“There will only be two types of businesses in five years: those who have integrated AI and those who don’t exist anymore.” – Peter Diamandis, entrepreneur and founder of organizations advancing transformative technologies like AI.
This quote has resonated with me since I first heard it. As a consultant, I’ve always strived to stay ahead of the curve, finding tools and strategies that make my work—and my clients’ work—more efficient. My journey with AI began almost at the inception of ChatGPT, and little did I know then that it would lead to something as transformative as Custom Space AI, a customizable AI platform designed to empower small businesses. My name is Fernanda Guimaraes, Owner and Co-Founder of Custom Space AI and this is my Journey into transforming small business operations.
Discovering the Power of Custom GPTs
When I first started using ChatGPT, it was a game-changer for me. I could manage client work efficiently by keeping a thread open for each client, referencing it as needed. But it was in the summer, when I learned to create Custom GPTs, that things truly shifted.
Custom GPTs allowed me to integrate my clients’ brand identities directly into the AI. Suddenly, the questions became more targeted, and the responses were perfectly on-brand. It wasn’t just a tool anymore—it felt like a partner that truly understood the businesses I worked with.
A Small Idea with Big Potential
I shared these Custom GPTs with other self-employed professionals I worked alongside, and they loved the concept. However, the cracks in the system appeared when I considered sharing a Custom GPT link with a small business employee.
What if they left the company but still had access to the link? And what if the business owner wanted to purchase memberships for multiple employees? The cost would add up quickly, making it unaffordable for small businesses. That’s when the idea for Custom Space AI began to form—a solution tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, offering AI-powered business solutions at a price point they could afford.
Unlocking the Full Potential of AI
Experimenting with Custom GPTs showed me the range of what was possible. It was great for drafting emails, brainstorming social media content, and even analyzing data. But when I started uploading processes, contacts, and internal documents, I realized I had something far more powerful—a centralized knowledge management tool for businesses.
While I originally wanted to stick with Custom GPTs, the security risks of a single, non-customizable link made me pivot. I wanted to create a secure, AI-driven business solution that was budget-friendly and designed specifically for small businesses looking to streamline operations.
Bridging the Gap for Small Businesses
Big businesses are already integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into their operations. But for small business owners—who are juggling countless responsibilities and don’t have the time to research every new tool—the gap is glaring.
That’s where Custom Space AI comes in. It’s designed to be as straightforward and efficient as ChatGPT while addressing the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It empowers owners and employees with tools like a virtual assistant and a centralized knowledge hub, making AI integration for entrepreneurs and teams more accessible than ever.
Looking Ahead
Learning how AI could help me as an entrepreneur was a turning point for me in 2023. By 2024, I realized the true power of AI wasn’t just in improving my own work—it was in helping others achieve the same.
What has surprised me most is how much competition is growing. Companies like Google are moving into the small business market with AI integration in their workspace. But Custom Space AI stands out because it’s more comprehensive, offering solutions tailored to entrepreneurs—whether they need a customer service AI assistant or a centralized knowledge base to boost business efficiency.
“If you are not using AI at every aspect of your business, you are not going to make it.” – Eric Schmidt, Former Google CEO.
The more I research and learn about AI, the more I hear experts like Peter Diamandis and Eric. The next five years are going to be intense, and businesses need to adopt affordable AI tools or risk falling behind.
With Custom Space AI, my goal is to ensure small and medium businesses not only survive but thrive. I envision a future where our platform incorporates even more customizable AI tools, empowering business owners and their teams to unlock their full potential.
The journey from Custom GPTs to Custom Space AI has been one of discovery, problem-solving, and excitement for what lies ahead. I can’t wait to see where this technology takes us—and the businesses we’re here to support.
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