July 2026-Taking A First Step with AI

This is the fourth blog in our series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business Development.

Previous blogs on AI were published in September 2024, December 2025, and February 2026. This blog builds on those discussions by focusing on practical steps managers can take to better understand and implement AI in the workplace.

Whether your organization has adopted AI or not, staying informed is increasingly important. If not for your organization, then for your own professional development and continued relevance in today's business environment.

The first step is education. Take advantage of the many free online AI training courses offered by organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn. Some courses provide a general introduction while others focus on specific tools or applications. Regardless of your level of experience, these courses provide a solid foundation.

Next, develop a working inventory of AI tools. Begin with the tools you already know and continue expanding the list as you complete training and discover new products. Create a simple table identifying the provider, product, and functionality. Then evaluate which tools best support the work you perform. Some excel at analytics, others at technical writing, graphics, presentations, or data visualization.

As you identify the tools that provide value, develop a workflow around them. Sometimes referred to as "stacking," this means arranging multiple AI tools to support a specific business process. For example, your proposal development process might use one tool for outlining, another for writing, another for tables and charts, and another for graphics. The result is higher-quality work, fewer errors, and less time and effort.

Finally, formalize your organization's approach to AI. Develop policies and procedures that define when AI should be used, the tools you use and why, how data is entered, quality assurance methods, review and approval requirements, and any restrictions on its use. Train your staff in those procedures and as experience grows, continue refining procedures to maximize the benefits AI can provide.