With so many AI assistant options to choose from, identifying the best possible fit for your board is not always easy. Here are 5 helpful tips to consider when evaluating AI assistant software programs to ensure your board obtains the best possible value from your investment. 

1. Define Your Goals and Use Cases 

Start by identifying the specific tasks you want your AI assistant to handle. This clarity helps you choose a solution that meets your board’s expectations. Some AI assistants are built for the unique needs of specific industries or organization types, while others offer general-purpose support that suits most boards.

By defining what you want the AI assistant to do — and how automating these tasks can help your board focus on broader goals — you can determine whether a specialized or general tool better fits your needs.

This step also helps you decide whether a business-focused or personal-use AI assistant makes more sense. Business tools typically offer more features and capabilities, but not every board needs that level of complexity. Smaller organizations often benefit from simpler, personal-use assistants that deliver what’s essential without the added cost of advanced features.

2. Evaluate Key Features and Capabilities 

Some features that boards frequently identify as the most important for an AI assistant include: 

• Understanding natural language and using that information to quickly and accurately generate helpful solutions 
• Various types of voice or text input and output options 
• Seamlessly integrating with email, calendars, and a wide range of other apps and tools your board relies on 
• Including an exceptional range of customization options or being capable of learning from previous interactions to adapt future results 
  
  

3. Compare Available Options 

Compare the specs and features of top AI assistant options to help your board make an informed decision. Encourage board members to read reviews, test free trials and demos, and evaluate how well key features perform. This hands-on approach ensures you choose the software that offers the most value to your organization.

4. Consider Privacy, Security, and Compliance 

Not all artificial intelligence programs prioritize users’ security as well as they should. Carefully research the security measures of prospective AI assistants to ensure your board meets compliance requirements and protects the privacy of your stakeholders.

5. Test and Iterate

Hands-on testing gives your board a clearer sense of which AI assistant best meets your needs. Free trials and demos let you move beyond feature lists and experience each tool in action. Use this time to explore as many functions as possible to understand how each assistant could boost your board’s efficiency. The more you test, the more confidently you can choose the right fit.