6 Ways Virtual Assistants Can Help Leaders Implement AI Tools

Artificial intelligence took the world by storm in 2023 and has since completely transformed the way we work. With less than a year of mainstream attention, 89% of executives in a recent study reported that AI and generative AI were among their top three technology priorities for 2024. 

Of course, we’ve all heard the doom and gloom of it—the rumors that we’re all losing our jobs, that robots will take over the world, and much more. But here at Don’t Panic Management, we don’t see it that way! On the contrary, we have seen how AI tools can totally revolutionize any business, especially a small business if (yes, there’s a BIG if) they’re implemented by a human.

If you’ve ever tried an AI tool, you’ll know it’s not as simple as installing software. Successfully using AI requires oversight and strategy to make sure the tools are helping you reach your company’s goals. 

That’s where a virtual assistant comes in. 

Instead of scrambling to understand the rapidly growing world of AI, a VA can take the reins and help integrate these tools into your daily operations and make your business much more efficient. 

Here are six ways a virtual assistant can help you with your AI initiatives.

1. Find the Right AI Tools

If you feel overwhelmed by all of the tools that are cropping up, you’re not alone. It can be a bit of a “you don’t know what you don’t know” situation. 

A virtual assistant who knows your day-to-day operations can conduct this research for you and use their insider perspective to identify the AI tools that will streamline your operations and move your business forward. The world of AI is vast—far beyond ChatGPT—and a savvy virtual assistant can connect some dots to optimize your inbox, content creation, and more!

2. Oversee AI Implementation

Once you’ve identified the tools that will suit your business best, the next step is implementation. 

We like to think of artificial intelligence as an intern. You’d never put a new intern in front of your inbox without training and expect them to whip it into shape. Much the same, you’ll need to train your AI tools and give them step-by-step information they need about your business. 

There’s an upfront time investment for sure, but a virtual assistant can guide the process, and soon enough, the tools will become in sync with your business. 

3. Document the New Process 

Yes, AI tools are powerful, but they can be very complex. Just like any new system, you’ll want to document the process and make sure your team is on the same page.

As soon as a virtual assistant has successfully implemented a new technology, relay the details to anyone who might be involved in the process. Your virtual assistant can create an SOP document or conduct team training to show how your business uses a specific tool. 

4. Monitor AI Performance

It’s nice to hand off tasks to AI tools, but it shouldn’t be a frivolous endeavor. We always need to make sure each initiative is aligned with the overall business strategy and goals. 

And let’s be honest, we’re most excited to see the results of these initiatives, right? 

Work with your virtual assistant to communicate the goals that you’re working toward and metrics to track. Then, a virtual assistant can run a bi-weekly or monthly check-in on your performance. 

Whether you’re tracking social media engagement or sales conversions, a VA can keep a close pulse on the success of your newly adopted AI tools. 

5. Ensure Ethical AI Use

One of the biggest conversations around the artificial intelligence boom is how to incorporate it ethically. We’re seeing a lot of new rules around AI usage and data privacy. This can be particularly pertinent to certain industries like legal and financial businesses. 

As a business leader, it’s wise to do your own homework, but a virtual assistant can be an extra set of eyes and ears to keep track of the latest requirements and make sure you’re staying compliant with your AI usage. 

6. Scale Your AI Use

As your business evolves, so should your AI tools. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it thing. Your virtual assistant should be checking in on your AI systems regularly to make sure they’re working, and then fine-tune your usage as your strategy evolves. 

It seems that the world of AI will only grow and having a VA who oversees your AI adoption can help you quickly pinpoint where your business can continue to stop using these tools. 

It’s exciting to see the opportunity AI tools create for small businesses to operate more efficiently and strategically. But please remember that artificial intelligence alone won’t set your business apart. Now, when a virtual assistant serves as the brains to bridge AI tools and the intricacies of your business, that’s a whole different ballgame!