AI and Its Impact on Jobs: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

In a recent discussion, the conversation revolved around the impact of AI on jobs, especially for small business owners. The insights shared highlighted both the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating AI into the workplace. Here’s a breakdown of the key points.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is a game changer for small businesses, allowing them to compete more effectively.
  • Understanding roles: There are three main roles in organizations: finders, minders, and grinders.
  • Grinders are at risk: Manual labor roles are most vulnerable to AI replacement.
  • Smart business owners are embracing AI to enhance their operations.

The AI Renaissance for Small Businesses

AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a tool that can help small businesses thrive. Many owners are realizing that now is the perfect time to adopt this technology. It’s like a renaissance for smaller companies, giving them a chance to compete with larger firms. By leveraging AI, they can operate more efficiently and effectively, punching above their weight class.

The Three Roles in Organizations

When discussing the impact of AI, it’s essential to understand the different roles within a business. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  1. Finders: These are the salespeople and innovators. They’re out there bringing in new business and ideas.
  2. Minders: This group includes management. They oversee teams and ensure everything runs smoothly.
  3. Grinders: These are the workers doing the day-to-day tasks. They’re crucial but also the most at risk of being replaced by AI.

The Risk for Grinders

The concern for many small business owners is the fate of the grinders. These roles often involve repetitive tasks that AI can easily take over. For example, data entry, basic customer service, and other manual jobs are increasingly being automated. This shift can lead to job loss for those in these positions, which is a real worry.

Embracing Change

Despite the risks, there’s a silver lining. Smart business owners are not shying away from AI; instead, they’re embracing it. They see the potential to improve their operations and enhance productivity. By integrating AI, they can free up their grinders to focus on more complex tasks that require human creativity and problem-solving.

Conclusion

The conversation about AI and jobs is just beginning. While there are valid concerns about job displacement, there are also significant opportunities for small businesses to grow and innovate. As we move forward, it’s crucial for business owners to understand these dynamics and adapt accordingly. The future may be uncertain, but those who embrace AI will likely find themselves ahead of the curve.

Stay tuned for more discussions on this topic as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of work in the age of AI.

Who’s the Coach?

I’m Chris Dessi.

Tech entrepreneur. Author. Talking head.
But before any of that—I’m a builder.

I’ve spent the last 20+ years helping companies grow:
From dot-com chaos to SaaS scale-ups to AI-powered everything.
I’ve sold software across continents. Closed $32M in deals using AI.
Built and exited businesses. Bombed a few too. All of it made me sharper.

Today, I run Torque AI, a marketing automation platform built for the 99%.
Small business owners. Solopreneurs. Operators with too much to do and not enough support.
We give them AI superpowers—without the hype, the jargon, or the BS.

I’m also the founder of AI Summit NYC, where real business owners come to learn how to actually use AI to drive revenue.

When I’m not building, I’m writing books, speaking on national TV, and coaching execs through reinvention—with a baseball bat in one hand and a meditation app in the other.

I believe reinvention is our greatest asset.
I believe AI isn’t the threat—it’s the test.
And I believe if you’re not adapting, you’re eroding.

Let’s build something that matters.

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