In the hands of an estate agent and their support team, there are massive advantages in using AI enhanced technology. These include improving speed to lead, saving time by automating repetitive tasks and having access to easy-to-use tools for creating marketing content.
However, while AI technologies are great for improved productivity, there are also several disadvantages to AI. These include:
- AI lacks human qualities
Artificial intelligence is programmed to simulate human intelligence processes, so it cannot develop essential human qualities such as intuition, emotions or cultural sensitivity. These human qualities are vital at a time when it is hugely beneficial to provide hands-on, personal client touch points in an increasingly technological world.
- AI cannot innovate
Machines can only complete tasks they have been programmed to do. In the same way, AI systems typically lack the ability to view tools or data in a new way. AI systems can be helpful in aggregating information that is already known but they cannot expand, change or improve on conventional wisdom in the way a human being can.
- AI cannot learn creativity
A major disadvantage of AI is that it cannot “be taught” to think outside the box. Unlike humans, it has no creative spark. It lacks the emotional intelligence, personal experiences, and consciousness necessary to reproduce human beings’ creative process. So an AI cannot formulate entirely new ideas or concepts on its own.
- AI does not have intrinsic ethics
Ethics are a set of guiding principles to live and operate by. As such, ethics and morality are uniquely human characteristics that are difficult to fully incorporate into AI. An AI system can reflect the bias of the person who built it. One ethical consideration when using AI systems: to ensure client confidentiality it is preferable to use private or encrypted AI systems. It is also important to fact check all AI output.
Can AI ultimately stunt the growth of team members?
It is well-known how essential it is to ensure that your team members are continually grown and developed – for the wellbeing of the company and your people. When it comes to exercising our brains, it is important element of our jobs to “use it or lose it.” It is a worry that with the rise of AI automation people will no longer have to commit things to memory or solve a conundrum to get a job done. Using AI does nothing to teach people the logical steps to completing a task and it diminishes having an “aha” moment, the time when a person realises there is a better way to do something.
AI is a great tool in the hands of talented Virtual Assistants
One area where AI has made a significant impact on small business and the workplace is that it facilitates Virtual Assistants being able to work remotely. It also allows VAs to automate and oversee routine jobs while freeing up time for elevated tasks.
Not only do top quality Virtual Assistants have a great attitude, they outmatch AI by possessing ingenuity.
- They are flexible and can adapt at the drop of a hat, making them indispensable to take on tasks that include problem solving or out-of-the-box thinking.
- Communicating with clients is another area in which AI is no match for human Virtual Assistants. A great VA can identify non-verbal cues and correctly interpret complex aspects of human language, such as humour or contempt. This equips them to build relationships and communicate effectively with clients and suppliers from diverse cultures.
Capitalise of the best of both
AI tools have already been proven to provide many benefits for estate agents, including greater efficiency, better customer service and the freeing up of valuable time through automating tedious tasks. In the best-case scenario, the use of AI technology by your tech savvy Virtual Assistant will create a productive synergy, allowing for more efficient, high-quality output while maintaining the all-important human connection – within the team and with clients.
