How Business Owners Are Really Using AI in 2026

Most business owners are figuring out AI as they go.

No clear strategy, no dedicated person - just a growing sense that something is changing and a quiet uncertainty about whether they're keeping up.

I'm Philip Wride - business adviser and author working with owner-led businesses. I'm conducting independent research into how business owners are actually using AI right now: what they're using, what they're avoiding, and what's getting in the way.

The findings will be published and shared with everyone who takes part.

It takes five minutes. There are no right answers — the honest ones are the useful ones.

Everyone who completes the survey and leaves their details will receive:

- The full research findings when published

- A print copy of The Optional Founder when it releases in 2027

AI Use In Business - Research

This survey has been created to support industry research into AI use for the purposes of including the results into a forthcoming book.

At the end of the survey you have the option to add your contact details if you'd like to receive a copy of the research results, and a copy of the book when launched.

Which LLM do you use most often in your role
Share details of what you use AI for (e.g. writing content, analysing financials, writing reports, market research)
Do you mostly use a chat window to AI to do something for you
Not ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini directly
Examples include automated weekly reporting, weekly content generation, weekly research, daily briefing notes
Please answer if applicable
This could be related to your role or another area of the business where you can see an opportunity

If you'd like a copy of the research results when they are available, and a full print copy of the book when released, please complete the contact fields below.

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Copyright 2026 Philip Wride