AI in Business | January 10, 2024

In this edition of AI in Business Weekly, we spotlight major developments like OpenAI's GPT Store launch and Google's "Bard Advanced," signaling a transformative phase in business AI.?

We also emphasize the significance of diversifying AI tools in light of recent shifts at OpenAI, highlighting the need for a versatile AI toolkit to drive innovation and reduce risks. Featuring "Taplio," an AI tool revolutionizing LinkedIn marketing, this issue is packed with insights.?

Additionally, don't miss Zach's upcoming speaking engagements and how to book him for your next conference or event.

Top AI in Business News Stories

OpenAI will open its custom ChatGPT store next week

OpenAI announced that its GPT Store, a platform for users to sell and share their customized AI agents built on the GPT-4 model, will officially launch next week following a delayed release. Accessible to ChatGPT Plus and enterprise subscribers, the GPT store allows creation of unique ChatGPT-style chatbots ranging from Gen Z meme explainers to negotiation guides. OpenAI intends to devise a compensation model for creators based on usage of their AI agents in the Store, although further details are awaited.

Implications for the Average Business

The forthcoming launch of OpenAI's GPT Store signifies an opportunity for businesses to not only create but potentially monetize their custom AI agents. This presents an avenue for businesses of all sizes to create bespoke AI solutions, thus enhancing their operations, improving content creation, and even providing innovative customer service solutions. However, as this is a relatively new commerce model, businesses should approach with thoughtful strategies and carefully understand OpenAI’s guidelines and compensation models before embracing it.

Google Planning Paid-for “Bard Advanced” to Rival ChatGPT Plus

谷歌 is reportedly planning on launching a paid-for service "Bard Advanced" in early 2024 to rival OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus. Unlike the current free version of Bard, Bard Advanced will offer premium features, and adopt a tiered approach similar to OpenAI’s model. Bard Advanced will utilize Google's new AI model, "Gemini Ultra". Google also plans to introduce a suite of new features in Bard including a plugin for extended task management and a tool to strengthen users' prompts. On the downside, paid model adoption points to the end of Bard as a completely free service.

Implications for the Average Business

Google's move to launch Bard Advanced suggests increased competition in the AI chatbot space. Businesses could benefit from an enriched set of features offered by these enhanced AI chatbots, resulting in improved customer interaction, tailored content generation, and novel business solutions. However, the shift from a completely free service to a paid model means businesses would benefit from considering cost-benefit analyses before adopting such technology. Businesses may need to reevaluate their budgetary and operational strategies to accommodate the cost of premium AI chatbot services.

OpenAI Turmoil Pushes Customers to Diversify

Turmoil at OpenAI, the company behind Chat GPT and Dall-E, is triggering businesses to explore different AI platforms. Despite OpenAI's technologies and maintaining their flagship status for their top-notch capabilities, organizations are progressing towards diversification, ensuring that they aren't confined to a single provider's ecosystem.

Implications for the Average Businesses

For the average business, this trend of diversifying AI tools is a sensible move and one we have encouraged for almost a year. This allows them to capitalize on the strengths of diverse platforms and minimize dependencies on a single provider. This approach not only aids in risk mitigation, considering the volatile nature of technology providers, but also empowers businesses to leverage cutting-edge solutions across the expansive AI landscape. Consequently, this could even drive innovation and allow businesses to harness wider dimensions of AI capabilities for their growth and productivity.

AI in Business 101: Diversifying Your AI Toolset for Redundancy and Innovation

While we have fallen in (and out of) love with several AI programs over the past 12 months, we have remained steadfast in utilizing a handful of programs at any given time, so that we are not overly-reliant on one program. And given how disruptive this industry is, the best tool today might be obsolete tomorrow.

Why Diversification Matters

Diversifying your AI toolset offers two main advantages: redundancy and innovation. Let's explore each in detail.

1. Redundancy: A single point of failure is a recipe for disaster in any business landscape. By having a diversified AI toolset, you mitigate risks associated with potential tooling issues that could cause operational disruptions. This effectively eliminates the dependence on one solution and ensures business continuity if problems arise.
2. Innovation & Opportunity: Embracing a variety of AI tools empowers businesses to explore new opportunities and avenues for growth. Implementing diverse AI applications drives innovation by enabling organizations to tackle different challenges and optimize various processes.

The Road to Diversification

Here are some key steps to diversify your organization's AI toolset effectively:

1. Assess Your Current AI Portfolio: Evaluate your existing AI tools to identify gaps, overlaps, and potential improvements. This will inform your decisions about which new AI tools and applications to consider.
2. Research & Consult: Consult industry reports, expert insights, and AI solution providers to gain a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge tools. Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of the latest advancements and use cases.
3. Test & Implement: Pilot and validate new AI tools alongside your existing solutions to ensure seamless integration and compatibility. Continually iterate and refine your AI toolset based on performance, results, and emerging opportunities.
4. Monitor & Update: Stay vigilant and keep an eye on emerging AI trends, technologies, and strategies. Continuously evaluate and update your AI toolkit to maintain a competitive edge in your industry.

Embrace the Future

Diversification is essential in any rapidly evolving technology landscape. By proactively expanding your AI toolset, you protect your business from unforeseen challenges and equip it to thrive in the face of continuous change. Don't just hope for a better future, actively shape it by diversifying your AI toolkit.

Featured AI Tool of the Week: Taplio

Taplio is an AI-driven platform aiming to revolutionize how businesses and professionals conduct their LinkedIn marketing and branding efforts. Adopted by over 6,200 LinkedIn professionals, this tool promises to help you grow and engage your audience with less time and effort.

Key Functionality

1. Content Creation with AI: Taplio's AI supports the production of captivating LinkedIn post ideas, drafts, and carousel content, bespoke to your needs.
2. Content Scheduling: It allows the scheduling of content including texts, images, videos, and carousels.
3. Lead Generation and Network Expansion: Taplio offers tools for growing and interacting with your LinkedIn network. It allows you to import contacts and target leads from those who engage with your posts.
4. LinkedIn Analytics: You can assess your LinkedIn efforts using Taplio's analytics suite, which provides KPIs and insights.
5. Chrome Extension (Taplio X): This feature allows you to view your analytics directly on LinkedIn and discover the top performing content in your network.

Benefits

• Efficiency: With features like AI-assisted content creation and content scheduling, you can save significant time.
• Greater Reach and Engagement: Thousands of professionals have transformed their LinkedIn presence and engagement using Taplio.
• Data-Driven Decisions: With its comprehensive analytics, you can understand what's working for you and what needs improvement.

Drawbacks

• Limited to LinkedIn: If you have a multi-platform social media strategy, Taplio might not be the all-in-all tool as it focuses primarily on LinkedIn.

Cost

Taplio subscriptions start at $39/month when billed annually.

Conclusion

For professionals seeking to automate and optimize their LinkedIn content strategy, Taplio can be a game-changing tool. From content generation to lead identification and analytics, it simplifies and enhances different aspects of LinkedIn marketing and personal branding. While it may not fit multi-platform strategies, it's a robust solution for those focusing primarily on LinkedIn.

Stay Tuned and in Touch

We and Zach are giving several presentations on how the average business and organizations can leverage AI to punch above their weight and accomplish much more with current resources and staffing. Check us out at one of the upcoming events:

• Tuesday, January 16: Intro to AI in Summerville, SC
• Wednesday, January 24: State of the Chamber Conference - Clayton Chamber of Commerce (North Carolina)
• Wednesday, January 24: U.S. Chamber of Commerce IOM Webinar
• Monday, January 29: SC Society of Association Executives Trade Show at Columbia (SC) Convention Center
• Thursday, February 1: SWE Lowcountry Panel on AI (Charleston, SC)
• Thursday, February 15: American Independent Business Alliance 's Local Leaders Roundtable - AI in Marketing Webinar
• Thursday, February 22: Lowcountry Local First 's Good Business Summit Panel on AI (Charleston, SC)
• Monday, February 26: Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) Webinar on AI Revolutionizing Chamber Management

And thank you for joining us for this edition of GCM's AI in Business weekly newsletter. For more on how AI can amplify your marketing, communications, and sales, please subscribe.

To book Zach for speaking engagements on practical applications of AI in business, Chambers of Commerce and associations, Get in Touch.