[AI SPRINT] SMBs aren’t losing to AI. They’re losing to indecision.

I was forwarded new research today.

Only 7% of SMBs have a clear AI strategy they’re actively running.

That number doesn’t surprise me.

It lines up with what I see every week working with leaders across industries and company sizes.

Here’s the part most people get wrong:

SMBs don’t lose to AI.
They lose when experimentation becomes their strategy.

With 93% not executing against a real plan, that’s not strategy.
That’s guessing about the future.

That gap won’t be decided by better tools in 2026.
It will be decided by leadership choices made this quarter.

That’s why I want to point you to one practical next step: an AI webinar I’m hosting this Thursday.

This isn’t a generic, hype-filled session.
It’s an honest look at what we’re seeing, what’s actually working, and where leaders should focus next.

Open Q&A. Real-world demos. Details below.

Join the Webinar: How SMBs Win with AI in 2026

Thursday, January 15 at 10:00am Pacific
Live. Free. No sales.

This is for you if you’re asking:

• Are we actually behind — or just early?

• What’s working for companies our size right now?

• How do we start (or restart) AI efforts—the right way?

What I’ll cover:

• What we’re seeing with AI adoption across SMBs

• What’s actually working — not pilots, but habits

• How leaders are making AI use normal, expected, and supported

• How to approach reinventing a process with AI

• Where most efforts quietly fail (and how to avoid it)

• What to do in 2026 to make real progress.

We’ll even give a preview of our new AI Strategy Assessment.

Live Q&A. Bring your hardest questions.

👉 Register here and save your seat

One Thought to Leave You With

2026 is the year AI use becomes normal at work.

The advantage won’t come from tools.

It will come from leaders who decide where AI matters — and make it visible, normal, and expected for employees to use it.

If you’re ready to move, join the webinar this Thursday.

Either way, this is the moment where clarity turns into momentum.

— Trent

About Trent: Trent Gillespie is an AI Keynote Speaker, CEO of Stellis AI, former Amazon leader, and advisor on operationalizing AI in business. Book Trent to speak to your group or book a call to discuss using AI within your business.

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