Where’s this headed?

I find myself in an interesting juxtaposition….

Several people who have read my blog have reached out and said how much my very first blog post in August of 2023 resonated with them. It turns out other business owners also struggle with writing blogs - or even getting started in the first place.

Admittedly my start has been slow. With a podcast to grow, chronic health issues to manage, and a blossoming business to run it’s easy to set my blog aside.

Buuuuut…. I know I should be more consistent. I am sporadic right now. Weighing the cost of what I post with where I want to go. Trying to figure it out. I have a lot I want to accomplish in 2024.

But blogs are supposed to be the thing that helps us launch all of that right? In theory anyways right?

I think blogs are about allowing others to hear your unique voice - and it is unique.

Even if in a world of AI there are arguable much more proficient ways of writing. I’m not against AI. I’m not against the use of it for structure or filling in blanks, or helping us achieve things faster. I think that’s great. In the same way that I wouldn’t go back to a world before digital cameras, digital calendars, etc. there is something to be said for technology that helps us move forward.

I also like to think we’re a little to smart for AI - not in a database way though - in a relational way. I don’t think AI can duplicate a true human relationship. Maybe it will get close but relationships are beautifully messy, complex, have tone, and when they’re good have dynamic listening and unique trajectories.

AI sometimes reminds me of a salesperson relationship.

Think about it.

When you’re sold to what makes it feel sleazy?

Perhaps you find the person is telling you information you don’t need. You don’t care how many colors, sizes, options, etc.

Perhaps they’re valuing something you don’t personally value and pushing the value. Instead of feeling educated you feel unheard. They didn’t even bother to learn what you valued.

Perhaps you would value it and would be interested in being educated if they first asked questions to determine your need or help you discover your need.

Sometimes even that can feel to scripted.

Like they’ve said it a 100 times and it’s about their sale not about you.

We likely have also had really good sales conversations where we both left feeling good, understood, and left with something we both wanted. The difference between good and bad can be dependent on the mood we’re in when we enter the conversation and also the way the conversation is set up. There’s so much more that could go into it and there are definitely some good AI sales experiences I’ve had because I was in the right space mentally, the target demographic for it, and the language it was programmed to use by the person selling spoke to me.

I find it interesting that the emails I’ve appreciated the most lately and haven’t immediately sent to my promo tab are the ones were they share an offer and then end it with “if this is not for you click here to opt out of this promotion”. I know emails can have specific marketing funnels and if I like someone’s content and want to keep them in my inbox for now but don’t want to be marketed for their current product or service for the next few weeks it’s nice to be able to opt of it while still staying on their mailing list.

I also found myself quickly sick of ManyChat… I wonder if I’m alone in this. I suspect not. When it first came out I was highly enthusiastic. I like trying new things. I loved the concept that someone could create a freebie and I could provide my email. I’d instantly get it and they’d get me on their list. Instant gratification for both of us and they could be eating dinner with their family.

As it’s progressed over the last few months it’s taken on a form like email marketing (which for sales isn’t a bad thing!) but it can be annoying to get a message on my instagram and it’s not a real person but a automated message. I’d like to opt out.

I’m not sure how this ended up being about AI and sales… welcome to my brain.

I guess my point is that AI is a tool.

Human’s are human.

AI can mimic the human behind them.

Like each photo in a camera represents the photographer’s unique take and each photographer would approach a scene differently. That’s individuality and style expressed.

Dare I say that it’s like how human’s in their best states mimic their Creator?

I don’t think tools or things can ultimately be human. I’m sure the sci-fi genre would have some things to say about that. It’s interesting how we make movies about things we create wanting to be human. Toys like Pinocchio or Barbie. Robots. Etc.

Would they ever? And why? The’s stories seem to focus on the fact that human’s experience a fuller life than things because of relationships, emotions, and so on.

Sometimes though being a human sucks. Even with that these things would apparently choose our state. Would they though? I think that’s our own reasoning about our human experience because it’s the only one we know. It certainly makes for a fun storyline.

As I think about my own experiences with AI and I’ve just begun I find myself musing on how it just doesn’t feel the same - it can be a really good tool - but there’s something so raw and special about locking eyes with another person in conversation, the depth of understanding, and the realness of human interaction. I’m American so I have some thoughts surrounding the desire for connection in our society, the digital age, and the age of AI.

I think we’ll be lonelier.

I think community in person will matter even more.

Knowing there’s a real person not a generated one speaking to you will be so much more valuable.

Until next time,

Priscilla