How AI Can Be Your Secret Power During the Black Business Boom

We’re in the middle of an important shift in the workplace. Black professionals are no longer limiting themselves to just finding a job — we’re thinking BIGGER, with business ownership as a real and viable career path. Entrepreneurship is no longer something other people do or that you have to be born into. We do it too and many of us are doing it while navigating 9 to 5 jobs and after we’ve had successful 9 to 5 careers.

A new LinkedIn report found 77% of Black professionals aspire to be an entrepreneur or start their own business in the next year and the majority think having multiple streams of income is a must.?

According to Forbes , “Black business ownership is growing at the fastest pace in 30 years with the share of Black households owning a business more than doubling from 5% to 11% between 2019 and 2022.” This is HUGE.

The wind is at our backs right now and we need to keep accelerating. Luckily, our data shows Black professionals are revved up and ready to go.?

But the report also revealed that while many are interested in a path toward entrepreneurship, nearly 2 in 3 are unsure how to get started. Taking the first step into owning your own business or even just taking some freelance work on the side can feel daunting. But here’s where AI can help.?

How to Turn AI Into Your Entrepreneurial Superpower

You need to utilize AI to grow your businesses and maintain a competitive edge or you’re going to be left behind. Here are a few ways to integrate AI into your small business (or side hustle):

• Let AI handle your content creation and marketing (Yes, I’m serious!)

AI is no joke when it comes to content creation. It can help create blog posts, social media posts — it can even help you craft outreach emails to potential clients and customers – this not only saves time but money too. And I’m not just talking words either. Some AI-driven tools can produce high-end visuals and promotional videos, to supercharge your outreach and? marketing efforts.?

Pro Tip: Try before you buy! Many AI content creation tools offer free trials or free versions with limited features. Take advantage to test the tool’s capabilities before spending any $$$.

Pro Tip ++: If you're already AI-ready, and you want to hear about ten tools and platforms that can help you in your 9-5 or your side hustle, take ten minutes and listen to this episode of Morgan DeBaun 's EPIC weekly podcast, THE JOURNEY... she breaks down some incredible tools that I now have been using and testing, as well. She even lists the links in the show notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD7AIyAdmzk

• Customer service and chatbots For The Win

AI-powered chatbots provide personalized customer interactions, answering questions and offering recommendations. AI-powered tools can also create and optimize email campaigns by crafting personalized messages that resonate with individual customers, leading to higher engagement and sales. Added bonus: Chatbots don’t take time off. AI can help service-based entrepreneurs deliver personalized interactions while they are "off the clock"? and reach more clients without working more hours.?

• Don’t underestimate the power of AI for lead generation

AI can be a powerful ally in identifying which potential leads are most likely to convert into customers. By examining various data points (like customer behavior, purchasing history, and demographics), AI can pinpoint who fits your ideal customer profile. This means less time chasing cold leads and more time engaging with people who are genuinely interested in your products or services.?

By analyzing vast amounts of data to identify market trends and potential disruptions, AI can be used to uncover insights about competitors’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling you to make more informed decisions.?

We’re in the middle of the Black Business Boom — now is the time to start that side hustle, give freelancing a go, or build that new business. Let’s capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit growing within our community and help each other find success.

Your next BLACK JOB might just be CEO & FOUNDER! LFG!!!!