms are likely to sit idle or be misused. That’s why foundational and ongoing training is critical, especially as AI tools are evolving at a rapid pace, with new features and capabilities emerging constantly.
Here are 4 effective ways to start training your team:
- Incentivize Training and Certification
Encouraging employees to pursue AI education with recognition and rewards reinforces a learning culture. Incentives might include prizes, public recognition, or incorporating AI upskilling into performance reviews.
Example: A company might reward employees who complete Google’s Generative AI certification with a $50 Starbucks gift card and a shoutout in the next town hall. - Integrate AI Learning into Existing Workflows
Start small by encouraging employees to experiment with generative AI tools for simple, everyday tasks like summarizing meeting notes, brainstorming ideas, or drafting basic copy. This lowers the barrier to entry and helps teams build confidence without disrupting their larger projects.
Example: A sales team might begin by using ChatGPT to rephrase outreach emails or summarize call notes, gradually progressing to using Salesforce’s AI tools for opportunity insights as they become more comfortable. - Establish an AI Training Curriculum by Role
Different teams need different types of AI literacy. CEOs should ensure training is tailored to specific functions—for instance, HR may focus on AI solutions for recruiting tasks while finance explores AI for report analysis.
Example: A Marketing department could appoint an AI lead to audit current tools like Canva and curate relevant AI learning resources to build a curriculum that enhances creativity and productivity. - Partner with an AI Consultant
Engaging an external AI consultant can fast-track learning by providing custom workshops, tech stack evaluations, and guidance specific to your business model. These experts help identify high-impact use cases and ensure foundational understanding is tied to strategy.
Example: A Pharmaceutical Distribution company partnered with LouderAI to host an AI workshop, which included a comprehensive AI readiness assessment and the identified 11 high-impact AI projects aligned with the organization’s key pain points.
The Payoff: Why Investing in AI Training Delivers Value
What’s in it for your business if you invest in AI training? In a word: plenty. From productivity gains to new growth opportunities, trained teams are completing routine tasks 30–40% faster. In departments where AI is adopted and understood, McKinsey found 10–15% reductions in operating costs within a year. Here are some of the biggest payoffs:
- Higher Productivity & Efficiency
AI can streamline repetitive tasks and amplify your team’s impact, resulting in meaningful productivity gains. From tools that sort data to assistants that draft emails, AI empowers trained employees to get more done in less time. In fact, nearly three-quarters of SMB employees using AI report increased productivity, and 62% of small business owners have observed measurable improvements in team output after implementing AI tools. - Cost Savings
Investing in AI training can unlock significant cost savings across multiple areas of your business — and the data backs it up. According to a McKinsey survey, 44% of companies reported cost reductions from AI adoption, with top-performing organizations more than four times as likely to cut costs by at least 10% in departments using AI. These savings often stem from faster task completion, as AI automates time-consuming manual processes. Well-trained teams also experience fewer errors and less rework, helping to streamline operations and avoid the costs of inefficiency. - Employee Empowerment & Satisfaction
Investing in your people through AI training can significantly boost both morale and retention. When employees are equipped to use AI tools, they’re able to automate repetitive tasks and shift their focus to more meaningful, high-impact work — which makes their day-to-day roles more rewarding. In fact, nearly 60% of SMB employees at AI-enabled companies report higher job satisfaction, and 90% of those who received AI training said it improved their performance on the job. Training also helps eliminate fear and resistance by positioning AI as a powerful ally rather than a threat.
The Cost of Avoiding AI Training
Your competitors aren’t waiting. Companies training their teams now are delivering faster, operating leaner, and outpacing the market. Falling behind isn’t theoretical, it’s already happening. In fact, 90% of businesses see AI as essential to staying competitive, and a growing number are already acting on it. If your competitors embrace AI and you don’t, your offerings may soon look outdated, your operations slower, and your margins thinner.
One of the biggest risks of delaying AI adoption is the continued drain on time and resources. Without AI, teams often remain stuck in outdated, manual processes that eat away at productivity. These inefficiencies build up quietly but can significantly affect your bottom line over time. Companies that embrace AI-powered automation often find they’re able to streamline operations and make smarter use of their resources.
Just as important is the effect on your people. When AI is introduced without proper training, it can lead to fear, confusion, and resistance. Employees may feel unsure about how to use new tools or even worry that AI could replace their roles. But when teams are given the right support and training, that uncertainty turns into confidence. Instead of seeing AI as a threat, your team begins to see it as a tool that helps them do their best work — and that shift in mindset makes all the difference.
Successful AI adoption isn’t just about technology – it’s about people and vision. Equip your team with the training and support they need, and they will drive the AI revolution in your business. SMBs that embrace AI training today will become the agile, innovative market leaders of tomorrow.
Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking to organize an AI Workshop for your team, you can schedule a no-pressure AI intro call with me. We'll help you cut through the noise and move forward with clarity, confidence, and a clear path to impact.
