95% of Companies are Failing at AI - Here’s How You Can Cash In Big

By Johnny Gwin AI Tech Enthusiast, Entrepreneur, and Co-Host of Beyond The Blockchain

If you’ve heard people say that AI is taking away jobs, here’s a twist from billionaire Mark Cuban: AI isn’t killing jobs, it’s creating them. Right now, there’s a huge opportunity for anyone ready to get hands-on and put AI to work in real businesses.

Cuban, known from Shark Tank and as a serial entrepreneur, has made his point clear in recent interviews: Companies are spending billions on AI, but most are missing the mark. A recent MIT report supports this, showing that 95% of generative AI pilots have no measurable impact on revenue. Big corporations have the money and excitement, but they’re not getting results. They buy expensive tools, run tests, and see no improvement in profits.

Why is this happening? Success with AI isn’t just about the technology. It’s about knowing how to use it in daily business operations. That’s where the real opportunity is, especially for young people or anyone eager to move forward.

Cuban advises his college-aged kids and anyone listening to stop chasing jobs at big tech companies. Instead, focus on small and medium-sized businesses. These millions of companies, with 1 to 500 employees, are the backbone of the economy. They include shops, manufacturers, service providers, and local firms that don’t have dedicated AI budgets or in-house experts. They’re trying to keep up as the world goes digital, but many don’t know how to begin.

Come prepared with practical skills. Try out free tools like Claude, Gemini, or GPT. Learn how to use prompts to get useful results. Figure out how to customize workflows and find quick wins, such as automating inventory, improving customer service, or boosting marketing. If you can show a business owner real productivity gains, you could land a job, a consulting project, or even a share in a bigger opportunity.

This isn’t just wishful thinking. Cuban compares it to the early days of personal computers, when he sold software to skeptical executives by showing them real value right away. Today, AI is becoming as essential as email or spreadsheets. It’s a basic tool for making smarter, faster decisions. Businesses that use it well will move ahead, while those that don’t may fall behind.

If you’re a business owner or leader, hiring someone affordable who can deliver real AI results gives you a competitive edge without spending too much. If you’re a younger reader or side-hustler, set aside time now—about 10 hours a week—for hands-on practice. You can turn that experience into freelance consulting, a full-time job, or even your own business. Cuban calls AI the “great democratizer” because these tools are free and open to everyone.

Here’s the bottom line: The gap in using AI is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The companies that are struggling now could become your future clients, or they might be the competitors who get left behind. Get involved, try things out, and help close that gap. If you do, you’ll build a stronger business, earn more, and set yourself up for a secure career.

This topic was recently discussed on the FMTalk 106.5 radio show Beyond The Blockchain with Scott Tindle. Tune in Tuesday nights at 8PM for more insights on technology that’s changing the game. Stay ahead. Stay sharp out there!

Johnny Gwin is a podcast producer, tech commentator and AI entrepreneur passionate about practical innovation that drives real-world success.