Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we live and work. From predictive analytics to chatbots like ChatGPT, AI is transforming industries and changing the game for businesses worldwide. But with all this progress, it’s easy to forget that technology alone is no longer enough to stay ahead of the competition.
“Community is the only competitive advantage in the age of AI.”
Hans Scharler
Community is the only competitive advantage that truly sets companies apart. AI has leveled the playing field. Everyone has access to tech. Everyone is a programmer. Tech is table stakes. Community is what makes you different and distinct from the competition.
If anyone can replicate a technology or product, then it’s not a competitive advantage anymore. It’s easy nowadays. Midjourney built on top of the open nature of OpenAI’s project, DALLE-2, and integrated the tech within Discord. This was a brilliant move. They had community baked in from their launch in early 2022. Everybody had access to the same tech, but the community is what sets Midjourney a part from other generative AI image apps. Having the best tech is not going to matter as much. But building and nurturing a community takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of what your users and customers need and want. It’s what creates an emotional connection between your brand and your audience, and it’s what keeps them coming back, using your products, or keeping their subscription. People want to be a part of something.
The value of community is especially relevant in the age of AI, where everything is automated and personalized at scale. While AI can analyze data and make predictions, it can’t replicate the human interactions and engagements that can only come from build trust, relationships, and connections with users and customers.
Community also provides businesses with a competitive advantage in terms of customer loyalty. With the rise of AI, businesses have become more transactional in their approach, focusing on the sale and not the customer. By building a community, businesses can create a loyal customer base that’s more likely to stick around even when a competitor has a lower price or more advanced technology. The building of the relationships is a two-way street. The companies are committing to the customers and in turn the customers are committing to the companies. Trust is forming and creating lasting bonds.
“Earning trust pays dividends.”
Vala Afshar, Salesforce
Community can be used as a tool to gain feedback and insights into your business. Through online forums, discussion, and events, businesses can ask their customers for feedback and opinions on their products and services. They are in it together instead of against each other. This provides valuable insights that can be used to improve the customer experience and drive innovation. This can’t be easily duplicated by a competitor.
AI has levelled the playing field in terms of technology, but it’s community that provides a unique advantage. Building a community allows companies to connect with their customers and build long-lasting relationships. Community provides a sense of belonging and fosters a deeper emotional connection between the business and the customer.
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