Seattle AI Consultant

Tag: networking

  • How Generative AI Can Help You Nail Networking Icebreakers

    How Generative AI Can Help You Nail Networking Icebreakers

    Networking can be nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned professionals. Striking the right balance between approachable and professional in an icebreaker is no small feat. That’s why I found Lance Eliot’s recent Forbes article, “How to Gain Vital Skills in Conversational Icebreakers via Nimble Use of Generative AI,” so fascinating. It offers actionable advice for small businesspeople like us who rely on building meaningful connections.

    The AI Advantage in Icebreakers

    Eliot’s article highlights how generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can become your secret weapon for mastering conversational openers. The idea is simple yet brilliant: use AI to practice and refine your approach in advance. For example, you can prompt the AI with scenarios like, “I’m meeting a potential client at a networking event. What’s a good way to break the ice?” and receive a list of suggestions tailored to the situation.

    One aspect I found especially useful is how generative AI can provide feedback and offer variations. If a typical “What do you do?” opener feels stale, AI can suggest more engaging alternatives, like “What inspired you to get into your line of work?” or “What’s been the highlight of your week so far?” These personalized and conversational prompts can help create memorable first impressions.

    Why It Works for Small Business Owners

    For small business owners, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Whether we’re meeting potential clients, investors, or collaborators, the ability to connect quickly and authentically can set the tone for a successful relationship.

    Eliot’s advice reminded me of an article I read recently on Harvard Business Review about the importance of conversational agility in networking. “The Science of Better Small Talk” by Alison Wood Brooks (November 2023) emphasizes a similar theme: small talk isn’t trivial; it’s foundational. Brooks outlines how strategic questions and active listening can transform superficial exchanges into meaningful interactions. Combining these insights with the AI-generated prompts Eliot discusses creates a powerful toolkit for navigating any networking event.

    Putting It Into Practice

    I’m excited to try this advice myself. Before my next event, I plan to brainstorm conversation starters with ChatGPT, testing out a few options and refining them based on feedback. For instance, I might prepare questions tailored to specific industries or even rehearse how to respond to common networking scenarios.

    Of course, AI is just a starting point. The real magic happens when we add our personality, curiosity, and genuine interest into the mix. But having an AI-coached playbook can take a lot of the anxiety out of the equation.

    Your Turn

    What’s your go-to strategy for networking icebreakers? Have you ever tried using generative AI to improve your conversational skills? If not, Eliot’s article—and the tips from HBR—are a great place to start. With tools like these, you can walk into your next event prepared, confident, and ready to make lasting connections.

    Let me know how these tips work for you in the comments below. I’d love to hear your experiences and insights!

  • Why Small Businesses Should Work with Local AI Talent—Especially in Seattle

    Why Small Businesses Should Work with Local AI Talent—Especially in Seattle

    In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s tempting to believe geography no longer matters. After all, you can hire a talented AI developer in another time zone—or another continent—at the click of a button. And I’m not here to argue against that. Sometimes, the best person for the job is halfway around the world.

    But often, there’s equally qualified talent right here in Seattle. And when that’s the case, I believe it’s worth choosing local.

    Seattle is quickly becoming a major hub for artificial intelligence and automation. From university research centers to enterprise-scale consultancies and cutting-edge startups, the talent pool is deep. That means small businesses don’t need to look far to find experts who understand AI—and understand the local business climate.

    Hiring a local AI consultant or developer offers a few tangible advantages. First, there’s the option of face-to-face meetings. Sometimes, the best ideas and clearest understandings come from sitting across a table, not a screen. Even one in-person session can accelerate a project, especially during discovery or troubleshooting phases.

    Second, local support often means faster response times when urgency strikes. If your business runs into a sudden issue with an AI-powered tool or an automation workflow that’s gone off the rails, having someone in your time zone—or better yet, your neighborhood—can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-day disruption.

    Third, hiring local helps strengthen the Seattle economy. Every dollar spent with a local service provider is a reinvestment in the community we all share. That might not be the main reason you choose a vendor—but it’s a meaningful side benefit. As local businesses, we rise together.

    Finally, working with a Seattle-based AI partner can help you tap into valuable local networks. Whether you need help finding a technical hire, collaborating with another firm, or getting plugged into local startup events or meetups, a homegrown consultant may have just the right introduction at just the right time.

    To be clear, I’m not saying “buy local no matter what.” But when you’re choosing between two great options—one based here in Seattle, one remote—it’s worth considering that a local partner can bring more than just technical know-how. They can bring proximity, accountability, and an invested stake in your success.

    So if you’re thinking about automating your operations, exploring AI tools, or building a smarter internal workflow, give your local experts a look. You might be surprised by what’s available right here in our own backyard.

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    My firm, Avanzar AI, is dedicated to helping small businesses unlock the power of AI and automation, with a focus on no-code and low-code solutions. We’re based in Seattle and proud to serve the community we live in.