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Meet the rise of AI agents
For the past few years, many of us have used AI as a conversational assistant. We ask a question, receive an answer, edit the result and then complete the task ourselves.
That model is beginning to change.
AI agents are designed to take a goal, work through multiple steps, use connected tools and help complete a task with varying levels of human supervision.
A recent example is Google's Gemini agent for work, introduced by Google Cloud on 8 October 2026. According to Reuters, it is designed to plan tasks, use tools, connect with business systems and produce work across applications such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Calendar.
What does this mean for you?
Imagine you run a small training business. Every time someone registers for a course, you might need to:
An automated workflow can connect these steps. An AI agent could potentially help with more complex tasks, such as answering questions using approved course information or preparing a personalised response.
The important distinction is that not every automation needs AI. Simple, predictable tasks may be handled more cheaply and reliably by ordinary automation. AI becomes more useful when the work involves language, interpretation or changing circumstances.
Your practical action
Choose one repetitive task you complete every week. Write down the steps, identify which applications are involved and decide which steps could be automated.
Start with a small, low-risk process before giving an AI agent access to important business systems.
The takeaway: Don't ask only which AI tool you should buy. Ask which task you need to improve.
That model is beginning to change.
AI agents are designed to take a goal, work through multiple steps, use connected tools and help complete a task with varying levels of human supervision.
A recent example is Google's Gemini agent for work, introduced by Google Cloud on 8 October 2026. According to Reuters, it is designed to plan tasks, use tools, connect with business systems and produce work across applications such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Calendar.
What does this mean for you?
Imagine you run a small training business. Every time someone registers for a course, you might need to:
- Record their details in a spreadsheet.
- Send a confirmation email.
- Add them to a course mailing list.
- Prepare a reminder before the training.
- Update your registration report.
An automated workflow can connect these steps. An AI agent could potentially help with more complex tasks, such as answering questions using approved course information or preparing a personalised response.
The important distinction is that not every automation needs AI. Simple, predictable tasks may be handled more cheaply and reliably by ordinary automation. AI becomes more useful when the work involves language, interpretation or changing circumstances.
Your practical action
Choose one repetitive task you complete every week. Write down the steps, identify which applications are involved and decide which steps could be automated.
Start with a small, low-risk process before giving an AI agent access to important business systems.
The takeaway: Don't ask only which AI tool you should buy. Ask which task you need to improve.
