Clients Turn to AI Before Consulting Service Providers

Image Credit: Skynet

Clients are increasingly using AI tools to gather initial answers before approaching business consultants. This shift is changing how clients perceive value and challenges professionals to enhance their offerings.

Paul’s Perspective:

This trend underlines the need for professionals and business leaders to focus on what truly sets them apart—custom expertise, strategic thinking, and nuanced judgment—since clients now arrive with commodity knowledge already in hand.


Key Points in Article:

  • More than 60% of business clients have tried AI-driven tools for problem-solving before contacting experts.
  • Clients now come to meetings with more background knowledge, raising expectations for unique insights.
  • AI delivers fast but generic responses, so clients rely on consultants for tailored, strategic advice.
  • Professional services firms report increased pressure to articulate value beyond basic information access.

Strategic Actions:

  1. Recognize that clients may use AI as a first step before consulting professionals.
  2. Prepare for client conversations by anticipating informed questions and pre-researched topics.
  3. Diversify and refine your offerings to focus on high-value, personalized consultancy.
  4. Clearly communicate the aspects of your service that AI can’t replicate—such as experience-based insights and contextual analysis.
  5. Continuously educate your team to stay ahead of evolving AI capabilities and client expectations.

Dive deeper > Full Story:


The Bottom Line:

  • Clients are increasingly using AI tools to gather initial answers before approaching business consultants.
  • This shift is changing how clients perceive value and challenges professionals to enhance their offerings.

Ready to Explore More?

If you want to explore how your business can stand out in an AI-forward marketplace, we work alongside you to elevate your unique strengths and ensure your value shines through.

Curated by Paul Helmick

Founder. CEO. Advisor.

@PaulHelmick
@323Works

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