Artificial Intelligence (AI). Perhaps you’ve embraced it or perhaps you’re cautiously considering what it could mean for you personally and professionally. Maybe you’re feeling a little of both.
Team Athena has been deeply immersed in conversations about how AI could impact — and enhance — the work we do, while also still believing that there is no substitution for the transformational work that can only be done in true partnership with community.
Still, we turned to the experts at Forbes to help us enhance our knowledge about it. As with many new advancements, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Enhancing creativity: There are many AI tools for every creative pursuit you could wish to start. For this reason, establishing a professional-looking business is easier than ever. Tools exist for branding, building a website and creating content in every format. Creative ideas can go from concept to reality in just a few clicks.
- Improving efficiency: Before the internet, there were checks to cash, letters to handwrite and physical meetings to attend. After incorporating AI, there seems to be no waiting at all. Entrepreneurs are rethinking processes and using AI to reduce inefficiencies, with one individuals saying he is using AI as “a supportive backbone” allowing the company to increase accuracy, reduce response times and scale better.
Disadvantages:
- Dehumanizing and Impersonal: One critical concept that AI cannot beat is reflecting human emotions. Team Athena believes that human connections undergird successful relationships and foster trust. AI is lightning quick, but the tone has a tendency to lose its human touch and sound artificial. If customers suspect there’s a bot behind a brand, will it turn them off?
- Plagiarism and misinformation: Chat GPT, Midjourney and various other content creation tools can help you generate articles and images in seconds, given the right prompt. But are those articles and images strong and relevant? If everyone’s hard-earned content can simply be used to train AI models, where does that leave creators?
Suffice it to say that Athena will continue to expand our knowledge about AI, while remaining committed to delivering excellence for our clients in all forms.
What are your thoughts about AI? How has it helped or hindered your work? Tag Athena on our social media channels.
National Women’s Small Business Month
It’s National Women’s Small Business Month! Here are a few of our local favorites:
Chaska Consulting: Founded by Samantha Maldonado, a certified diversity coach and board member of Alverno College, Chaska Consulting offers expertise in government, non-profit, for-profit and entrepreneurial spaces. Samantha is able to successfully design solutions and solve complex problems to support businesses as they achieve their goals and sustain growth.
Confectionately Yours: Formerly known as Greer’s Gourmet Goodies, this bakery inspired by many Southern-styled treats was founded by Adija Greer-Smith in 2018. Adija has appeared on the Food Network, the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge and Fox6’s Real Milwaukee.
Honeybee Sage Apothecary & Herbal Beverage Lounge: Owner Angela Mallett is an expert in health and wellness, founding Honeybee Sage, a relaxing cafe and resource for herbs, medicinal herbal teas, clean body products, metaphysical healing tools and various delicious drinks. She has two locations, and the new space in Halyard Park is considered Milwaukee’s first alcohol-free cocktail bar, nourishing the body and soul.
Oh Snap! By Shell: With a passion for photography that began at a young age, Rochelle Einsiedel opened her business in 2021. As a freelance photographer that specializes in candid photography, she captures authenticity in every moment, always standing by the quote, “No one can do you like you.”
Athena Communications: There wouldn’t be an Athena Communications if it weren’t for Tammy Belton-Davis, our award-winning founder and president. Tammy founded Athena in 2009 with her government, education and public relations background. We know firsthand how she brings a fresh perspective, excellence and passion to every project she undertakes, making her a sought-after facilitation leader for branding sessions and equity training.
Leadership is in Session!
Our newest MasterClass Leadership in Session episodes have dropped! You won’t want to miss hearing from these nine incredible Milwaukee leaders as they share their knowledge and expertise. Listen here or on any streaming service platform.
