Learn How an AI Consultant Will Work Out How to Streamline Your Business Process & Reduce Costs Through AI
Why Look Into AI for Your Business?
Have you ever wondered whether artificial intelligence could make your business more efficient, more profitable, or simply less stressful to run? AI is getting more attention, some of it good, some of it confusing, and much of it aimed at big businesses.
What if you’re a small to medium-sized business based in or around Bristol? What if you don’t have a dedicated technical team and prefer not to invest in a complex system that isn’t necessary or clear to you?
Here, you’ll discover how working with an experienced AI consultant like Mark from Brand Builder Mark can help you identify practical ways to save time, reduce costs, and improve how your business runs day-to-day. Mark will give you plain, honest guidance on whether AI could make a real difference to your business and show you, without you wasting your time or money.
You’ll also see what a consultation involves, how much it typically costs, what sorts of businesses are already benefitting, and how to assess if now is the right time for you to explore the AI potential.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of what AI consultancy means and whether it’s something that could help your business grow smarter and busier.
Take the first step towards working smarter. Book a discovery call with Mark and see where AI can make the most significant difference in your business.
What Does an AI Consultant Do and How Will It Benefit You?
It’s likely that as a business owner or manager, you’re either curious about AI or feeling pressure to “keep up” with how quickly things are changing. However, before deciding whether to use AI in your business, you need to understand what an AI consultant does and whether it’s something that would genuinely benefit you.
What is an AI Consultant?
An AI consultant helps businesses like yours identify where artificial intelligence and automation can save time, cut unnecessary costs, and improve processes without disrupting what already works.
In short, setting up effective AI is about figuring out which processes can be automated and working smarter, not adding complexity.
A good AI consultant isn’t there to push a piece of software or sell you a system. They look at your current business processes, quoting, invoicing, admin, customer service, lead follow-up, and reporting and ask, Can this be done faster, better, or cheaper using AI tools?
The result is a bespoke plan tailored to your business – no selling, no overpromising, just smart recommendations that make sense for the way you work.
Do You Need An AI Consultant?
Here are a few simple questions to consider:
- Are you or your team spending too much time on repetitive tasks?
- Do things sometimes fall through the cracks because there’s no system in place?
- Are you paying for software you don’t fully use or understand?
- Have you heard of automation platforms or AI-driven CRMs but aren’t sure where to start?
- Would you like your business to run more efficiently?
If you said yes to any of these questions, then speaking to an AI consultant like Mark is a smart next step. And even if you decide not to go ahead, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s possible, what’s practical, and what isn’t worth your time.
The goal isn’t to make your business robotic; it’s to make you more effective, your team more productive, and your overheads lighter.
How Mark Can Help You Identify and Streamline Inefficient Business Processes
You might already suspect that parts of your business are wasting time or money, but knowing where to look or how to fix it is a different matter. This is exactly where Mark’s consultancy becomes invaluable to you and your business.
When you are close to day-to-day operations, it’s easy to overlook inefficiencies that have become ‘just the way we do things’. Mark brings a fresh pair of eyes not to judge, but to help you uncover simple, often overlooked ways to do things better.
It Starts With Understanding Your Business
Before anything is recommended, Mark starts by asking questions, not about AI tools, but about you:
- How do you currently generate leads, send quotes, or follow up with prospects?
- What systems do you use for managing clients, invoices, or stock?
- What repetitive admin tasks do you or your team dread each week?
- Where do delays happen, and how often do you find yourself chasing things manually?
You don’t need to prepare complicated documents or flowcharts. You just need to be honest about what’s working and what feels like a grind.
Mapping Your Processes
From those conversations, Mark builds a simple picture of your business operations. This isn’t corporate-level process mapping or overcomplicated flow diagrams. It’s about seeing the moving parts clearly and pinpointing where human effort could be supported or even replaced by the right tools.
This might mean:
- Automating routine admin that currently eats up hours every week
- Creating simple chatbots to help triage customer enquiries
- Linking up systems so you no longer need to copy-paste data
- Setting up automatic reminders or status updates for your clients
- Helping your team make better, quicker decisions with AI-assisted insights
You Stay in Control — With Clear, Practical Recommendations
You don’t have to commit to anything you don’t understand. Every recommendation comes with an explanation in plain English, tailored to your comfort level with tech. You’ll always know:
- What the suggested change is
- Why is it being recommended?
- What is expected to be saved or improved
- What would it take to implement
The goal isn’t to remove or change all of your current systems. It’s to optimise what you already have or introduce just enough of the right technology to make your business run smoother.
Where Can AI Save You Money – Without Risking Quality or Control?
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it’s only useful for big businesses with large volumes of data or complex operations. But the reality is that small and medium-sized businesses, just like yours, often see some of the fastest returns when the right AI tools are used in the right places.
That’s because smaller businesses typically don’t have the luxury of excess time or staffing. When your margins are crucial and your employees are juggling multiple responsibilities, every wasted hour or missed opportunity can lead to significant costs. This is exactly where AI will make a financial difference?
1. Cutting Back on Repetitive Admin
How many hours a week do you spend tracking down invoices, confirming appointments, retyping data into various systems, or responding to the same customer enquiries?
AI can automate or assist with many of these small but time-consuming tasks. For example:
- AI-driven scheduling tools can handle bookings without human input
- Email and chat automations can answer common queries instantly
- Data entry tools can move information between platforms in seconds
Over time, that adds up to dozens, even hundreds of hours saved across your team.
2. Reducing Human Error
Mistakes cost money. Whether it’s an incorrect quote, a missed follow-up, or a misfiled record, small errors can lead to lost customers or unnecessary spending.
AI tools don’t forget to follow up; they don’t get distracted, and when set up correctly, they help you reduce the likelihood of human error across everyday operations.
This doesn’t mean replacing people. It means giving your team tools that reduce the risk of costly oversights and enabling them to focus on more important tasks.
3. Improving Customer Experience (Without Extra Headcount)
Good service keeps people coming back, but what if you could offer better service without hiring more staff?
AI allows you to:
- Respond to website enquiries immediately, even outside of office hours
- Personalise messages and offers automatically
- Provide self-serve answers to common customer concerns
When your customers feel cared for, even when you’re not at your desk, they’re more likely to buy, stay loyal, and recommend you to others.
4. Optimising Your Marketing Spend
Marketing can be one of the biggest costs in a growing business. AI tools can help you:
- Analyse which campaigns are bringing in leads
- Write ad copy or social media content faster
- Predict customer behaviour and retarget more effectively
This results in you spending less time guessing and more time doing what works.
You’re Still in Charge — AI Just Makes You More Efficient
Nothing in this process means handing over control to machines or letting go of your business instincts. You stay in control of your strategy, your brand, and your decisions.
What AI does is help you reduce the burden of doing everything manually, so you can focus on growing your business or concentrating on the parts that need you.
DIY Tools, Software, or Consultant – What is the Best Route for You?
If you’ve already tried using AI tools on your own, or if you’ve Googled “best AI tools for small business” and ended up overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Right now, there are thousands of software options claiming to save you time, automate your business, and make your life easier. Some of them do exactly that. But many of them require hours of setup, ongoing maintenance, and a steep learning curve.
So, how do you decide whether to proceed independently or enlist the help of someone like Mark?
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself with Free or Low-Cost Tools
The appeal: Minimal upfront cost. You’re in control. You can experiment in your time.
The reality: Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to fall into “tool overload”, trying too many platforms, duplicating effort, or abandoning systems because they don’t deliver fast results. Worse still, you may spend time solving the wrong problem or miss a better solution altogether.
This route can work if:
- You enjoy learning new software and testing options
- You have time to research and experiment
- Your business processes are simple
But it can also lead to wasted time and missed opportunities if you’re guessing as you go.
Option 2: Buying Off-the-Shelf Software and Hoping It Fits
The appeal: Polished platforms with many features. Promises of “plug-and-play” automation.
The reality: Large businesses or very specific use cases are the target audience for many AI or automation tools. What sounds great in the demo may not suit the way you work.
Without a consultant to help you map your current processes first, you risk buying a system that adds complexity instead of solving a problem.
This route can work if:
- You already know exactly what you need the software to do
- You’re confident in setting it up and integrating it yourself
- You have time to train your team and maintain it
Otherwise, you may find yourself with a costly subscription to a tool you rarely use.
Option 3: Working with a Consultant Like Mark
The appeal: You get clarity on your business, not someone else’s. The right tools are matched to your exact needs. You don’t waste time chasing shiny objects.
The reality: You spend less time experimenting and more time implementing what works. You benefit from someone who’s seen what works and what doesn’t across different businesses, industries, and team sizes.
This route is ideal if:
- You want a clear, tailored plan that focuses on your business goals
- You value your time and want to avoid false starts
- You’d prefer someone else to translate the tech into plain English and show you how to use it
Ultimately, it comes down to this: If you want a shortcut to clarity, working with someone like Mark gets you there faster with fewer risks and a clearer return.
Common Misconceptions About AI and Small Businesses
If you’ve hesitated to explore AI for your business, you’re not alone — and you’re not wrong to be cautious. There is a lot of noise out there, and many small business owners are rightly sceptical about what AI can do and deliver.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common concerns and separate the myths from the reality.
“AI Is Just a Fad – It’ll Blow Over”
Some technologies come and go, but AI isn’t one of them. The use of artificial intelligence in business has already moved far beyond experimental; it’s now a proven tool used to save time, reduce costs, and make better decisions.
Many of the tools Mark recommends are already being used quietly and successfully by small businesses across Bristol and the UK, often without their customers even realising it.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about keeping your operations lean, responsive, and competitive.
“AI Will Replace My Team”
This is one of the biggest fears and one of the most misunderstood.
The reality in small and medium-sized businesses is that AI should be used to support your team, not replace them. It handles the repetitive, low-value tasks that take time away from higher-value, people-focused work.
That could mean automating appointment reminders, generating reports, or triaging customer enquiries so your team can focus on sales, service, and strategy.
Done right, AI doesn’t reduce headcount; it removes the repetitive busywork.
“AI Is Too Complicated for a Business Like Mine”
If you’ve seen videos of complex AI dashboards or read articles filled with technical jargon, it’s no wonder you might think this isn’t for you.
However, many of today’s most effective AI tools cater specifically to non-technical users. They have simple dashboards and clear workflows, and most importantly, Mark will guide you through them.
If you can explain what you want done, Mark can help you make it happen without needing to know how to code or configure complex systems.
“We’re Too Small to Benefit from AI”
Smaller businesses often benefit the most from introducing AI because every hour counts. However, every inefficiency is felt more keenly, and there’s less buffer room for missed opportunities.
While big companies use AI to shave percentages off larger operations, smaller businesses can use it to transform how they manage time, serve customers, and grow without adding more staff or hours.
It is a fact that businesses with fewer than 50 employees see the fastest ROI.
What Does a Consultation with Mark Look Like?
If you’re considering working with an AI consultant, it’s natural to want to know exactly what you’re getting into. Mark provides clear information without using jargon or making vague promises.
Step 1: A Conversation — Not a Sales Pitch
Everything starts with a straightforward conversation.
Mark will learn about your business, including what you do, how you work, where you feel time or money is lost, and where you want to improve.
You don’t need to bring a technical brief or know what AI tools you want to use. The goal is to understand your processes and challenges.
Step 2: A Tailored Process Audit
Next, Mark maps out the processes you’ve described, everything from lead generation and sales to admin, customer service, and internal operations.
He looks for areas where:
- Time is being wasted on repetitive or manual work
- Errors are likely to occur or are already happening
- Opportunities are being missed due to delays or a lack of automation
- Data isn’t being used effectively to inform decisions
The result is a clear picture of what’s working, what could work better, and what’s holding you back.
Step 3: Practical, Prioritised Recommendations
After the audit, Mark shares his findings in a practical format with easy-to-understand suggestions.
You’ll know:
- What changes would make the biggest difference
- Which AI tools or automations would be a good fit for your workflow
- How much each improvement could save in time or cost
- How complex (or simple) each one would be to implement
You’ll also be given a prioritised plan, so you can focus on quick wins before tackling anything bigger.
Step 4: Optional Implementation Support
You can choose to implement the suggestions yourself, ask your team to handle them, or bring Mark in to support the setup, whatever feels right for your business.
Mark can help:
- Set up and configure the tools
- Integrate systems so they talk to each other properly
- Train you or your team on how to use the new setup
- Monitor progress and fine-tune the system as needed
You stay in control the whole way through, and there’s no pressure to buy software, commit to long-term contracts, or hand over responsibility.
No Guesswork. No Obligation. Just Clarity.
The entire consultation process is designed to give you insight, direction, and confidence, whether you go ahead or not.
You’ll walk away with:
- A clearer understanding of how your business currently operates
- A list of specific areas where AI could help you save time or money
- The ability to make an informed decision about what to do next
What Kinds of Businesses Are Already Using AI and Winning?
Many businesses are now using AI as a serious tool to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver a better experience to their customers.
And they’re not just tech companies or large businesses; many of them are small to medium-sized businesses.
Trades and Service-Based Businesses
Plumbers, electricians, heating engineers, and cleaning companies are using AI to:
- Automate appointment scheduling and confirmations
- Send automatic follow-ups for quotes or missed calls
- Generate job reports and customer updates with AI-powered templates
This results in less time on admin, quicker response times, and fewer lost enquiries.
Professional Services
Accountants, solicitors, and consultants are using AI tools to:
- Streamline client onboarding and document requests
- Automate reminders for key deadlines or signatures
- Draft first-pass emails or reports to save time
This means more billable hours, less back-and-forth, and improved client satisfaction.
Agencies and Creatives
Marketing, design, and content agencies are increasingly relying on AI for:
- First-draft content generation or editing
- Client reporting dashboards that update automatically
- Internal process automation (e.g. briefing, proofing, approvals)
This allows them to focus on creativity and strategy, not admin or repetition.
eCommerce and Retail
Online and local retailers are tapping into AI for:
- Customer service chatbots that answer questions 24/7
- Stock level forecasting based on real-time data
- Automated responses to delivery queries or refund requests
That means better customer retention and fewer support requests handled manually.
Health, Wellbeing, and Education
From gyms to therapists and tutors, AI is being used to:
- Automate member communications and booking reminders
- Provide AI-generated follow-up emails or progress updates
- Manage enquiries more effectively across multiple platforms
When executed correctly, this enables small teams to exceed expectations.
Why Businesses Are Well-Placed to Benefit
Local business owners tend to be pragmatic and forward-thinking, and many industries, with processes and digital infrastructure, make them an ideal environment to adopt practical AI tools.
If you’ve been wondering whether AI is something your competitors are already exploring, the answer is likely yes.
The real question for you now is: will you get ahead of the curve or wait until it’s a necessity?
How Much Does It Cost to Work with an AI Consultant Like Mark?
One of the most common and fair questions business owners ask is, “What will it cost me to bring in an AI consultant, and will I get value from it?”
Working with Mark isn’t about buying an expensive piece of software or locking yourself into a long contract. It’s about getting targeted and strategic advice that’s tailored to your business, making sure you only spend money where it delivers clear, measurable improvements.
What Influences the Cost?
The cost of working with an AI consultant like Mark depends on a few key things:
- The size and complexity of your business: A single-person operation with simple processes might need just a one-off session. A team of 20 with multiple systems will likely need deeper analysis.
- The scope of the support: Do you just want advice and a roadmap? Or would you like help implementing tools, setting up systems, and training your team?
- Your goals: If you’re looking for full automation of multiple workflows, that will naturally require more time than identifying a few key efficiencies.
Typical Price Ranges
While every consultation is tailored, here’s a general guide:
- Initial consultation or process audit:
The price includes a full review of your existing processes, with clear, practical recommendations on where AI or automation could deliver value. - Implementation support or tool setup:
This may include setting up software, integrating platforms, creating automations, and walking your team through how to use them effectively. - Ongoing support or strategy advisory:
Available as needed
You may want to check in quarterly or bring Mark back in as your business evolves; that’s entirely up to you.
There are no surprise costs, no hidden fees, and no upselling of unnecessary platforms or tools. You will always understand the recommendations and their rationale, maintaining complete control over your budget and pace.
What Kind of ROI Can You Expect?
Here’s the part that matters most: If the work doesn’t save you more than it costs, it’s not worth doing.
Mark focuses on finding areas where a modest investment in setup or guidance leads to long-term savings in time, staffing, or operational efficiency.
For example:
- Automating just one admin task could free up 2–4 hours per week per staff member
- Improving follow-up processes could convert more leads without extra marketing spend
- Connecting two systems you already use might save you thousands in manual labour or errors
In short, the right investment pays for itself quickly.
Get a tailored audit of your current processes and find out exactly where AI can deliver a return without wasting your time or budget; call today on 0117 486 9462.
If You’re Still Not Sure? Here’s How to Find Out If AI Is Right for You
Not every business is ready for AI, and that’s OK.
The goal of exploring AI shouldn’t be to jump on a trend but to solve real problems in your business and free up time and resources. So, how will you know if now is the right time to take action?
Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:
1. Are you or your team repeating the same tasks over and over?
If you’re spending time each day copying and pasting information, sending similar emails, chasing up appointments, or manually processing enquiries, there’s a good chance those tasks could be automated.
2. Do you feel like you’re losing time on admin rather than growing the business?
If you regularly finish the day feeling like you’ve worked hard but achieved little, it may be because your processes are holding you back, and AI can help with that.
3. Are leads or customers slipping through the cracks?
If follow-ups are inconsistent, enquiries are missed, or client onboarding takes longer than it should, that’s a sign your systems need support.
4. Do you feel overwhelmed by tools, apps, and software choices?
If you’ve tried to “do it yourself” with various platforms but never quite made them work, working with a consultant like Mark can help you cut through the noise and focus on what fits your business.
5. Would freeing up time help you grow or simply breathe?
Occasionally, the value of AI isn’t just financial. If you’re constantly firefighting, stepping back to design smarter processes could give you more energy, more control, and more room to grow.
What to Do If You’re Still Unsure
Finding out whether AI could work for you doesn’t require you to have all the answers or make a significant commitment.
You can:
- Book a simple discovery call with Mark — no obligation, no pressure
- Ask questions specific to your business or industry
- Get a feel for whether this support is the right fit and what the next steps would look like
Even if you decide not to move forward right now, you’ll walk away with more clarity and less guesswork. Get in touch with Mark today at 0117 486 9462, and he will answer any questions you may have.
If You’re Curious, You’re Ready
By now, you’ve seen what AI consultancy involves and, more importantly, what it could mean for your business.
You’ve learnt that it isn’t about replacing your team or adopting a complicated system. It’s about understanding where your time and money are being lost and making smart, practical changes that help you do more with less.
Whether you run a one-person business or lead a team of 20, the question isn’t whether AI is coming; it’s whether you’re ready to use it on your terms.
If you’re still reading, if you’re asking questions, and if you’re open to making your business run more smoothly, then yes, you’re ready to explore it further.
You have the opportunity to have a conversation with someone who can help you see what’s possible – honestly and with your business goals at the forefront.
If you’d like to find out whether AI can make a real difference in your day-to-day operations, the next step is simple:
You don’t need to commit to anything. But if you’d like to see what’s possible for your business, get in touch with Mark today at 0117 486 9462.
Following this conversation, you’ll walk away with more clarity, a fresh perspective, and a roadmap for what to do next, whether you choose to take action now or later.
Frequently Asked Questions about AI for Business Efficiency and Growth
1. How can AI improve customer satisfaction in my business?
AI improves customer satisfaction by reducing response times, offering 24/7 support via AI-powered chatbots, and providing more personalised customer interactions. Using natural language processing and advanced analytics, businesses can understand customer behaviour, deliver the right message at the right time, and help customers feel understood and valued.
2. What types of routine or repetitive tasks can AI automate?
AI is ideal for automating repetitive and routine tasks, like appointment scheduling, invoice processing, email responses, and data entry. This feature saves valuable time for your team to focus on strategic activities and human-led work.
3. Can AI handle complex or advanced business operations?
Yes, through machine learning, neural networks, and AI-powered tools, modern systems can now handle complex tasks such as fraud detection, supply chain management, and advanced analytics. These systems process vast amounts of data in real time, uncovering patterns that would be difficult to detect manually.
4. What role does AI play in customer relationship management?
AI enhances customer relationship management (CRM) by analysing past interactions, predicting future behaviours, and proposing actionable insights. It can also automate lead scoring, follow-up messages, and personalised outreach, improving customer engagement while reducing manual tasks.
5. How does AI support business intelligence and data-driven decisions?
AI-driven Business Intelligence systems help business leaders convert raw data into valuable insights. By integrating artificial intelligence tools into reporting, businesses can make more data-driven decisions, improve forecasting accuracy, and gain a competitive edge in their market.
6. What is robotic process automation, and how does it differ from AI?
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses software robots to mimic rule-based tasks usually done by humans, such as logging into systems, extracting data, and inputting information. Unlike AI, RPA doesn’t “learn” over time. However, when combined with AI-powered systems, RPA can handle both repetitive processes and more dynamic decision-making, making it a powerful business automation strategy.
7. How does AI reduce operational costs?
By automating mundane tasks and improving processing time while minimising human error, AI reduces operational costs across departments. Whether you’re looking at marketing campaigns, supply chain operations, or customer service operations, AI helps streamline processes and deliver more for less.
8. What kind of marketing improvements can AI offer?
AI can optimise your marketing efforts by targeting the right audience, generating content suggestions, automating email workflows, and measuring campaign performance in real time. Predictive analytics helps identify which customers are most likely to convert, increasing your return on investment.
9. How does AI improve customer service operations?
AI enhances customer service operations through AI-powered chatbots, automated ticketing, and sentiment analysis. It enables businesses to respond instantly, prioritise urgent issues, and provide consistent support, improving both efficiency and the overall customer experience.
10. Are there any potential risks with using AI in business?
Yes, like any transformative tool, AI can come with risks if not implemented correctly or if the wrong systems are used. These may include over-reliance on automation or poor integration, leading to inconsistent experiences. However, with proper risk management and guided implementation from Mark, these risks can be mitigated and controlled.
11. How can integrating AI support my overall business objectives?
Integrating AI helps you align operations with your business objectives by removing inefficiencies, enabling smarter forecasting, and increasing agility. Whether your goal is growth, profitability, or better service delivery, AI provides the tools to achieve them faster.
12. Is AI only for large organisations, or can small businesses also benefit?
AI is not limited to large corporations. A wide range of business leaders across sectors are already using AI-powered tools to handle admin, improve lead conversion, and simplify decision-making. The key is choosing the right solution for your business size, goals, and current challenges. Book a no-obligation consultation to discover how AI could save you time, reduce costs, and simplify your day-to-day operations
