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SMEs and the AI Challenge: How to tackle a lack of experience?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that has been transforming the world for years. From large corporations to startups, AI offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Yet according to CBS (Dutch National Institute for Statistics), some 75 percent (1) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are lagging behind in embracing this technology. The main reason? For three-quarters of SMBs, lack of experience with AI and not knowing where to start.  

Why SMBs are reluctant.

  1. Lack of Experience and Knowledge
    For many SMEs, AI is uncharted territory. Concepts such as machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing are often abstract and difficult to grasp without the proper background knowledge. This lack of experience leads to uncertainty about how AI can be applied within their business.
  1. Complexity of Implementation
    Implementing AI can be complex and often requires technical expertise that many SMEs do not have in-house. This makes it difficult to get started and execute successful AI projects.
  1. Cost and Investment
    Initial investment in AI technologies can be high. This includes not only the cost of software and hardware, but also the need to train employees or hire experts. For many SMEs, this is too great a financial barrier.
  1. Lack of Strategy and Vision
    Without a clear strategy and vision, it is difficult to see the value of AI. SMBs need to understand how AI can contribute to their specific business goals, such as customer satisfaction, operational efficiency or market position.

How can I fix this?

There are several solutions for SMBs who want to get started with AI but don’t know how. 

  1. Accessible AI Solutions
    By deploying easy-to-use AI tools specifically designed for SMBs. These tools require little technical expertise and can be implemented immediately to create value. More and more easy AI solutions are appearing on the market.
  1. Training and Workshops
    By offering workshops and training, SMEs can learn to understand the basic concepts of AI. This ensures that companies are better prepared to successfully implement AI initiatives.
  1. Strategic Guidance
    SMEs can work with experts to develop a clear AI strategy that aligns with their business goals. This includes identifying specific use cases and setting measurable goals. To gain better insight, doing an AI scan and assessment is a good start.
  1. Implementation Support
    Leverage external expertise in the design and implementation of AI projects. This includes both technical support and project management. This ensures adequate deployment of AI and harnessing its growing potential.
  1. Access to Experts
    By partnering with experts, SMBs gain access to a network of AI experts. This provides the opportunity to ask detailed questions and develop customized solutions.

Conclusion

Although most SMBs have little experience with AI, experts offer accessible and affordable solutions. SMEs can bridge the AI gap and reap the benefits of this powerful technology by working with experts. This not only helps them become more efficient and innovative, but also more competitive in a rapidly changing market. With the right partner by their side, SMBs can confidently take the plunge into AI and take their business to the next level.

(1) https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2025/09/gebruik-kunstmatige-intelligentie–ai—door-bedrijven-neemt-toe

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SMEs and the AI Challenge: How to tackle a lack of experience?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that has been transforming the world for years. From large corporations to startups, AI offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Yet according to CBS (Dutch National Institute for Statistics), some 75 percent (1) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are lagging behind in embracing this technology. The main reason? For three-quarters of SMBs, lack of experience with AI and not knowing where to start.  

Why SMBs are reluctant.

  1. Lack of Experience and Knowledge
    For many SMEs, AI is uncharted territory. Concepts such as machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing are often abstract and difficult to grasp without the proper background knowledge. This lack of experience leads to uncertainty about how AI can be applied within their business.
  1. Complexity of Implementation
    Implementing AI can be complex and often requires technical expertise that many SMEs do not have in-house. This makes it difficult to get started and execute successful AI projects.
  1. Cost and Investment
    Initial investment in AI technologies can be high. This includes not only the cost of software and hardware, but also the need to train employees or hire experts. For many SMEs, this is too great a financial barrier.
  1. Lack of Strategy and Vision
    Without a clear strategy and vision, it is difficult to see the value of AI. SMBs need to understand how AI can contribute to their specific business goals, such as customer satisfaction, operational efficiency or market position.

How can I fix this?

There are several solutions for SMBs who want to get started with AI but don’t know how. 

  1. Accessible AI Solutions
    By deploying easy-to-use AI tools specifically designed for SMBs. These tools require little technical expertise and can be implemented immediately to create value. More and more easy AI solutions are appearing on the market.
  1. Training and Workshops
    By offering workshops and training, SMEs can learn to understand the basic concepts of AI. This ensures that companies are better prepared to successfully implement AI initiatives.
  1. Strategic Guidance
    SMEs can work with experts to develop a clear AI strategy that aligns with their business goals. This includes identifying specific use cases and setting measurable goals. To gain better insight, doing an AI scan and assessment is a good start.
  1. Implementation Support
    Leverage external expertise in the design and implementation of AI projects. This includes both technical support and project management. This ensures adequate deployment of AI and harnessing its growing potential.
  1. Access to Experts
    By partnering with experts, SMBs gain access to a network of AI experts. This provides the opportunity to ask detailed questions and develop customized solutions.

Conclusion

Although most SMBs have little experience with AI, experts offer accessible and affordable solutions. SMEs can bridge the AI gap and reap the benefits of this powerful technology by working with experts. This not only helps them become more efficient and innovative, but also more competitive in a rapidly changing market. With the right partner by their side, SMBs can confidently take the plunge into AI and take their business to the next level.

(1) https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2025/09/gebruik-kunstmatige-intelligentie–ai—door-bedrijven-neemt-toe

The 5 biggest misconceptions about AI (and why they are wrong)

Kunstmatige intelligentie (AI) is een hot topic, maar er bestaan nog veel misverstanden over. Veel ondernemers in het MKB vragen zich af of AI iets voor hen is, of ze er bang voor moeten zijn, en of het niet alleen iets is voor grote bedrijven met enorme budgetten. Tijd om vijf van de grootste misverstanden te ontkrachten!

1. AI gaat alle banen overnemen

Een van de grootste angsten rondom AI is dat het menselijke arbeid volledig zal vervangen. Hoewel AI veel repetitieve en administratieve taken kan automatiseren, betekent dat niet dat alle banen verdwijnen. In plaats daarvan ontstaan er nieuwe functies en wordt het werk verschoven naar taken waar menselijke creativiteit, empathie en strategisch denken nodig zijn. Denk bijvoorbeeld aan AI die klantenservicevragen afhandelt, waardoor medewerkers zich kunnen focussen op complexere klantproblemen.

2. AI is alleen voor grote bedrijven met veel geld

Veel MKB’ers denken dat AI alleen iets is voor grote techbedrijven met diepe zakken. Dit is niet waar. Juist voor het MKB liggen er enorme kansen, omdat er tegenwoordig betaalbare en gebruiksvriendelijke AI-oplossingen zijn. Deze kunnen juist kleine en middelgrote bedrijven veel voordeel opleveren. Denk aan AI-gestuurde chatbots, slimme e-mailmarketingtools en boekhoudsoftware met ingebouwde automatisering. AI is toegankelijker dan ooit!

3. AI kan zelfstandig denken en beslissingen nemen zoals een mens

Hoewel AI indrukwekkend kan lijken, is het geen denkend wezen. AI werkt op basis van patronen, data en vooraf bepaalde regels. Het heeft geen bewustzijn, emoties of eigen meningen. AI kan bijvoorbeeld helpen bij het analyseren van klantgegevens en het doen van aanbevelingen, maar de uiteindelijke beslissing blijft bij de mens.

4. AI werkt altijd perfect en is 100% objectief

AI klinkt misschien als een objectieve technologie, maar dat is niet altijd het geval. AI-modellen worden getraind op data die door mensen wordt geleverd, en als die data bevooroordeeld is, dan kan de AI dat ook zijn. Een bekend voorbeeld is AI in recruitment, waarbij algoritmes onbewust discriminerende keuzes kunnen maken als ze getraind zijn op eenzijdige gegevens. Daarom is het belangrijk om AI kritisch te blijven evalueren en te blijven testen.

5. AI is een hype die straks weer overwaait

Sommige ondernemers denken dat AI een tijdelijke trend is, zoals blockchain of de metaverse. Maar AI is geen hype – het is een fundamentele technologische ontwikkeling die steeds verder wordt geïntegreerd in onze samenleving en het bedrijfsleven. Net zoals internet niet meer weg te denken is, zal AI een steeds grotere rol spelen in hoe we werken en zakendoen.

Conclusie

AI is niet iets om bang voor te zijn, maar juist een kans voor MKB’ers om efficiënter te werken en betere beslissingen te nemen. Door de misverstanden opzij te zetten en AI als een hulpmiddel te zien in plaats van een bedreiging, kunnen ondernemers het maximale uit deze technologie halen. Benieuwd hoe AI jouw bedrijf kan helpen? Begin klein en ontdek de mogelijkheden samen met The Next Wilson. Bijvoorbeeld door het doen van een gratis AI-scan. Vraag deze aan via info@thenextwilson.ai .

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The role of artificial intelligence in SMEs

In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer the exclusive domain of large corporations and technology giants. More and more small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are discovering the benefits of AI and how this technology can contribute to their growth and efficiency. While it may not be essential for every business, AI does offer interesting opportunities for those who are open to it.

What is AI anyway?

Let’s start with a brief explanation of exactly what AI is. Artificial intelligence refers to systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks, improving themselves based on the information they gather. Think chatbots, recommendation algorithms and even advanced data analytics.

Applications in SMEs

AI can be integrated into the day-to-day operations of SMEs in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

    1. Customer service: AI-powered chatbots can handle simple customer queries, freeing up human employees to focus on more complex issues. This can significantly increase customer satisfaction and reduce response time.

    2. Marketing and Sales: By using AI-based analytics tools, companies can refine and personalize their marketing strategies. Consider analyzing customer behavior to create personalized offers that can drive sales.

    3. Operational Efficiency: AI can help optimize inventory management, predict demand patterns and reduce waste. This can be particularly useful for businesses in retail or manufacturing.

    4. Decision-making: AI can analyze large amounts of data and provide insights that can help management make informed decisions. This makes it easier to spot trends and adjust strategic plans.

Considerations and Challenges

While AI offers many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. Implementation costs can be a barrier, as can the need for technical expertise to effectively manage AI systems. In addition, there are ethical issues around data privacy and the impact of AI on jobs that require attention.

The Future of AI in SMEs.

The future of AI in SMEs looks promising. As the technology becomes more accessible and affordable, we can expect more companies to embrace AI as part of their growth strategy. It is an exciting time for entrepreneurs willing to experiment with new technologies to strengthen their competitive position.

In short, while AI may not be the holy grail for every SMB, it does offer valuable tools and insights that can drive business growth. By investing wisely and planning strategically, SMEs can take advantage of the benefits AI has to offer. Therefore, also start small with the deployment of AI and gradually learn to grow together. The Next Wilson can help you with this.

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