Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence is more than just a passing fad. As the technology continues to become more mainstream, more and more LBM dealers are working to integrate it into their operations. However, many business owners may be unsure on where to start or how to use AI without seeming “robotic.”
To that end, John Marshall, co-founder of AI Growth Partners LLC, has written—with the help of AI generative tools—some ideas on how to try out AI at your company, while still keeping a human touch.
When we think about artificial intelligence (AI), automation often comes to mind—robots handling routine jobs or software answering customer queries. But Generative AI, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is more than an automation tool. It’s designed to assist with non-automated tasks, helping businesses with creative, strategic, and thoughtful components that demand human oversight. So, how can LBM dealers begin using AI while keeping full control of their business operations?
Generative AI acts as an assistant for brainstorming, problem-solving, and content creation. It doesn’t replace human decision-making but provides suggestions and insights to improve productivity. Here’s how your business can start leveraging AI for non-automated tasks:
1. Content creation and marketing materials
LBM dealers depend on local, personalized marketing. AI can help by drafting content for social media posts, newsletters, blogs, and promotional materials. Think of AI as a creative partner that gives you ideas and inspiration. It won’t automate the entire marketing process but provides a helpful starting point, saving time while allowing you to shape the final content.
2. Data-driven decision making
Generative AI tools can analyze your business’s historical data, market trends, and customer behaviors to offer strategic insights. AI can help with pricing decisions, product launches, or inventory management by analyzing patterns, but you remain in control of the final decisions.
For instance, if you’re considering introducing a new product line, AI can suggest approaches based on past sales and customer preferences. The analysis AI provides enhances decision-making without taking over.
3. Customer interaction and support
While automated chatbots handle basic inquiries, generative AI is ideal for personalized customer support. It can assist you in crafting customized responses to inquiries or complaints, helping improve your customer service quality. This balance between efficiency and personalization allows you to provide prompt, thoughtful responses without relying on generic, pre-written scripts.
4. Collaborative strategy development
Strategic decisions need collaboration, multiple viewpoints, and creativity. AI tools can assist by offering fresh angles and potential strategies, acting as a thought partner. For long-term planning, AI can spark innovative ideas that you and your team might not have considered.
For example, when building a new sales strategy, AI can offer suggestions on target customer segments or emerging market opportunities, helping expand your strategy discussions.
5. Product descriptions and sales pitches
Writing product descriptions and sales emails can be time- consuming. AI can help you draft descriptions or pitches tailored to your audience, highlighting key features and benefits. Whether you’re promoting a new type of lumber or a tool, AI helps ensure your message resonates with your customers while saving you time.
AI as a creative assistant, not an automator
The key to starting with Generative AI is to use it for tasks that require creativity and strategic thinking, rather than automating processes. AI won’t make decisions for you—
it empowers you with insights, suggestions, and ideas that enhance your creativity and efficiency. You remain in control of the final output.
In today’s competitive LBM industry, staying ahead requires innovative thinking. Generative AI allows you to harness cutting-edge technology while maintaining your business’s unique character. By embracing AI for non-automated tasks, you’ll find new opportunities to boost creativity, improve decision-making, and elevate customer experiences.