‍Intro: 

It’s Q4, which means many businesses are very seriously starting to map out and finalize their business plans for the next 6-24 months. While many companies have heard the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential, there's often a hesitation to jump on the AI bandwagon. This hesitation often results in the common refrain of "Contact me next year." 

However, it's crucial to understand that waiting until the last minute to evaluate and implement AI can be detrimental to your business's future. In this blog post, we'll make the case for why it's important to start evaluating and implementing AI projects now, rather than later.

1. Preparation Takes Time

One of the most compelling reasons to start your AI journey now is that preparation can be a time-consuming process. Whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise, implementing AI is not as simple as flipping a switch. It involves several critical steps, including:

• Budget Allocation: Securing the necessary budget can be a lengthy process, involving approvals, negotiations, and financial planning. Starting this process early ensures that you have the funds in place when you're ready to kick off your AI project.
• Resource Identification: Identifying the right talent and expertise for your AI project can be challenging. Hiring the right professionals, whether internally or through external partnerships, takes time and careful consideration. (Go deeper) 
• Project Planning: Developing a clear and comprehensive plan for your AI project is essential. This includes defining objectives, outlining the scope, and establishing milestones. Rushing this phase can lead to costly mistakes later on. (Go deeper) 
• Data Collection and Preparation: AI relies heavily on data, and gathering and cleaning data can be a time-intensive process. The sooner you start, the more prepared you'll be when it's time to feed your algorithms. (Go deeper) 

2. Competitive Advantage

In today's highly competitive business landscape, gaining a competitive edge is more critical than ever. AI has the potential to provide just that. By starting now, you can position your business as an AI pioneer in your industry, staying ahead of competitors who may be dragging their feet.

Early adoption of AI can help you:

• Innovate Faster: AI can uncover insights and opportunities that you might otherwise miss, allowing you to innovate and bring new products or services to market faster.
• Enhance Customer Experiences: AI-driven personalization and automation can significantly improve customer experiences, leading to increased loyalty and retention.
• Operate Efficiently: AI can streamline operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity, giving you a distinct advantage over competitors.

3. Learning Curve

AI is a complex field, and there's a learning curve associated with it. Starting early allows you and your team to become familiar with AI concepts and technologies gradually. It provides time for training and development, ensuring that your organization is well-prepared to maximize the benefits of AI when the time comes.

4. Low-Cost Entry with Quick Starts

For those concerned about budget limitations, it's worth noting that there are low-cost entry points into AI. As mentioned earlier, you can engage with Quick Starts even if your discretionary funds are limited for the current year. These Quick Starts can help you dip your toes into the world of AI, allowing you to start small and scale up as you see positive results.

Summary: 

In conclusion, the importance of starting to evaluate and implement AI now cannot be overstated. Waiting until next year may mean missed opportunities, a slower learning curve, and playing catch-up with competitors who have already embraced AI. By beginning your AI journey today, you can lay the foundation for a brighter and more innovative future for your business. Don't delay—start your AI journey now and reap the rewards in the years to come. 

For more information on everything AI implementation, check out our growing guide here.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how AI can transform your business.