🌟 Welcome to the first edition of Black Box Brief, the real-world AI report for business owners, agency operators, and online earners who want the edge others are sleeping on.
This week’s stat drop: Most SMBs believe AI is critical, but very few are using it. The delta? Pure opportunity.
61% of small businesses say AI is critical to growth. Only 14% are using it. That’s a gap you can drive a truck (or a new startup) through.
⚡ Quick Stats
61% of SMBs say AI is “critical” to their growth (Salesforce)
Only 14% of SMBs are currently using AI regularly, though some studies expand this to 39% when including broader or occasional use (Techaisle)
51% plan to use AI by end of 2025 (OECD)
🚧 What’s Holding SMBs Back?
Let’s call it like it is, most small business owners don’t have the time, money, or clarity to mess with emerging tech.
Cost Fears: Monthly software fees, training, hiring AI-savvy staff, it adds up fast.
Skills Gap: A whopping 95% of SMB leaders say they need training to use AI effectively (Thryv AI Survey 2025).
No Time: Owners wear all the hats, testing a new tool often takes a backseat.
Confusion: With so many tools and no clear roadmap, analysis paralysis kicks in.
🧠 Why It Matters (Big Time)
Here’s what early adopters are already unlocking:
91% report increased revenue (Vendasta)
90% report improved efficiency
Many save $2,000 and 20 hours/month (CIO World Asia)
They’re better at customer service, marketing, and decision-making
🤑 The Big Opportunity
This isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s a blueprint:
SMBs: If you’re early to AI, you win bigger. Start with chatbots, email automation, or internal workflows.
Consultants & Freelancers: Start helping SMBs implement AI in bite-sized ways. It’s the Wild West out there.
Tool Builders & Agencies: Build AI solutions with plain-English UI, clear ROI, and minimal setup. You’ll have more demand than you can handle.
TL;DR
61% say AI is critical. Only 14% use it.
Cost, skills, and complexity are blocking the way.
Adopters are already making more money, saving time, and pulling ahead.
If you can close the gap, you win.
You’re now ahead of 86% of the market. Use it.
--Adrian; Black Box Brief
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