When AI Joins Your Meeting: What Small Businesses Need To Know

It's becoming more common for clients to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT when reviewing work you've delivered, or even before a meeting. This can feel a bit like having an uninvited guest join your business conversations, but it's quickly becoming part of the new normal.

Imagine you've just finished a website design for a client you've known for ages. They then casually mention they ran it past ChatGPT for a second opinion. This isn't a slight against your work; it's simply a sign that AI is now accessible and people are experimenting with it in their daily business. For small business owners, this means adapting your approach.

Instead of feeling threatened, see this as an opportunity. If a client has already used AI to research something, you can be prepared to address those points. You might even incorporate AI into your own process to anticipate their questions or explore alternatives. For example, using an AI tool to brainstorm solutions for a client's problem before your meeting could give you an edge.

Think about how you can politely engage with the 'AI third wheel'. If a client brings up an AI-generated point, acknowledge it and then use your expertise to elaborate, clarify, or provide a more human perspective. It's about showing the value you bring that AI can't — your experience, intuition, and understanding of their unique needs. This approach helps build trust and positions you as a forward-thinking professional, rather than someone resistant to new technology.