For all entrepreneurs who are afraid AI job displacement, it's important to remember that headlines only tell part of the story, but they don't always highlight exactly what you should be focusing on. In the last year, multiple articles about AI have been published replacing work. While this is true to some extent, we also know that it is AI creating LOT new working. Journalists can choose to highlight either point of view. However, this article will not focus on convincing you, the reader, whether there are more job openings or job losses at the moment, because what exactly can you do with that information? Nothing meaningful. Rather, this article challenges you to think inward and ask yourself whether your thoughts align with the first question in this AI boom or the second: “Why is this happening to my job?” or “How can I make even more money out of this disruption?”

If you're asking the first question, remember why you became an entrepreneur in the first place. The true spirit of entrepreneurship it's about capitalizing on pivot moments, not running away from them. If you're asking the second question, your mindset is already on the right track. Read on and good luck on your blended AI journey. I am excited for you.

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Embracing disruption

Let's be honest, though – if you are one Business owner or a single freelancer relying on the gig economy, it is delusional to think that there will never be disruption in an industry, especially as the pace of technology evolves and we continue to experience exponential growth curves – generative AI is one example main.

I was also touched by Generative AI skills that become democratized and available to the public, like the various services we offer OBIS are in the field of data analysis and various large language models can write queries and codes as well as solve problems and diagnose issues related to business intelligence, etc. But instead of wasting my time wondering “why,” I repeatedly challenged myself to say, “How OBIS can serve our customers today even better?” and more importantly, how can we use AI to our advantage and open up new ways to personalize the customer experience, create new services and products, and generally just become the best AI advisor customers during this massive technological change? Having put our strategic thoughts on paper, we are confident that we can do our best moving forward in the age of AI and are excited to see the results unfold.

Transform – don't compete

Yes, AI will disrupt many opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers. However, it's up to people in those roles today to determine whether they want their jobs replaced or simply transformed by choosing to focus on what they emphasize in their portfolios. For example, let's talk about jobs that are at risk automation since they are repeatedly brought up as an example of living within the point for elimination.

My honest take on the roles at stake is a bit counterintuitive – it's time to raise market rates, not lower them to “compete with AI”. You will not compete with AI because you are not AI. You are a creative human being capable of understanding the nuances, context and needs of the customer, and performing more specialized work than a generalized model that does not know the existing needs of your potential customers. Lowering your rates to win work for fear of displacement signals a lack of confidence in your worth.

And yes, the change we are seeing is significant. But it's also time to realize that customers are no longer coming to you for the first pass, but for the final one—and the last one is what goes to market. This is where your expertise becomes invaluable. Your greatest assets are your unique perspective, creativity and ability to tailor solutions to specific client needs. These skills deserve a premium price. When clients use your work to represent their brand and grow their business, they're not just paying for a service, they're investing in your expert knowledge and human touch.

Your role isn't shrinking in an AI-driven landscape – it's evolving. You are becoming more of a strategic partner, an expert who can navigate both human and AI generated content to create optimal results. This evolution in your role justifies higher rates, not lower. With this mindset, let's explore how to reshape your portfolio to showcase your enhanced value in the age of AI.

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A key portfolio strategy for at-risk roles

Here are five techniques you can use to market your services in a market saturated with AI-generated content—a key strategy for your portfolio:

1. Showcases before and after: Demonstrate your value by highlighting before and after examples of how you have transformed AI-generated work in smooth and high quality results. Emphasize improvements in quality, relevance and personalization that your human touch brings.
2. AI literacy and industry-specific knowledge: Develop a deep understanding of AI capabilities in your field and how they interact with specific industry requirements. Depending on what is most valuable to your customers, use this knowledge to effectively use AI or differentiate your services from AI-generated work.
3. Data-driven evaluation: Run and distribute A/B tests comparing AI-only results to your improved work. Use concrete performance measurements to demonstrate the added value you bring to projects.
4. AI-enhanced strategy development: Create comprehensive strategies that blend AI analysis with your professional knowledge. Present clients with visual maps or plans that show how to use AI to identify trends and opportunities while applying your expertise to develop actionable and tailored strategies.
5. Offer premium refinement services: Position yourself as the last essential step in the production process. Highlight your ability to take AI-generated drafts or preliminary work and refine them into high-quality, market-ready products that perfectly match customer needs and industry standards.

Because, let's face it—while AI is truly transforming the landscape of the job and gig economy, it also presents incredible opportunities for those willing to pivot and adapt. By embracing AI and using it to improve your services, you can stay ahead of the curve and continue to thrive. The key to entrepreneurial success lies in your ability to take advantage of these technological changes rather than fear them. So consider these strategies, adjust your approach, and let AI be the catalyst for your growth and innovation. And, of course, contact me if this strategy intrigues you and want to discuss it further.