Business

AI And Business in The Delta – Delta Business Journal

Published

6 days ago

July 1, 2025

Treading Lightly Appears to be the Trend

AI’s time might have come—but the clock hasn’t struck yet in this part of the state. At least, not yet. The question right now, at least as concerns Mississippi Delta businesses, is not are you using Artificial Intellingence in your operations—but why aren’t you?

Ted Connell, a partner with the Clarksdale-based law firm, Merkel and Cocke, P.A. is a prime example of the hesitancy.

“We use AI for rudimentary research, to assist with deposition preparation, and to prepare form letters, but we are careful using it for research in briefs, as lawyers have gotten in trouble for not checking the research AI cites to make sure it is correct as AI will make up things,” says Connell. “In other words, AI will cite cases that do not exist. We are still learning how all AI can be used, but I think, like most technology, it is going to be very helpful as it progresses.”

On the other hand, Sean Johnson, Director of Tourism for the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce says he fed the question of Delta businesses using the tool actually through AI and the results are below! (With his guidance and editing, of course).

“For most businesses, I think that there are a few ways that we need to view AI: generally, strategically, and tactically,” says Johnson (or AI).

“In general, AI is a civilization-changing event. There will be before AI and after AI. Right now, we are in between. But, in less than two decades, the world will be a different place not because of what we know as AI now, but because of everything else that AI will allow through complementary technology: robotics, holographics, trading and finance, transportation and logistics, entertainment, and education. Every sector of our economy and culture will be impacted.

“So, strategically, we must understand that seismic changes are coming. While we can’t predict what it will all look like (especially in sectors we don’t work in), we must anticipate the changes that will impact our industries. In tourism, and in marketing in general, we’ve been relying on search engine marketing for the past couple of decades,” says Johnson.

“However, now search engines are becoming obsolete with more and more people going straight to AI for answers. So, one thing we’ve been doing is making sure that AI has the answers that favor us. Rather than search engine marketing (SEO), we are pushing into AI marketing (AIO), which relies much more on impressive information like user generated content, social sentiment, reviews and so forth. There’s a new saying that while people may not be reading your blogs, AI absolutely is. This is a new technology, so we’re learning our best practices, but the results so far have been promising,” says Johnson.

Johnson has been an avid user—and proponent of AI. For personal use and for Chamber work.

“In terms of a tactical view of AI, we’ve been using it for everything from copywriting to image creation to digging into data,” he says. “An analysis of statewide tourism spending data may have taken me a day or two in the past, and now it takes me less than two minutes. Presentations, blog posts, sentiment studies, responses to visitor queries are all easier, simply by using the currently available AIs. As we speak, people are using AIs to create AI agents which can automate many of these functions…these new tools are coming on daily.”

Daniel Boggs, CEO of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation, Inc. says of AI, “At the most recent conference I attended, one of the speakers discussed a future, possible as early as 2035, whre we could have all digitial ‘clones’ or AI agents handling rountine communications, such as responding to emails or even attending virtual meetings on our behalf.

“While that might sound still somewhat futuristic, we’re already witnessing early examples of this today with AI-powered meeting assistants and note-takers like Otter.ai and Zoom’s AI Companion,” adds Boggs. “The overreaching message was clear—rather than fearing AI, we should should embrace it as collaborator that works alongside us, not as a replacement for human workers, but as an enhancer of human potential.

“Many Mississippi businesses, especially in rural areas like the Delta, haven’t adopted AI due to limited awareness, perceived complexity, or lack of access to affordable training,” states Kollin R. Napier, Ph.D., Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN). “That’s starting to change. MAIN, based at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has partnered with every public college in the state—including Delta State, Mississippi Delta CC, and Coahoma CC—to expand access to AI education. With strategic investment from AccelerateMS, these institutions have launched AI labs. Free online courses provide a strong foundation in how AI works and how it can be applied. These resources help Delta businesses begin using AI to save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions in areas like retail, farming, banking, and logistics.”

Are other states or areas using AI in the business world? “Yes, and at a rapid pace,” answers Napier. “States like Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia are integrating AI into everyday business operations across sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. But Mississippi is not falling behind. Through MAIN, we have taken a first-of-its-kind, statewide approach to AI education and workforce development. Delta institutions are not just participating in this work, they are leading it. That means innovation is not just happening in urban hubs—it is being driven from the Delta as well.”

AI does not have to mean job loss, states Napier. “In most cases, it means job shift. Just like the introduction of tractors did not eliminate farming, AI changes how we work, not whether we work. AI is a tool, not a replacement for people. MAIN’s focus is on training and upskilling Mississippians so they can use AI as a tool and a career asset. Through courses offered at Delta-based institutions, we are making sure workers are empowered to adapt and succeed, not replaced.”

When asked what he had found to be the biggest or most common misconceptions and trepidations about using AI, Napier says, “The most common misconception is that AI is only for big tech companies or people with advanced degrees. That is not true. AI is already part of tools people use every day, such as Excel, email filters, smartphones, and online banking. What many people fear is not the technology itself, but the feeling that it is out of reach or not meant for them. MAIN exists to counter that. Through our partnerships, we are embedding AI directly into local classrooms and workforce programs to make it practical, visible, and approachable for all Mississippians.

“AI is becoming as essential as the internet was twenty-five years ago. Businesses will not be legally required to use it, but in practice, those that do not will struggle to stay competitive. We are already seeing this shift happen in real time. Microsoft 365 now includes Copilot, an AI assistant integrated into Word, Excel, and Outlook. Google has introduced AI-generated summaries directly into search results. Even Facebook now includes Meta AI, helping businesses create content and respond to customers,” says Napier.

“That’s especially important in the Delta, where many rely on social media to reach their communities. These tools are already part of business workflows whether people realize it or not. The good news is that MAIN and our partners in the Delta are preparing businesses and workers now, so they can use these tools with confidence and take advantage of what AI offers,” he adds.

AI gives small businesses tools to save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions, claims Napier. “In the Delta, a shop in Indianola, for instance, can use AI to track inventory and reorder products automatically. A restaurant in Greenwood can use AI to reply to Facebook messages, take reservations, or send daily specials—all without extra staff.

“For small teams, AI acts like an extra set of hands. It can answer common customer questions, organize schedules, and send reminders. MAIN is training local students and workers, so businesses don’t have to look outside the Delta for support. That’s what we mean by homegrown capacity: neighbors using AI to help neighbors,” he says.

And as far as AI usage in the ag business, Napier says it’s here now.

“Agriculture is one of the sectors most ready for AI, and the Delta is one of the regions already prepared to benefit from it. Farmers are using AI to monitor soil health, detect pests through drone imagery, optimize irrigation, and predict yields. MAIN is partnering with ag programs across Mississippi to integrate these tools into workforce training,” he says. AI in agriculture isn’t just being adopted in the Delta—it’s being built into the way we train, work, and grow. That puts the Delta not just in the conversation, but in a leadership role as this AI revolution continues.”

And, as Sameer Chawla, President of Chawla Pointe LLC based in Cleveland points out, “Most people are already using AI anyway without them even having explicit knowledge of doing so,” as on META and Gmail.

Chawla says his hotel group is not using A1 widely now, except for some guest satisfaction communication and surveys, but that he does think it’s inevitable that all businesses will have to incoporate it at some point.

“Yes, it might be five years from now, or perhaps even sooner—but I do think AI usage will be commonplace and perhaps even mandatory in the future,” he says.

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Business

Three ways you can make AI generate business leads for you

Published

3 hours ago

July 8, 2025

Sharon Zeev Poole

For quite a while now, people within the business community have been talking about how AI continues to improve task efficiency and streamline operations, but few are truly exploring how this new era is affecting new business lead generation.

Since opening Agent99’s doors 18 years ago, part of my new business strategy has simply been to ask people how they found us. The majority of our leads come through referrals, followed by Google. However, just last week, I was on two new business calls and when I asked both prospects how they came across Agent99, they gave the same surprising response: “by asking ChatGPT”.

Where consumers and clients once relied on Google for recommendations, be it agencies, restaurants, dry cleaners, or anything in between, that’s no longer the default.

Today, people are entering these same queries into AI tools and expecting real-time, curated answers based on a mix of web data, reviews, and sentiment. And this shift has caught many business owners off guard. A high Google ranking no longer guarantees your business will be visible or recommended through AI platforms. All that work on your SEO strategy? It’s no longer the only game in town.

This was a light bulb moment for me as a business owner. If you’re not thinking about how you rank on AI platforms and prioritising this, you’re losing new business opportunities.

When I took a deeper look at why we were ranking so well on ChatGPT, and how this new kind of ‘search engine’ prioritises content, I realised (after some thorough research) that it’s because we’ve consistently focussed on our own PR (ie third party credible endorsement), winning awards, garnering reviews from our clients, and reporting on our marketing campaigns on our own website blog and social pages. This is what AI platforms prioritise when making recommendations.

So, if you’ve noticed a dip in leads lately or you simply want to boost your company’s visibility in the AI space, here are three strategies I strongly recommend.

Make your SEO plan AI-friendly

It’s no longer enough to optimise your company website for Google alone. Instead of short, Boolean-style search queries, people are now asking long-form, conversational questions. And in response, tools like ChatGPT are generating concise, curated answers drawn from a wide range of sources — with a clear preference for natural, human-sounding language.

It might seem ironic that AI prefers human content, but it’s the new reality.

To match this, we recommend rewriting key pages on your website, starting with your ‘About’, ‘Services’ and ‘Home’ pages, using language that mirrors how real people would ask for your services in everyday conversation.

For example, instead of writing: “We deliver integrated management solutions,” try: “We help Australian businesses develop management strategies that support sustainable growth”.

If relevant, start a blog that directly answers the kinds of questions people might be asking ChatGPT, and think carefully about how they’re asking them. Once you’ve mapped out your content strategy, commit to publishing consistently. AI platforms favour businesses that post regularly and demonstrate long-term authority in their field.

Prioritise earned media and content

AI tools place more weight on what others say about your business than what you say about yourself. So, while your website content is important, the next priority is securing earned media coverage. This includes article mentions in credible publications and thought leadership content in niche outlets relevant to your industry.

While the media landscape has evolved, organic coverage on high-authority platforms still carries serious influence. That includes local business media, trade publications, and long-form podcasts — especially those with strong digital footprints. A single mention in a well-respected outlet often holds more weight than a dozen paid ads in the eyes of AI.

You should also be submitting your business for awards, rankings, and “Best of” lists. Third-party recognition like “Top PR Agencies in Australia” or “Best Accountants in Melbourne” dramatically increases your chances of being recommended by AI tools for those search terms.

Lastly, make sure you’re actively collecting client testimonials and online reviews. Reach out to past and current clients and ask for a testimonial you can publish. Genuine, positive sentiment from others boosts your ranking and trust level within AI results.

Show up where conversations are happening

A lesser-known — but highly effective — way to improve your AI visibility is by showing up where your audience is already talking. Think Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn comments, Facebook groups, and even the comment sections of popular blogs or YouTube videos. AI tools are constantly crawling and learning from these conversations, and businesses that participate meaningfully often see a lift in visibility.

Start by choosing two or three platforms where your target audience is most active. If you’re B2B, this might be LinkedIn or industry forums. If you’re more consumer-facing, Reddit, TikTok, or Facebook might be the place. Jump in, answer questions, share your perspective, and most importantly, offer value.

When your brand is mentioned organically or involved in high-engagement threads, it sends strong signals to AI tools. Over time, this can help position your business as a credible authority in your space.

Also, respond to users who tag or mention your brand on social platforms. Engaging with user-generated content builds trust, encourages loyalty, and creates digital breadcrumbs that prove your relevance and responsiveness — two factors that AI prioritises more than ever.

AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and choose businesses.

Rather than fearing this new giant in the room, lean in. By understanding how AI platforms work and proactively shaping your digital footprint, you’ll improve your ability to attract quality leads, earn recommendations, and strengthen your brand presence in what’s becoming an increasingly competitive and complex market.

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Business

Maternity brand Seraphine worn by Kate enters administration

Published

3 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Michael Race

The maternity fashion retailer Seraphine, whose clothes were worn by the Princess of Wales during her three pregnancies, has ceased trading and entered administration.

Consultancy firm Interpath confirmed to the BBC on Monday that it had been appointed as administrators by the company and that the “majority” of its 95 staff had been made redundant.

It said the brand had experienced “trading challenges” in recent times with sales being hit by “fragile consumer confidence”.

The fashion retailer was founded in 2002, but perhaps hit its peak when Catherine wore its maternity clothes on several occasions, leading to items quickly selling out.

Prior to the confirmation that administrators had been appointed, which was first reported by the Financial Times, Seraphine’s website was offering discounts on items as big as 60%. Its site now appears to be inaccessible to shoppers.

The main job of administration is to save the company, and administrators will try to rescue it by selling it, or parts of it. If that is not possible it will be closed down and all its saleable assets sold.

Will Wright, UK chief executive of Interpath, said economic challenges such as “rising costs and brittle consumer confidence” had proved “too challenging to overcome” for Seraphine.

Interpath said options are now being explored for the business and its assets, including the Seraphine brand.

The retailer’s flagship store was in Kensington High Street, London, but other well-known shops, such as John Lewis and Next, also stocked its goods.

The rise in popularity of Seraphine, driven in part by Royalty wearing its clothes, led to the company listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021, before being taking back into private ownership in 2023.

Interpath said in April this year, the company “relaunched its brand identity, with a renewed focus on form, function and fit”.

“However, with pressure on cashflow continuing to mount, the directors of the business sought to undertake an accelerated review of their investment options, including exploring options for sale and refinance,” a statement said.

“Sadly, with no solvent options available, the directors then took the difficult decision to file for the appointment of administrators.”

Staff made redundant as a result of the company’s downfall are to be supported making claims to the redundancy payments service, Interpath added.

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Business

Landmark day for victims as initial findings expected

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Emma Simpson and Mitchell Labiak

Tuesday will mark another big milestone in the long road to justice for the victims of the Post Office IT scandal.

The chair of the inquiry into it – Sir Wyn Williams – will publish the first part of his final report, focusing on compensation and the human impact of the scandal.

Thousands of sub-postmasters were wrongly blamed for financial losses from the Post Office’s faulty Horizon computer system, which was developed by Fujitsu.

More than 900 people were prosecuted and 236 were sent to prison in what is believed to be one of the biggest miscarriages of justices in UK history.

Sir Wyn put those victims at the heart of the inquiry’s work, which has pored over several decades worth of technical evidence and grilled many of those who had a role in ruining so many lives.

Dozens of sub-postmasters gave evidence too – many who had lost their businesses, their homes and some who served prison sentences.

Sir Wyn’s findings on their treatment will surely be damning given everything he has heard since the inquiry began in 2022.

The inquiry became almost box office viewing – racking up more than 20 million views on YouTube, with people with no connection to the Post Office following it closely.

However, it is going to be months before we find out who Sir Wyn will point the finger of blame at.

That will come in part two of the report, meaning that accountability is still a long way off.

Sir Wyn has taken a big interest in compensation for the victims, admitting at one point that he’d stretched his terms of reference on the issue, “perhaps beyond breaking point”.

He held four separate hearings on redress and issued an interim report in 2023, likening the various schemes to a “patchwork quilt with a few holes in it”.

Victims and their legal representatives still battling to secure final payouts will be looking to see what his conclusions are on compensation and whether it is living up to the mantra of being full and fair.

They hope his recommendations will result in more action.

Still, you might be wondering why we’re only getting the first part of the final report.

Sir Wyn knows how pressing compensation is to many of the victims and that’s why he wants to publish his recommendations on the issue as soon as possible.

“It’s something I am very keen to say as much about as I reasonably can,” he told the inquiry last year.

But the implication from this is that part two – establishing what happened and who is to blame – isn’t coming out any time soon.

This second report may not be published until 2026 given the sheer volume and complexity of the evidence as well as the need to give those who are criticised the chance to respond.

As for justice, any criminal trials may not start until 2028. Police investigating the scandal confirmed last month that files won’t be handed to prosecutors until after the final inquiry report is published.

After years of waiting, even after part one of Sir Wyn’s report is published, the sub-postmasters’ long road to justice will continue.

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