Your Audience is Curious about AI, You Should Be Their Guide!
As the summer months are winding down, I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting on how fortunate I’ve been to have spent a lot of time out in the community this summer at conferences and events talking about #ResponsibleAI. One of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned in my conversations with SMB leaders (whether they are Microsoft Partners, MSPs, or ISVs) is that AI still tends to feel like a bit of an abstract idea, hidden behind jargon and in-the-weeds developer conversations that leave end-users a bit lost.
If you’re running an SMB in the technology space, you’ve probably noticed that your clients are curious about AI. They’ve heard the buzzwords and seen the headlines seemingly explode across the internet over the past few years. But, when it comes to integrating AI into their business, they’re often left scratching their heads.
The thing is, your audience wants to understand AI; how it can smooth their operations, boost profits, and integrate into their business. Maybe they just don’t know where to begin… enter YOU.
Why Me?
Even if AI integration isn’t your specialty, it’s crucial to be able to discuss AI with your clients because it positions you as a forward-thinking, credible partner who understands industry trends. Clients increasingly expect their tech partners to be knowledgeable about AI, and being able to guide them on this topic strengthens your relationship and keeps you relevant.
Talking the AI Talk:
You need to have the AI chat, and you need to be prepared to demystify it, showing your audience and your clients the real, tangible benefits it can bring to their business. Speaking of real, tangible benefits… here are 5 benefits that having the AI talk will have for YOU:
1. Building Trust and Credibility
Educating Clients: Clients often have limited knowledge of AI and its potential impact on their businesses. By effectively communicating AI concepts, you can build trust and position yourself as a knowledgeable advisor, setting you apart from others in your marketplace who may not be as advanced in their AI strategies.
Addressing Concerns: AI can be intimidating, with concerns about job displacement, security, and ethical implications. Clear communication helps alleviate these concerns by explaining how AI can be implemented responsibly and beneficially. Clients who understand the value of AI and see it successfully integrated into their operations are more likely to stay with the service provider or partner (You!).
2. Driving Business Value
Demonstrating ROI: AI investments need to be justified with clear benefits. Explaining how AI can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or create new revenue streams helps clients see the value and return on investment (ROI).
Tailored Solutions: Understanding client needs and effectively communicating AI’s capabilities allows for more personalized solutions, which are more likely to meet the specific challenges and opportunities faced by SMBs.
3. Facilitating Smooth Integration
Change Management: AI integration often requires changes in workflows, culture, and infrastructure. Clear communication helps manage these changes by setting expectations and providing a roadmap for implementation.
Technical Understanding: For ISVs and MSPs, discussing AI in detail helps ensure that clients understand the technical requirements and potential challenges, leading to smoother implementation and fewer misunderstandings.
4. Regulatory and Ethical Compliance
Ensuring Compliance: AI deployment must comply with regulations and ethical standards. Educating clients about these considerations ensures that AI is implemented responsibly, avoiding legal or reputational risks.
Ethical AI Use: Discussing the ethical implications of AI, including fairness, transparency, and accountability, is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding potential backlash.
5. Encouraging Innovation and Growth
Promoting Innovation: By explaining the potential of AI, you can inspire clients to think creatively about new ways to use technology to drive innovation.
Scaling Businesses: Understanding AI’s potential can open opportunities for growth and scalability, allowing you to compete more effectively with other enterprises in your marketplace.
Walking the AI Walk:
Maybe you’re thinking, “Yeah, yeah, Marie — I get it, I should be having these conversations with my clients.”
But you might also be thinking, “Holy crap, I don’t know where to start.”
And to that, I say, “Sup?”
We’ve been laying a lot of groundwork over at Marketing Copilot ® that will make having these conversations a whole lot easier.
Here’s a list of resources to get you started:
Webinar: The 5 Most Important Questions You Should Be Asking About AI Right Now
Webinar: The 5 ‘Gotcha’s’ of AI Governance You Don’t Want to Slip Between the Cracks
Moving Forward…
Whether you are just dipping your toe into the AI conversation, or you’ve had your ear to the ground on these topics for years, it is important to set a standard of continuous learning and conversing as AI continues to drastically and rapidly shift each and every sector. Continue to listen, learn, ask questions, challenge norms, and converse with your audience about AI. The bottom line is this: if you want to walk the walk in the era of AI, you have to be able to talk the talk.
