5 Ways I’m Using AI to Grow My Side Business

Today, I want to walk you through 5 ways I’m using AI to grow my side business—and how you can do the same.

You already know the hustle: juggling work, family, and life while trying to grow your business.

And let’s be real—the time you do get to work is often filled with overwhelm and decision fatigue.

That’s where AI comes in.

As someone who built my business while working full-time in a demanding healthcare job, I know exactly how chaotic things can get.

There were days I only had 20 minutes to spare—and I wasted too many of them staring at a blinking cursor or wondering what to say in a follow-up message.

But now?

With AI tools like ChatGPT, I’ve completely changed the game.

I’ve found multiple ways to use AI to grow my side business more efficiently, and I want to share them with you.

1. Create Better, Faster Content

No more blank screen paralysis.

When I’m stuck for what to post on social media, I turn to AI.

Whether it’s Facebook, YouTube, or Pinterest, I ask AI to brainstorm content ideas around my products, niche, or even just my personal journey.

Example: I had a rough outline for a webinar to promote my Part-Time Profit Machine course.

I dropped it into AI and asked for help expanding each point into a compelling presentation.

In less than 30 minutes, I had a polished script, slide ideas, and a clear CTA—all in my voice and message.

That one AI-assisted webinar has already brought in over $5,000 in course sales.

That’s the kind of leverage AI gives part-time entrepreneurs who don’t have hours to spare.

2. Write Follow-Up Messages That Actually Convert

Follow-up is where the fortune lives—but it’s also where many part-time business owners hit a wall.

I remember early on in my business, I’d get excited about a new lead or someone commenting on my post, but then I’d freeze.

I’d overthink what to say.

I didn’t want to sound pushy.

I didn’t want to mess it up.

So… more often than not, I said nothing.

These days, I let AI do the heavy lifting.

I’ve trained it to understand my core offers, my tone, and the people I serve.

So now, when it’s time to follow up, AI helps me write thoughtful, conversational messages that sound like me—and most importantly, feel helpful, not salesy.

It’s one of the most sanity-saving and revenue-generating ways I’m using AI to grow my side business.

And it’s helped me be more consistent, more confident, and way more connected to the people I’m trying to help.

3. Customize Reach-Outs and Intros (Without the Cringe)

We’ve all seen those copy-paste cold DMs.

The ones that feel robotic, scripted, and instantly delete-worthy.

I didn’t want to be that person—but writing a warm, personal message for every new connection took me forever.

Especially when I was trying to squeeze business in between work and dinner.

That’s where AI has been a total game-changer.

Now, I plug in a few details about the person I’m messaging—their niche, something from their bio, maybe a post they just made—and AI helps me create a message that feels genuine, curious, and human.

Whether I’m commenting in groups, reaching out to potential partners, or following up with a warm lead, this process helps me stay authentic without burning out.

It’s one of the easiest ways I’m using AI to grow my side business and expand my network without sounding like a robot—or spending hours on every message.

4. Build Email Campaigns in a Fraction of the Time

Email marketing still works—and if you’re in affiliate or MLM, it might be the most powerful tool in your entire business.

But let’s be honest… creating a full campaign? That used to take me DAYS.

I remember writing my very first 7-day email sequence for a lead magnet. I was so proud when it was done—but it took me three full evenings to complete. That kind of time investment just wasn’t sustainable.

Now? AI gives me the outline, the flow, and a solid first draft in under 30 minutes.

I still add my stories and voice, of course. But the framework is already there.

That same email sequence I rebuilt with AI is still running today—and still bringing in new leads every week.

It’s one of the top ways I’m using AI to grow my side business without adding pressure to my already full schedule.

5. Turn Testimonials Into Sales Tools

One of the most creative ways I’m using AI to grow my side business is repurposing testimonials.

Got a win from a happy customer or client? Don’t let it sit in a folder—AI can help you turn it into:

A Facebook or IG post
A short video script
A compelling email
Even a mini sales page

Example: My friend and client Jeff Beeman left a heartfelt testimonial about how The Part-Time Profit Machine helped him escape the shiny object trap.

With AI’s help, I turned that story into a powerful social post that shared his journey, struggles, and breakthrough, making it relatable and persuasive for anyone still stuck in that cycle.

Bonus Tip: How I’m Using AI as an Accountability Partner

One of the most unexpected (and powerful) ways I’ve been using AI in my business is as a daily accountability partner.

Each morning, I “check in” with ChatGPT using a simple prompt, and it helps me prioritize, track progress, and stay focused on revenue-driving activities.

I’ve included a short video showing you exactly how I do it, step-by-step, including the exact prompts I use.

Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite productivity hack.

The real key isn’t just to use AI—it’s to train it to think like you.

When you do that, AI becomes your silent business partner, helping you create, connect, and convert in less time.

If you want to learn how to train AI to sound like you, think like your ideal customer, and save you a ton of time, I highly recommend checking out Mark Harbert’s AI Marketer’s Playbook.

I’m going through it myself and it's absolutely worth it.

👉 https://bobandrosemary.com/ai

So there you have it—5 ways I’m using AI to grow my side business every single week.

Start with just one.

Put it to the test.

Then stack another.

You’ll be amazed at how much further you can go—even in just 20 focused minutes a day.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't give you some guidance on how NOT to use AI for your business.

How Not to Use AI in Your Part-Time Business

AI is powerful… but it’s not a miracle worker.

Just like a hammer can build a house or smash a window, AI is only as helpful as the way you use it.

Here are a few ways I don’t recommend using AI, especially if you want to grow a business that reflects your values, attracts the right people, and builds trust over time.

❌ 1. Don’t Use AI to Pretend You Know Something You Don’t

It’s tempting to sound like an expert in everything when AI gives you polished, articulate responses in seconds.

But if you haven’t lived it, learned it, or implemented it, don’t fake it.

Your credibility comes from your truth — your journey, your struggles, your results (even the small ones). Use AI to support what you know, not to impersonate someone you’re not.

Better Use: Use AI to clarify, summarize, or reword what you already know or believe in. Not to create a false sense of authority.

❌ 2. Don’t Rely on AI to Replace Your Voice

AI can help you write emails, social posts, or course material faster, but if it doesn’t sound like you, your audience will feel the disconnect.

People follow people. Not robots. Not generic copy.

Better Use: Feed AI your style. Give it examples of how you write. Then edit everything it gives you to make it sound like a real human (you!).

❌ 3. Don’t Let AI Drive Your Strategy

Just because AI can generate 50 content ideas doesn’t mean you should chase all of them.

AI is great at generating options, but it doesn’t know your goals, your schedule, or what matters most in your business.

Better Use: Use AI as a brainstorming partner — then filter ideas through your focus. Choose the 1-2 things that actually move the needle for your business right now.

❌ 4. Don’t Trust AI to Get the Facts Right

AI doesn’t “know” — it predicts based on patterns. It can sound confident and still be dead wrong.

Whether it’s quoting studies, referencing software, or giving health or legal advice… always double-check.

Better Use: Use AI to outline or draft, then fact-check and fine-tune before publishing or teaching.

❌ 5. Don’t Use AI to Avoid the Real Work

Let’s be honest — AI makes things faster. But speed doesn’t replace doing the work.

You still need to show up. You still need to think, build, test, and connect.

You still have to care.

There’s no “automate-your-way-to-a-6-figure-business-while-you-sleep” button. Trust me — I’ve looked. 😄

Better Use: Let AI support the real work — not avoid it. Use it to save time on busywork so you can focus on what really matters.

Bottom Line: AI is a Tool — Not a Shortcut to Trust

Use AI wisely.

Make it your assistant, not your replacement.

Keep your voice, your values, and your audience at the center of everything you do.

It's Your Time to SHINE!

Dr. Bob Clarke

Email: Bob@BobandRosemary.com

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This post may contain affiliate links to products or services that I trust. This means that if you make a purchase using the links included in this post, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!

Recommended Courses To Jumpstart Your Business

The Part-Time Profit Machine - my signature course, a must-have resource for anyone building a business part-time.

Crush Consistency NOW! - if you find yourself lacking consistency in your business, you must own this course!

How To Earn Your First $1000 Online - wouldn't it feel great to have more money coming IN each month than going OUT?

The Email Playground - learn how to build your email list from scratch, then what to say to your email subscribers to build trust and influence.

Audience First - how to build a tribe of buyers on Facebook and Pinterest (with Kim Ward)