Most employees blame their lack of skills with artificial intelligence on their employers; Microsoft has added 10 AI agents in Dynamics 365; Teams can now block workers for signing in after hours; and and seven other recent developments in technology.
1. 74% of workers blame employers for their AI skills gap
Why this is important for your firm and clients: These workers are right — the biggest impediment to AI adoption isn't the technology. It's teaching your users to truly leverage the technology. But we've always been bad at that, haven't we? We know we don't invest in the training needed to use our office and other business applications. And we suffer the consequences when our people aren't taking advantage of all the things available to them to help them do their jobs faster, which in turn improves productivity and our profitability.
2. Microsoft adds 10 AI agents in Dynamics 365
Why this is important for your firm and clients: This is the start of something big. Dynamics agents are just the beginning. Every software application — from CRM to accounting to HR — will be rolling out these types of agents in the coming months. There will be countless agents available to businesses that will leverage AI to automate many internal processes. Smart managers will recognize this reality and start learning. I'll be doing the same within my business.
3. Anthropic's CEO reminds us of the radical upside of AI
Why this is important for your firm and clients: This is a great read for both owners and their employers who are hesitant about AI. Yes, there are huge risks: deep fakes, environmental, losing control, jobs, etc. But the "radical upside" of AI I believe supersedes those risks and Amodei eloquently explains why.
4. Gmail users: Beware a new AI scam
Why this is important for your firm and clients: I mentioned the risks of deep fakes above and this is one of them. Users are advised to scrutinize the originating email and phone number, use two-factor authentication, and never share sensitive information.
5. Teams can now block workers for their own good
Why this is important for your firm and clients: If you're going to have policies, then you want help enforcing them. Also, with new overtime rules from the Department of Labor, it's important that you monitor your employees' overtime hours — or use a tool like this to restrict them from putting in those hours if it's against your policy.
6. Zendesk enhances service solution with AI
Why this is important for your firm and clients: I'm a big fan of Zendesk for customer service, particularly because it has a strong presence in the SMB market with a very feature-rich, yet affordable, platform. I'm betting that these AI enhancements are just the start of many. If your firm is service-oriented, this is a good platform to consider. It also integrates with many CRM and accounting applications.
7. OpenAI says ChatGPT 4.0 will change how you use chatbots
Why this is important for your firm and clients: Businesses can use Canvas to brainstorm and visually map out marketing campaigns. Product teams can leverage Canvas for collaborative product development to sketch out prototypes, organize research, and plan product features, all while integrating AI suggestions. Business analysts can use OpenAI Canvas to visualize and present data insights more effectively. For example, sales trends, customer behavior, or financial performance can be mapped out using AI-generated charts and visuals. How do I know all this? I just asked ChatGPT. Cheating!
8. 71% expect software to replace POS terminals
Why this is important for your firm and clients: Hello AI. Bye-bye people.
9. FTC makes canceling subscriptions easier
Why this is important for your firm and clients: If your clients sell online subscriptions, they'll need to comply and the size of the company doesn't matter. Have them revisit their procedures for allowing consumers to cancel and update. As a consumer, I like this rule. I'm sure your clients' customers will be expecting the same.
10. ZDNet loves this lightweight laptop
Why this is important for your firm and clients: I'm in. Thanks Kyle.