Even the most advanced tools can stumble—and sometimes in surprisingly basic ways. This week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown, hosted by tech analyst Brent Leary, highlighted a real-world AI mishap involving Google’s Gemini AI that served as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and business owners alike.
Brent was joined by an all-star lineup: Shashi Bellamkonda (tech expert and professor), Ivana Taylor (DIYMarketers), John Lawson (AI consultant and author), Leland McFarland (Small Business Trends), and Ramon Ray (small business expert). The group dissected a revealing moment that underscored just how essential human oversight still is in the age of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- AI isn’t perfect—it’s good enough, but not always right
- Always double-check AI outputs, especially when accuracy is critical
- Mission-critical applications need human validation
- AI knowledge is limited by its last update—know your tool’s limits
- Blind trust in AI can lead to credibility issues or misinformed decisions
When Gemini Got the Basics Wrong
The incident began when Brent Leary asked Google Gemini a seemingly straightforward question: What is the new AI Roadmap for America and what are some anomaly’s or things not so right about it. The AI’s response was baffling—it mentioned details about the document but also incorrectly stated that Joe Biden was the current president. Brent, knowing Donald Trump had recently returned to office, was understandably frustrated. He pointed out that AI should be capable of recognizing and adjusting to context—or at least clearly disclose the limits of its data.
Interestingly, when Brent asked Gemini directly who the current president was, it answered correctly. But within the context of the AI roadmap document—a more nuanced query—it got “confused.”
This inconsistency highlighted a critical issue: contextual accuracy. Even sophisticated tools like Gemini can fail to connect the dots when queries involve multiple layers of information. This problem becomes more significant when users rely on AI outputs for high-stakes or public-facing content.
Shashi Bellamkonda: “AI Is 75% Good Enough—And That Might Be OK”
Tech analyst Shashi Bellamkonda offered a grounded perspective: “AI is 75 percent good enough—and that might be just okay.” His point was that AI tools are designed to be helpful assistants, not flawless experts. For small business owners using AI for things like blog posts, customer service replies, or even email marketing drafts, that 75% baseline can save time and energy. But it’s not a replacement for judgment or fact-checking.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
Most small business owners today are leveraging AI in one form or another—whether it’s through chatbots, content creation tools, or customer insights platforms. The takeaway from this week’s Gemini slip-up is simple but vital: Don’t outsource your brain to the machine.
Ramon Ray emphasized that AI is most valuable when used as a co-pilot, not the pilot. Entrepreneurs still need to steer the ship. If an AI writes your newsletter, you better skim it for errors before hitting “send.” If it suggests trends or forecasts, verify those insights before investing in a new product or strategy.
What To Do When AI Gets It Wrong
- Check the Date: AI tools often rely on data that’s months (or years) old. Know your tool’s knowledge cut-off date.
- Use Multiple Sources: Don’t rely solely on one AI platform. Cross-reference answers with reputable news or government sources.
- Add a Human Layer: For content or decisions that reflect your brand, add human review—especially when the stakes are high.
- Set Expectations: Inform your clients or teams when AI has been used. This builds trust and sets a standard of transparency.
The Bottom Line
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday small business operations, it’s easy to take its capabilities for granted. But this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown served as an important reminder: AI might be smart, but it’s not infallible.
Entrepreneurs must remain vigilant, especially when it comes to facts that can impact trust, credibility, or business decisions. AI might help us move faster, but only humans can ensure we’re moving in the right direction.