About this episode
Moving beyond AI hype, Kevin and Stacy explore how businesses can approach practical AI implementation, from identifying useful applications to understanding workflows, integration requirements, and the challenges of putting AI into production.
This conversation uses the launch of Business Meets AI as a case study for an operator-focused approach to AI: practical workflows, CRM integration, pilot scorecards, implementation responsibilities, and planning for failures. Kevin and Stacy also discuss the publication’s educational mission and commercial transparency.
Key takeaways
- Judge AI by how it works in real business workflows, including CRM updates and team handoffs.
- Calculate total ownership costs, including usage, integration, testing, and ongoing support.
- Define measurable pilot criteria before launch, including resolution time, customer experience, and human escalation.
- Plan failure scenarios and clear routes to a human before deploying voice AI.
- Agree on what the business owns and what an implementation partner delivers and maintains.
- Read vendor and implementation guidance critically, with commercial relationships clearly disclosed.