The Surprising Productivity Benefit of Generative AI

I didn't see this one coming. Did you?

One thing I've noticed since embracing AI as a part of my work flow is that my work has improved in one key way that I didn't anticipate: My work is more thorough than before.

You would think that using AI would make us lazier than ever. And maybe it's having that effect on some people.

But one of my favourite things to do before starting any task is to ask AI (usually ChatGPT) what it thinks I should do. I started doing this just to get a cheap second opinion and as a bit of a gut check on whether I was out-to-lunch or not.

It turns out AI is quite the task master, if you let it.

Here's an example. I'm working on a marketing plan for a client. I turned to the "Market Analysis" section, and decided to ask ChatGPT for its interpretation of what should be included. I was expecting maybe one or two good ideas to add to what I was already doing.

Instead, I got a thorough to-do list that made my original plan look woefully inadequate. It's not that it's suggesting anything mind-blowing, it's that it's very thorough. And as I read its recommendations, I realized I've been cutting corners and only focusing on the aspects I find most interesting, rather than doing a deep dive into every aspect of the task at hand.

I'll show you.

Prompt: 

I'm working on a marketing plan for a client, whose target customers are enterprise businesses and large contractors. I'm about to start the market analysis portion. Can you outline the work you would expect to be done here?

ChatGPT:

Certainly! In the "Marketing Analysis" section, you will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the market, competitors, and the specific needs of your target audience (enterprise businesses and large contractors). Here's an outline of the work you should be doing in this section:

1. Market Overview:

• Describe the overall market in which your client operates. Include relevant industry data, trends, and growth projections.

• Identify the key players in the client industry and any emerging trends that may impact your client's growth.

2. Target Market Segmentation:

• Clearly define your target audience, which consists of enterprise businesses and large contractors.

• Segment your target market based on industry, company size, location, and any other relevant factors.

3. Competitor Analysis:

• Identify your main competitors in the market who are also targeting enterprise businesses and large contractors.

• Evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, market share, and unique selling propositions (USPs).

• How do your services differ from those of your competitors, and what advantages do you have over them?

4. SWOT Analysis:

• Conduct a SWOT analysis for your client, considering its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

• How will you leverage your strengths and opportunities to address the needs of your target market and overcome potential challenges?

5. Customer Needs and Pain Points:

• Understand the specific needs and pain points of enterprise businesses and large contractors in your target market.

• How can your client's products and services address these needs and provide valuable solutions?

6. Market Research:

• Conduct surveys, interviews, or gather data from other sources to gain insights into your target audience's preferences, challenges, and purchasing behavior.

• How will you use this research to tailor your marketing strategies and service offerings?

7. Regulatory and Legal Factors:

• Identify any industry-specific regulations or legal factors that may impact your client or their target customers.

• How will you ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations?

8. Industry Influencers and Partnerships:

• Determine if there are any industry influencers or key organizations that can help promote your client to your target market.

• How will you engage with these influencers or form strategic partnerships?

By conducting a thorough marketing analysis, you'll gain a deep understanding of your target market and the competitive landscape, enabling you to make informed decisions and develop effective marketing strategies to attract and win enterprise businesses and large contractors.

Is any of this revolutionary? Hardly. But I have to be honest, I wasn't going to do 75% of that. 

It's not that I'm lazy; it's not that I don't know how to do these things; it's that I'm busy. Much like my clients, I have a lot to do. But ChatGPT shamed me for cutting corners. Reviewing this list, I realized my initial plan was inadequate and would have done both me and my client a disservice.

Robots don't cut corners. They don't get tired. They don’t get tired or overworked. They consistently give it their best, because it’s the only thing they know how to do. They don’t know how to be lazy.

If you're looking for someone to keep you honest, consider turning to AI. It's cheaper than hiring a personal coach. And if you have the work ethic to see it all through, it will make you an incredibly more effective marketer.