The world of work is undergoing a transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront. Recently, over 85 percent of workplace recruiters have adopted AI to expedite hiring processes, leveraging powerful tools like ChatGPT and matchmaking algorithms. However, there’s another dimension of the career space that’s ripe for AI intervention: career networking.
Having led a business in the technology sector for nearly ten years now, I am a strong advocate for embracing emerging technologies and discovering ways to integrate them into our everyday lives. With this in mind, AI has made its way into networking, which we explore in this article.
Smart intelligence: optimizing networking communications
The essence of networking is building connections and fostering long-lasting relationships. AI can optimize networking communications by intelligently analyzing vast amounts of data to identify trends and patterns. In turn, users can leverage this information to create personalized messages, identify common interests, and engage with contacts on a deeper level.
AI-powered tools can also help professionals filter through the noise by analyzing social media feeds, industry news, and other online content. Bern Elliot, a VP analyst at Gartner, believes that “over the next decade, AI will offer employees unprecedented information awareness and insight,” enabling professionals to stay up-to-date with relevant news and engage in meaningful conversations with their connections.
Automating relationship building: can it be done?
While it might seem counterintuitive, automating aspects of relationship building can improve the quality of professional connections. We are seeing a rise in the application of AI in automating many aspects of relationship building, especially in the efforts of staying informed on our connection’s interests and activities.
For example, Salesforce has developed Einstein, a relationship insight software tool powered by AI to help professionals gather critical information about their clients from various data sources for improved interactions. In this sense, AI does not replace any human input. Instead, it aids in refining and improving the quality of engagement between businesses and their customers by speeding up the process of sourcing information on a client or a contact.
Also, Hubspot has created ChatSpot, which combines a large language model with the company’s CRM platform, as well as with AI model Dall-E-2. With ChatSpot, users essentially speak with their AI CRM to organize their contacts, generate reports, and much more. Although this software is still in its alpha stage, it is Hubspot’s attempt at a “smart CRM,” and we are excited to see it further in action.
Balancing AI and Human Interaction
While AI offers significant benefits in forging lasting relationships, it is important to recognize the significance of genuine human connection in networking. Adopting a hybrid approach ensures that AI supports and enhances your networking efforts, without replacing the personal touch.
When you’re connecting with someone who has different interests from you, you can use AI-generated content to assist in writing a cohesive message pertaining to that topic. However, that message still requires a touch of empathy to craft a tailored and personalized message. Plus, AI-written text always requires fact checking and human judgment. Marina Anderson, Forbes Council member, notes that “these texts are not immune to including bias or misinformation. This is why AI-generated content must still be carefully checked by experienced humans.”
Face-to-face interactions remain paramount as AI-powered tools help professionals improve their efficiency and increase their volume in building connections. According to a Forbes Insights study, professionals prefer meeting in person, as 85 percent feel that it helps build stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships. Relationships require trust, which is best cultivated through emotional intelligence, empathy, and ensuring the person we are connecting with feels heard.
Final thoughts
In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, professional success often hinges on understanding and utilizing emerging technologies. Remember that AI in networking is not replacing human touch and input, but rather enhancing a professional’s ability to stay in touch and informed, in turn creating more fruitful relationships.
