Ode to Bookkeeping.. err AI?
Ohhh man,
This poem is genuinely fantastic.
Check it out below!
Bookkeeping, oh bookkeeping,
The art of numbers and keeping track,
It may not seem like much to some,
But it's a vital skill that we should not lack.
It keeps us on the straight and narrow,
And prevents us from going astray,
A roadmap to our financial future,
Helping us along the way.
So let us not underestimate,
The importance of bookkeeping in our life,
For it's a skill that we all need,
To keep our finances free from strife.
With bookkeeping in our hands,
We can plan and save and grow,
And have the confidence to face,
Whatever financial challenges may show.
It helps us make decisions wise,
Based on the numbers that we see,
To analyze and strategize,
And plan for what's to be.
For every business, big or small,
Bookkeeping is essential to keep,
Track of expenses, income, and more,
So the financials don't run too deep.
Bookkeeping, oh bookkeeping,
A skill that we should not ignore,
For with it, we can build our dreams,
And reach financial success galore.
While I'd love to take credit for that beautiful poem.. I have to admit AI wrote it.
For some, change is happening too fast; for others its not happening fast enough.
Look, there is a lot going on around this and here is my take -
Being a business owner this day in age is challenging.
The layers of rules and regulations get more complex every day. Not even taking into consideration industry norms to be navigated.
Now please don't mistake my words, I agree with having rules and regulations. They are what create a civilized society where everyone is equally protected.
We have a long way to go with that on many levels but I digress..
There also needs to be more transparency around where AI sources the information it's producing. Ya know.. rules and regulations, ha!
But okay, enough of my soap box - back to the point...
Business owners also now have social media.. a relatively new beast that most entrepreneurs spend HOURS a week on for their business.
It's a lot and there keeps being more every day.
I'm personally a huge fan of automation.
One of the most significant benefits of AI for small business owners is the ability to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
Let's be real - how many of y'all actually like doing data entry?
I'm an accountant and it's no where NEAR the top of my list.
I have a time tracker, that feeds into my QBO, that generates my invoices at a click of a button. QBO also has a pretty rad receipt management tool, too.
We are fully immersed in AI every day - we have auto bill payments, auto correct, chatbots, GPS.. hell social media!
When we automate and ethically use AI, it frees up so much of the burden and allows us to be humans (err minus social media..), allowing us to do all the things we really like doing.
It spurs growth and innovation.
If you are holding onto the fear of the worst case scenario instead of embracing the gift that's been given.. I want to challenge you to pinpoint where else you're doing this in your life.
Really take a look at your thoughts.
I'll give you a fun and dramatic example:
It's been claimed that The Federal Teacher said "Ballpoint pens will be the ruin of education in our country."
No one can quite pin down if this was a legitimately quote or not so it's been chalked up to satirical but my point still stands.
Throughout our history, there have always been breakthroughs in innovation and people saying it's the end of the world.
It never is.
It may be the end of that chapter, but there will always be more chapters full of exciting new things.
So I ask -
What are you afraid of on the other side of the unknown that's paralyzing you in your business and your finances?
What are the 'what if's' playing in your head that have turned into a story that then turn into a belief?
Are those beliefs based in reality.. or are they based in fear?
As a business owner, you, my friend, have chosen to be a leader.
Great leaders do not allow fear to be the end result.
Great leaders embrace change.
Great leaders see their weaknesses as opportunities for growth.
Great leaders seek help when needed.
I for one, cannot wait for this next exciting chapter.
Where in your business are you a great leader?
And hey, where do you use AI?
Comment below or email me at audrey@thegracefulpenny.com