7/4/2023

Artificial Intelligence right now

A From the Editor column reveals the industry-specific cleverness of Chat GPT.

A recent HBSDealer survey showed that 55 percent of HBSDealer.com readers have heard of Chat GPT, but have not used it.

So let’s put it to use—right here, right now.

First step: We log into Chat GPT and type into the send-a-message field: “Write me an interesting hardware and building supply essay for a “From the Editor” column.”

Chat GPT thinks for a few seconds, and then begins spitting out relevant business-to-business prose:

Dear Home Improvement Retail Executives,

In the bustling world of home improvement retail, where customers are the lifeblood of our industry, the significance of the customer experience cannot be overstated.

Oh my. It’s writing the entire column for me.

It is a driving force that shapes the success and longevity of our businesses. In this From the Editor column, I would like to delve into the importance of nurturing the customer experience and how it can be a game-changer for our industry.

He’s laying it on a little thick. But, he’s not wrong.

Robots say the most amazing things.

In today's competitive landscape, where e-commerce giants loom large, it is imperative that we differentiate ourselves by offering more than just convenience. We must strive to create a memorable and enjoyable shopping journey—one that customers eagerly embark upon, time and time again. One crucial aspect of the customer experience is personalization. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all approaches. Customers now seek tailored experiences that resonate with their unique tastes and preferences.

Wow. This goes on like this for nine paragraphs. It was created out of thin air in just a few seconds. Reminds me of that famous Arthur C. Clarke quote about technology and magic. (You can Google it.)

By leveraging technology and data analytics, we can gain valuable insights into our customers' behaviors and preferences, enabling us to offer personalized recommendations, targeted promotions, and tailored services. This personalized touch not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds a sense of trust and loyalty.

Figures a robot would say that.

Moreover, in an increasingly digital world, the importance of human interaction should not be underestimated. While technology undoubtedly plays a significant role in shaping the modern retail landscape, the human touch remains an irreplaceable asset.

I’m impressed. That’s very lifelike. How did Chat GPT do that? We type “How did you do that?” into the send-a-message field.

As an AI language model developed by OpenAI, I have been trained on a vast amount of text data from diverse sources, including books, articles, websites, and more. I've learned to generate human-like responses based on patterns and examples in the training data.

For more examples of right-here, right-now technology, see our digital issue, right here.