Today, nearly every industry is evolving, and one of the strongest forces behind this evolution is artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Business leaders and entrepreneurs are rethinking how they grow, compete, and operate. AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s become a key part of planning and strategy.
1. 91% of top-performing companies are investing in AI initiatives
High-performing businesses aren’t guessing—they’re betting on AI
When you look at companies that are leading in their industries, nearly all of them are investing in AI. That’s not a coincidence. These businesses have figured out that AI is not a side project—it’s central to staying ahead.
How this should influence your strategy
If your business plan doesn’t include some form of AI, now’s the time to reconsider. Start by identifying the parts of your operation that feel slow, repetitive, or prone to error. These are your best candidates for automation.
For example, many businesses begin with customer service. Tools like AI chatbots or automated ticketing systems can help you respond to inquiries faster. Others focus on marketing automation—sending the right message to the right person at the right time.
You don’t need a full team of data scientists to start using AI. There are affordable tools today that let even small teams harness automation. What matters is starting small and expanding from there. Watch what the top performers are doing—but also tailor it to your business size and goals.
2. 77% of businesses have adopted AI in some form
AI adoption is mainstream, not niche
This isn’t just about tech giants anymore. Most businesses—small, medium, or large—are already using AI in one way or another. Whether it’s using tools for writing product descriptions, automating reports, or analyzing customer behavior, AI is becoming part of everyday workflows.
What you can do today
First, ask yourself: where are we already using AI without realizing it? That could be Google Ads’ smart bidding, your email marketing platform’s optimization engine, or even your CRM tool recommending next steps. If you’re already using these, great—now it’s time to build on that.
Next, pick a core area to experiment further. For example, if your sales team is overloaded, look into AI tools that automate lead scoring. If you’re drowning in data, consider AI dashboards that generate insights automatically.
The key is to keep things practical. Focus on what will save time or increase clarity. Adoption doesn’t mean overhauling your company—it means improving what you already do.
3. 68% of business plans in tech sectors include AI or automation strategies
The tech world is leading by example
In tech-focused industries, AI is becoming standard. Business plans in these sectors almost always include a roadmap for AI or automation. Why? Because customers expect smarter products and more personalized experiences. Falling behind means becoming irrelevant.
How to make your plan stand out
Even if you’re not in tech, there’s a lot to learn here. First, understand that AI isn’t always about machine learning or robotics. It’s about making your business smarter. That can be through automated testing, intelligent dashboards, or better customer segmentation.
In your business plan, be specific. Don’t just say you want to “use AI”—explain how and why. Investors want clarity. Describe which parts of your operations will benefit most, what tools or platforms you’ll use, and how you’ll measure success.
You’ll also want to think about the long game. AI changes fast, so you’ll need to build in room to adapt. Keep your AI goals flexible, but tie them to real business outcomes like customer retention or speed to market.
4. 61% of financial services firms report AI is part of their long-term business plan
Fintech is built on intelligence
Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies aren’t known for moving fast—until recently. Now, over half of them are baking AI into their long-term strategy. Why? Because the stakes are high. Fraud detection, personalized financial advice, and risk modeling all depend on smarter tools.
How your business can follow suit
Whether you’re in finance or not, take a page from their playbook. Start with data. Financial firms thrive on accurate, real-time data, and they’re using AI to spot patterns and make decisions faster.
If your business handles customer data, you can use AI for predictive analytics. For example, you can spot which customers are likely to churn and take action early. Or use AI to improve financial forecasting and budget planning.
Even small businesses can do this. Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and others now offer basic AI features built in. You don’t need custom models—just make sure you’re using the smartest version of the tools you already pay for.
5. 56% of healthcare organizations include AI goals in strategic planning
Healthcare is going digital—with AI leading the charge
Hospitals and clinics are realizing that automation can save time, cut costs, and even save lives. AI is being used to diagnose illnesses faster, monitor patients remotely, and automate tedious paperwork.
What every business can learn from this
No matter your industry, time is one of your most valuable resources. Healthcare companies are using AI to free up doctors and nurses. You can use AI to free up your team for high-value work, too.
Start with administrative tasks. These are often repetitive and take up more time than we realize. Automating scheduling, billing, or reporting can save hours every week.
If you’re in a service business, consider how AI can help with personalization. In healthcare, AI looks at patient history to suggest treatments. In your business, it might recommend products or services based on customer behavior.
Healthcare is about trust, and AI is helping improve both speed and accuracy. Aim for the same in your business: smarter service, fewer errors, and more trust from your customers.
6. 59% of retail business plans mention automation as a key objective
Retailers are automating to survive and scale
In the retail world, margins are tight and competition is fierce. That’s why nearly 6 out of 10 retail businesses are now building automation right into their strategy. Whether it’s inventory management, checkout systems, or delivery logistics, automation helps them move faster and serve customers better.
What this means for your business
Look at the parts of your customer journey that feel clunky. Are people abandoning their carts? Are you missing opportunities to restock popular products? Automation can help fix that.
For example, automated stock alerts ensure you don’t miss a sale because you’re out of inventory. Email automation can bring customers back when they leave without purchasing. Even AI-powered visual search tools are becoming common in ecommerce.
Start small by focusing on what affects your revenue most. Automate that first. Then layer on more as you go. Don’t think of automation as replacing people—think of it as giving your team more time to do the things that matter most.
7. 45% of small-to-medium businesses include AI in their business roadmaps
Even smaller players are stepping up
You might think AI is only for giants with huge budgets. But nearly half of small and mid-sized businesses are already planning for it. That’s because the tools are getting cheaper and easier to use.
What to consider if you’re running a growing business
Start by choosing a core pain point. Maybe it’s customer support. Or lead generation. Or financial tracking. There are AI tools now that are built specifically for small business owners. They’re affordable, require no coding, and can deliver results fast.
Tools like Jasper for content, Pictory for video, and Tidio for chatbots can make your team feel twice as big.
Don’t try to build a complicated AI model right away. Focus on results. Try one tool for 30 days, measure how it helps, then either scale it or try something else. Over time, your roadmap will naturally grow stronger and more integrated.
8. 89% of enterprise-level companies have AI or automation goals outlined
Enterprises are making AI non-negotiable
Big companies have big goals—and even bigger challenges. That’s why almost 9 in 10 are putting automation and AI at the heart of their strategy. It helps them cut costs, improve consistency, and innovate faster than their competitors.
How this sets a benchmark for everyone else
Even if you’re not a huge enterprise, you can learn from how they plan. They don’t just use AI to make small improvements—they tie it to revenue, operations, and product development.
In your business, ask yourself: where can AI give you a real edge? It might be better customer insights. Or automated pricing. Or faster onboarding for new clients.
You should also think about scalability. As your business grows, will your current systems hold up? Start laying the foundation now, so you’re not scrambling to catch up later.
9. 63% of companies using AI say it’s part of their core business strategy
AI isn’t an add-on anymore—it’s core
For most businesses already using AI, it’s not a side project—it’s central. It helps shape their vision, streamline decision-making, and create better customer experiences.
How to build AI into your strategy from day one
If you’re writing or revising your business plan, don’t tuck AI into the appendix. Bring it right into your main goals. Talk about how it’ll help you grow, compete, and deliver value.
This might mean changing how you measure success. Traditional KPIs like hours worked or manual tasks completed may not matter as much anymore. Instead, look at speed, accuracy, and personalization.
Also, don’t forget your team. Help them understand how AI can support—not replace—their work. Give them tools and training, and keep the lines of communication open. When your whole team is behind your AI strategy, it’s much more likely to succeed.
10. 48% of business leaders plan to increase AI investment in the next year
The pace of investment is picking up
Nearly half of decision-makers are not just keeping their AI budgets steady—they’re increasing them. That’s a sign that AI is delivering real value, not just hype.
How to decide where to invest
Start by reviewing where you’ve already seen success. Are there any areas where AI has saved time or boosted results? If yes, double down. If no, ask why. Maybe the tool wasn’t a good fit—or maybe the timing wasn’t right.
You should also look at industry trends. What are your competitors doing? What are your customers asking for?
When deciding how much to spend, think of it like investing in training, tools, or infrastructure. The return might not be immediate—but over time, it adds up. And the cost of falling behind is much higher.
11. 70% of CEOs say AI is critical to future business success
Leadership is aligning with innovation
When seven out of ten CEOs agree that AI is essential for the future, it’s clear that the conversation has shifted. This isn’t just a tech topic—it’s a boardroom priority. Top executives now see AI as a necessary part of staying competitive, profitable, and agile.
What this means for business owners and managers
You don’t have to be running a multinational company to take this seriously. If AI is on the mind of global CEOs, it should at least be part of your planning discussions. That means making room for AI in your roadmap and aligning your goals accordingly.
Start by educating your leadership team. Share simple examples of how AI is being used in your industry. From chatbots to data analysis, there are countless ways to use AI that don’t require massive investment.
Then, align your strategic goals with smart tech. Want to grow your customer base? Use AI to personalize marketing. Want to reduce costs? Use automation to cut down on time-consuming manual work.
The most important part is having leadership buy-in. Without that, AI initiatives often stall. CEOs and founders need to lead by example—supporting innovation and encouraging teams to think smarter, not just work harder.
12. 57% of supply chain business plans incorporate automation initiatives
The supply chain is getting smarter and faster
From warehouses to delivery trucks, automation is transforming how goods move from one place to another. Over half of supply chain businesses are already making automation part of their core planning—and the results speak for themselves.
How to bring automation into your operations
Whether you’re a product-based business or simply manage logistics, you can benefit from automation. Start with inventory management. Tools that automatically track stock levels and reorder items can prevent delays and lost sales.
Next, look at shipping and fulfillment. Many companies now use AI to find the best delivery routes, reduce fuel costs, and track orders in real time. Even basic automations like printing shipping labels or updating customers about delivery status can save time and improve service.
The bottom line? If your business touches physical goods, automation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage. Begin by mapping your process, then identify the steps that take the most time or cause the most delays. That’s where automation will have the biggest impact.
13. 40% of HR departments include AI-driven tools in their planning
Hiring and managing people with help from AI
Human resources might not seem like a tech-heavy department—but that’s changing fast. From recruiting to onboarding and even employee engagement, AI tools are playing a bigger role than ever.
How to use AI in your HR efforts
Recruitment is a great starting point. AI can help screen resumes, schedule interviews, and even suggest the best candidates based on past hiring patterns. It speeds up the process and helps avoid bias.
Once someone joins your team, AI can support training too. Intelligent learning platforms recommend courses based on an employee’s role and performance, making onboarding smoother and more tailored.
Even internal feedback can benefit. AI tools can analyze employee surveys to find hidden issues—before they become bigger problems. This helps leaders act faster and retain top talent.
As your team grows, managing people becomes more complex. AI helps simplify things so you can focus on culture, leadership, and growth—not paperwork.
14. 66% of marketing strategies now reference AI or automation tools
Smart marketing is data-driven and automated
Two-thirds of marketers are now using AI to create, deliver, and optimize their campaigns. Why? Because it works. AI can analyze tons of data in seconds and help marketers make better decisions in real time.
How to apply AI in your own marketing
Start with content. AI can help you write better emails, create social media posts, or even suggest topics your audience cares about. Tools like ChatGPT, Copy.ai, and SurferSEO can give your team a serious productivity boost.
Next, look at personalization. AI can segment your email list and send different messages to different groups based on behavior. This leads to higher open rates, more clicks, and more sales.
Then there’s analytics. AI-powered dashboards help you see what’s working—and what’s not—without spending hours crunching numbers. You can track campaign performance, understand customer journeys, and adjust on the fly.
Marketing is about the right message at the right time. AI helps make that possible—without burning out your team.
15. 73% of business plans in manufacturing include robotics or automation goals
Manufacturing is embracing machines and moving faster
In factories and production plants, speed and precision matter. That’s why nearly three-quarters of manufacturing businesses now include automation or robotics in their planning. From assembling products to monitoring quality, machines are making work smoother and smarter.
How any business can take cues from manufacturing
Even if you don’t run a factory, you can apply some of these same ideas. Think about where your processes involve repetitive work. That’s where automation shines.
For example, you might use workflow tools to automate document approvals, invoices, or internal requests. Or you could automate time tracking and project updates.
The trick is to think like a manufacturer: how can I do this faster, with fewer errors? Whether it’s digital or physical work, automation helps standardize and scale your operations.
In your business plan, be clear about how automation will support production, quality, or delivery. This shows foresight and efficiency—two things investors and partners love to see.
16. 50% of customer service business plans use AI chatbots or virtual agents
The new frontline: AI-powered service
Half of all customer service plans now include AI tools like chatbots. That’s because these tools can respond instantly, 24/7, and handle thousands of inquiries without needing breaks or sleep.
Why this matters—and how to implement it
Customer expectations are rising. They want fast, helpful responses. AI makes that possible even with a small team. Chatbots can answer FAQs, route requests, and even help customers complete purchases.
You don’t have to build one from scratch. Tools like Tidio, Intercom, and Drift offer plug-and-play solutions that work out of the box. You can train them over time to get smarter, and even escalate tricky questions to a human rep.
The key is balance. Don’t let AI replace the human touch entirely. Use it to filter and fast-track issues so your team can focus on complex or emotional conversations.
Done right, AI makes your service feel faster, smoother, and more personalized.
17. 82% of businesses using AI report improved efficiency in operations
AI is proving its value with real-time gains
When more than 8 out of 10 businesses say AI has made them more efficient, it’s time to pay attention. This isn’t about hope—it’s about results. Companies are saving time, reducing errors, and getting more done with fewer resources.
What this looks like in practice
Efficiency doesn’t always mean cutting staff or reducing effort. Often, it means giving your people better tools. With AI, you can simplify processes like reporting, scheduling, and data entry. These are tasks that can quietly eat up hours each week.
For example, if you run a service business, AI can automatically assign tasks based on availability. In project management, it can track deadlines and flag risks before they happen. In sales, it can prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert.
To see gains in your own business, start by measuring current workloads. Find out which activities take the most time and deliver the least value. Then test one AI tool in that area. Give it a fair run—maybe 30 or 60 days—and compare the results.
Efficiency isn’t just about speed. It’s about doing things right, with less hassle. And AI helps you get there.
18. 36% of public sector business plans include AI or automation
Government and public services are catching up
While often slower to adapt, even public sector organizations are seeing the benefits of AI. Over a third are now planning for it. From traffic control to tax filing, automation is helping systems run more smoothly.
Why this matters for private businesses
If public institutions are adopting AI, that signals trust. It also sets new standards for customer expectations. People are getting used to faster, smarter systems—and your business needs to keep up.
You can take inspiration from government uses of AI. Think of chatbots for answering questions, auto-sorting incoming forms or messages, and using data to spot trends. These are all things your business can do too, often with free or affordable tools.
Also, consider partnerships. Many public agencies are now working with startups and private firms to improve services. If your business offers AI-related solutions, this could be an opportunity for new contracts and growth.
Whether you serve consumers or institutions, staying in step with the public sector helps future-proof your business.
19. 41% of education sector plans integrate AI-driven learning tools
AI is helping people learn faster and better
Education is no longer limited to classrooms and textbooks. Nearly half of education providers are now using AI to deliver more personalized, engaging learning experiences. That includes everything from online tutors to predictive student performance models.
How this idea can be used in other businesses
Even if you’re not in the education space, your business still needs to train people—whether that’s onboarding new hires, teaching clients, or growing your own team.
AI can help deliver training that adapts to each person’s needs. Platforms like LearnUpon or Docebo use AI to recommend lessons, track progress, and assess understanding. That leads to better learning and less time wasted.
You can also use AI to create more interactive content. Instead of static PDFs, try using tools that turn your knowledge into quizzes, short videos, or simulations.
If you run a coaching, training, or consulting business, this is especially valuable. AI helps you serve more people without sacrificing quality.
20. 78% of logistics and transportation firms use automation in planning
Getting from point A to B just got smarter
In logistics, timing is everything. That’s why nearly 8 in 10 companies are now using automation to plan and manage the movement of goods. It helps reduce fuel costs, avoid delays, and keep customers happy.
How this planning approach can help your business
You don’t need a fleet of trucks to benefit from logistics automation. Even if you just ship products or coordinate remote teams, AI can help with scheduling, routing, and notifications.
Start by mapping out your daily or weekly operations. Look for repeatable steps that follow a clear pattern. These are great candidates for automation.
If you manage deliveries, consider tools like Route4Me or ShipStation. If you coordinate team schedules, try AI scheduling assistants that consider preferences and availability automatically.
Smart planning doesn’t just make things run smoother—it frees up your mental energy for the big-picture thinking that drives growth.
21. 53% of legal firms are exploring AI for document review and research
Law is going digital—and fast
Law firms are known for mountains of paperwork. Now, over half are looking to AI to help sort, scan, and analyze those documents more quickly and accurately.
What you can take from this trend
Even if you’re not in law, you probably deal with contracts, invoices, or reports. These often include repetitive tasks like scanning for keywords, extracting dates, or comparing clauses. AI can take over those jobs.
For example, tools like Kira Systems or Luminance use AI to review contracts and spot issues. Smaller businesses can use tools like OCR scanners combined with AI-based document managers to tag and sort files.
If your business involves compliance, research, or audits, this is a game-changer. Start small—pick one process to automate and see what time it saves. Often, that gain can be reinvested into growth or innovation elsewhere.
22. 34% of real estate companies include AI analytics in their strategy
AI is changing how property decisions are made
From pricing properties to predicting market shifts, real estate is leaning on AI for smarter insights. Over a third of real estate businesses are now including this in their core strategy.
Using predictive tools to make smarter decisions
You don’t have to be in real estate to appreciate this. If your business deals with markets, customers, or pricing, AI can give you insights based on patterns you might miss.
For example, AI can tell you when demand is likely to peak, what price ranges are most effective, or which customers are ready to buy. These tools used to be reserved for analysts—but now they’re built into many platforms.
You can start with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even Google’s Looker Studio. They now offer AI-driven forecasting, segmentation, and visualization tools that anyone can use.
In your business plan, show how data will guide your decisions—not just experience or guesswork. This gives investors and partners more confidence in your strategy.
23. 64% of telecom business plans have AI network optimization goals
The digital backbone is being rebuilt with AI
Telecom companies handle massive networks that need constant monitoring, optimization, and scaling. That’s why nearly two-thirds are now using AI to improve how these systems run—faster connections, fewer outages, and smarter troubleshooting.
Applying this mindset in your own business
Think of your business as a network too. You may not deal with towers and fiber cables, but you have systems—websites, communication tools, customer databases—that need to run smoothly.
AI can monitor your digital infrastructure just like it does for telecoms. For example, you can use AI to monitor your website for downtime or flag security issues. If you have customer service systems, AI can analyze conversations to find common complaints or drop-off points.
Optimization is about improving what already exists. You don’t have to start from scratch—just upgrade what’s working. A faster website, better load times, or clearer customer data can all lead to better outcomes.
Build this into your plan by focusing on the systems that affect your customer experience most. Use AI to optimize those touchpoints, and you’ll see the benefits ripple outward.
24. 52% of energy and utilities firms plan to expand AI capabilities
Smart grids, smart energy, smart strategy
Energy and utility companies are under pressure to modernize. Over half are using AI to predict usage, manage supply, and detect faults early. These systems are becoming smarter and more reliable, which benefits everyone.
How to bring this thinking into your own planning
Think about your business as a system of inputs and outputs. Energy companies use AI to match supply with demand—you can do the same with your resources, people, or inventory.
Maybe you want to reduce costs by better managing office space or staff time. AI can track patterns and suggest more efficient setups. Maybe you want to forecast resource needs—again, AI tools can help.
One of the biggest gains energy companies are seeing is from predictive maintenance. You can use similar tools to maintain machines, vehicles, or even IT systems before they break. That saves time and prevents costly downtime.
In your plan, show how AI will not just help you grow—but help you avoid waste. That’s a powerful story.
25. 60% of R&D-focused business plans are incorporating AI modeling tools
Research is moving faster with smart modeling
Companies that invest in research and development are turning to AI to simulate, predict, and test ideas—before committing real resources. This is helping them innovate more quickly and reduce risk.
What this means for your innovation strategy
If your business is testing new products, entering new markets, or building something unique, AI modeling can save you time and money. You can simulate customer behavior, pricing scenarios, or even product features using data.
Tools like ChatGPT or Claude can help you draft early concepts or test messaging. More advanced tools like TensorFlow or Runway can help with image recognition, voice testing, or product design.
Even something as simple as A/B testing tools with built-in AI can help you make faster, more informed decisions.
In your business plan, make it clear how you’ll reduce guesswork. Investors love seeing a data-backed approach to innovation—it shows you’re serious about creating something that works, not just something that sounds good.
26. 44% of startups feature AI or automation as a core offering
AI isn’t just being used—it’s being sold
Nearly half of startups today are building their entire business around AI. Whether it’s AI-powered tools, automation platforms, or AI-enhanced services, these companies are making smart tech the product itself.
What you should take away from this trend
Even if you’re not selling AI directly, ask yourself: how can it strengthen your product or service?
Let’s say you offer coaching. Can you use AI to analyze client feedback and improve your methods? Or maybe you sell physical goods—could AI help customers choose the right option faster?
Startups are proving that AI can be both a backend advantage and a front-facing feature. Consider how your business can offer smarter service, faster results, or more tailored experiences through automation.
In your business plan, make AI part of the value you deliver—not just something you use behind the scenes. This positions you as modern, capable, and prepared for growth.
27. 38% of companies list ethical AI practices in their business strategy
Responsibility is becoming a core part of AI adoption
As AI becomes more powerful, companies are realizing they have a responsibility to use it fairly and transparently. Over a third are now including ethics in their official strategies—and that number is only going up.
Why this matters for your reputation and success
Using AI isn’t just about what you can do—it’s also about what you should do. Customers, investors, and regulators want to know you’re thinking about bias, data privacy, and fairness.
This doesn’t mean writing a legal-sounding document. It means making simple commitments like explaining how your AI tools work, being transparent with data collection, and giving people the option to opt out.
If you’re using third-party tools, research how they handle data. Add a few sentences to your business plan about your approach to AI ethics. This shows you’re thinking ahead—and helps build trust with the people who matter most.
28. 67% of digital transformation plans include AI as a primary component
AI is now central to going digital
Digital transformation used to mean getting a website or a CRM. Now, it means using AI to rethink how the entire business works. Two-thirds of digital plans are making AI a top priority—and for good reason.
How to start your own transformation
Going digital doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by identifying areas where you still rely heavily on manual work. This could be scheduling, data entry, approvals, or reporting. Then look for AI tools that automate those processes.
Digital transformation isn’t about technology alone—it’s about changing the way you work. That means retraining your team, redesigning workflows, and measuring new kinds of results.
In your plan, show how AI will help you adapt—not just improve. It’s not about using shiny new tools. It’s about building a business that can grow and respond in real time.
29. 46% of annual reports now highlight AI or automation goals
AI is making its way into the boardroom
Almost half of annual reports now include AI as a key focus. That means companies aren’t just experimenting with AI—they’re being held accountable for results.
Why you should follow this lead
Annual reports reflect what companies want to be known for. If they’re putting AI front and center, it shows how important it is to their brand, their strategy, and their growth story.
You might not publish an annual report, but you still have stakeholders—partners, investors, customers. Be transparent about how you’re using AI. It shows confidence and vision.
Consider adding a section to your business plan or pitch deck that outlines your AI roadmap. Talk about what tools you’ll use, what results you expect, and how you’ll stay responsible along the way.
Transparency builds credibility—and that matters in every industry.
30. 71% of investors consider AI integration when evaluating business plans
AI is influencing funding decisions
Investors are paying close attention to how companies plan to use AI. For 7 out of 10, it’s a major factor when deciding where to put their money. They see it as a signal of forward thinking and long-term potential.
How to align your plan with investor expectations
If you’re raising funds, make AI a visible part of your business plan. Even if it’s just one tool you plan to test, show how it connects to your goals—growth, savings, better customer experience.
Be clear about your approach. Investors don’t want hype—they want practical steps. Explain how you’ll implement, measure, and expand your AI strategy. Talk about the risks, too. Show that you’ve thought it through.
Even if you’re not seeking funding now, this mindset can still guide your decisions. Treat your business plan like a pitch—not just for investors, but for your team, your customers, and yourself.
Conclusion
AI and automation are no longer optional—they’re essential. Across industries and company sizes, businesses are building smarter strategies by weaving AI directly into their plans. The numbers don’t lie: if you’re not thinking about AI yet, now is the time.
