Blogs vs. Bots

The world has changed. AI, or a "machine capable of intelligent behavior", has become entrenched as a part of our daily lives. It didn't take long for AI assistance to "rule". Talk about a rapid fire change as a default for how we figure stuff out. Do you want to know how to start a business? Maybe you're curious about best practices for pipeline management? Composing an email or building a highly functional sales team? - just ask the computer. I'd ask for reader's forgiveness on the this blog's title and use of the word "Bot". Technically, a "Bot" it is a program designed to automate tasks - not necessarily "intelligent" - but it made for a more "catchy" headline (yes, AI helped me with the comparative definitions). Even as I type on this wonderful platform where my new website lives, it's prompting to assist the composition with various AI tools, buttons and suggestions. I am reluctantly ingnoring those prompts - thanks for indulging me on this largely human-based, gray matter-unassisted composition. Even if I am not using the Bot's assistance - I am motivated by it. This is a new relationship with my computer.

Honestly, I'm shocked as to the quality of what the Bot provides. At the heart of the consulting bsusiness is making sound recommendations, including content creation which often involves building powerpoint presentations or spreadhsheets - communicating concepts clearly. Only recently have I started to test the waters with the Bot - asking questions about various business issues, only to be impressed (and hontetly a little threatened) with what it produces in response to my queries. From pipeline management to organizational structure to call script composition - the results of the search from a couple of simple key strokes are remarkably good. What the Bot is not, however, is a human directly involved with your business. The Bot cannot (yet) review the unique set of circumstances associated with each person or organization's history or current circumstance - and that is why, I believe, that people with brains need to be at the helm when it comes to contemplating and charting the course to building or driving a business or motivating a sales team.

One of my goals for the site relaunch was to provide a platform via a blog for expression and open discussion on a variety of business and other topics. New to the blogging game myself, at first I felt challenged by the Bot. How can a blogger add value when you can just ask the Bot? But after further contemplation (and guidance from my trusted friend Eric who helped build my site) I realized that the value of a good blog is to share personal experiences and learnings from client engagements or observations in the business world. And equally important, I hope, to start a discussions and engagements. Bots can't do that, at least not yet.

So, for this initial blog it's about a vote of confidence for humanism and a solemn recognition of the power of the Bot. There have been no shortage of opinions on how AI will replace certain roles - in some cases they will. I'm a big believer in the power of creativity, collaboration and scenario play in business - hallmarks of strong organizations with good soft skills. Nowadays more than ever, especially for those early-on in their career with aspirations to do great things, investing in yourself and becoming a great thinker is and always has been a formula for success. Bot's don't blog. Actually never thought I'd say it - but "I'm a Blogger" - and it feels good!

I invite readers to check back for future posts.

Thanks, Jonas

JT

AXC