marketing director
                                                  

Where Business Leaders Find Their AI Edge

In today's competitive landscape, small businesses need every advantage they can get. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept – it's a powerful tool that can transform how you operate, create, and connect with your audience. The Media Arts Center in Charlotte is uniquely positioned to help small business owners like you harness the power of AI.

Here's how the Media Arts Center addresses the specific challenges faced by small businesses:

  • Limited Resources, Maximum Impact: We understand that small businesses often have limited budgets and staff. Our programs are designed to be efficient and impactful, providing you with practical AI skills and knowledge that you can immediately apply to your business.
  • Leveling the Playing Field: AI can help small businesses compete with larger companies by automating tasks, personalizing customer experiences, and gaining valuable insights from data. We empower you with the tools and strategies to leverage AI and gain a competitive edge.
  • Staying Ahead of the Curve: The world of AI is constantly evolving. Our programs keep you up-to-date with the latest advancements, ensuring you're not left behind. We connect you with industry experts and provide ongoing support to help you navigate the ever-changing AI landscape.
  • Boosting Creativity and Innovation: AI isn't just about automation. It can also unlock new levels of creativity and innovation. We help you explore AI's potential for generating fresh ideas, creating compelling content, and captivating your audience.
  • Building a Strong Network: Connect with other small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals in our collaborative environment. Share ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and build valuable relationships that can support your growth.

The Media Arts Center empowers small business owners to:

  • Optimize Operations: Streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve efficiency with AI-powered tools.
  • Enhance Customer Experiences: Personalize marketing messages, provide tailored recommendations, and build stronger customer relationships.
  • Unlock Growth Opportunities: Identify new markets, predict customer behavior, and make data-driven decisions to fuel business growth.
  • Amplify Your Brand: Create compelling content, engage your audience on social media, and tell your brand story in innovative ways.
  • Lead with Confidence: Navigate the ethical considerations of AI and implement responsible AI practices that align with your values.

Join the Media Arts Center and discover how AI can transform your small business.

Program Title: Strategic AI for Business Leaders

Program Structure:

  • Duration: 24 classes, 3 hours each.
  • Format: Interactive classroom sessions with a mix of lectures, discussions, case studies, guest speakers (successful small business owners using AI), and project work. Emphasis on peer learning and sharing.
  • Courses: 4 core courses, 6 classes each on Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Start Date: January 15th
  • End Date:        April 14th
  • Time:          8 am - 11 am
  • Tuition + Fees: Updated in school catalog

Courses:

1. AI for Small Business Operations

  • Course Description: This course focuses on how AI can streamline operations, automate tasks, and reduce costs for small businesses.
  • Classes:
    • Class 1: Demystifying AI for Small Business: Understanding AI basics, dispelling myths, and identifying opportunities.
      • Project: "AI Audit" - Identify 3 areas in your business where AI could be implemented.
    • Class 2: AI for Efficiency: Automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and saving time with AI tools.
      • Project: Implement a free AI scheduling tool to manage appointments or social media posts.
    • Class 3: AI for Customer Service on a Budget: Chatbots, AI-powered email responses, and enhancing customer support.
      • Project: Build a simple chatbot using a free platform (e.g., Dialogflow) to answer FAQs.
    • Class 4: AI for Smarter Decision-Making: Using data analysis and AI for insights to guide your business strategy.
      • Project: Use Google Analytics with AI features to analyze website traffic and customer behavior.
    • Class 5: AI for Managing Finances: AI-powered accounting, invoicing, and financial forecasting.
      • Project: Explore an AI accounting software and assess its potential benefits for your business.
    • Class 6: AI and the Future of Work: Adapting your small business to the changing landscape of AI.
      • Project: Group discussion: How AI might impact your industry and your business in the next 5 years.

2. AI for Supercharged Sales

  • Course Description: Learn how to leverage AI to boost sales, improve customer relationships, and market your business more effectively.
  • Classes:
    • Class 7: AI for Finding and Keeping Customers: Lead generation, qualification, and nurturing with AI.
      • Project: Use an AI lead generation tool (e.g., LinkedIn Sales Navigator) to identify potential customers.
    • Class 8: AI for Personalized Marketing: Targeting the right customers with the right message at the right time.
      • Project: Create a targeted email campaign using an AI marketing platform (e.g., Mailchimp).
    • Class 9: AI for Social Media Mastery: Content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement with AI.
      • Project: Use an AI social media tool (e.g., Buffer) to schedule and analyze your posts.
    • Class 10: AI for E-commerce Success: Product recommendations, personalized shopping experiences, and AI-powered stores.
      • Project: If applicable, explore adding AI-powered product recommendations to your online store.
    • Class 11: AI for Understanding Your Customers: Sentiment analysis, customer feedback, and improving your offerings.
      • Project: Analyze online reviews of your business using an AI sentiment analysis tool.
    • Class 12: AI for Sales Forecasting and Growth: Predicting sales trends and planning for the future.
      • Project: Use a simple AI forecasting tool to predict sales for the next quarter.

3. AI for People Management (Even with a Small Team)

  • Course Description: Discover how AI can assist with HR tasks, even in small businesses with limited staff.
  • Classes:
    • Class 13: AI for Smarter Hiring: Streamlining recruitment, screening candidates, and reducing bias with AI.
      • Project: Use an AI-powered resume screening tool to evaluate candidates for a hypothetical position.
    • Class 14: AI for Employee Training and Development: Personalized learning, skills gap analysis, and efficient onboarding.
      • Project: Explore AI-powered learning platforms and identify resources relevant to your employees.
    • Class 15: AI for Boosting Employee Engagement: Communication, feedback, and creating a positive work environment.
      • Project: Research and present on an AI tool that can improve internal communication or feedback mechanisms.
    • Class 16: AI for Performance Management: Tracking progress, setting goals, and providing constructive feedback.
      • Project: Develop a basic framework for using AI to track employee performance on key metrics.
    • Class 17: AI for Freelancers and Contractors: Managing remote teams, automating tasks, and improving collaboration.
      • Project: Explore AI tools that can help manage projects and communication with freelancers.
    • Class 18: The Ethics of AI in People Management: Ensuring fairness, transparency, and responsible AI use.
      • Project: Group discussion: Potential biases in AI and how to mitigate them in HR.

4. AI for Better Products and Services

  • Course Description: Learn how to use AI to improve your offerings, innovate, and meet customer needs more effectively.
  • Classes:
    • Class 19: AI for Product Development: Market research, idea generation, and prototyping with AI.
      • Project: Use an AI tool to generate new product or service ideas based on market trends.
    • Class 20: AI for Understanding Your Market: Analyzing competitor activity, identifying trends, and staying ahead.
      • Project: Use an AI tool to analyze your competitors' online presence and marketing strategies.
    • Class 21: AI for Content Creation: Generating product descriptions, marketing materials, and website content.
      • Project: Use an AI writing tool to create compelling product descriptions or website copy.
    • Class 22: AI for Customer Feedback Analysis: Extracting insights from reviews, surveys, and social media.
      • Project: Use an AI tool to analyze customer feedback and identify areas for improvement.
    • Class 23: AI for Personalized Experiences: Tailoring your products and services to individual customer needs.
      • Project: Brainstorm ways to use AI to personalize your customer experience (e.g., personalized offers).
    • Class 24: AI and the Future of Your Industry: Anticipating changes and leveraging AI for innovation.
      • Project: Group discussion: How AI might disrupt your industry and how your business can adapt.