The Hidden Reality of AI in Freelancing and What Clients Expect from You
Really, truly, I hate self-checkout at grocery stores…or CVS…or anywhere.
I don't like bagging my own stuff. It's work that I don't want to do, to be honest.
The self-checkout will inevitably be set off by something and an employee will have to come check my items, enter a code and have it work again.
If I'm lucky, it only happens once.
If it's a bad day, at least 3 times.
Then the bagging...ugh, try bagging your own items with a toddler trying to help or running off because they're bored. Or a 9-year-old who is all “Mom, can I scan the next one? Mom, can I?”
This is also how I feel about AI sometimes.
It's a great tool and very helpful but sometimes I don't want to use it. It still takes effort when I have to come up with the right prompts, ask for different renditions, and edit what is created.
Sometimes, I just want to put the items on the conveyor belt and have everything be done for me.
If you're worried about AI, I promise you there are clients out there that still want to hand something off and not worry about it. They want to work on their business without using AI, but trust that YOU as a freelancer know how to use it appropriately to give them the best results.
Clients want to trust that they can "hand over the groceries" and you'll not only bag them evenly, but know when to step in, fix the errors and keep the conveyor belt moving.
If your job is affected by AI (who isn't?) you need to start showing clients the before & after of AI by itself or AI with your help. We are all getting smart and know when someone is using it poorly. So be smarter.
PS. If you’re interested in using AI in your freelance business to expand your marketing, this workshop I co-hosted with Victoria Boyd might be a good option for you:
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Looking for a freelance business coach to help you grow your service-based business? I’ve got you covered. Let’s work together to streamline your business so you can cut your hours to under 25 a week while earning what you made in corporate. Contact me.
