The job is done, but you're still at your desk writing the customer follow-up. Tomorrow's work is waiting while you sort through today's notes. Start with this small piece of admin, not a whole new system.
Edition 2, Practical guidance on AI, operations, and building more valuable businesses.
3 everyday tasks AI can take off your plate this week
I recommend a small test: turn rough notes into next steps, email drafts, and reminder text.
By Michael R Garsow, October 13, 2026, 2‑minute readA current development
A national survey of 691 small business owners, released October 1, found 43% now use AI. Among them, 93% say it saves time and more than half save five or more hours a week.
Source: Heartland Small Businesses Match the Nation on AI Adoption as Owners Say AI Boosts Their Bottom Line, Heartland Forward, published 2026-10-01
Why it matters
The owners getting time back are not using exotic tools. They are handing routine writing and follow-up to AI and keeping the decisions.
What it means for you
Pick one weekly task you repeat, try it with AI for two weeks, and track the minutes you actually save.
One follow-up, three small tasks
Right customer
Check names and job details.
Plain request
Make the needed reply clear.
Your voice
Cut words you wouldn't say.
Pull next steps from notes
Start with the loose ends. Try ChatGPT with a made-up set of job notes.
Ask for a short list of what needs doing, who needs to act, and which details are missing. Compare that list with your notes before using it.
AI can miss or invent details; use made-up notes for practice and check drafts before sending.
Turn the list into an email
Give the draft a clear job. Ask for a brief customer email using only the facts you've checked.
Illustrative example: A landscaper's notes say the customer still needs to choose mulch. Delivery hasn't been set.
The draft should ask for the mulch choice, not suggest a delivery day. You decide what to offer next.
Write the reminder text
Prepare the next touch. Ask for a short reminder you could use if the customer doesn't reply.
Save it as a draft. Pick the date yourself and add a reminder to your calendar. Drafting the words isn't the same as setting up an automatic send.
Put it into practice
Try a small test this week
1
Pick one person to test this with you, rather than asking the whole team to change.
2
Set a baseline: Write one follow-up your usual way and note how long it takes.
3
Compare the work: Try the same task with AI, including time spent checking and fixing.
4
Keep or drop it: Use the approach only if the full task feels easier.
My view
Five hours a week is real, but only if the task finishes with less fuss. A polished email isn't the goal; a follow-up done with no extra cleanup is.
Talk with Michael
Start a conversation and tell me which part of customer follow-ups keeps landing on your desk. I'll help you think through a sensible first test.
P.S. Forward this to the person who helps keep your customer messages moving.
Sources
- Heartland Small Businesses Match the Nation on AI Adoption as Owners Say AI Boosts Their Bottom Line, heartlandforward.org, 2026-10-01
Michael R Garsow
Consulting, brokerage and AI for privately held businesses
Thinking about what AI could mean for your business? Schedule a time to talk at michaelgarsow.com.
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Practical guidance on AI, operations, and building more valuable businesses.