Artificial Intelligence (AI) was designed as a tool, not to replace human connection. With technology developing quickly, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of having resources at our fingertips. So, how do we decide when and where to utilize AI?
As businesses, we utilize tone, voice and aesthetic to differentiate ourselves from other entities within our industry – whether that be through marketing, design or in our culinary offerings. When we utilize AI to replace creative thinking, we begin to mirror others, losing what makes us unique.
Let me give you a few examples: Using AI to create logos has become a new norm that replaces engaging in relationships with graphic designers. Consequently, graphics are losing individual character and are no longer recognizable. This cheapens brands.
Another example is social media posts. I get it – time is of the essence – but people are looking for signs of AI usage. An elongated statement with emojis after each line loses any personal connection you may have had with your human audience.
How to Use AI
Now, don’t get me wrong. AI absolutely has a place in our business models. How we use it will determine whether it makes us more efficient and effective or whether we lose our independent pizzeria vibes and customer connectivity. Do not use it to speak to your audience; use it to streamline your processes.
If you currently aren’t utilizing AI, here are some ways it can help you become more efficient and effective without losing your voice …
Ask AI to provide you with a list of ways you can increase revenue based on the parameters of your business model. Then, set goals utilizing the data and ideas this tool provides. If you need clarity, ask AI to go deeper on subject matter and provide data to back it up.
AI is an excellent note-taker and organizer. Whether you are having team meetings or doing quarterly staff evaluations, consider having AI monitor the conversation and turn it into notes. You can even ask it to provide you with next steps or an agenda for future meetings.
I asked AI how it sees its role in pizzeria operations, and this was its response:
1. Operations & Project Management
AI can act as an autonomous assistant that manages the lifecycle of internal projects without constant manual updates.
2. Finance & HR Processes
These departments often handle the most “mundane,” high-volume data, making them ideal for Robotic Process Automation.
3. Supply Chain & Logistics
AI excels at analyzing variables – such as weather, transportation costs and supplier reliability – that are too complex for manual tracking.
AI Boundaries and Efficiency
AI has an answer for everything, which is why it is so important to set boundaries about customer connection as well as company voice and aesthetic. If I asked AI to tell me about my customers, it would. If I asked it how to reach them … it would have ideas about that, too. So, gather the data and then generate your own authentic statement.
My challenge to you: Set a responsible policy around AI use to protect your brand. If you have never dabbled in AI, find one process in your business that can become more efficient by using AI as a tool.
MELINDA CARBAJAL is the CEO and managing member of Colorado-based Simply Pizza.
