I’ve been learning more about AI lately, specifically the ways in which it can be valuable to a solopreneur like myself. I am not an AI early adopter. I have concerns about how it is used and the consequences of using it. I expect I’ll write more about that on another day. Today I want to talk about a realization I had while learning about AI.
One of the things that I have come to really appreciate about AI is that in order to use it well, you need to train it well. Your ability to get good results from AI is a direct consequence of how clearly you tell it what you are trying to achieve, how you want it to help, and what success looks like. And once you’ve done all that, you still need to put in the effort to give it clear, constructive feedback. You also need to keep it updated as your needs and perspectives change. All of this means that training an AI is actually a fantastic exercise in getting really clear about what you want for your business.
For me, this process has meant thinking about what my ideal position in my business is. If I could delegate anything I wanted, what would my role be? I’ve realized that my ideal role would be twofold.
My energy
On the one hand, I am the face of my business. My personality and personal inclinations mean that I will (likely) always be the best person to show up at networking events and talk to people about what Competency Consulting is and does. I enjoy public speaking, and I hope to eventually start incorporating that into my business model.
My mind
On the other hand, the center of my business is really my ability to see patterns and formulate theories – theories that can be put to practical use. For example, I formulate the theory that conversation is the missing piece that turns good staff training into great staff training. Then I think about how that theory can be turned into practical tools – like discussion guides. Finally, I help clients apply these tools to their specific situations.
If I grow this business to the point where I could delegate anything? I would really only be part of step 1, maybe a bit into step 2. I would continue to find patterns and formulate theories. I would probably also decide what sorts of tools and processes should come out of those theories. Then I would let others actually create those tools and work one on one with clients.
Obviously, this isn’t happening tomorrow. Nonetheless, it was a really interesting exercise to get to this point. It made me realize that building a business like mine is about leveraging your own superpower. You figure out what you do well and with ease, and then you build a structure that lets you focus on using your superpower to support your clients.
What’s the superpower at the center of your business?