5 Ways AI Search Tools Can Transform Your Business Research

Today, we're not just talking about replacing Google with AI-powered search tools like Perplexity AI and the new SearchGPT—we're using some incredibly powerful, but easy to execute examples to get you thinking about going beyond AI just replacing what you do, transforming what’s actually possible.

AI search tools are not just here to replicate what you're already doing, they're here to redefine how you gather and use information, transforming research from a time-consuming necessity into an actionable, strategic advantage. Imagine having an assistant who can bring together information from multiple sources at once, providing insights that you wouldn't have thought possible in your old research methods. That's the difference between just replacing a tool and truly reimagining what's possible.

While AI search tools can replace your regular search engine, stopping there means missing out on their real power: the ability to instantly synthesise information from multiple sources (sometimes up to 20!) into clear, actionable insights. It's like having a research assistant who can read and analyse dozens of pages in seconds, taking you far beyond what traditional search can do.

Why This Matters Now

Think about the last time you needed to understand a company, research a market trend, or prepare for an important meeting. Did you:

• Spend hours opening multiple tabs and copying key points?
• Skim through just the first few Google results because you were short on time?
• Skip the deep research entirely because it wasn't worth the effort?

AI search changes this dramatically. Tasks that once took hours can now be done in minutes, making thorough research practical for everyday business decisions. But more importantly, AI tools go beyond the mundane, enabling deeper insights and approaches that were previously impractical. Let's explore how to leverage these tools effectively and rethink the possibilities:

1. Meeting & Pitch Preparation

• Time Saved: 2-3 hours per prospect
• Value: Better first impressions, higher conversion rates

Quick Wins:

• Company Deep Dive: "What are [company]'s main products/services, recent initiatives, and stated values? Include any recent news or announcements."
• Executive Research: "Find recent interviews, talks, or articles by [executive name]. What themes or priorities do they emphasise?"
• Competitive Position: "How does [company] position themselves against competitors? What unique value propositions do they emphasise?"
• Pitch Review: “Based on all of this research (see attached) on [company], how should I consider modifying my pitch or deck (examples attached) to be more [persuasive/aligned with their style/values, reflective of their current challenges etc]”

Reimagined Approach:

Instead of spending hours assembling a few high-level facts, use AI to instantly pull detailed, nuanced insights about the company and key stakeholders, and use these to inform a more personalised discussion. These are insights you might never have gotten to otherwise—or wouldn't have had time to merge so effectively.

2. Industry & Market Analysis

• Time Saved: 4-5 hours per analysis
• Value: Better decision-making, staying ahead of trends

Quick Wins:

• Trend Spotting: "What are the main challenges and opportunities being discussed in [industry] over the last 3 months?"
• Regional Impact: "How is [industry trend] affecting businesses in [region]? What adaptations are companies making?"
• Expert Perspectives: "What are industry experts and analysts saying about [specific trend or development]? Include different viewpoints."

Reimagined Approach:

Weekly industry scans were typically labour-intensive and reserved for significant strategic planning. Now, with AI, you can easily do this on a regular basis—transforming your ability to stay ahead of shifts in your market and make more proactive decisions. You can also use this kind of analysis to generate useful and insightful content for your audience.?

3. News & Announcement Impact Analysis

• Time Saved: 2-3 hours per event
• Value: Faster, better-informed responses to market changes

Quick Wins:

• Comprehensive Coverage: "Analyse the recent [announcement/event] in [industry]. What are the key takeaways and potential impacts?"
• Stakeholder Reactions: "How have different stakeholders (analysts, competitors, customers) responded to [announcement]?"
• Historical Context: "Compare this [announcement/event] to similar past events in the industry. What patterns or lessons emerge?"

Reimagined Approach:

Instead of reacting to market announcements based on a handful of sources, use AI to comprehensively synthesise responses from across the industry—creating a far more detailed and informed perspective that would typically require a dedicated research team.

4. Product Research & Understanding

• Time Saved: 3-4 hours per product
• Value: Better product decisions, competitive insights

Quick Wins:

• Feature Analysis: "Compare the key features and pricing of [product] against its main competitors. What stands out?"
• User Feedback: "What are the most common praise points and criticisms for [product] across review sites?"
• Use Cases: "What innovative ways are companies using [product] according to case studies and user discussions?"

Reimagined Approach:

Traditional product research can take significant time and often only scratches the surface. AI allows you to instantly create comparison matrices and detailed feature analyses that evolve as new information comes in, making it a dynamic part of your decision-making process. Are you selling a product or service? How are AI search tools positioning you amongst your competitors?

5. Professional Development & Learning

• Time Saved: 2-3 hours per topic
• Value: Faster skill development, better learning outcomes

Quick Wins:

• Skill Gaps: "What are the most important skills and certifications for [role] in 2024? Include specific examples."
• Learning Resources: "Find the most highly recommended resources for learning [skill], including courses, books, and practical exercises."
• Expert Advice: "What advice do industry leaders give for transitioning into [role/industry]?"

Reimagined Approach:

Building a learning roadmap used to be a fragmented, tedious process. With AI, you can craft a comprehensive plan, pulling in tailored resources and expert advice instantly—taking your professional growth to a whole new level.

This Week's Action Items:

• Choose one upcoming meeting or project that needs research
• Try using AI search with our templates above instead of your usual research process
• Track the time saved and quality of insights gained
• Share your best prompts and findings with your team

Quick Win Challenge:

Try researching one of your current customers that you know well. Pretend they are not a customer yet, and see what kind of feedback you receive on your pitch or proposal.?

Remember:

The key to maximising AI search isn't just asking better questions—it's about rethinking how you approach the entire research process. The real power of tools like Perplexity isn't in replacing Google; it's in enabling new methods of synthesising information into coherent, actionable insights. By using them strategically, you can transform research from a time-intensive chore into a streamlined, insightful part of your everyday decision-making.

News Highlights

OpenAI's New Competitor: searchGPT

OpenAI has released searchGPT, its own Google and Perplexity competitor. Initial reviews show it has some minor advantages in specific areas (check out my recent review here), but for now, I'm sticking with Perplexity AI while continuing to test its capabilities.

Anthropic's Haiku 3.5

Anthropic has released Haiku 3.5, a powerful new smaller model. Interestingly, they've also increased the price—a move that caught the attention of the community, given its implications for the model's accessibility.

OpenAI's Accidental Release of o1 Model

Over the weekend, OpenAI appears to have accidentally released their full o1 model for a brief period. I managed to dive in and had a 30-page strategy session on some upcoming projects, and I must say—it was impressive. The o1 model's unique approach involves spending time 'thinking' rather than just providing an instant answer, which results in more comprehensive and thoughtfully constructed responses. This deeper consideration makes it an exciting tool for strategic planning.

About Erictron AI

At Erictron AI, we’re dedicated to helping organisations unlock the full potential of generative AI. Through our targeted workshops, we guide teams from foundational understanding to strategic implementation, enabling immediate ROI and sustainable AI adoption. With a modular approach tailored to your specific needs—whether you’re exploring opportunities, developing strategy, or developing AI solutions—we equip you with the tools, insights, and hands-on expertise needed to stay ahead. Ready to accelerate your AI journey? Contact us to learn how Erictron AI can transform your business.