How to Start Using AI in Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide with Darrin Jahnel
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s revolutionizing how businesses operate. But the challenge many entrepreneurs and executives face isn’t recognizing the potential of AI—it’s knowing where and how to start.
In this episode of the 4M Strategies™ podcast, Carl J. Cox, CEO of 40 Strategy and 40 Accounting, talks to Darrin Jahnel, founder of Jahnel Group, who shares his experience helping businesses integrate AI into their operations. His practical approach breaks down the process into manageable steps, making AI adoption accessible for businesses of any size.
Why AI Matters for Business
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just about automating tasks; it’s about creating efficiencies, uncovering insights, and driving value. Businesses that adopt AI strategically are better positioned to stay competitive, adapt to changing markets, and deliver better results for their customers.
Studies show that businesses leveraging AI effectively see improvements in decision-making, cost savings, and overall performance. Yet many companies struggle to move beyond discussions into meaningful action.
This episode offers a clear roadmap to help you break through those barriers and turn AI into a strategic advantage.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Start Small: Treat AI as a Multi-Year Transformation
Darrin emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as a long-term initiative rather than a quick project. AI isn’t something you “install” overnight—it’s a process of experimentation, learning, and gradual integration.
Instead of diving headfirst into a massive AI project, focus on smaller, achievable goals. A multi-year mindset allows your team to grow alongside the technology, ensuring sustainable adoption.
2. Prototype with a Small Team
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is overthinking their first AI project. Endless brainstorming, debating use cases, and trying to justify large investments often lead to analysis paralysis.
Darrin suggests picking one use case and assembling a small team to create a prototype. This team should include individuals with a strong technical foundation who are eager to experiment with AI tools.
3. Use Secure Tools and Private Data Models
For your first AI experiment, Darrin advises against using public platforms, especially if sensitive data is involved. Instead, set up a private large language model (LLM) in your own data center or secure cloud. This ensures your data stays protected while you test AI’s capabilities.
4. Focus on ROI (Return on Investment)
AI projects often involve significant upfront costs, which can make it difficult to justify investments to stakeholders. Darrin recommends starting with projects that have a clear, measurable ROI. By demonstrating success on a small scale, you can build confidence and secure support for larger initiatives.
Overcoming Common Challenges
One of the most significant barriers to AI adoption is uncertainty. Many businesses struggle to answer questions like:
- Where do we begin?
- How much will it cost?
- Will it deliver measurable results?
- How do we ensure data security?
Darrin explains that the key to overcoming these challenges is action. The longer businesses delay, the more daunting AI adoption becomes. By starting small, focusing on one use case, and building from there, companies can eliminate much of the uncertainty and complexity associated with AI.
The Darrin Jahnel Framework for AI Adoption
To make AI adoption manageable, Darrin offers a simple framework:
- Brainstorm AI Use Cases
Start by identifying tasks or processes in your business that could benefit from AI. This could be anything from automating customer support to analyzing sales trends. - Select One Project
Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Choose one project with clear goals and measurable outcomes. - Build a Prototype
Assign a small, skilled team to develop a prototype. Focus on testing the feasibility of your chosen use case rather than perfecting it. - Use Private Tools
Ensure data security by using private language models or cloud setups. This is especially important if you’re handling sensitive business or customer information. - Evaluate Results and Scale
Measure the success of your prototype. Did it deliver the expected ROI? If so, use the lessons learned to scale your efforts and expand AI adoption.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
If you’ve been curious about AI but haven’t taken the leap, this episode provides the clarity you need. Darrin Jahnel draws from his experience working with dozens of businesses to deliver actionable advice that works.
You’ll learn:
- How to stop overthinking and start doing.
- Why starting small is the key to success.
- The importance of secure, private AI tools.
- How to build momentum with small wins.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or executive, this episode offers valuable insights to help you unlock AI’s potential for your business.
Ready to Get Started with AI?
AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following Darrin’s advice, you can take the first steps toward integrating AI into your business in a way that’s both practical and effective.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here to learn how to start small, scale smart, and make AI work for you.
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