Niels Snoep works as Expert Lead GenAI on Rabobank's AI transition. He knows better than anyone what it's like to get a big machine moving. "An organisation like Rabobank is huge, so to get everyone moving with AI is quite a job," he says. He is therefore sometimes quite envious of SMEs. At the SME Entrepreneurs Festival, he will tell you why you, as an SME entrepreneur, are precisely at an advantage: "An SME company can have the speed of a start-up given its size: use that pace!"
"Dare to fail"
Many entrepreneurs are hesitant. They find AI complicated, exciting or just not something for them. According to Niels, this is certainly not a question of age, but of confidence and experience. The less experience you have, the less likely you are to experiment, and that is precisely where the key lies. To those entrepreneurs, Niels says: "Dare to test and also dare to fail. You can make real progress if you are curious and have guts."
Profit to be gained
For many entrepreneurs, the first question is: what does AI deliver in concrete terms? Of course, there is the efficiency gain that many entrepreneurs think of. "With the same number of people, you can do more. That allows you to grow really fast," Niels says. Think, for instance, of preparing quotations automatically or answering customer queries faster. Tasks that normally take hours can be done in a fraction of the time with AI. But your company's image as an employer also counts. If you can show that you are moving with the times by using AI, you will strengthen your employer brand considerably for the younger generation.
Progress from within
So how do you make sure your company keeps up with AI developments? According to Niels, surprisingly enough, you will find the answer not in technology but rather in people: your own people. "In every company there is someone who likes to experiment with AI," says Niels. "Give that person the space to get started with that." Those people in particular can make the difference. They know your processes and quickly see where things can be done smarter or faster.
The next step
Once the first steps have been taken, Niels says the key is to embed AI in your business. This does not have to be complicated. First, decide why you want to use AI and, in addition, lay down in a few clear agreements how you and your team will deal with it. "AI policy sounds big to many entrepreneurs, but it doesn't have to be. Put on paper how you want you and your staff to deal with AI, even if it's in a few sentences."
While doing so, also have an eye for risk. Consider ground rules on what information you do or do not enter into AI tools and how you check whether the output is correct. AI can accelerate a lot, but staying critical is essential.
To entrepreneurs who want to start but are still looking for a first step, Niels says: "Encourage a culture where experimentation is welcome. Give your staff room to develop and, above all, start small."
Do you want to know how companies are already successfully doing business with AI? Then sign up for the route!
MKF Entrepreneurs Festival 2026: Doing business together!
In a year in which Arnhem has been named SME city of the year, the SME Entrepreneurs Festival on 18 June is the place to meet. Discover new collaborations and get inspired by other Arnhem entrepreneurs.
Ben jij klaar om kansen te benutten? Meld je vandaag nog aan! https://www.mkbondernemersfestival.nl/
Dit artikel is oorspronkelijk gepubliceerd op: MKB Ondernemersfestival Nieuws
