Small Business Glossary

These terms reflect the broad range of applications AI offers to small businesses, from improving customer service to optimizing operations and increasing sales.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology enabling machines to simulate human intelligence and perform tasks like decision-making and problem-solving.

AI Analytics: The use of AI to gather, process, and analyze data, providing small businesses with insights to improve their operations, customer service, or marketing strategies.

AI Personalization: The use of AI to deliver personalized experiences for customers based on their behaviors, preferences, and past interactions, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

AI-Powered Marketing: The use of AI tools to analyze customer data, automate marketing tasks, and create personalized marketing campaigns, leading to more efficient and targeted efforts for small businesses.

Automation: The use of AI to handle repetitive tasks automatically, improving operational efficiency for small businesses.

Business Intelligence (BI): AI systems that help businesses collect, process, and analyze data to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Chatbot: An AI tool that simulates human conversation, often used in customer service or lead generation to handle common inquiries.

Cognitive Computing: AI systems that mimic human thought processes to assist in decision-making, problem-solving, and learning, often used in business analytics and customer support.

Computer Vision: AI technology that enables machines to interpret and process visual data, such as images or videos. Small businesses can use computer vision for inventory tracking, quality control, or security.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Software systems that use AI to automate sales, marketing, and customer service processes to enhance customer interactions.

Data Mining: The process of analyzing large datasets using AI to discover patterns, relationships, and trends that can guide business decisions.

Fraud Detection: AI systems that analyze transactions and behaviors to identify potential fraud in real-time, helping small businesses secure their financial systems.

Predictive Analytics: AI techniques that analyze historical data to forecast future trends or behaviors, helping small businesses make data-driven decisions.

Recommendation Engine: AI-driven tools that suggest products or services based on customer behavior and preferences, helping businesses personalize the customer experience.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): AI software that automates highly repetitive and rule-based tasks, freeing up human workers for more creative or strategic roles.

Sentiment Analysis: AI-powered tools that analyze customer reviews, feedback, or social media posts to gauge customer sentiment and brand perception.

Virtual Assistant: AI-driven software that can perform tasks or services for individuals, often used to assist small business owners with scheduling, answering queries, or managing emails.