Your AI Tool Isn't What You Think It Is

Last week, I shared my thoughts about the intersection of our humanity as consultants and coaches with this amazing and admittedly sometimes scary thing called artificial intelligence.

One of the things that I mentioned that AI cannot do, is connect dots in the same way that we humans can. 

AI, at least for now, doesn't really have the level of situational awareness that you, with your aptitude, perspective, experience, and personality, can reach when you're interacting with a client. 

For example, when you're having lengthy discussions with a client about what they want to achieve in their business, the obstacles they see in front of them, and what their capabilities are for overcoming them, you can discern the best path forward much more accurately than AI can.

Of course, you can (and should) always use AI as your trusted and amazingly capable assistant.

But there's a lot of confusion out there about AI tools and what they're best suited for. Specifically, the major differences between plain ol' automation, an AI workflow, or an AI agent.

So today, we'll cut through the confusion and hype and explore...

✔ The three distinct types of AI implementation
✔  Which one your client's business actually needs
✔  How to avoid expensive mistakes

To help you become your client's trusted AI-Powered business advisor, here what I have for you in this issue:

🛠️ Your AI tool isn't what you think it is: The expensive confusion between automation, AI workflows, and true AI agents

Let's break down what you really need to know:

The Three Types of AI Implementation

1️⃣ Basic Automation

Think of this as your reliable workhorse. It executes predefined, rule-based tasks automatically—like sending welcome emails to new clients or scheduling follow-ups.

It's:
✅ Fast and reliable
✅ Easy to implement
✅ Limited to explicitly programmed tasks
✅ Unable to adapt to new situations

Examples:
⟶ Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots that handle data entry and invoice processing.
⟶  Automated email responders that send welcome messages to new subscribers.
⟶  Social media scheduling tools that post content at predetermined times

2️⃣ AI Workflows

This is where most "AI solutions" actually fall. They're automations that leverage AI (like ChatGPT) for specific steps.

Perfect for:
✅ Personalizing client communications
✅ Analyzing consultation notes
✅ Generating initial project proposals
✅ Handling complex but predictable tasks

Examples:
⟶  Predictive maintenance systems in manufacturing that analyze sensor data to schedule proactive equipment repairs.
⟶  AI-powered chatbots like those from Zendesk that handle customer inquiries using natural language processing.
⟶  Personalized email marketing campaigns that use AI to segment audiences and draft content

3️⃣ True AI Agents

These are the real game-changers—programs designed to perform non-deterministic tasks autonomously.

They can:
✅ Adapt to new scenarios
✅ Handle unexpected variables
✅ Make independent decisions
✅ Learn from outcomes

Examples:
⟶  Self-driving cars from companies like Tesla and Waymo that navigate and make real-time decisions in varying traffic conditions.
⟶  IBM Watson Health, which analyzes medical data to assist in diagnostics and suggest treatment plans.
⟶  AI-powered financial trading systems that adapt to market changes and make investment decisions

Choosing the Right Solution

Here's the truth most AI vendors won't tell you: Sometimes basic automation is exactly what you need. Here's how to decide:

Choose Basic Automation When:
⚬ Your task is completely predictable
⚬ Speed and reliability are crucial
⚬ You need consistent, repeatable results
⚬ Cost-efficiency is paramount

Choose AI Workflows When:
⚬ You need flexibility within defined parameters
⚬ Pattern recognition is important
⚬ Complex rules need to be processed
⚬ You want to scale personalization

Choose AI Agents When:
⚬ Situations are highly variable
⚬ Adaptive learning is crucial
⚬ You need autonomous decision-making
⚬ Predictability can be sacrificed for innovation

That's it.

Here's what you learned today:

➡️ Not every AI solution needs to be an "agent"
➡️ Sometimes simpler automation is more effective
➡️ Match the technology to your client's actual needs, not the hype

🚨Your next step

Review your client's current "AI wishlist."

For each item, ask yourself: Is true AI agency and autonomy needed, or would automation or AI workflows actually serve them better?

Let's create breakthroughs together,

Dale

P.S.: When you're ready, here are more ways I can help you...