How to Add Your Intelligence to AI for Smarter International Business Expansion

Many people think AI is like magic teacher, knowing everything, yes? But smart people who study AI say maybe not so good idea to listen too much AI. Because AI just use what already on internet, like old news, and then AI make new thing, but still from old news.

Over time, this could turn AI into the internet’s biggest echo chamber, bouncing recycled ideas around like a ping-pong ball at a silent tournament. The danger? Innovation stalls, creativity shrinks, and the quality of information decreases!

So what is the solution? Think of AI not as the driver of the car but as the GPS—it can help you find the best routes and avoid traffic, but you’re the one deciding where to go and how to get there!

By adding our own intelligence to AI-generated tasks and instructing it on how to generate outputs, we can avoid falling into this trap while maximizing the benefits of AI. Let's not let AI replace our creativity but enhance it.

Here’s how this approach can be applied effectively in international business development and export planning:

1. Avoid Blind Trust: Validate AI Suggestions with Real-Life Context

AI can provide general insights, but adding detailed context ensures its suggestions are aligned with real-world conditions.

General Prompt: “What is the best market for my organic skincare product?” AI might provide generic answers like listing countries with high cosmetics demand.

Add Your Intelligence: “Based on data showing that high-income countries with a focus on sustainability are ideal markets for organic skincare, suggest specific regions where demand for chemical-free products is rising.” This ensures the AI generates answers grounded in your product’s unique appeal.

• Example 1 (Germany): “Considering Germany’s growing organic cosmetics market and high per-capita spending on beauty products, recommend a marketing strategy for my premium organic skincare range.”
• Example 2 (Japan): “Given Japan’s preference for dermatologist-tested skincare, draft strategies for positioning my anti-aging cream to appeal to affluent urban consumers in Tokyo and Osaka.”

2. Use AI as a Task Generator, Not a Strategist

AI doesn’t understand the nuances of your market or industry. Use it to generate specific tasks based on your insights.

General Prompt: “What’s the best way to market eco-friendly kitchenware in Europe?” AI might provide generic ideas like online ads or sustainability campaigns.

Add Your Intelligence: “Considering the high demand for sustainable products in Scandinavia, suggest social media campaign ideas targeting eco-conscious millennials with a focus on reusable kitchenware.”

• Example 1 (Scandinavia): “Generate a list of influencer collaborations and campaign slogans for promoting eco-friendly kitchenware to Scandinavian audiences, highlighting sustainability and Scandinavian design aesthetics.”
• Example 2 (Middle East): “Draft a luxury-focused branding plan for eco-friendly tableware targeting high-income buyers in the UAE, emphasizing cultural appropriateness and premium packaging.”

3. Feed AI with Reliable Data First

AI thrives when provided with accurate data to build on. Instead of relying on AI to generate data, supply validated inputs and guide it toward actionable outputs.

General Prompt: “How should I price my organic snacks for the US market?” AI might suggest broad pricing strategies without considering specifics.

Add Your Intelligence: “Using these inputs—US competitor prices, tariff rates, and logistics costs—suggest a pricing strategy for introducing my organic snacks into the US market via premium retailers.”

• Example 1 (Japan): “Using this verified data on Japan’s tariff rates and consumer preferences for organic food, draft a pricing and distribution strategy for introducing my organic snack bars to high-end grocery stores.”
• Example 2 (Canada): “Given these logistics costs and competitor prices in Canada, recommend pricing and promotional strategies for launching my eco-friendly packaging products.”

4. Start With Your Ideas, Then Let AI Refine Them

AI is most effective when enhancing and refining your initial thoughts. Start with a basic plan and let AI fill in the gaps.

• General Prompt: “Create a digital marketing strategy for my organic tea in the UK.”
• Add Your Intelligence: “I want to target health-conscious urban professionals in the UK with my organic tea. My initial plan includes collaborations with wellness influencers, sponsorships at yoga events, and online campaigns emphasizing sustainability. Expand this strategy with additional ideas focusing on subscription models and SEO-optimized content.”

5. Always Validate and Iterate

AI-generated outputs, such as proposals, presentations, or emails, should be seen as drafts that require refinement to ensure cultural, professional, and contextual accuracy. Validate them with real-world knowledge and adapt them to your needs.

• General Prompt: “Write a proposal to a potential buyer in China for my organic skincare products.”
• Add Your Intelligence: “Write a proposal for a potential buyer in China for my organic skincare products. Focus on the growing demand for chemical-free skincare in urban areas and highlight our certifications like ECOCERT and halal compliance, which are relevant to the Chinese market.” Then validate the output to ensure alignment with cultural expectations and specific buyer needs.

Conclusion

To maximize the benefits of AI in international business development, treat it as an assistant, not a strategist. Provide AI with specific, detailed input, validate its outputs with reliable data, and use it to enhance your initial ideas. By combining your expertise with AI’s computational power, you can create reliable, actionable strategies while avoiding the pitfalls of over-reliance.