In the current AI discussion, I see a clear starting point for most SMEs: AI is being used for the Internal efficiency. You speed up processes, reduce costs and take the pressure off the team. This is the important, defensive first step and the basis for everything else.
But some companies are not stopping there. They are using this new efficiency as a foundation for the second, offensive step: they are making AI the Growth engine and thus create a real customer advantage and new business models.
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AI as a growth driver
What does this look like in practice? Here are three examples of AI-supported business models:
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From machine manufacturer to "Uptime-as-a-Service" provider: A manufacturer of production systems no longer just sells the machine, but guarantees its availability. AI-supported sensors enable predictive maintenance and make operation plannable and worry-free for the customer.
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From law firm to provider of legal diagnostics: A law firm develops an AI tool that provides potential clients with a cost-effective initial analysis of their contracts for typical risks. This tool solves an immediate customer problem and generates qualified leads.
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From craft business to AI-supported planner: A carpentry company offers an online AI tool that allows customers to visualize their dream interior in 3D and receive a precise quote immediately, transforming the lengthy planning process into a fast, positive customer experience.
The leap from pure efficiency to a new business model is the real transformation. But it requires a system that supports this change. This is precisely the task of the AI operating system - a blueprint for turning such ideas into reality. Here are its 5 core components:
Step 1: The mindset - from process to business model
The basis is the courage to ask the question "What if...?". The AI-first mindset does not focus on optimizing existing processes, but on inventing completely new added value for the customer with AI.
Step 2: The Tech Engine - the platform for new services
Your tech engine is not just an internal efficiency booster. It is the factory for your new, AI-supported products - from automated diagnostic tools to predictive maintenance platforms.
Step 3: The AI team - the developers of new added value
Your team will go from being pure users to co-developers. They use their expertise and the new AI tools to design innovative solutions that solve real customer problems.
Step 4: The knowledge base - the fuel for AI products
Your unique company knowledge is the exclusive fuel for your AI services. This know-how, structured in a knowledge base, makes it possible to build intelligent products that are relevant for customers.
Step 5: The mastermind principle - sparring for new business models
Every new idea must stand up to a reality check. The peer mastermind is the protected space in which new business models are honed and validated with honest feedback from other managers.
If you're ready to take the next strategic step and rethink your business model with AI, I've got something for you:
The AI workshop for SMEs will be launched soon.
It is an intensive program for a small group of SME managers in which we implement precisely this transformation step by step.
