If you’re not using AI in your workflow, you’re falling behind.
AI is not just a trend, it's a game-changer that can help you improve your marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition. Here's what ALL freelancers need to know about the potential impact of AI on their businesses.
The impact of AI on freelancers
According to a recent McKinsey report, generative AI will have a significant impact on more or less all industries. However, about 75 percent of the value that generative AI could deliver falls into four areas:
customer operations,
marketing and sales
software engineering
R&D
Another McKinsey report states that one-third of the surveyed organizations are regularly using generative AI in at least one business function. And 40% of respondents plan to increase their investment in AI, signaling AI’s growing significance for businesses.
The use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in business has been shown to significantly boost performance. Across three case studies, it was found that using generative AI tools improved employee performance by an average of 66%. For example, business professionals who used AI could write 59% more business documents per hour. These statistics highlight the substantial impact of AI when it comes to increased productivity and efficiency.
What it means for your freelancing business
So what does this mean for you as a freelancer?
Well, for starters, it means that you need to be proactive. If you're not incorporating AI into your business strategy, you risk being left behind by other freelancers who are already leveraging AI.
But, it’s not just about adopting AI technology, it's also about understanding its potential impact on your business.
For example, the launch of ChatGPT has led to mixed reactions among freelance writers. While some view AI as a threat to their jobs, others see it as an opportunity to enhance their work. The reality is that AI writing and AI journalism are on the rise, impacting traditional freelance writing. AI can effectively be used for tasks like writing real estate listings and quarterly earnings reports for news organizations. However, the impact of AI primarily affects jobs involving basic writing tasks, such as producing generic content or working for clients who prioritize cost over quality.
The key for freelance writers in this case is to focus on skills that AI cannot replicate, such as strong brand voice, strategic thinking, storytelling, and offering unique insights.
In the evolving freelancing landscape, staying updated with AI advancements is essential. Learning about AI, how it could impact your business, and how to integrate it into your work can provide a competitive edge and future-proof your business.
In short - AI is not just a trend, it's a game-changer that can help you level up your business and stay ahead of the competition. On the other hand, if you ignore it, you run the risk of falling behind.
But don't worry, you don't have to be an AI expert to get started. There are plenty of tools and resources available that can help you integrate AI into your business, even if you're just starting out.
How to integrate AI into your freelancing business
✅ Start learning about the fundamentals of AI
There are endless resources out there for learning about AI - the key is to identify the appropriate skill level and the perspective that is relevant for you. A few tips on free online courses are Elements of AI by MinnaLearn and Introduction to Generative AI by Google
✅ Experiment with tools and use cases that make sense in YOUR business Stay curious and open-minded about the possibilities of AI using AI in your business. Try new tools, identify new use cases, and keep iterating your workflow. Check out our handpicked list of top AI marketing tools tailored for freelancers, featuring comprehensive lists of key functionalities, recommended applications, and brief video tutorials for each tool. And the best part? It's free! Click here to access the resource.
✅ Connect with other freelancers in your industry to discuss the impact of AI
There are countless groups connecting freelancers on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slack workspaces - join a few that feel relevant to you and start a conversation!
Search for suitable groups on the respective platforms by using relevant keywords. Or ask fellow freelancers or industry contacts for recommendations.
✅Explore the wider impact of AI Keep an eye on the social, and economic aspects of AI, and how they affect us at a societal level. Some of my favorite news platforms for following AI developments are The Verge, Tech Crunch, and Mashable.
The bottom line
AI is not just a trend, it is here to stay. Embrace AI to stay competitive as a freelancer by learning the fundamentals, experimenting with different AI tools, connecting with peers for discussions, and staying informed on AI's broader societal impacts to future-proof your freelancing business.
Comments