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Today, we’re diving into a hot topic that people either seem to love or hate. We’re talking about artificial intelligence (AI), and, more specifically, how to use chatbots like ChatGPT in your cleaning business. Courtney Wisely, founder of Rescue My Maid Service and a part of the ZenMaid team, recently gave a compelling presentation on this topic. We’ve distilled her insights and created this easy-to-follow guide just for you. So let’s get started!
The AI Landscape: More Approachable Than You Think
First off, if you think the term “artificial intelligence” sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by the very idea. But in reality, it’s not as complicated or as “out there” as you might think. We promise you don’t need a Ph.D. in Computer Science to get started.
Why ChatGPT?
So, what’s ChatGPT, and why should you care? Well, imagine Google, but more interactive and conversational. Instead of merely showing you search results, ChatGPT converses with you. You type in a query, and it responds โ not just with a list of websites you have to sift through, but with a direct answer. And if that answer isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you can fine-tune your question or ask for clarification. Sounds pretty cool, right?
4 Practical Ways to Use AI in Your Cleaning Business
But enough with the preamble โ let’s dig into what ChatGPT can do for your cleaning business. Here are 4 ways you can start using it in your cleaning business today:
#1: Content Creation
Stumped about what to post on social media? ChatGPT can whip up a 10-day posting plan, complete with platform-specific suggestions, post copy, and hashtags.
#2: Business Strategies
From marketing approaches to HR issues, ChatGPT can offer you some robust advice. Say you want to explore marketing strategies. Type in “Give me a 10-day marketing plan for my cleaning business,” and you’ll get actionable steps tailored to your needs.
#3: Basic Research
Looking to stay ahead of the competition? ChatGPT can help with market analysis, customer preferences, and even scouting business locations. Just keep in mind, ChatGPT doesnโt have access to real-time data, so you may need to give it some context if youโre looking for something current.
#4: Customer Service
ChatGPT can also be used as an initial customer service interface. It can answer frequently asked questions, direct inquiries to the right department, and even book appointments, leaving your human team to focus on more complex tasks.
Tips for Starting with ChatGPT
- Don’t Overthink It: The interface is user-friendly. While it can seem intimidating at first, the best thing to do is just start experimenting.
- Get Specific: The more precise your query, the better the results. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Review and Tweak: While ChatGPT is brilliant, it’s not perfect. In fact, it has been known to โhallucinateโ. Always review and fact-check its suggestions before implementation.
- Keep it Original: The more information you can give ChatGPT in your queries, the more it has to work with. (But donโt ever share personal information!)
Keep It Original
ChatGPT is an amazing tool, but it’s not a silver bullet for unique content. It’s used by businesses far and wide, so if you’re not careful, you could end up sounding like everyone else. Thatโs why it’s crucial to add your own touch. Take the content that ChatGPT generates and give it a good once- (or twice) over. Tweak the language, inject your brand’s personality, and make sure it sounds like something you’d say, not just any cleaning service.
The secret sauce to getting truly great content from ChatGPT lies in the details โ your input. Instead of feeding the tool generic requests like “a 10-day marketing plan,” get specific. Try asking for “a 10-day marketing plan focused on eco-friendly cleaning services for busy parents.” The more context and detail you provide, the more uniquely tailored the output will be.
Remember that ChatGPT isn’t infallible. Always review and edit the content to make sure it aligns with your values and speaks to your specific audience. Think of it this way: ChatGPT lays down the beat, but you’re the one who makes it groove.
Putting ChatGPT into Action: Writing Prompts for Your Cleaning Business
So, weโve talked a lot about what ChatGPT can do for your cleaning business. But you might be thinking, โSounds cool, but how do I actually make this work for me?โ Glad you asked. Letโs get into the nitty-gritty with some prompt examples to get you started.
Creating Marketing Content
First up, let’s talk social media. Sure, ChatGPT can craft a 10-day posting plan, but how do you make that happen? Simply head over to OpenAI and log in to the ChatGPT interface. When prompted, be razor-sharp with your ask. For example, instead of a vague “social media plan,” type “Generate a 10-day social media plan for my eco-friendly cleaning service for pet owners.” Tailor the output you get to your brandโs voice, then queue up those posts in your preferred scheduling tool. Before you know it, your social media will buzz with engagement.
Brainstorming Business Strategies
Planning may not be your forte, but with ChatGPT, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Once you’re in the ChatGPT dashboard, hit it with a specific request. For instance, โGive me a 10-day marketing plan for promoting my specialized floor-cleaning services with a 10% discount.โ ChatGPT will generate a plan that you’ll then want to review carefully. Make sure the steps align with your team’s skills and your business goals.
Using AI for Basic Market Research
Staying ahead of the curve is critical. ChatGPT can serve as your personalized research assistant. Log in, then start by asking detailed questions like “Analyze market trends for eco-friendly cleaning products,” or “Advise on the best business locations in Chicago for a cleaning service.” Review the info you get, and decide what’s gold and whatโs just glitter. Then, implement the golden insights to refine your services or even scout new locations. Just remember โ it doesnโt have access to real-time data, so the results you get will likely be based on trends that happened before itโs last software update.
Addressing Customer Feedback With AI
Taking criticism to heart is a common challenge, especially when youโre closely involved with your team. But let’s flip the script a bit. Imagine you had an AI tool like GPT-3 at your disposal. Suppose a customer posts a nasty review that says, “This cleaning service was horrible; they stayed too long and left my sink dirty.” You could copy and paste it into ChatGPT and ask it to write a professional response that addresses the issue without getting emotionally charged.
Streamline Your Hiring Process
Ah, the never-ending quest for reliable employees. Hiring is a challenging endeavor, and sometimes it feels like you’re fishing without bait. But what if you could throw out a lure thatโs just too good to resist? AI can help you draft engaging and effective job ads that actually attract quality applicants. Maybe you’ve been getting folks who seem like they’re just ticking off a box for unemployment requirements. You can use AI to refine your ad to target the kind of talent you really want. Hereโs an example you can use: “Write a job posting for a detail-oriented cleaner with experience in eco-friendly cleaning methods.”
Wrapping Up
We hope this guide is a good springboard to get you started in the world of AI-assisted business. The more you interact with ChatGPT, the more you’ll refine your asking technique โ and the smarter ChatGPT gets at deciphering what you’re after. It’s a generative tool, meaning it learns from you to create content that’s increasingly on point. So, take a leap and get started. With a tool like ChatGPT by your side, the sky’s the limit for your cleaning business.
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This article is based on a presentation by Courtney Wisely.
This talk first aired at the 2023 Maid Service Success Summit. The Maid Summit is an annual online event that brings together the most successful leaders in the cleaning industry, like Debbie Sardone, Angela Brown, Courtney Wisely, Amy Caris, Chris Schwab and more. Get free access to masterclasses and workshops to help you grow, scale, and automate your cleaning business to get more leads and profit. Make sure youโre on our email list to find out how to get free tickets to the next event.
