Q: How does my business navigate through the bewildering array of technologies and solutions, including AI?
Q: There are a lot of technologies out there, and now AI on top of that. How do I know what is useful for me?
Q: The pace of change is increasing, especially with AI. How do I stay up-to-date?
Q: There are so many options to choose from, and new AI tools every month. How do I know I'm choosing the right one?
Q: At times it feels like I have to commit to a stream. Will my choices now limit my future options?
Q: The range of costs is huge, from free AI tools to expensive platforms. How do I know what is good value?
Today, technology - and increasingly AI - is intrinsically part of both your business and doing business. It is not optional and cannot be viewed as just an overhead.
Because of the speed at which advances are being made in software, hardware, delivery and now AI, technology decisions must be based on a strategic plan, and that plan must align with your business plans, be they sales, marketing, capital or strategy. AI raises the stakes here rather than changing the fundamentals - it moves faster than most other technology waves before it, which makes a clear plan more important, not less.
As with any specialist subject, it's wise to seek sound advice from someone who not only understands technology and AI but most importantly, how they can benefit your business now, and (with reference to your plans) into the future.
Our advice when seeking the right advisor is to look for someone who:
Is not just a consultant with a brief overview of your business in a narrow area, but learns about your organisation in its entirety.
Will act as a technology and AI partner; able to guide you through the forest of options and choices to help you make decisions that make sense for your business.
Is committed to understanding your business; your plans, how your people work and your budget.
Avoid someone who suggests, what appears to be, a fleeting relationship with your business - and be especially wary of anyone pushing AI for AI's sake, rather than starting with what your business actually needs.
As with any partner - trust is important. And it's a two way street; consult them and listen to them. The end result will be informed decisions based around considered advice.
Having worked across a broad range of IT enterprises - from Microsoft through to founding and selling online retail websites, and now leading his own AI and technology strategy advisory - Boris has always been excited by the possibilities and opportunities technology brings.
"I very much enjoy change and the potential to do things smarter, faster, and more efficiently. AI has made that potential bigger than ever, but also easier to get wrong. Although the pace of change and range of options can be daunting, I find that invigorating and love helping others cut through the noise and create their own vision."
Boris Lamont – Lamont International
