In his TED Talk “How AI Could Empower Any Business,” Andrew Ng makes a compelling case for AI as an essential lever for long-term business performance, not just a buzzword. Rather than focusing on futuristic or extreme use cases, Ng drills into how AI can solve real, everyday business problems. He emphasizes that AI is not just for tech giants. Any company can use AI to boost productivity, improve decision-making, and cut waste.
Ng explains that most of the power of AI today comes from its ability to recognize patterns in data. This includes forecasting customer demand, flagging quality issues before they escalate, and automating repetitive workflows. What sets successful businesses apart is not just access to AI models, but a commitment to using data strategically. He calls for businesses to start with small, high-impact projects, not massive overhauls.
A major takeaway for SMBs is that AI should be seen as a tool for execution, not speculation. It strengthens systems already in place and scales what’s working. Ng introduces the concept of a “data flywheel”, as systems generate more data, the AI gets smarter, which then generates even better outcomes.
Tied to the future-proofing discussion, Ng’s message is clear: smart tech investments today make companies stronger tomorrow. The most resilient businesses are not the ones chasing trends but those that build a strategic foundation for using tools like AI to adapt, grow, and outperform over time.
For SMB leaders, the takeaway is practical. Start with clear use cases, invest in the right data infrastructure, and use AI to sharpen, not replace, human judgment.
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