I’ve been diving into AI tools every day for about 16 months now. Every time some new tech rolls out, I see it as a challenge. I’m not here to just use it—I want to know it inside and out, to really understand how it can work for me (and work ethically) to grow business and make life a little better. But let’s be real: there’s a lot of lazy, even shady, use of AI going on out there. People are starting to notice, and it’s getting pretty easy to spot when someone’s just letting the machine do the work without any real thought behind it.
As more people get familiar with AI in business, clients can tell if a message feels robotic or fake. They know if you’re dialing it in. That’s why I focus on using AI the right way—to enhance real connections, not replace the human effort. AI can be a powerful tool to show clients you’re paying attention and ready to help, but you’ve got to use it thoughtfully if you want it to be a game-changer.
Ready to see how AI can actually help you strengthen client relationships, not just speed through tasks? Here are five prompts you can use right now. Each one is designed to make sure you show up as someone who cares, with insights that add real value to the conversation.
1. “What recent industry trends or events might be relevant to my client’s business?”
AI can analyze current industry reports, news articles, and public data to summarize recent trends or events impacting your client’s industry. By requesting an AI-generated summary of major developments, you’ll come prepared with a clear understanding of what your client might be navigating and can ask informed questions, like: “How has your team been affected by recent changes in [industry trend]?” This approach shows proactive understanding of their business landscape and demonstrates a strategic, long-term mindset.
2. “What common challenges are businesses in my client’s sector currently facing?”
With this prompt, AI can compile a list of typical challenges facing businesses similar to your client’s, based on recent research and industry data. For example, if you’re working with clients in retail, AI can pull up insights on challenges like supply chain disruptions or shifts in consumer preferences. Use this information to guide your conversation: “I’ve been hearing about [specific challenge] in the industry. How are you navigating this?” This builds rapport by acknowledging the real challenges they may be dealing with.
3. “What questions can I ask to better understand my client’s business priorities?”
AI can generate a list of open-ended questions tailored to specific industries or business sizes to help you discover your client’s current priorities. For example, questions might include “What are the top three goals for your business this year?” or “What challenges are you most focused on solving?” These questions encourage your client to share more about their strategic objectives and allow you to frame your offering around their core needs and long-term goals.
4. “Can you summarize any recent public announcements or press releases from my client’s company?”
While AI can’t access private profile data, it can provide summaries of any recent public announcements or press releases from your client’s company. Knowing about recent product launches, leadership changes, or strategic initiatives will allow you to ask thoughtful, relevant questions, like “I noticed that your company recently launched [new product/initiative]. How has this impacted your team’s focus?” This shows that you’re paying attention to their growth and interested in their company’s success.
5. “What are some conversation starters that might help me connect with clients on a more personal level?”
AI can provide a list of effective conversation starters based on general insights about your client’s industry or job role. For instance, it might suggest prompts like “What inspired you to get into [industry]?” or “What do you enjoy most about working in [their role]?” These openers show that you’re interested in connecting beyond the immediate business discussion, helping you establish a more genuine connection and trust with the client.
Ready to Take Your Relationship-Building to the Next Level?
If you’re serious about building meaningful client relationships and want to learn how to use tools like AI to enhance—not replace—authentic connection, my Relationship-Centric Certification Course is designed for you. This course will guide you through using AI and other strategies to create lasting partnerships with your clients, setting you apart as a true partner in their success.
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