Hi everyone, Knavi Kemp here.
If you're a small business owner—whether you're fixing pipes, arranging flowers, or consulting—you know that technology often feels like a treadmill that's moving just a little too fast. My goal is to hit the "pause" button for you. I read the tech news so you don't have to, and I translate it into plain English.
This week, we're seeing AI move from "chatbots" to real-world tools: safer trucks, smarter phones, and better training. Let's dive in.
1. Finally, an Official "Manual" for ChatGPT
What Happened
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced a new "AI Foundations" course this week. For a long time, learning to use these tools meant watching random YouTube videos, but now they are launching an official certification program. It's designed to teach "job-ready" skills to regular workers, not just computer programmers.
What It Means for You
If you've felt silly for not knowing how to "talk" to AI, help is on the way. This signals that the industry realizes business owners need clear, structured training, not just hype. It means you (or your office manager) will soon have a trusted place to go to learn the basics without guessing.
The Easy Win
You don't need to sign up for the course yet. For now, just ask ChatGPT this simple question: "I am a [plumber/florist]. What are the 3 most helpful things you can do for me today?" Its answer is often the best tutorial you'll get.
The Risk
If you rely on trial and error, you'll likely get frustrated and quit. Ignoring training means you're paying for a powerful tool but only using 1% of its potential.
2. Your Work Van Is Getting a Brain
What Happened
Motive, a company that makes technology for trucking and logistics, is expanding its AI features as it prepares to go public. They are building AI that helps manage fleets—tracking safety, routes, and vehicle health automatically. This isn't just for giant 18-wheelers anymore; it's trickling down to local service vehicles.
What It Means for You
If you have a team of drivers—like an HVAC crew or delivery vans—AI is becoming your new fleet manager. These tools act like a "co-pilot," alerting you if a driver is speeding or if a van needs maintenance before it breaks down. It takes the guesswork out of managing your mobile assets.
The Easy Win
If you use any tracking software for your vehicles, check if they have released an "AI Safety" or "Smart Alerts" update. Turn it on. It might save you an insurance claim by warning a driver before an accident happens.
The Risk
Running a fleet "blind" is becoming a competitive disadvantage. Other businesses are using these tools to lower their fuel and insurance costs, allowing them to undercut your prices.
3. Marketing Videos Just Got Cheaper
What Happened
New AI-powered video tools are hitting the market that promise to "upscale" and stabilize shaky footage for a fraction of the usual cost. TechRepublic highlighted a deal this week for software that cleans up low-quality video automatically, making phone footage look professionally shot.
What It Means for You
You don't need a professional videographer to film a walk-through of your latest renovation project or a clip of your flower arrangements. You can film it on your phone, and let software fix the lighting and shakiness. It levels the playing field between you and the big franchises.
The Easy Win
Take a short video of your work this week. Don't worry about quality. Search for an "AI video enhancer" online (many have free trials) and run your clip through it. Post the result to social media to see if engagement goes up.
The Risk
Social media algorithms love high-quality video. If your videos look dark and grainy, customers might scroll past, assuming your work is "messy" too.
4. The New iPhone Is Built for AI
What Happened
Reviews and details are pouring in for the new iPhone "Air," which is being touted not just for being thin, but for its performance with new features. While it looks like just another phone, the hardware is specifically designed to handle the heavy lifting required by modern AI assistants (like Apple Intelligence) without draining the battery instantly.
What It Means for You
Your phone is the command center of your business. The next time you upgrade, you aren't just getting a better camera; you are getting a device capable of running a "smart assistant" that can summarize your emails and sort your notifications. It's future-proofing your pocket office.
The Easy Win
Don't run out and buy a phone today. But, if your current phone is 3+ years old and slowing you down, start budgeting for an upgrade next quarter. The speed difference in handling business apps is becoming noticeable.
The Risk
Old hardware struggles to run new software. If your phone is lagging while you try to pull up a quote for a customer, it looks unprofessional and wastes your time.
5. A Safety Warning for "AI Agents"
What Happened
Security experts at OWASP released a new "Risk List" specifically for AI Agents. An "Agent" is an AI that can actually do things for you, like book a flight or browse the web. The report warns that because these tools have more power to act, they also have more power to make mistakes or be tricked by hackers.
What It Means for You
We all want an AI that can "just do it for me," but giving a computer program access to your credit card or email comes with risks. This report is a reminder that while AI is smart, it's also gullible. It might click a link you wouldn't touch.
The Easy Win
Use AI to draft things (emails, posts, quotes), but don't let it send things automatically. Always keep yourself in the loop as the final "Approver." Treat the AI like a new intern: helpful, but not ready for the keys to the safe.
The Risk
If you connect an AI tool to your bank account or email without supervision, a simple glitch could accidentally send private data to the wrong client—or worse.
Conclusion
The theme of this week is "Tools, Not Toys." We are moving past the phase of just "chatting" with AI. Now, it's about fixing your videos, managing your trucks, and training your staff.
Don't let the variety overwhelm you. Pick one thing from this list—maybe just asking ChatGPT for advice on your day—and try it out. Keep it simple, and I'll see you next week.
— Knavi
