The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau held their Wake Up Hastings event on
Tuesday, welcoming local chamber members and business owners to a seminar on how to use AI to improve business practices. Chamber President Kristy Barse said the seminar focused on smaller things businesses can do to make their work easier.
“This one was a very basic AI tools for beginners. So, the top five things that business owners who don’t typically use AI, how they can implement it now each week to help solve problems and save time. We had a small group of about eight business owners here today, and we went through everything from how AI can help them in their marketing efforts with social media and email campaigns, to things as complex as standard operating procedures or coming up with programs for scheduling when you are working with a lot of part-time employees.
Barse also said there can be some intimidation when you hear the term AI, but they wanted to focus on making it easy and time-saving for local businesses.
“I think the hardest part is just starting. We had everyone in attendance today write down the one thing they wanted to complete this week, especially if it was something that was holding them back or something they were nervous about. Then we were able to show them how ChatGPT can help them break down those barriers and help them get started on a project or at create a framework.”
Barse also said if anyone is interested in participating in the Wake Up Hastings events or on a future more in-depth seminar on AI later this month, to contact the chamber office.