There has been a lot of talk lately about how AI advancements will impact different industries. Along with a lot of fearmongering about robots taking our jobs, there are a lot of productive conversations about the possibilities and limitations of AI technology. Here’s what coaches need to know about AI technology.
What Is AI?
AI stands for artificial intelligence. Where a lot of technology is designed to be smart or intuitive, AI takes it one step further by being able to learn and extrapolate, just like a human brain. The resulting technology has the data processing and pattern recognition powers of computers combined with the reasoning and learning abilities of the human brain.
The advancement in artificial intelligence allows individuals and businesses to automate repetitive tasks that previously required humans. For example, AI technology allows chatbots to interpret basic user requests and return the information the user is seeking without relying on keywords.
How Does AI Technology Work?
AI technology works by analysing patterns to find trends and use those trends to make predictions. The website developers feed the AI tech vast amounts of data to “train” the technology. Then, you feed your company data into your version of the AI tool. The AI tool will use this data plus insights gained from how you use the technology to adapt to your preferences.
One thing to note is AI is only as effective as its training, specifically the data it has been fed. There is an emerging conversation around tech ethics and how to avoid feeding AI technology biased data that could lead to sexist or racist output. There may also be times when AI technology makes incorrect assumptions based on its interpretation of your data or actions.
Will AI Replace Coaches?
No, while AI technology can do certain aspects of coaching, like “diagnosing” and “prescribing plans”, AI technology cannot replace the human elements of coaching. For at least a decade, it has been easy to find advice and plans for many coaching fields online. People work with coaches because they like to be able to ask questions, receive empathy, and be held accountable. Those elements are not something that AI can replace.
If you are worried that AI will replace your coaching business, then make deliberate moves to make your business more human-centric. This includes:
- Prioritising live coaching and one on one sessions where possible
- Checking in with clients between sessions
- Caring about your coaching clients as whole humans (acknowledging their birthdays, asking after their family and personal life, etc.)
- Leaving space for clients to bring concerns or struggles
- Celebrating positive news and progress with clients
Baking relationship building into your coaching business will make it automation-proof.
The Benefits of Using AI in Your Coaching Business
The good news for coaches is that you can use AI tools to your advantage. Experiment with ways you can make your coaching more efficient or effective in your business, so you have more time for your coaching clients.
Here are some examples of ways you can use AI tools to make your coaching business more efficient:
- Research content ideas for your business blog
- Find marketing ideas to increase your traffic
- Analyse results to identify ways to improve business strategies
- Use AI to answer FAQs from your coaching clients
- Outline course modules for your coaching program
- Take notes or transcribe coaching sessions to update your coaching client files
- Identify trends between your coaching clients to improve your coaching program
- Conduct market research
- Write content outlines for blog or video content
- Draft press releases
- Research competitors
The possibilities are endless. We recommend making a list of the aspects of running your coaching business that you dislike and researching ways you can use AI to either make the task more efficient or automate the entire task.