Gunson McLean Ltd

Using AI Tools in your Business

30 September 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction. AI solutions and business tools are here right now, demonstrating new ways to operate, manage and staff your business.


According to the World Economic Forum, we're in ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution' with AI as one of the formative technologies of this revolution, but only 50% of Australasian businesses are using AI in their business. Keeping pace with the speed of technological change is a key responsibility for any business owner. If competitors are using AI to gain efficiencies and streamline their operations, it stands to reason that your business must match this innovation and find ways to embrace AI.


Where could AI be lending a helping hand in your own business?

As with any technological or software investment, there has to be a fundamental role for the new AI tools you take on. ‘Going AI’ just to be seen to be at the cutting edge, is not the goal here. Your aim is for AI to have a function and to make your life easier. 


Here are four areas where modern AI tools can help the average business:


1. Record and summarise meetings.

Pulling out the key points from in-house and customer meetings can be time-consuming. A tool like Fireflies records your in-person and online meetings and then forwards you an AI summary of the meeting, with bullets of the key themes, a full transcript and clear action points for everyone to follow. 


2. Generate content

Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can revolutionise your marketing efforts. You can ask AI to draft you an email campaign, sales deck or web page, based around your foundational knowledge of the product. But make sure to edit and personalise the output to make it your own.


3. Answer customer calls and improve customer service

Fast responses to customer queries are essential for good customer service. AI-powered phone agents, like Lucy from Curious Thing. can have human-like conversations with customers, answer routine customer enquiries and free up your team to focus on high-value customer interactions.


4. Automate your social media posting.

Being present on social media is vital for brand awareness and connecting with customers. A social media tool like Buffer helps you manage your social media accounts while also using the built-in AI tool to generate posts and repurpose existing posts, keeping your feeds fresh.


The world of business-focused AI solutions is growing at a fantastic rate, so the suggestions above are just the tip of a very large AI iceberg. Remember, when considering which AI tools to implement in your business, make sure they will improve efficiencies and add value.


20 February 2025
The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.
17 February 2025
At Gunson McLean we are more than just a business offering financial expertise we also support our communities in Dargaville and Whangārei. By partnering with various local organisations, we help sustain and strengthen sports, recreation, and community initiatives in the region. Empowering Local Sports Clubs We understand the role sports play in bringing people together, promoting teamwork, and supporting youth development. We are proud to sponsor the Old Boys Marist Rugby & Sports Club, Hikurangi Rugby Football Club Inc, Maungakaramea Hockey Club, Maungakaramea Bowling Club, Mid Western Rugby Squash Club, Kamo Rugby & Squash Club, New Zealand Vikings Rugby Football Club Inc., and the Cobham Cricket Club. Promoting Outdoor Education We also believe that outdoor education is essential for youth development and are proud to work with the charitable trust, Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT). We have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years – handlings its financial matters – and Craig Gunson is the current Treasurer. Backing Community Halls & Facilities We’re proud to support the Whareora Hall Society and Whareora Cemetery Board as well as local cycling and motorcycling groups Marsden Wheelers Cycling Club Inc., and the Whangārei Motorcycle Club. We are passionate about the causes we support, and the opportunities and growth this enables in our Dargaville and Whangārei communities.
7 February 2025
Most people agree that optimising your business is a good idea and spend hours looking at optimising the supply chain, storage, overheads etc. However, they forget that people are one of the most critical elements in your business. By providing a caring, supportive workplace for employees you also drive the success of your business. Studies show happy workers are productive workers and, as an employer, it’s a no-brainer to provide a workplace where employees feel valued, and where they can flourish. Here are five key ways to build employee relationships, nurture your team, and create a great workplace for your employees: 1. Invest in your employees This doesn’t mean ‘casual Friday’s’ or a pizza night once a month. This is about offering your employees access to training programmes, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes. It’s about the professional growth of your employee and how you can enhance their skills and make them feel truly valued as team members. 2. Create a positive work environment Creating a positive work environment is about cultivating a workplace culture that feels positive and supportive of your employees. Be open and transparent with your employees, listen to their feedback and have a strong focus on employee wellbeing. This could include offering flexible working arrangements, benefits such as health insurance, and other perks. 3. Recognise and reward your employees When an employee goes above and beyond, make sure your recognise and reward them. This could by through a performance bonus, employee-of-the-month programmes or even extra time off in lieu. Feeling valued comes partially from feeling rewarded and can be an amazing motivator. 4. Give employees autonomy One of the key ways employees feel trust, is by being given autonomy. Being trusted to come up with their own solutions, processes, and ideas is key to making people feel as if they ‘own’ their role. This helps employees feel fully involved and also brings new ideas, solutions, processes, and efficiencies to the table. 5. Put wellbeing at the heart of your culture Life is stressful. And work-life can be stressful. A well though out wellbeing programme can help your employees manage stress and, in turn, benefits your business. A wellbeing programme is different for each business but some ideas could be checking in with team members, creating a ‘ask for help’ culture, flexible working arrangements including work-from-home days, and offering mental health support. Making sure you’re a caring and supportive employer is vital to your business strategy. With a team who feel valued, nurtured, and encouraged, you’ll all be happier and more productive.
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To discuss all your account matters please call us on 09 438 1001

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