Are You Protecting Yourself Against AI? (3 Ways to Future Proof Yourself)
Don’t believe the hype. AI is going to replace a lot of jobs. Period. It’s already affecting industries such as copywriting, lawyers, actors, copywriters, sales, marketing, etc.
Needless to say, I saw this post by Greg Insenberg, I wasn’t shocked.
Almost every tweet, news article, or email you read right now, including this one, is about AI.
And for good reason. AI is the future. And I’m going to be honest with you…If you aren’t using Chapt GPT or other AI tools in your workflow, you’re making a big mistake. Especially if all you do is a “predictable” job function like sales or copywriting..you’re screwed.
But, before you cancel me – hear me out.
I, unlike everything else you’re reading, believe that you are irreplaceable and with the right skills and tools you will stay relevant and employed.
So, let’s unpack what this AI noise is and how you, an informed, savvy, and proactive employee can ensure you don’t lose out to AI.
What is AI?
AI – artificial intelligence – is intelligence demonstrated by machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. It allows these machines to model, or even improve, the capabilities of a human mind – think interpreting speech, playing games, and identifying patterns.
AI’s taken many forms and some are obviously more useful and less scary than others. I know I for one would be lost without Google Maps or Alexa reminding me and my partner of our baby’s doctor appointments.
But beyond the personal, the AI application, ChatGPT is changing the way entrepreneurs and companies are writing content. It’s capable of producing written content in a range of formats, from essays to code and answers to simple questions.
It’s evolving pretty fast and coming for the jobs and functions for those who don’t learn to adapt to change quickly.
But that’s not you or me. That’s not us. Let’s discuss three actions I’m taking to future myself (eh-em…you should be doing the same also).
3 Ways To Future Proof Yourself
1. Start Using AI
“Know thy enemy and know yourself” - Chinese General Sun Tzu
As sales tech professionals, it’s our job to know who and what is out there to make sure we and our employers stay relevant. The tools are here, they’re already being used, so it’s time to stop fighting against them.
It’s time to make them work for you. Start using AI in your everyday job functions.
For example, use the CHAT GPT prompts for Account Research or composing emails to potential new clients.
Once you have the prompt, don’t blindly hit send. Add that 100% human, unique, and personal perspective of empathy, self-awareness, and creativity that only you can bring.
Make sure to show your client that you care about them, you understand their needs or problems, and you are the one who can provide the solution to set yourself apart.
2. Double Down on the Real World
AI only exists in the digital world. Which means it can’t come close to disrupting our in-person, authentic connections with another human being.
It’s time to double down on the real world
What does that look like?
It looks like scheduling those dinners with colleagues, attending conferences, and starting a conversation with the person standing in front of you at the coffee shop every morning. You know their coffee order, you might as well know what they do.
Your job is to talk to customers to help them gain insights from your expertise so that they can apply your expertise to solve their immediate problem or better yet, the problem they didn’t even know they had.
I’d like to see AI try to do that.
3. Don’t Be Predictable
Don’t be defined by a job title that has a defined set of skills.
For example, if you are a sales rep, you should be able to run a marketing campaign from A-Z, be able to do account research and generate campaigns and report results.
Yes, you can be an expert in one thing, but you should have a diversified group of skills to support that one skill….and if you don’t, then it’s likely you’re gonna be affected by AI
On the other hand, if you diversify your skills, AI can’t keep up.
You need to be the one researching the marketing and sales campaigns, writing the copy for the campaign, compiling the results (ROI) for said campaign, and communicating effectively to all stakeholders.
Do that and I promise you’ll have a better chance of keeping your job.
While I’m not really an alarmist, AI is evolving at an incredibly fast pace. And if you don’t get with the program, you might get left behind or regulated to tasks that aren’t fun; and frankly don’t make for a great human experience.
What’s Next?
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