- Nov 26, 2024
Human Interaction vs. AI at Work
Being a mom is hard.
Throw a business into the mix, and it’s like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge, but even the most ambitious women need help sometimes. I was ready, determined, and…totally alone. What I did have was a laptop, a seemingly never-ending to-do list, and a belief in my product and vision. Discovering AI was a game-changer, and truthfully, I relied on it for a bit. ChatGPT allowed me to have countless questions answered and an infinite amount of knowledge at my fingertips. ChatGPT got me through my first year of trying to get my business off the ground solo, like a trusty robot sidekick that never needs coffee breaks.
But despite all the tools and resources at my fingertips, something was missing—connection. A successful business isn’t just built on a product and strategy, it’s built on people. I love my teenagers more than anything, but I was craving some adult interaction. I had overlooked one crucial element: Networking.
At first, the idea of networking felt overwhelming and stressful. As a busy mom and new business owner, finding time for meetings, events, or even a casual conversation felt impossible some days. However, I quickly learned how easy it is today to start to network and find people to join your team and share in your vision. I have since felt so much more confident in myself and felt a spark reignite, something I hope to share with you all here.
The Turning Point: Networking and the Joy of Human Interaction
The moment I made a conscious decision to embark on my networking journey, things seemingly began to fall into place. I felt a subtle, but at the same time profound change within myself. My path seemed clearer and my goals more achievable than ever, and the joy that came with this clarity was priceless. This isn’t to say that networking alone will bring success, but networking with intention and purposefully connecting with the right people, will. I always had a clear vision for what I wanted my company to look like, and that requires like-minded individuals who share the same passion and mission. I never wanted to “network” for the sake of it—I wanted to build a community of individuals who added value to my life and vision. I set out to intentionally recruit and network, not stopping until I found what I was looking for. This process wasn’t a mere exchange of contact information or basic LinkedIn connections; it was about seeking out other individuals who had complementary skills while also being passionate about the same goals.
I have always been clear on what I wanted my company to look like—a space where innovation, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose come together. I quickly learned that with the right people, this will be made possible. That is why I approached my networking with a focus on quality over quantity, and I suggest all business owners do the same. It’s not about finding a person who fits my checklist, but about finding people who will contribute and whose energy and passion would elevate my business and vision as a whole.
The process of building relationships and brainstorming with other professionals fosters a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that frankly, you can’t find through AI. Don’t get me wrong, AI and ChatGPT are great in their own way, but they cannot take the place of genuine human interaction. Ultimately, the greatest reward of networking intentionally is the joy that comes from building authentic relationships and working with other adults. It's a fulfilling experience to be surrounded by people who share your passions and want to help you reach your goals. So, as I continue my networking journey, I am reminded that human interaction is not just a perk, but an essential part of the process.
The Power of Networking: Building Your Business Connections
People really underestimate the power and magic that networking holds. One of my favorite parts is how it can enhance creativity. Working with talented, like-minded individuals gives you many unique perspectives and opinions, things that ChatGPT cannot simulate. It makes you think more and collaborate, giving you full creative power over your business.
Networking also pushes you to step outside of your comfort zone. The cross-conversations that occur between groups of people can lead to solutions you may have never even considered. Every collaboration leads you to new people, expanding your network in ways that result in lasting effects on your career. Each new connection can offer you fresh resources, mentorship, feedback, and can lead to more collaborations down the road. Networking is the task, and the connections are the result. Think about your connections as your business arsenal. Each connection offers you something new, as each person has their own unique experiences, skills, and connections of their own. Growing your network just grows your opportunities for success, in so many ways that AI cannot.
In the end, networking is about cultivating relationships that offer both immediate and long-term value, something I couldn’t agree with more. With each new person you meet, you expand your own knowledge. In my opinion, the more you invest in your relationships, the more doors will open and the more your business will grow and thrive.
Relying on Artificial Intelligence as a “Co-Worker”: When to Use AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool as we all know, and it is reshaping the way businesses all over the world operate. While we know it cannot replace the deep, authentic human connections that are crucial to building relationships and networking in the business world, AI still holds an important place in the realm. AI can assist with optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and helping business owners make more informed decisions. In the context of new business owners, AI offers a range of benefits that can streamline processes, help reduce certain costs, and, of course, enhance productivity. All of these tasks are important while trying to establish a small business in such a busy world.
When Is AI Beneficial for New Business Owners?
Routine and Repetitive Tasks: In life, time is our most precious resource, and the same goes for business owners. AI is commonly used in the workplace for handling routine and repetitive tasks that would otherwise eat up valuable time. These tasks can include processing large amounts of data, scheduling, and customer service responses. Allowing AI to take on these tasks saves the business owner time, money, and valuable resources. Customer service is one of the most common ways AI is utilized in businesses today, and it's relatively easy to set up. It allows you to ensure your customers are being properly taken care of (as AI responses can be customizable), while not eating up your valuable time.
Brainstorming: Networking and collaborating with other humans is key to success and leads to lots of brainstorming, as we discussed. However, sometimes you need an extra dose of inspiration to get in the creative headspace, and AI is the perfect tool for that. Within seconds, you can have a handful of jumping-off points for your next creative brainstorming session. AI is quite literally a never-ending Pinterest board that will always help you stay in a creative and innovative mindset.
Supplement vs. Replacement: As a business owner, I can recognize the pros of AI, but I can also recognize the cons. That is why I only view it as a supplement and not a replacement to the work of humans. It’s all about finding the right balance. If a task requires creativity, empathy, or any type of ethical judgment, then I believe human involvement is a must. AI is a tool in my toolbox that I still like to utilize when appropriate.
I know I just threw quite a bit of information at you, but I hope you found it inspiring and, if anything, motivating. To wrap it all up, while AI offers undeniable benefits in certain areas, it can never replace the power of genuine human interaction, connection, and intentional networking. The true heart of a thriving business lies in the people behind it, the people who share a common goal and passion. As I continue to grow my business and network, I recognize that fostering authentic relationships is just as important as any product or strategy. At the end of the day, a successful business is built not just on what we know, but who and how we connect as humans. With the world and technology being what it is, any busy mom can start their own business; it’s all in the networking. I’m no different than you are. If you’re thinking of starting your own business but have been holding yourself back, the time to start is now. You got this!
More Ways to Engage
Shop: Discover curated products and resources.
$20 Store Credit: Join our newsletter for $20 in store credit.
Follow Us: Stay inspired with daily tips, inspiration, and exclusive offers: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | X | LinkedIn
Sponsor Our Content: Reach a community focused on happiness through self, home, and journey. Drop us an email.
Drop Shipping: If you are interested selling our products in our shop through drop shipping, please explore DropCommerce or drop us an email.
Affiliate Promotions: Let us introduce your products to our audience with thoughtful recommendations. Find us on Shareasale and Shopify Collabs or drop us an email.
Important: By reading and engaging with any of our content, you agree to the disclosures and policies here.