Creating Proposals with AI Without Losing the Human Element

Imagine you're in Les Houches, France, at the starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc, a trek you can complete in 6 to 12 days. You’ve got the best shoes, a well-equipped backpack, and a route that promises the fastest path to the finish. Clearly, you’re aiming for that 6-day challenge. But without an experienced guide, the journey can feel empty and mechanical. Similarly, if you simply plug the output of ChatGPT or another AI tool directly into your proposals, they end up feeling cold and impersonal. AI is your state-of-the-art equipment that helps you work smarter and more efficiently, but without your expertise, empathy, and insight, it results in a bland, unengaging document, a letdown for both you and your client. So, how can you use AI effectively in your proposals without sacrificing the human touch? That’s what this blog is all about.

AI in Proposals: A Helpful Tool or a Pitfall?

As an entrepreneur or sales professional, you know just how crucial a compelling proposal is. Yet, we all agree that drafting proposals can be a daunting task, right? Ideally, you want to combine speed and efficiency with customization, making a memorable impression and building trust. You might be thinking, 'Can’t I just use AI? I feed in the right prompt and voila, it's done.' Sure, AI can definitely help you work faster and smarter. But if you’re not cautious, your proposals might lose their personality, becoming generic, predictable, and lacking that essential human touch. If you believe that a proposal should be more than a run-of-the-mill document, then you wouldn’t let AI do all the work. Remember, there’s a good chance your clients are also using AI. In just a few seconds, they can tell if they’re dealing with a standard, automated proposal. Today, clients don’t decide solely on numbers, the overall vibe matters. They want to feel that you truly understand their challenges. If your proposal fails to make an emotional connection, you'll just be another option among many, and that surely isn’t your intention.

“People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it,” Simon Sinek famously stated during a TED Talk on leadership. Let your ‘why’, your unique approach and genuine commitment, resonate through your proposals. This means you can certainly leverage AI, but only as a supportive tool, not a replacement.

You and Your AI Assistant

Think of ChatGPT or any other AI tool as your assistant. Here are three tips where AI supports you while you ensure that the human element remains intact.

AI as Your Assistant, You as the Strategist

AI can quickly handle tasks like analyzing customer data or generating templates and tables. This not only saves you time but also instantly clarifies what matters most to your client. After that, you step in to adapt and personalize this information based on your deep understanding of your client. The result? A proposal that’s efficient, unique, and personal.

Personalization at Scale

AI can swiftly process client data and suggest personalization strategies. Use these insights to review and tailor your proposal to the specific needs and circumstances of your client. Just a few carefully crafted sentences that address your client’s unique challenges can make all the difference.

Infuse Emotion and Storytelling

While AI provides structure to your proposal, the genuine connection comes from you. Add a personal message and bring your solution to life with storytelling. After all, people remember stories far better than they do dry statistics.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine you run a marketing agency and are preparing a proposal for a retail organization. AI generates a basic structure for your proposal and even adds in relevant case studies that align with your services. Then it’s your turn. You refine the proposal with your personal insights, adding a tailored touch by referencing specific details, like their recently unveiled flagship store in Rotterdam. Instead of a generic line such as ‘We help businesses grow with data-driven marketing,’ you might say: ‘Your new flagship store in Rotterdam is a bold move. We see exciting opportunities to engage the local audience through targeted social media advertising and strategic email campaigns.’ This personalized approach makes the proposal feel custom-made for them, significantly increasing your chances of success.

Leveraging AI Without Losing the Human Touch

The real question isn’t whether to use AI, but how to do it in a way that retains the human connection. Returning to our Tour du Mont Blanc analogy: AI is your map and gear, but you’re the guide who breathes life into the journey. Your client isn’t seeking a cookie-cutter route, they want an experience that feels uniquely crafted for them. Remember, AI is a tool, not a substitute. It’s your expertise, empathy, and unique approach that truly make a difference. Ensure that your proposal clearly reflects that.

P.S.: Martin van Kranenburg’s book, ChatGPT as Your Second Brain, is highly recommended. His motto? ‘Think first. Prompt later. Stay human.’ In his book, you’ll find even more insights on how to efficiently harness ChatGPT without losing that essential personal touch.