Why This News Matters for MSMEs?
When Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy recently spoke about artificial intelligence, his message was clear. AI will change the way people work, but those who learn and adapt will benefit the most.
For MSMEs, startups, and small business owners in India, this is more than a technology discussion. It is a practical reminder that business growth in the coming years will depend on how effectively technology is used.
The real question is not whether AI will replace small businesses. The real question is how AI for small business can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create new opportunities.
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What Was Narayana Murthy’s AI Warning?
According to recent reports, Narayana Murthy emphasized that AI should not be feared. Instead, it should be used to improve productivity and decision-making. He explained that individuals and businesses that combine human intelligence with AI tools will achieve better results.
His core message can be summarized as follows:
- AI will increase productivity across industries.
- Learning to use AI is becoming essential.
- Businesses that adapt early will gain an advantage.
For MSME owners, this means one thing: learning and adaptation are now part of business survival.
Why MSMEs and Small Businesses Should Take This Seriously
Global industry reports highlight that technology and automation will reshape jobs over the next few years. While some repetitive roles may decline, new roles and opportunities are expected to emerge, especially for people who learn new skills and adopt digital tools.
For small businesses, this shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity:
- Competition will increase as technology becomes widely available.
- Businesses that use AI effectively can operate more efficiently.
- Small teams can achieve more with limited resources.
AI for small business can help level the playing field between small companies and larger organizations.
Practical Ways to Use AI for Small Business
1. Marketing and Content Creation
Small business owners can use AI to support marketing activities such as:
- Writing product descriptions
- Generating social media ideas
- Creating blog outlines
- Drafting email campaigns
This saves time while helping maintain consistent communication with customers.
in fact To improve clarity, speed, and readability we have used the Ai, ChatGPT as an AI writing assistant to help structure the information and present it in a more meaningful and helpful way. All facts, interpretations, and final editorial decisions have been reviewed and approved by the author before publication.
2. Customer Support Improvement
AI tools can assist with customer communication by:
- Handling frequently asked questions
- Generating faster response drafts
- Improving service availability
For small teams, this helps manage customer expectations without increasing staffing costs.
3. Business Planning and Research
AI can support decision-making by helping business owners:
- Understand market trends
- Analyze competitors
- Explore new product ideas
It acts as a support tool that helps entrepreneurs think more strategically.
4. Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Many repetitive tasks can be simplified with AI assistance:
- Drafting invoices and proposals
- Organizing information
- Preparing reports
Reducing manual work allows business owners to focus more on growth and customer relationships.
Common Mistakes Small Businesses Should Avoid
While AI can be helpful, misuse can reduce quality and trust. Some common mistakes include:
- Publishing AI-generated content without human editing
- Depending completely on automation without oversight
- Ignoring creativity and personal customer engagement
AI should assist business owners, not replace their judgment.
The Bigger Picture: Skills and Opportunities
Industry reports suggest that technology-driven changes will continue to reshape the workforce, but many new opportunities will emerge for people who develop relevant skills.
Human strengths that remain essential include:
- Relationship building
- Negotiation and decision-making
- Creativity and innovation
- Understanding customer needs
These are areas where small business owners naturally have an advantage.
Action Plan for MSME Owners in 2026
A simple approach can help businesses move forward:
- Learn one new AI tool every month
- Train employees gradually
- Use AI to save time on routine work
- Focus on strategy, quality, and customer relationships
Consistent small improvements often produce better results than sudden major changes.
Final Thoughts
Narayana Murthy’s AI warning is not about fear. It is about preparation and readiness.
Businesses that combine human intelligence with AI efficiency will be better positioned for future growth. For MSMEs, this is an opportunity to adopt tools that were once accessible only to large companies.
AI for small business is not about replacing people. It is about helping entrepreneurs work smarter and compete more effectively.
About the Author
Tabrez Khan is a Entrepreneur and business content creator at BusinessZindagi.com, focused on helping MSMEs, startups, and small business owners understand practical business strategies, digital tools, and growth opportunities in simple language.
Disclaimer (Including AI Disclaimer)
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Business decisions should be made after considering individual circumstances and professional advice.
Some parts of this content were created with the assistance of AI tools for research structuring and writing support. Final insights, edits, and editorial decisions are human-reviewed to maintain clarity and usefulness.
Authentic Sources and References
- Narayana Murthy on AI job loss fears – LiveMint
- Times of India – Narayana Murthy AI warning
- World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report 2025
