(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Let’s Recap:
- SurveyMonkey makes it easier to do surveys through ChatGPT
- Autodesk releases new small business tools
- Anthropic expands Claude for small businesses
- QuickBooks has a new support tool
- Solopreneurs try to use AI instead of hiring people
SurveyMonkey Launches ChatGPT Plugin
SurveyMonkey recently announced its plugin for ChatGPT that allows users to create, distribute and analyze surveys within the AI assistant. The idea is to combine AI analysis with human feedback from customers, employees, and other respondents as — according to SurveyMonkey CEO Eric Johnson — “better decisions require input from real people.” Using natural-language instructions, users can create and send surveys, analyze responses in real time, and access previous surveys without having to export data or switch between applications. SurveyMonkey previously introduced a Claude connector in May 2026, demonstrating its focus to position its survey technology inside major AI platforms. (Source: Demand Gen Report)
Why this is important for your small business:
Big step in the right direction. What I ultimately want is for SurveyMonkey to take my voice (or keyboard) commands like a marketing specialist where I tell it to create a survey, send it to a designated list in my CRM, tally and then deliver the results to me, all without me lifting a finger. The tools provided don’t go that distance, yet. But they’re worth using and will certain be doing more over time.
Autodesk Launches Support for Small Business and Expands Tools to Help Small Teams Save Time, Manage Costs, and Strengthen Security
Autodesk is building on its Autodesk for Small Business initiative as part of a broader effort assist its small business customers in four key areas of support, flexibility, security and commerce. Support gives North American customers a more direct route to an Autodesk specialist through the Account Admin Center — with plans to expand options such as live chat, scheduled callbacks, and agent support in its forums. The company is also partnering with cybersecurity company CrowdStrike to give U.S. small-business customers 50 percent off select CrowdStrike products. Autodesk will also offer its users passkey authentication to tighten security and reduce phishing attempts. Included in this announcement is plans to continue Autodesk’s 33 Flex tokens for $99 option through the end of the year. The Autodesk for Small Business initiative is a plan of action after the company identified issues SMBs shared in the company’s State of Small Business May 2026 report. (Source: Autodesk)
Why this is important for your small business:
Autodesk is an excellent tool for 3D design, engineering and entertainment software that’s been very popular for engineers, designers, estimators and others that need drawings and other specs. I’ve mostly seen it in the enterprise and corporate space and not as much for smaller businesses and I understand why — the price is higher and the product can be complex. However, you get what you pay for and the company’s management is recognizing that if they can provide better tools and support for smaller companies, it’s a market that could be very lucrative.
Anthropic Puts Claude on Small Business Sales After 900,000 Installs
Anthropic has expanded Claude for Small Business after asking more than 1000 business owners what they would like the tool to help them with next. According to the company, about a third of small businesses want help with selling and growing their business. With that, Anthropic is adding 43 new workflows and 27 new integrations. The plugin — which operates inside Claude Cowork — has been installed more than 900,000 times since its launch in May. The new capabilities emphasize lead follow-up, proposals, marketing campaigns and customer acquisition. Anthropic has also expanded the services Claude can work with. The initial product included connections with QuickBooks, PayPal, HubSpot, Canva and DocuSign. The expanded version has added platforms including TikTok, Shopify, Sales force and others. Anthropic’s U.S. head of small business, Lina Ochman describes the offering as an “agent starter pack” but it’s clear that small businesses are ready to utilize the technology in other areas of their operations. (Source: Forbes)
Why this is important for your small business:
I’ve been a loyal ChatGPT user but I must admit that Claude is providing some pretty enticing tools for a small business like mine — and the clients we serve. It still requires an investment of time (and perhaps the hiring of consultants) to really leverage these tools. But it’s worth it. Integrating with our accounting and CRM systems is a priority at my company this year.
QuickBooks Tool Hub Support for Resolving Desktop Errors
QuickBooks Tool Hub is an application that can be used to fix desktop issues such as installation errors, network issues, company file errors, or “QuickBooks stopped responding” crashes. Tool Hub combines several troubleshooting utilities together in one interface rather than users having to consult different tools. It also provides different utilities that correlate to different types of errors, removing time-consuming task of researching separate troubleshooting instructions. Intuit provides instructions to download and install Tool Hub on its website. (Source: Smart Money Match)
Why this is important for your small business:
There’s nothing worse than QuickBooks failing while you’re trying to get work done. Intuit has realized this and their Tool Hub looks like a valuable resource to fix tech issues fast so you can get back to work.
Before They Hire, 86% of Solopreneurs Try AI First, FreshBooks Survey Finds
Accounting software company FreshBooks recently reported on a survey focusing on solopreneurs and how they’re using AI. They found that 86 percent try the technology on their own before hiring someone to help with a business task they can’t resolve. The findings come from a Wakefield Research survey of 500 solopreneurs and microbusiness owners conducted from June 22 to July 1, 2026. FreshBooks gathered and presented all the data in its report “The Era of the Solopreneur” to present how AI is changing/supporting how one-person companies are getting things done and has shown “a fundamentally different kind of leverage,” according to FreshBooks CEO Shaheen Javadizadeh. (Source: GlobeNewswire)
Why this is important for your small business:
This survey revealed to me less about AI and more about the mindset of entrepreneurs. Those that “try on their own” or do things too much on their own or micromanage too much never grow rich. I’ve learned that the entrepreneurs who immediately recognize what their best at, and then bring in outsiders to do everything else, are the ones that have more of a chance of success. Case in point: I want to better use AI with my existing systems. I’m not going to spend time setting this up myself. I’d rather focus on my strengths and instead hire (or use an internal) tech person to do this for me.
Note: Have a technology story that small business owners should know about? Don’t mind me sharing my opinion? Share it with me on X @genemarks.
