AI Survival Tactics for SMBs – Newsletter 4: From Overwhelmed to Operational
A week-by-week AI deployment playbook designed specifically for small and medium businesses.
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Week-by-Week AI Implementation Plan
Week 1: Define the Mission
  • Pick one high-friction process.
  • Get clarity on the why (cost, time, customer experience).
  • Define success in measurable terms (hours saved, errors reduced, margin improved).
Week 2: Choose the Right Tool
  • Focus on fit-for-purpose tools, not shiny features.
  • Ask: Does it integrate easily? Can a non-tech user operate it? Is support responsive?
Week 3: Sandbox & Simulate
  • Test in a controlled environment.
  • Compare output vs. human benchmarks.
  • Document what breaks.
Week 4: SOPs & Workflows
  • Build clear documentation (even if it's rough).
  • Define who triggers the tool, what inputs are needed, and how results are used.
Week 5: Train & Trial
  • Run it live with a few real users.
  • Capture edge cases and early feedback.
  • Expect resistance. Prep support FAQs.
Week 6: Scale or Scrap
  • If results are solid, expand use.
  • If not, pause and reassess—don't let sunk costs drive your roadmap.
Pro Tip: Don't Try to "Transform" Your Business
Layer AI onto existing operations
AI works best when it's layered onto existing operations, not when you try to rebuild everything from scratch.
Focus on pressure points
Identify and address the most painful friction points in your current processes.
Aim for improvement, not perfection
Focus on pressure points. Not perfection.
Coming Next Week

Identifying AI Failure Signals
Learn to spot when AI is creating more noise than value
Cost & Reputation Assessment
Understand the hidden costs of poor AI implementation
Correction Strategies
Practical steps to get back on track before damage occurs
Next Week: Avoiding the Automation Cliff—How to Know When AI Is Failing You. We'll walk through subtle signals that your AI tools are creating more noise than value—and how to correct before it costs you time or reputation.
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💡 Ready to execute with clarity? The AI Ready Toolkit gives you the templates, checklists, workflows, and GPTs needed to run this plan end-to-end. One-time cost: £595
By Tim de Rosen - Strategic Advisor | AI for Business Growth | Helping Founders Scale Smarter, Faster