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Is Your Business Falling Behind? Why Ignoring AI Could Be the Biggest Risk You Take in 2025
The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing
Most Australian business leaders don’t need convincing that AI is powerful. What they may not realise is that standing still could be the most dangerous move of all.
According to the Department of Industry’s 2024 Q4 report, 40% of Australian SMEs are now adopting AI — and that number is growing fast. That means if you’re still “waiting to see” how AI plays out… you’re not cautious, you’re getting outpaced.
Let’s be blunt: Inaction is a decision — and it’s the wrong one.
The Problem: SMEs Still Think AI Is for Big Business
Despite progress, many business owners still believe AI is too complex, expensive, or irrelevant to their day-to-day operations. But here’s the truth: that belief is outdated. AI is already being used to automate invoicing, streamline logistics, enhance forecasting, and respond to customer queries in businesses just like yours.
If you’re manually tracking stock, relying on gut feel for scheduling, or spending hours formatting reports — you’re doing the work AI can do faster, better, and cheaper.
The Real Threat: Your Competitors Are Moving
The most dangerous competitor isn’t the biggest — it’s the smartest. And right now, the smartest companies are quietly embedding AI into their operations and pulling ahead.
They’re not trying to build the next ChatGPT. They’re using AI to:
- Reduce cost per order
- Increase supply chain visibility
- Shorten time from quote to delivery
- Free up teams for higher-value work
If you’re still stuck in spreadsheets, you’re already losing ground.
The Opportunity: Start Small. Move Fast. Learn Faster.
You don’t need a million-dollar AI budget. What you need is a mindset shift.
Start with one use case. Automate a repetitive process. Analyse historical customer data. Use an AI co-pilot to draft reports or proposals.
The point isn’t perfection. It’s motion. Businesses that start now will learn faster, adapt quicker, and ultimately lead.
The Only Risk Greater Than Adopting AI… Is Ignoring It
We get it — change is uncomfortable. But irrelevance is worse. The time for experimenting is now. Not when your margins are squeezed, your staff are burned out, and your competitor has just halved their operating costs using tools you chose to ignore.
Ready to stop watching and start doing?
Join our next ‘Lunch & Learn’ webinar and see where AI is actually working in businesses like yours.
*Source – Australian Government Department of Industry, Science & Resources
Veronica Williamson
Stoke Consulting
Veronica’s executive leadership skills and broad experience puts her in a great position to help your business deliver on key business goals. Her ability to draw on strategic insight and innovative thinking to tackle financial and operational challenges whilst supporting business leaders through their execution and change processes, is Veronica’ strength.
