Why Your Customers Crave Connection Over AI: Insights from Big Tech's Mistakes

A Deep Sigh

Deep sigh. This is the part where I usually drop a witty line to spark your curiosity. But today, I'm literally at a loss for words. (If you know me, you know how hard it is to leave me speechless.)

Let me explain. I was minding my own business when I received a Slack notification from Jason, ZDNet's big boss. He sent me an article about Meta's plans to integrate AI-generated user profiles and content across its social media platforms. His caption: "What do you think about this?" That's corporate talk for, "I'm subtly telling you what to do, and you should write about this…" 🙃

I had to check the date because it felt like an April Fool's joke. Why would Meta want to generate AI users? It’s a social platform! So why make it anti-social with AI?

This article isn’t about bashing AI or Meta. Instead, it’s a discussion on a disturbing pattern in Big Tech. Today, we will cover:

• What Big Tech seems to be missing with every so-called innovation
• What you should really be paying attention to in this AI revolution
• My insights on how you can thrive in the current landscape

Quick Intro

The name's Mapp, but my friends call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the Executive Chairman of a group of ecom brands. My marketing superpower? Spotting trends and connecting data with human emotion. If you read until the end, I'll share my secret on how we do it.

Big Tech's Disturbing Pattern

Big Tech keeps pushing the so-called next big thing: Blockchain, Metaverse, Web3, NFTs, and now AI. Each has its role, but it feels like they’re sidestepping the basics. Why isn’t the focus on:

• Caring for our users?
• Doing right by our users?
• Connecting with our users?

We’ve entered an era where AI is overhyped. Companies push solutions to non-existent problems. They over-complicate and hype everything while ignoring the fundamentals.

What Should You Focus On?

For the foreseeable future, I’m focused on building deeper connections with our customers. During the pandemic, innovation aimed at keeping us connected thrived. But once we could step outside, experiences skyrocketed! 🚀 American consumer spending on experiences surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 32%. This shift highlights that people crave real-life connections and experiences over mere transactions.

1. More Email Marketing: Incredible but Underestimated

Email is an incredibly powerful tool. Did you know that consumers who receive email offers spend 138% more than those who don’t? Pro Tip: Make your emails engaging, as if you’re writing to a friend.

2. SMS Marketing: A Cost-Effective Game Changer

We turned $20,291.87 into $556,314.10 through SMS campaigns. Compared to platforms like Google and Meta, SMS is more cost-effective. Pro Tip: Keep your texts short and direct with a strong call to action.

3. Human-Centric Customer Service

We’re committed to enhancing our customer service by prioritizing human interaction. Customers deserve personal engagement, not AI. ❤️

My Two Cents

In an era of rising acquisition costs, it makes little sense to distance ourselves from our customers. We should lean into building genuine connections. Rethink your AI strategy; people do business with people.

Oh, and our secret? We care about our customers. 😇 Hope this helps - I'm rooting for you.