How GenAI helped me Scale my Dad’s Business

9

October

2024

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In 2009, when my dad started his sales training company, it was all about in-person interaction, guiding clients through effective sales techniques, strategies, and the psychology behind selling. With more demand, keeping the training personal for everyone became challenging since he was operating on his own. That is when we explored AI as a way to scale his expertise without losing quality.

With tools like HeyGen, ElevenLabs, and ChatGPT, we transformed a short video of my dad into hours of digital training modules accessible anytime, anywhere. ChatGPT helped us generate scripts, ElevenLabs cloned his voice, and HeyGen produced a realistic digital version of him. This setup made the training feel personal, even when delivered fully virtually. With just one video and voice recording, we expanded his voice and video across different topics, from closing techniques to handling objections.

Generative AI enabled us to design an engaging, structured curriculum. Text-to-video tools combined his voice with visuals, slides, and animations, creating a cohesive learning experience. We even added FAQ sections to simulate live Q&A, making the content feel as close to a live session as possible.

The digital transformation to his training gave him three advantages. A way to scale his company, because he does not need physical attendance for every training anymore. Secondly, more flexibility for the clients, they could watch the training at their own pace. At last, it reduces a lot of overhead costs associated with in-person training.

Of course, there is room for AI to improve. We still have to go over the scripts to remove some mistakes and alter some parts to make it more varied. Also there is no hand movement in the video, which could look a bit stiff over time. 

Through this process, I have seen how the right AI tools can create realistic, scalable, and effective learning experiences. There are still things to improve, but this journey has shown AI’s incredible potential. For anyone who is looking to scale expertise, I highly recommend exploring these tools yourself.

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The Transformation of Supermarkets: From Products to Digital Platforms

18

September

2024

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Purchasing goods in bulk, stocking shelves, and selling to customers; this is how supermarkets used to operate as they were using a traditional product-based business model. Over time, supermarkets evolved by integrating technology, such as self-service, price scanners, and loyalty programs (Sundarabharathi & Muthulakshmi, 2023). The landscape is changing rapidly as supermarkets shift toward a digital platform business model. This shift focuses on personalized experiences, with data analytics predicting consumer behavior and adapting to innovations (Sundarabharathi & Muthulakshmi, 2023). One key player embracing this transformation is Albert Heijn, a Dutch supermarket chain leading the way in digital innovation.

Albert Heijn was the first Dutch supermarket who took the omnichannel approach where in-store meets online (Albert Heijn Launches Subscription, ‘My Albert Heijn Premium’, 2021). The introduction of digital tools, like Albert Heijn’s bonus card and mobile app “AH app”, have transformed the way customers interact with the brand. Their bonus card initially started as a loyalty card for discounts, but has since evolved into a sophisticated data-gathering tool. The combination of the bonus card and the multifunctional AH app, lets Albert Heijn track customers’ shopping habits. With the use of artificial intelligence, the supermarket can recommend personalized offers, recipes based on what you buy, and even predict future purchases. This personalized shopping experience keeps customers engaged while generating valuable data.

As these apps and digital tools grow in functionality, they are part of a broader trend where supermarkets collect an increasing amount of data. Every interaction, from the products scanned to online searches, feeds into algorithms that help supermarkets optimize inventory, suggest new products, and refine marketing strategies. This approach transitions supermarkets from merely being places to purchase goods to digital platforms that provide value-added services based on consumer behavior.

The future allows supermarkets to become even more platform oriented due to new technological innovations and upcoming trends. There are different opportunities around the corner for supermarkets to make this transformation. Examples are the replacement of barcodes with QR codes in 2027 in the Netherlands and Artificial Intelligence becoming more sophisticated (DigitalTrends, 2023)(NOS, 2024).

As supermarkets adopt these technologies, their business models will need to continue evolving towards more digitally-driven, data-powered operations. It is interesting to see how it affects the business models of supermarkets like Albert Heijn right now, and how it will develop in the future years. How far can we transform to this digital platform model and will the traditional physical supermarket as we know disappear completely in the future?

References:

Albert Heijn launches subscription, ‘My Albert Heijn Premium’. (2021, 27 oktober). https://www.aholddelhaize.com/en/news/albert-heijn-launches-subscription-my-albert-heijn-p

remium/

DigitalTrends. (2023, 19 juli). How Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Medium. https://medium.com/@digitaltrends1/how-artificial-intelligence-ai-is-becoming-increasingly-sophisticated-4b837f7e31ba

NOS. (2024, 26 juni). De streepjescode bestaat 50 jaar, maar het einde nadert. https://nos.nl/artikel/2526164-de-streepjescode-bestaat-50-jaar-maar-het-einde-nadert

SUNDARABHARATHI, M., & MUTHULAKSHMI, C. (2023). American Supermarkets – PAST, Present Vs. Future Trends and Technologies. In G. Venkataswamy Naidu College & Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Res Militaris (Vol. 13, Nummer 2, pp. 6270–6271).

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