I am often asked how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will impact my business.
Of course, it will have a massive impact. When people can get answers quickly and inexpensively through technology, they will often choose that path.
In fact, behind the scenes, I often use AI to help accelerate some of my work.
For example, I created a custom chatbot that uses the content from my “Invisible Solutions” book to help people quickly reframe their problems. The chatbot is trained on my material and does an amazing job. I even use it to kickstart my thinking.
But will that replace me?
Possibly. But probably not.
I am reminded of a time when I was in Las Vegas many years back. I saw Larry the Cable Guy off in the distance.
I expected everyone in the room to flock to him. Although a few people went up to get their picture taken with him, he was pretty much left alone. This surprised me. Certainly, a star of his celebrity and caliber would attract more attention.
I decided to go over and talk with him. I quickly discovered that he wasn’t THE Larry the Cable Guy, but was Las Vegas Larry. He was an impersonator. He looked a lot like him and sounded exactly like him, but he was not the original.
I’m sure that if the real Larry the Cable Guy were in that bar, people would have been flocking to him.
This got me thinking.
I’ve seen cover bands perform that are incredibly talented, sounding indistinguishable from the original band. And in some cases, they sound better. If the original band were playing, thousands would gather to listen and scream at the top of their lungs, but most cover bands attract small and unenthusiastic audiences.
What is it about the “real deal” that interests people so much?
I believe that people want to hear directly from the source.
When listening to a band, it is not so much about the performance itself as about the fact that the performers are the source of the music.
An impersonator is not the creator.
A replica of a master’s painting may be indistinguishable from the original by most people, but the copy is largely ignored. You never find a replica in a museum.
As human beings, we strongly desire to be connected to the source, the originator, of the material we consume.
In a world where AI can create replicas of content and media almost instantly, we still crave the source. We value originality.
This is why I continue to create new Intellectual Property (IP) by writing new books and creating new frameworks. If I am the source of my content and people value it, they will want me, not a replica.
With everything you do, look to be the source. Look to be original. Be a creator. A replica may be equally good, but it is rarely as desirable.
If you are a professional speaker, use only original material. Avoid quoting other people too often. Make yourself the source of the content. Be original. You want other people to quote you.
If you have a job working for a company, be the source. Be the one who creates new content and new concepts. Although it might not be immediately appreciated, this will eventually distinguish you from everyone else in the company.
The same is true for innovation. If you offer a copycat product, people will typically only buy from you if your price is low. You will attract bargain shoppers. The true innovators, the source of new ideas, command higher prices, gain long-term loyalty, and attract fanatical followers.
It’s easy to replicate what others are doing—especially in an AI world. But it is more difficult to be original.
What are you doing today to be original? What are you doing to be a creator? What are you doing to be the source?
This might be one of the keys to staying relevant in an AI-dominated world.