How To Solve Any Business Problem With Ai
Why This Matter
Running a business today isn’t easy.
You’re constantly juggling:
Staff issues
Messy systems
Outdated tools
Stock headaches
Cash flow stress
The good news?
AI can help you solve all of these faster, smarter, and more affordably, if you know how.
This guide will show you exactly how to do that, using a simple method called The 5Ms.
The 5Ms: Your Business Problem Decoder
Before you throw tech at your problems, step back and ask:
What’s actually broken?
Most business challenges fit into these 5Ms:
Welcome to the Envelope Budgeting Method the street-smart way to take control of your business cash without a finance degree or expensive software.
M
Man
Method
Machinery
Material
Money
What It Means
Your people & team
Your tools & technology
Your stock & supplies
Your processes & workflows
Your finances
Typical Issues
Low productivity, burnout, bad communication
Messy systems, missed deadlines
Old software, broken equipment
Stock shortages, delivery delays
Cash gaps, rising expenses
Step 1: Find the Real Problem
Use these tools to find the root cause of your issue:
The 5 Whys Method:
Keep asking “Why?” until you hit the real problem.
Learn how here ➔Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa):
Map out all possible causes visually.
Try Lucidchart’s Fishbone Tool ➔Collect Real Data:
Use your reports, customer feedback, and process logs to get the full picture.
Step 2: Use AI to Diagnose the Problem
Once you know the “M,” use AI to dig deeper and spot patterns you’re missing.
Helpful AI Tools:
Helpful AI Tools:
ChatGPT – Brainstorm solutions and ask AI for ideas.
Example: “What causes staff burnout in small businesses?”Claude AI – A user-friendly AI assistantgreat for brainstorming.
Celonis – AI-powered process mining to find workflow bottlenecks.
UiPath Process Mining – Discover inefficiencies in your systems.
Power BI with AI Insights – Analyze sales, team performance, or marketing ROI.
Step 3: Match the Problem to the Right AI Tool
Here’s your Street-Smart Cheat Sheet:
M
Man
Method
Machinery
Material
Money
AI Solution
AI Training, HR Chatbots
Workflow Automation, Process Mining
Predictive Maintenance, IT Monitoring
AI Inventory & Demand Forecasting
Cash Flow AI, Accounting AI, Pricing AI
Example Tool with Link
Real-World AI Business Wins
1. (Man) Fixing Staff Problems
Problem: Construction company faced delays from poor scheduling.
AI Fix: Used TimeHero to auto-assign jobs based on availability and weather.
Result: 27% fewer project delays in 90 days.
2. (Method) Solving Process Bottlenecks
3. (Machinery) Reducing Equipment Downtime
Problem: Machines kept breaking without warning.
AI Fix: Installed IoT sensors and AI predictive maintenance.
Result: Cut machine downtime by 50%.
4. (Material) Managing Stock Smarter
Problem: Small retailer lost sales due to stockouts.
AI Fix: Used Lily AI to predict when to reorder.
Result: Reduced lost sales and slashed overstocking.
5. (Money) Fixing Cash Flow Gaps
Step 4: Put AI Into Action—The Street-Smart Way
Follow this simple 5-step plan:
1. Pick One Problem First
Focus on the issue draining your time or money.
2. Choose the Right AI Tool
Try free versions first:
ChatGPT for brainstorming
Zapier for automation
Float for cash flow planning
Perplexity AI for research
3. Create a Simple SOP
An SOP is a simple, step-by-step guide that tells you (or your team) exactly how to do a task the same way every time.
Write down exactly how you’ll use the tool.
Example: “Every Monday, run ChatGPT to check sales reports for unusual trends.”
4. Train Your Team
Use YouTube tutorials or micro-courses on AI to get your team involved.
5. Track Results
Measure time saved, costs reduced, or revenue gained. Adjust as needed.
Step 5: Use AI to Prevent Future Problems
Once you fix today’s problem, set AI up to catch the next one before it happens.
Here’s How:
Set Alerts:
Use Float or Jirav to warn you when cash gets low.Automate Reports:
Connect ChatGPT to Google Sheets or QuickBooks for weekly summaries.Create Dashboards:
Use Looker Studio or Power BI to see your business health in real-time.
Final Thoughts: Street Smart + AI = Your Business Advantage
AI isn’t about robots taking over—it’s about:
Saving time
Cutting costs
Making smarter decisions
Growing your business without working harder
Start small.
Act smart.
Build confidence step by step.
Ready To Get Started?
Want street-smart business and accounting skills with simple, real-world AI strategies?
Join Street Smart Business Secrets for short, sharp, super simple video courses that’ll skyrocket your business confidence.
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Disclaimer: The content shared on this blog and in these videos is for informational and educational purposes only. Despite my 30 years of experience as a business owner, I am not a certified financial advisor, accountant, or legal professional. The insights and tips shared are based on personal experiences and should not be taken as professional financial or legal advice. For financial, legal, or professional advice, please consult with a certified professional in the respective field. I disclaim any liability or responsibility for actions taken based on any information found in this blog or these videos.
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