Capital Valley Marketing Featured on KFBK Morning News: What Local Businesses Need to Know About AI
Last week, I had the opportunity to join KFBK Morning News to talk about a question I hear every day from local business owners:
What does artificial intelligence really mean for small businesses?
The conversation wasn’t about flashy tech or replacing people. It was about how AI is quietly becoming a practical support tool for local, service-based businesses that want to stay responsive, organized, and competitive while still keeping relationships at the center of what they do.
Why this conversation matters right now
AI has become a buzzword, and with that comes a lot of confusion. Many small business owners assume it’s something designed for large corporations with large budgets.
What we discussed on KFBK is the reality I see every day working with local businesses across the Sacramento region: AI is no longer out of reach, and when used intentionally, it can actually reduce stress rather than add to it.
AI as support, not replacement
One of the key points we covered on the show is that AI is not about replacing people or eliminating jobs, especially in small businesses.
For local businesses, AI works best as a behind-the-scenes assistant. It helps handle repetitive tasks like:
Answering common customer questions
Capturing leads when calls or messages are missed
Following up consistently with inquiries
Supporting online reviews and reputation management
These are tasks that often fall through the cracks simply because owners and teams are busy doing the real work of running their business.
What about keeping things human?
A common concern raised in the interview was authenticity. Customers don’t want to feel like they’re talking to a robot, and business owners don’t want to lose their voice.
That concern is valid, and it’s why how AI is implemented matters more than whether it’s used at all.
When AI is trained using a business’s real language, values, and processes, it actually helps maintain consistency and responsiveness while still sounding human. It ensures customers get timely communication without sacrificing personality or trust.
Where small businesses should start
Another takeaway from the KFBK conversation was this: you don’t need to do everything at once.
The best place to start is identifying one pain point:
Missed calls or messages
Slow or inconsistent follow-up
Overwhelming review management
Customer communication pulling focus from core work
Solving just one of these challenges with the right AI support can make an immediate difference.
A local conversation, not a tech trend
Being part of this conversation on KFBK was meaningful because it reflects what many local business owners are already experiencing. AI isn’t the future of small business, it’s part of the present.
When used thoughtfully, it helps local businesses show up more consistently, communicate more clearly, and protect the relationships they’ve worked so hard to build.
If you’re curious about where AI fits into your business, start small, stay human, and focus on support, not replacement.
Authorship Note:
This article was created in collaboration with ChatGPT (AI) and thoughtfully reviewed, edited, and refined by Celia Surridge to ensure accuracy, clarity, and a human touch.
Near-verbatim transcript reconstructed for clarity; minor wording may differ from the original broadcast.
Host:
This morning we’re talking about artificial intelligence and what it really means for local small businesses. Joining us now is Celia Surridge, CEO of Capital Valley Marketing. Celia, good morning.
Celia:
Good morning. Thanks so much for having me.
Host:
So when people hear the term “AI,” especially small business owners, it can feel intimidating. It sounds expensive, complicated, and maybe even a little scary. What are you seeing right now?
Celia:
Yeah, that’s exactly what I hear all the time. AI has become a buzzword, and because of that, people assume it’s something only big corporations can afford or understand. But the reality is, AI has become much more accessible, especially for local, service-based businesses.
Host:
So this isn’t something that’s just for Silicon Valley tech companies anymore?
Celia:
Not at all. What we’re seeing is AI being used very practically. Things like answering customer questions, responding to messages, following up with leads, or even helping manage online reviews. It’s not about replacing people. It’s about supporting small teams that are already stretched thin.
Host:
That’s an important distinction, because I think a lot of people worry about jobs being replaced.
Celia:
Absolutely, and especially in small businesses, that’s not the goal. For local businesses, AI works best as a support system. Think of it as an assistant that helps handle repetitive tasks so the business owner can focus on customers, quality service, and running the business.
Host:
Can you give an example of how this shows up locally?
Celia:
A big one is customer communication. Many small businesses miss calls or messages simply because they’re busy working. AI can step in to answer common questions, capture contact information, and make sure that potential customers don’t get lost. That alone can have a huge impact on revenue.
Host:
What about concerns that AI makes things feel robotic or impersonal?
Celia:
That’s a very valid concern, and it really comes down to how AI is set up. When it’s trained properly and aligned with a business’s voice and values, it actually helps maintain consistency and responsiveness while still sounding human. It’s not meant to replace real conversations, just support them.
Host:
If someone is listening right now and feeling overwhelmed, where should they start?
Celia:
Start small. Look at one pain point. Maybe it’s missed calls, slow follow-ups, or managing reviews. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Solving just one problem with the right AI tool can save hours each week and reduce a lot of stress.
Host:
Do you think AI is becoming necessary to stay competitive?
Celia:
In a practical sense, yes. Customer expectations have changed. People expect quick responses and easy communication. AI helps local businesses meet those expectations while still keeping their personal touch. It levels the playing field.
Host:
Great insight. Celia Surridge with Capital Valley Marketing. Thanks so much for joining us this morning.
Celia:
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
