Everywhere you look, businesses are talking about AI. Some are using it to save hours every week. Others are still asking "what's the point?"
The truth is, AI automation isn't for everyone—at least not yet. But for many Adelaide small businesses, it's already the difference between thriving and surviving.
So how do you know if your business is ready? Take this quick assessment. Answer each question honestly, score yourself, and we'll tell you what it means at the end.
The 8-Question Assessment
Score 1 point for every "yes" answer:
1.重复性任务
Do you have staff members spending more than 5 hours per week on repetitive tasks like answering the same questions, sending follow-up emails, or scheduling appointments?
2. Phone Tag
Do you regularly miss customer calls during business hours and lose potential jobs as a result?
3. Invoicing Pain
Do you struggle with late invoice payments or spend significant time chasing customers for money?
4. Booking Chaos
Do customers frequently book, no-show, or cancel at the last minute without notice?
5. Review Deficit
Have you noticed that happy customers rarely leave reviews, while negative experiences seem to get shared widely?
6. Growth Block
Do you feel like you've hit a growth ceiling—more work means more stress, not more profit?
7. Data Overload
Do you have customer information scattered across multiple systems (phone, email, paper notes, different apps) with no central view?
8. Time Scarcity
Do you regularly work evenings and weekends on admin tasks that feel like they should be automated?
Your Score: What It Means
0-3 Points: Not Quite Ready
Your business is running relatively smoothly. You might not need heavy AI automation right now, but it's worth keeping an eye on what's possible. Small tweaks might help, but you're not leaving significant money on the table.
Action: Bookmark this page. Check back in 6-12 months as AI tools become even more accessible.
4-6 Points: Opportunities Exist
You're losing time and money to inefficient processes. There's definite scope for AI automation, but you don't need a complete overhaul. Start with one or two pain points—missed calls, booking management, or invoice follow-ups.
Action: Pick your biggest pain point and explore automation options. A small investment now could save you 5-10 hours per week.
7-8 Points: You're Ready—And Probably Overdue
Your business is ripe for AI automation. You're likely losing thousands of dollars every month to inefficiencies that could be solved with the right tools. The good news? The fix is probably simpler and cheaper than you think.
Action: Book a free consultation. Identify your top 3 pain points and get a custom plan. Most businesses in this range see ROI within 30-60 days.
The Bottom Line
Here's what this assessment really measures: is your business spending too much time on tasks that don't need human creativity or judgment?
If the answer is yes—and for most Adelaide small businesses, it is—then AI automation isn't a luxury. It's a necessity.
The tools exist. They're affordable. And they work while you focus on what actually matters: running your business, serving your customers, and (hopefully) having a life outside work.
Where does your business score?