By now you have probably dabbled with Chat GPT, have appreciated the AI components added to software and systems you already use, or gone in full speed with AI tools and platforms. We all recognize that this changes the game on how we run our companies.
However, one question keeps coming up as I work with South Georgia business owners. How do we embrace this technology while maintaining our signature brand and personal touch?
For generations, South Georgia businesses have thrived on warm greetings, familiar faces, and deep community connections. The challenge isn’t just about implementing AI – it’s about enhancing these cherished relationships with technology, not replacing them.
There are so many other fantastic ways AI is making our work easier and more effective. Below are a few ways to implement AI into your business.
1. The Personal Touch Challenge
As the publisher of three local magazines, I’ve noticed a growing trend: many businesses are relying on AI to fully write their articles and advertisements. While tempting, this approach often results in generic content that misses the heart of what makes that business so special.
The magic happens when you use AI as a foundation – a first draft or outline – then weave in your unique brand story, local market knowledge, and authentic voice. Think of AI as your writing assistant, not your replacement. Your customers aren’t just buying products or services; they’re connecting with your unique business personality and values that no AI tool can fully capture.
2. Customer Service Enhancement (Not Replacement)
• Use AI chatbots for after-hours initial contact – Do you have a chatbot on your website? Automated messages set up in Messenger and Meta?
• Let AI handle routine queries and questions while staff focuses on complex customer needs
Examples:
Local real estate agencies have been using AI for initial property matching and cold outreach but maintaining personal agent relationships for showings and negotiations.
A local massage therapist has automated messages set up for inquiries that come in after hours or while she is with a client. The messages are friendly greetings and a series of questions to find out their specific interests. There is even a link to her calendar to get that massage scheduled right away.
3. Data-Driven Personalization
• Leverage AI to remember customer preferences
• Track important dates and milestones
• Create personalized recommendations based on past interactions
Example: Local retailers are using AI to track customer style preferences and sale history and then provide email outreach tailored to that specific customer.
4. Operational Efficiency That Frees Up Time for Relationships
• Automate routine paperwork and data entry
• Use AI for inventory management and ordering
• Schedule smart reminders for personal follow-ups
• Create automatic To Do lists for teams and for yourself
5. Strategic Communication Balance
• AI-powered email campaigns with personal touches
• Smart social media management that maintains authentic voice
Example: As we manage approximately 20 client social media accounts, we use AI-powered tools to schedule posts and generate monthly and weekly performance reports for each client. We still evaluate each report manually and add recommendations, but the extraction of the initial data is automated, saving us time and saving our client’s money.
Finding Your Balance
Every business’s AI journey is unique, but the goal remains constant: leverage technology to enhance, not replace, the personal connections that make your business unique. You likely built your business one customer interaction at a time. Don’t lose all that hard work to a tool that everyone else is using also.
Want to learn more about balancing AI integration with personal service? Contact J. DelSUR Marketing Group for a consultation on creating your perfect blend of technology and personal touch.
Download the South Georgia Business Guide to AI Integration. 👇🏼
