In Episode 73, Today’s conversation dives deep with Ken Cox joins us to break down the transformative power of AI in small business operations, specifically through his innovative platform, InLink. He shares his mission to empower entrepreneurs and solopreneurs by offering affordable, scalable solutions that eliminate the hefty fees often associated with marketing services. Ken dives into how Enlink’s AI employees can streamline tasks like customer engagement, project management, and even follow-ups, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively. He emphasizes the importance of training these AI tools as if they were actual employees, ensuring they serve their purpose without overwhelming the human staff. If you’re looking to level up your business and create a community of super fans, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies to help you get there.
Episode Takeaways
- Ken Cox is all about empowering small businesses by providing affordable, scalable solutions through innovative platforms like Enlink.
- The introduction of AI employees into small businesses revolutionizes customer engagement, ensuring no call goes unanswered and inquiries are met in real-time.
- Creating superfans is crucial for business growth; maintaining engagement with existing customers leads to referrals and sustained success.
- Understanding your communication preferences and integrating various modes of outreach can enhance customer satisfaction and streamline business operations.
The 3A (attract, advocate, accelerate) Playbook – Featuring Ken Cox
1. Train Your AI Like a Team Member
Ken emphasized that AI employees aren’t just plug-and-play—they need training and management like any real team member. He encourages business owners to give their AI assistants names, define their roles, and set up clear workflows to ensure consistency and accountability. This approach personalizes the experience for your clients and boosts the effectiveness of automation.
Try this: Assign a name and role to your AI assistant, define its primary tasks, and review its performance weekly—just like you would with a new hire.
2. Automate Follow-Up to Create Superfans
One of the biggest missed opportunities Ken sees in small businesses is poor post-transaction engagement. With AI tools, you can automate personalized follow-ups that keep your brand top of mind and build lasting loyalty. From post-sale thank-you messages to two-year follow-up funnels, the technology is here—and affordable.
Try this: Set up a 6-month automated follow-up sequence for your recent customers using email or text. Include check-ins, tips, and upsell opportunities to keep the relationship warm.