AI tools for small business from Des O’Connor at Mole Valley Chamber networking
This morning at the Mole Valley Chamber breakfast networking event at The Watermill in Dorking, business strategist Des O’Connor delivered a high-impact session on using AI tools for small business growth and branding. Packed with live demos and real-world use cases, Des’s talk was a wake-up call on why AI is not just the future—it’s the now.
Who is Des O’Connor?
Known for helping entrepreneurs raise their visibility and credibility, Des O’Connor has spent over a decade mentoring speakers, especially women business owners. Now focused on AI integration for businesses, he’s become a trusted figure in helping brands adopt technology to boost client acquisition and online presence.
What the talk covered: visibility, branding, and AI strategy
Des began by highlighting the power of visibility—especially via platforms like YouTube, which is prioritised in Google’s search results. He encouraged attendees to publish video content regularly, noting that raising brand awareness online attracts more qualified leads.
He then transitioned to how AI is revolutionising business operations, drawing a comparison to how websites transformed business in the 1990s. His message was clear: adapt or get left behind.
Top AI tools every small business should use
Des shared eight practical AI tools tailored for small businesses, each designed to save time, automate marketing, and increase reach:
-
ChatGPT – Use specific prompts to get customised advice, create content, or even hold voice conversations.
-
Google + ChatGPT for leads – Combine Google search with ChatGPT to find and extract hundreds of niche leads in minutes.
-
Gamma – Build presentations from scratch in seconds using only a simple prompt.
-
Looka – Create a professional logo in minutes with this AI-powered design tool.
-
Synthesia – Generate AI videos using avatars, ideal for creating scalable online courses or branded video content.
-
Durable – Instantly create and customise full websites, even without technical skills.
-
InVideo – Make engaging marketing videos without editing experience.
-
Perplexity – A smart research engine offering better search insights and reference tracking.
He also shared additional tools for automating social media posts, generating business plans, and even brainstorming unique business names.
Case study: AI in the legal profession
Des shared his latest initiative—helping legal professionals modernise their client engagement using AI. From 24/7 chat assistants to AI-driven lead capture and video integration, he showcased how law firms can stand out in a crowded market with simple tech upgrades.
Key takeaway: act now or fall behind
Des’s closing message was clear and urgent: those who adopt AI today will have a significant advantage tomorrow. Business owners shouldn’t fear it, but rather explore and integrate it smartly. His free monthly AI masterclasses offer further support and hands-on guidance.
To find out more or book a consultation, visit desoconnor.ai.
Conclusion
This engaging session at Mole Valley Chamber was not just informative—it was actionable. Attendees left with a powerful toolkit to start using AI in their business immediately. Whether it’s improving your website, automating content, or finding new leads, the tools are there—and now you know how to use them.
AI isn’t coming. It’s already changing business. Will you keep up?
CHECKOUT MOLE VALLEY CHAMBER EVENTS HERE
Are you a local business in the Mole Valley District and interested in joining the chamber? Find out more here.
