Ellen Bishop: 'I’m sure there’s an AI tool for that'

Being adaptable in business, mindset and life has never been more important. Today the rate of change is fast and only getting quicker.

I know first-hand how important it is to change and adapt to new circumstances.

I founded Alcea in 2017 and spent the first few years of its life growing its reputation as a content and communications specialist consultancy. Fast forward just 18 months and thanks to the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, my business had to completely refocus how it helped customers.

Instead of solving business problems using communications experience, Alcea helps customers solve business problems and achieve growth using AI tools. But, how and why did we choose to pivot the business?

From communications to AI: A journey of transformation

Alcea began its journey over seven years ago, helping businesses solve communication challenges while keeping their teams and customers informed. However, in 2022, the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT marked a significant turning point. This innovative technology had the potential to revolutionise the creative industry and we were eager to explore its possibilities (after a few months of being terrified by it and refusing to give it a go! Oh, how things changed).

Initially, there was a sense of apprehension about AI, to put it mildly. It was new and unfamiliar territory and there was real concern that suddenly the way Alcea specialised in making content might be replaced by AI.

Could a technology tool really replace human creativity? However, after a bit of time, I decided to embrace curiosity and give AI a go. I began experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini (formerly known as Bard) to understand their capabilities.

The results were astounding. AI proved to be a powerful tool that could significantly enhance productivity. It helped me take on more clients, streamline workflows and even craft compelling first-draft social media posts and website content. As I delved deeper into the world of AI, I realised the immense potential this technology held for businesses of all sizes.

Watch this webinar to understand the real-world applications of AI in marketing, operations and content creation for micro businesses:

Empowering businesses with AI solutions

Fuelled by my positive experiences, I decided to share my knowledge and empower other businesses to leverage AI. Friends and family, who shared their professional problems with me, from teachers, project managers and business owners started to hear me say: “Oh, I can help you fix that. I’m sure there’s an AI tool that could sort that for you.”

As this expanded I started a blog to share valuable insights about AI tools and their applications and even launched an AI-powered podcast to reach a wider audience.

Soon, clients began approaching Alcea for guidance on navigating the AI landscape. They were eager to identify the right AI tools to address their specific challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.

This marked a pivotal moment for Alcea. We transitioned from a communications consultancy to a full-fledged AI consultancy, dedicated to helping businesses harness the power of AI but with a focus on how to apply AI practically to solve business problems.

Fixing the issue was still the focus, just like always but now rather than content being the solution, it was AI tools.

Approach to AI implementation

At Alcea, I take a practical and user-friendly approach to AI implementation. I understand that every business is unique, with its own set of challenges and goals. That's why I begin by working closely with clients to understand their specific needs. I then conduct a thorough analysis to identify areas where AI can make the biggest impact.

Once I have a clear understanding of the requirements, I help find the perfect AI tools for the job. I don't just recommend any tool, I take the time to research and evaluate different options to ensure they align perfectly with the needs and budget.

My commitment goes beyond simply providing AI tools. I also provide comprehensive support to ensure seamless adoption by your teams. I offer a collaborative way of working, helping business owners and teams come together to use the new tools effectively and integrate them into their workflows.

Benefits of partnering with Alcea

There are several compelling reasons to partner with Alcea for your AI transformation journey. Here are just a few:

• Deep expertise: Our team possesses a deep understanding of AI and its applications across various industries. We stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in AI technology to ensure you have access to the most cutting-edge solutions

• Results-oriented approach: We are not interested in selling you AI tools. Our focus is on helping you achieve real results. We work closely with you to develop a customised AI strategy that aligns with your overall business goals

• Ethical considerations: We believe that AI should be implemented responsibly and ethically. We consider the potential impact of AI on your workforce and ensure that your AI strategy aligns with your company's values

• Proven track record: We have a proven track record of helping businesses successfully implement AI solutions. Our team has extensive experience working with companies of all sizes and across various industries

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