New AI Tools Help Small Businesses Get More Done

This week's tech news brings some interesting developments for small business owners, especially around new AI tools. Two big names, Gusto and Zoom, are rolling out new AI features designed to make everyday tasks a bit easier and faster. For a small business in Brisbane, this could mean more time focusing on customers and less on repetitive paperwork.

First up, Gusto, an HR and payroll platform, is introducing an "AI teammate." Think of it as a smart assistant that can help with human resources tasks. This could be things like drafting job descriptions, answering common employee questions, or even helping with scheduling. For businesses without a dedicated HR team, an AI tool like this could be a real game-changer, freeing up valuable hours usually spent on administration.

Then there's Zoom, a platform most of us are very familiar with, especially after the past few years. They're bringing out new AI tools aimed at making meetings more productive. This might include AI that summarises meeting notes, highlights action points, or even helps prepare agendas. We've all been in long meetings that don't always achieve much, so technology that helps streamline these could be a welcome addition for many Aussie businesses.

While these tools are being released by US-based companies, their availability in Australia usually follows pretty quickly, or similar local options emerge. The key takeaway for small business owners is that AI isn't just for big tech companies anymore; it's becoming integrated into the software we already use to run our businesses. It's about making work smarter, not harder.

It's also worth noting the FBI's warning about cyberthreats. As AI becomes more common, protecting your business's data and systems becomes even more crucial. While AI can offer great benefits, staying informed about security risks is also an important part of adopting new technology responsibly.