How to Build an AI-First Business Strategy That Actually Works
- Dorien Morin-van Dam
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 20
What if your smartest marketing strategist isn’t human?
That’s the provocative question explored in a recent Strategy Talks episode, where I sat down with Neal Schaffer: author, educator, and Fractional CMO.
Together, we unpacked what it really means to adopt an AI-first business strategy in 2025, especially for small business owners.
If you’re ready to scale faster and smarter with AI at your side, here’s what you need to know.
What Is an AI-First Business Strategy?
According to Neal, an AI-first business strategy means:
Examining every part of your operations to see where AI can help you work smarter and faster.
Shifting from AI as an experiment to AI as a core part of how you operate.
Combining human leadership with AI-powered research, drafting, and analysis.
Key point: AI-first doesn’t mean replacing people, it means empowering them with smarter tools.
Why Small Businesses Need an AI-First Business Strategy
Neal highlights that small businesses often lack the resources of larger companies. That’s where AI can level the playing field by:
Acting like a virtual team member that supports marketing, operations, and customer service.
Helping solopreneurs and small teams tackle tasks usually reserved for bigger budgets.
Offering “second opinions” and research insights at lightning speed.
If you’re not using AI daily, you’re likely leaving efficiency and growth on the table.
How to Start Building Your AI-First Business Strategy
Here’s Neal’s roadmap for small businesses:
Audit current AI use. Ask your team what AI tools they’re already using as 71% of employees may be bringing AI to work without you realizing it.
Set clear policies. Once you know how AI is being used, create guidelines to align use with company goals.
Designate an AI lead. Identify someone (often in marketing) to champion AI use and explore new opportunities.
Use AI for assistance, not decisions. Let AI help with research, ideas, and drafting, but keep humans in charge of strategy.
Start small and iterate. Try AI for content repurposing, analytics support, or idea generation, and expand from there.
Where AI Fits in Marketing Leadership
Neal stresses that AI isn’t about handing over your CMO role to a bot.
Instead:
AI provides research, recommendations, and draft content.
Human leaders evaluate and refine those outputs to match brand values and goals.
AI is a tool for brainstorming and efficiency, not a replacement for strategic thinking.
The Role of AI in LinkedIn and Personal Branding
Neal shared how AI has shifted his own LinkedIn strategy:
He uses AI for repurposing content and adapting it for LinkedIn’s unique audience.
AI assists in experimenting with different formats—from newsletters to carousels to short-form video.
Personal branding remains essential: people connect with people, not company logos.
Tip: Leverage AI to free up time for authentic engagement and storytelling.
How Ready Are You for an AI-First Business Strategy?
Neal offers a simple self-test: How much time do you spend using AI daily?
If it’s only a few minutes, there’s plenty of room to grow. Start by identifying one task AI could help with, content creation, research, analytics, and build from there.
The key is to begin. Those who embrace AI early will see the biggest gains.
Watch the full Strategy Talks episode now:
10 Quick and Smart Prompts to Ask ChatGPT for AI-First Business Strategy
What’s the first step in creating an AI-first business strategy?
How can AI help my small business save time?
Can you help me draft an AI policy for my company?
What AI tools are best for small business marketing?
How do I audit my company’s current AI use?
What are simple ways to start using AI in daily operations?
How can I use AI to repurpose content for LinkedIn?
Can AI help me with market research?
How do I balance AI use with human decision-making?
What are common mistakes to avoid with an AI-first business strategy?
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