Age of AI: Keeping the Human Edge in Business

I was listening to a podcast a few weeks ago and the guest suggested AI as we know it today has ‘training wheels’ on. Much like when the internet became a thing back in the day. He made the comment that we should be excited, and leery of where AI will be in a few months – and a few years – when the training wheels come off.

I can’t imagine! As the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining the nature of work today, this inevitable evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While AI can enhance efficiency and drive innovation, it also poses the risk of replacing many services that once required a human touch. 

So how do we as business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals ensure that our products and services are not replaced with AI? 

How do we solidify our value, our human value, in the marketplace and with our clients and customers?

How do we navigate this landscape and highlight the irreplaceable value of human expertise and personalized service?

The Human Sense: A Key Differentiator

AI can analyze data and is increasingly able to simulate basic conversational interactions that feel ‘human’. But it lacks genuine emotional intelligence, the ability to ‘sense’ things or read-the-room. Think about it, a financial advisor who understands the emotional impact of a client’s financial decisions can provide reassurance and tailored advice during turbulent economic times, being proactive about reaching out to his clients that he knows feels that emotional distress. This connection fosters trust and loyalty, something AI’s algorithmic predictions cannot achieve. 

Consider a real estate agent who can sense a client’s anxiety about moving to a new city. By addressing their concerns with empathy, sharing personal experiences, and providing tailored advice about neighborhoods and schools, the agent builds a relationship that goes beyond transactional, and data filled interactions.

Personalized Experience

AI can offer personalized recommendations based on data patterns, but it cannot inherently understand individual underlying motivations for those preferences. A personal trainer who knows their client’s motivations and challenges can create a customized fitness plan that not only meets physical goals but also fits into the client’s lifestyle. This level of personalization builds deeper client relationships and enhances satisfaction. 

A boutique hotel owner might learn a regular guest’s preferences, from their favorite room setup to dietary restrictions, and ensure these are catered to during each stay. This personalized attention makes the guest feel valued and fosters loyalty.

Critical Thinking and Creativity

While AI excels in pattern recognition and problem-solving within defined parameters, it often falls short in thinking outside the box. An advertising agency that uses creative brainstorming to develop unique campaigns for a client demonstrates critical thinking and innovation, attributes that AI struggles to replicate. 

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”  – Albert Einstein

A marketing consultant might develop an unconventional campaign that taps into current cultural trends and resonates deeply with the target audience. This kind of creative thinking is difficult for AI, which primarily relies on historical data and existing patterns.

Showcasing Your Human Stories

AI has no stories to tell! They are all other people’s stories. AI can not feel the rain, experience dancing, endure pain. It just can’t.

Share stories that illustrate your adventures, challenges, and successes. These narratives humanize you and your brand and make it relatable, something AI-generated content cannot replicate. 

A restaurateur might share how they started their business, highlighting the passion and dedication that went into creating their menu. Personal anecdotes about sourcing ingredients, experimenting with recipes, and serving the community can make the brand more relatable and engaging.

Client Testimonials and Case Studies

AI has no client testimonials – sure, they might have customer testimonials as to using the AI product…but that is not really the same.

Find client testimonials and case studies that highlight real-life examples where your human insight made a significant difference. A consultant showcasing a case study where their strategic advice led to a substantial increase in a client’s outcome solidifies trust and demonstrates expertise. Providing detailed accounts of the problem, approach, and solutions helps potential clients see the value in the human touch in your experience.

Thought Leadership

People still want, and DO, follow people. So be a leader! Position yourself as an authority in your field by sharing unique insights, perspectives, and forward-thinking ideas. Engage in speaking engagements, write articles, and participate in industry discussions. This demonstrates that your expertise goes beyond what AI can offer. Thought leaders, as Plato suggested, are the “philosopher kings” of their domains, guiding and influencing others with their wisdom and vision.

Don’t Neglect AI…Ignore it to your peril

AI is here to stay, and it will get better and better – more powerful by the minute. Ignoring it will create more problems than you will want to sustain. AI has many tools you can leverage – and you should…you need to!

Stay ahead by continuously learning and adapting to new technologies. Embrace a growth mindset, invest in professional development, and stay updated with industry trends. By doing so, you not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate a commitment to excellence that clients value. Socrates asserted, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” highlighting the importance of lifelong learning.

Use AI tools to handle routine tasks, freeing up more time to focus on high-value activities requiring human intervention. This blend of AI efficiency and human creativity can create a powerful combination.

In a world where interactions are increasingly digital, the value of genuine human relationships is magnified. AI allows us to streamline other tasks and processes freeing us up to invest time in building and nurturing relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues. Authentic connections are a cornerstone of trust and long-term success. 

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”  – Confucius

A lawyer might use AI to sift through large volumes of legal documents, allowing them to dedicate more time to strategy and client interaction. By automating the mundane, they can focus on providing high-quality, personalized legal advice.

The Responsibility of Content Creation with AI

AI has become an increasingly prevalent tool in content creation, but it is crucial to recognize the implications of its use. AI can generate articles, social media posts, and marketing materials with remarkable speed and efficiency. However, the responsibility for this content ultimately lies with the human using the AI.

There are a few current court cases concerning this issue. Laws are being proposed. Regulation will eventually come down the line.

Amazon, YouTube, and other platforms are requiring creators to indicate if the article/book manuscript/graphics/video were in any way ‘synthetically; generated or produced. 

People are getting even more skeptical of things they see and read wondering if it was generated by files and data or by a human.

While AI can produce content based on history, patterns and an immense amount of data, it does not have the discernment to understand context, nuances, fact vs. fiction, or potential sensitivities. Business owners and professionals must meticulously review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their brand’s voice, values, and standards.

A PR manager using AI to draft press releases must review the content to ensure it accurately reflects the company’s message and tone, avoiding potential misunderstandings or miscommunications.

A thought leader, influencer, or expert can use it to help with the ‘blank page syndrome’ but needs to take anything it generates and add their personal touch, their human edge to the copy. They need to ensure that the information is accurate, the voice is consistent with theirs, and the content is in line with their thought processes, mission, vision and core values.

It is YOUR Reputation on the Line

It is important to remember that any content that goes public under your name or brand reflects on your reputation. Missteps in AI-generated content can lead to misunderstandings, misinformation, or even reputational damage. Ensuring that every piece of content maintains integrity and authenticity is critical. 

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

It’s crucial to use AI responsibly and ethically. Transparency about the use of AI and a commitment to your standards help maintain trust with your audience.  Don’t try to appear smarter than you are. Be YOU, the real yu – not the AI version of you.

By taking responsibility for AI-generated content, you ensure that your reputation remains untarnished, further solidifying your unique position in the market.

“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.” – Immanuel Kant

Embrace your human edge, your human senses, and remember, while AI can replicate many tasks, it cannot replicate the essence of being human. Your individuality, creativity, and personal touch are your greatest assets in the age of AI. Use it responsibly…use it or be replaced by it. Find your place with AI, a place where it can enhance your business, even help to set you apart from the competition, and make you irreplaceable.