How to use AI to support your floral business

As you have undoubtedly seen, AI is exploding in growth — and it’s here to stay. So, how can you use AI effectively in your floral business? SAF (Society of American Florists) recently published an excellent article outlining the best practices to get results from any AI platform. We wanted to ensure you had this information so you can see that AI is easier than you imagine. Think of it as your built-in assistant to help your floral business bloom! Here are the ten best practices for using AI in your floral business.

Understand AI Basics
Just like you understand the needs of different flowers, it’s vital to grasp AI basics. AI models, like ChatGPT or Jasper, process information based on their programming and training. When you input a prompt, the AI generates a response based on the learned patterns and data. The more specific your prompts, the more accurate and valuable the AI’s responses will be.

Communicate with Clarity
AI operates best with clear and explicit instructions. Avoid ambiguous language and aim for precision in your prompts. This reduces misunderstandings and increases the likelihood of receiving an accurate response. For instance, if you’re planning a Christmas promotion, tell the AI: “I need ten marketing ideas for Christmas, focusing on providing flowers for décor, parties, and dinners. Can you also sketch a timeline?”

Provide the Proper Context
AI models don’t inherently understand the context or the nuances of human experience. Providing necessary background information in your prompts helps steer the AI toward generating relevant and appropriate responses. If you’re seeking help with content creation, for example, include details about your business, the purpose of the content, and any specific angles or themes you want to explore.

Experimenting with Prompts: Pruning for Perfection
If the AI’s response isn’t what you expected or needed, try rephrasing your question or request. Sometimes, a slight change in wording can lead to more accurate and useful outcomes. Think of the AI as an assistant: What information would you give your assistant to ensure they understand what you’re asking them to do?

Be Conversational in Tone
AI models are often trained on conversational text, so using a conversational tone can sometimes get better results. Try writing like you speak to see how the AI responds. However, this doesn’t mean the AI understands language exactly like humans, so clarity remains critical.

Be Cautious with Sensitive Information
Despite strong data protection policies on many AI platforms, it’s best to avoid sharing sensitive or personal information. This practice ensures your privacy and security. Read our article in this issue of LivRio for more information on keeping your data secure on AI.

Understand What AI Can and Can’t Do
While AI has advanced significantly, it has its limitations. Understanding what AI can realistically do will help you set realistic expectations and use the technology to its best advantage. Remember, AI is not a search engine but a tool for generating and processing information.

Stay Updated About AI Developments
The AI landscape is ever-changing. Keeping up with the latest advancements and updates will enable you to use these technologies effectively as they continue to improve. Many AI-focused newsletters now send regular updates to your inbox, so subscribe to the ones you find most helpful.

Practice Patience and Persistence
The more you use AI, the easier it gets — and the better results YOU get. But working with AI might require some trial and error. Be patient and willing to refine your prompts over time. By regularly practicing, you’ll be able to communicate with AI effectively, so you get the results you want.

Embracing AI in your floral business can be a game-changer, offering innovative ways to market, create content, and streamline operations. With these guidelines, you can confidently and creatively navigate the world of AI.