The Free Mug That Cost a Fortune
Years ago, I walked out of a trade show just outside Chicago with a tote bag full of swag – pens, notepads, stickers, even a little Bluetooth speaker that stopped working before I got to my car.
What I actually needed? A serious conversation about a looming implementation issue.
But no one wanted to talk about that.
They just wanted me to scan my badge-basically a handoff to sales-grab a chatchki, and call it a win-win.
These days, as AI hype reaches peak volume, I’m starting to get the same feeling: Is anyone actually listening to what clients really want from an AI partner?
Spoiler: It’s not keychains. It’s not a branded Mochi Squishie. And it’s definitely not another plastic action figure collecting dust on your desk.
You don’t need a toy action hero. You need a real hero – And a real hero is someone willing to do the hard things on your behalf.
So, What Do People Want?
Let’s break it down:
The Real KPI: Do I Trust You?
AI isn’t magic. It’s a tool- and a complex one at that.
When clients look for an AI partner, they’re not hoping for a silver bullet. They’re hoping for someone who can make sense of the complexity, help them navigate risk, and deliver something that actually helps.
So, next time you’re wondering how to connect with a prospect, skip the giveaways.
Offer value. Offer perspective. Offer your ears.
That’s what they want. That’s what makes you the AI partner they’ll come back to.
