AI for the Rest of Us

We are living through the wildest eras in human history, marked by waves of innovation that have reshaped our world. From the personal computer in the 1970s and ’80s, to the internet in the ’90s, the iPhone in 2007 and now artificial intelligence exploding onto the scene, each breakthrough has “shaken the tree.”

In every case, the initial excitement was tempered by uncertainty. We marveled at the “cool” factor but struggled to grasp exactly how to harness these tools for productivity. This pattern of awe followed by adaptation is a hallmark of disruption and understanding it can guide us as AI takes center stage.

When the Apple II and IBM PC first hit the market, they were revolutionary gadgets — small computers that fit on a desk, capable of processing data at speeds unimaginable before. Adoption was slow. Executives pondered, “How do we integrate this into our workflows?” Many viewed PCs as expensive toys for hobbyists. It wasn’t until software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet, emerged that companies realized the power for financial modeling. 

Productivity soared, but only after trial-and-error experimentation. The PC didn’t just automate tasks — it democratized computing, laying the foundation for modern offices.

In the mid-1990s, the World Wide Web connected the globe, offering instant information and communication. It was undeniably cool — email, websites and online forums felt like magic. Yet, businesses hesitated: “How does this help us sell more widgets or reach customers?” Early adopters like Amazon turned it into e-commerce goldmines, but most firms treated it as a novelty. 

Dot-com bubbles burst because hype outpaced practical application — and profits. Over time, though, the internet transformed marketing through SEO and social media. It enabled remote work, data-driven decisions and new revenue streams like digital advertising. The key was iteration — starting small then scaling up. 

Then came the iPhone in 2007, a sleek device that combined phone, music player and internet browser. Its touchscreen and app ecosystem were game-changers, making technology intuitive and mobile. Consumers were hooked, but businesses wondered how it could boost the bottom line. It took years for the app economy to mature. Uber and Instagram were born from the mobility. The iPhone shifted business from desktops to anywhere, emphasizing user experience and real-time data. 

We stand at the threshold of AI, perhaps the most profound shift yet. Tools like ChatGPT, machine-learning algorithms and generative AI are generating text, images and code with human-like finesse. It’s incredibly cool — AI can predict trends, automate creativity and personalize experiences at scale. But echoes of the past ring true. Businesses are unsure exactly how to apply it.

AI in business

So, how do we get started with AI in business without overwhelming ourselves? Here are three practical ideas to bridge the gap from fascination to implementation:

Automate routine tasks: Identify repetitive processes, such as data entry, report generation or email responses. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to draft content or analyze spreadsheets. Start small — integrate it into one department, measure time saved and iterate. 

Enhance customer insights: Leverage AI for data analysis to better understand customer behavior. Tools like predictive analytics can forecast preferences, enabling tailored recommendations. 

Foster innovation through prototyping: Treat AI as a creative partner for ideation. Prompt it to generate business ideas, refine strategies or even simulate scenarios. Track outcomes with pilots, ensuring AI complements human creativity rather than replacing it.

In each technological wave — PC, internet, iPhone and now AI — we’ve witnessed the same cycle: initial wonder, uncertainty, innovation and eventual transformation. The businesses that thrive are those that experiment boldly yet thoughtfully. As AI evolves, it promises to amplify human potential. 

Don’t wait for it all to make sense — spend some time and resources every day working to find ways to make AI work for you.

Originally posted on the Upstate Business Journal