Where Can Generative AI Actually Help You? Finding the Right Fit

TBH: Not Everything Needs AI

Generative AI is everywhere—writing code, answering emails, building slide decks, and even making logos. But if you're like most people, you’re probably wondering: Where can this actually help me? What tasks, teams, or processes could benefit from GenAI without turning into a science experiment?

Here’s a no-fluff guide to figuring that out.

Step 1 – Look for the 80/20 Work

Identify Repetitive, Template-Driven Tasks

Think emails, reports, summaries, product descriptions, meeting notes, or proposal drafts. If 80% of the work follows a familiar pattern, it’s a prime AI candidate.

Example:
Your team spends 6 hours a week rewriting customer support replies. AI can handle 80% of that—with humans stepping in to finesse the final 20%.

Step 2 – Ask: Does This Require Human Judgment?

H2: Separate Decision-Making from Drafting

Tasks like crafting strategies or evaluating partnerships need human intuition. But prepping data, creating first drafts, or pulling insights? That’s AI’s wheelhouse.

Example:
Instead of having a senior manager write a proposal from scratch, use AI to draft the structure. Then let the expert refine it.

Step 3 – Follow the Digital Breadcrumbs

Audit Your Tools and Workflows

AI thrives in digital ecosystems—Slack, Google Docs, Notion, CRMs, etc. If your work lives in these systems, AI can plug in and enhance them with automations, summaries, or even intelligent suggestions.

Example:
If you're already using Notion for project tracking, add AI-powered task summaries to cut down on status meetings.

Step 4 – Pilot with Low-Stakes Use Cases

Start Small, Learn Fast

Begin where the cost of error is low but time savings are meaningful. Internal documentation, team brainstorming, content drafts, or recruitment outreach are great places to experiment.

Example:
Use AI to generate job descriptions or cold outreach drafts. See how it performs and build from there.

Step 5 – Loop in the Right People

AI Isn’t Just for Tech Teams

Pull in operations, marketing, support, and HR leaders. Ask: “What work feels repetitive, bloated, or time-consuming?” Those are usually your goldmines.

Example:
Your HR team may be spending hours on onboarding materials. AI can personalize documents and deliver them faster with less lift.

Bonus – When to Bring in a Consultant

If your team’s drowning in ideas or unsure how to start, you don’t have to go it alone. An operations consultant (like our team at Native Ventures) can help map out quick wins, avoid common pitfalls, and guide your AI journey with clarity and confidence.

Focus on Fit, Not FOMO

Not every tool is right for every task—and that’s okay. The key is to be intentional. Start where the work is repeatable, where human judgment isn’t always essential, and where AI can save your team real time.

And if you want help finding the sweet spots, we’re just a conversation away.