The rapid rise of AI in business sometimes evokes memories of the 1984 sci-fi classic The Terminator, and particularly its description of a technology that “can’t be reasoned with,” “can’t be bargained with,” and which “will not stop, ever” until it completes its mission.
We’re obviously a long way off from cyborgs, but all signs indicate that AI’s march forward will inevitably disrupt the way people work in our industry. This disruption will come − ready or not. Fostering a culture of adaptability will be important as we position our teams to capitalize on tomorrow’s opportunities. The good news is that, with appropriate safeguards in place, people can work in parallel with AI to radically increase productivity. Let’s discuss some steps you can take to keep people, processes and data safe as you consider AI use in your business.
AI: Amazing promise with potential pitfalls
You have likely already dipped your toe into applications like Chat GPT and Google Bard, and you’ve probably been amazed by the results. Leveraging sophisticated language models, these applications have an uncanny ability to understand user input and to generate responses that mimic human communication. End users have put these tools to work generating content, conducting research, designing graphics and even producing full application and website code.
The ChatGPTs of the world are undoubtedly marvels of engineering, but using these programs without restraint may imperil sensitive consumer and company data. Moreover, AI models are not an exact science, with research pointing to how outputs are often marred by programmer bias and inaccurate information. Finally, relying on AI-generated code without additional review can cause problems with your website or other digital real estate. Safe to say, it is wise to proceed with caution.
Cover your bases
So how then can you unleash AI’s power while maintaining your security posture? I wish I could say there was a silver bullet, but in reality, it requires a multi-prong security approach. Here are some areas to consider when developing a plan your business:
Information classification and hierarchy: A great place for title agencies to begin is to build a classification hierarchy for the data held within your corporate ecosystem. Apart from our consideration of AI, a classification system like can be deeply important for risk management and creating customized data controls. Once you have this in place, it is much easier to instruct your team regarding the types of data that can be used within an AI system and what must be kept sequestered.
End user education: Unless you have extensive experience with language models, it can be difficult to understand how AI applications work and how to use them safely. Seeking out resources and training can be an important step toward making the most of specific AI tools while still adhering to corporate policies and procedures.
Incident response: This is a standard part of your typical cybersecurity plan. Designed to encompass all actions your organization will take in the event of data breach or other security problem, it is advisable to expand your incident response plan to also include AI. That way, you will be able to execute efficiently in the event of an issue and mitigate potential negative impacts.
Compliance and regulations: Given the rapid rise of AI, it’s not surprising that lawmakers and regulators have lagged in their attempts to address the potential negative consequences of these new technologies. But you can bet regulation is coming.Considering the large volume of personal data title professionals deal with every day, it is enormously important to stay apprised of regulatory developments so you can respond appropriately and remain compliant.
AI will be back, but we can be ready
Easily one of the most memorable quotes from The Terminator comes when Arnold Schwarzenegger remarks in a complete deadpan, “I’ll be back.” This iconic line also describes where we currently are with the AI revolution. When ChatGPT was released on November 30, 2022, it was lauded as a revolution in the modern workforce. While some of that early hoopla has now died down, there is no doubt that the AI will come roaring back as it continues to integrate into our workflows. The only real question is whether we will be ready to deploy future iterations of this technology to maximize efficiency without sacrificing safety. By updating your security plan now, you will be better positioned to embrace AI advancements, ensuring a balance between technological progress and cybersecurity.
In the world of information technology, nothing stays the same for long, and that presents both challenges and opportunities. Staying current with the latest trends may be a business necessity, but it can also be a tall order to cut through the noise and implement the right solutions and systems. To make it a bit easier, we’ve compiled the top IT tips and developments you need to be aware of in 2024.
AI and cybersecurity risk
The fact that AI is at the top of the list will surprise no one. For much of 2023, the business world was abuzz about the promise of this emerging technology. In 2024, all signs point to AI becoming more and more intertwined with how companies conduct their operations. While this is largely a positive development, as AI can dramatically increase employee productivity, it does carry cybersecurity risks.
Data privacy is perhaps the most obvious concern when thinking about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. When companies integrate programs like ChatGPT or similar technologies into their workflows, such programs may share critical data with the service provider and compromise the integrity of sensitive information. To avoid this problem, a best practice is to develop strict standards for how employees can use AI responsibly and protect personal or proprietary data. Some elements to consider including in an official policy are:
Risk assessment: Before implementing AI systems, agencies need to have a comprehensive view of their system vulnerabilities and safeguards.
Access controls: Define the roles and responsibilities of those with access to AI systems on equipment and networks.
Employee training: Consider what type of training and support staff need to leverage AI effectively without compromising cybersecurity and data safeguards.
Data protection: Clarify what type of information can be shared with AI programs and what must remain sequestered.
Remote work is here to stay
Four years on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is clear: remote work is here to stay. Even large companies that have publicly resisted telecommuting have begun to signal that the pre-pandemic, fully in-office model is not coming back.
This has clear implications for our industry. As more employees come to expect flexibility, companies will need to adapt their technology suites. Prioritizing connection and collaboration tools, cloud computing and advanced security solutions like endpoint threat detection can help you succeed in an era of dispersed workforces. Companies will also need to build a remote onboarding program that can help them bring new employees into the fold from anywhere.
Businesses are under ever-increasing scrutiny to incorporate social and environmental concerns into their decision-making. Naturally, this also extends to IT. By making it a priority to implement sustainable solutions into your tech stack, you will enhance your reputation and become a more attractive partner to stakeholders.
Even better, making technology decisions through a green lens is also good for a business’s bottom line. In an earlier blog I wrote, I outlined how green IT tools do more with less, leading to better productivity and lower costs.
Building durable cyber resistance
Recent cybercrimes targeting major mortgage and title companies stand as a stark reminder that criminal activities can have enormous consequences in our industry. Successful attacks can have short and long term implications – ranging from service disruption and compromised systems to stolen credentials, reputational harm and sizable monetary loss.
At Alliant National, we take such threats extremely seriously and have implemented a variety of safeguards to better protect the stakeholders who rely on us every day. Just a few of these strategies include:
Hosting our servers at a secure data center protected by redundant firewalls.
Utilizing email filtering, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and endpoint threat detection and response (EDR) software.
Routinely backing up all email accounts, documents, and mission-critical data.
Conducting quarterly and annual network penetration and phishing tests.
Deploying cloud-based solutions and software for added security.
Adhering to a strict schedule for installing security patches to all relevant tools on servers and workstations.
In the wake of recent cyber attacks in our industry, we are also moving to implement additional security tools to further solidify our defense posture. We encourage agents to take a similar approach and see the New Year as a critical time to continue moving toward what’s known as “cyber resiliency.” This involves assessing the following dimensions of your cybersecurity strategy:
Robust risk management: Tackling your organization’s security involves creating a comprehensive view of your policies, procedures, data resources, vulnerabilities and protections.
Employee investment: Strong organizational cybersecurity relies in part on employees who have been trained in industry best practices as well as organizational safeguards and procedures.
Data security and recovery: Data is an enormously valuable business asset and requires strong security protocols and a comprehensive backup strategy.
Incident response: No security system is complete without a detailed approach to incident response. That includes the software and hardware that needs to be installed across your company, a business continuity plan as well as documentation procedures.
Stay apprised of new developments to win in 2024 People always say that the one constant in life is change, and that adage applies to technology. As we move into the new year, new developments, technology solutions and tools are sure to emerge. The points that we have discussed here are a solid foundation as you start thinking about your 2024 IT strategy. At Alliant National, we are also committed to sharing relevant IT updates and tips for you to further refine your approach going forward. Keep checking in on the Alliant National Advantage blog to learn about building a solid security stack, protecting your company’s data and much more.
With the rise of new technologies like AI, marketing in 2023 was a wild ride. Naturally, this sparks the question of what the New Year will bring. To help agents keep pace, we’ve compiled a list of top trends that agencies can leverage in 2024 for better customer experiences and enhanced business growth.
Short, mobile-friendly content reigns supreme
It should come as no surprise that mobile strategies will remain central to marketing efforts 2024. Customers have long been gravitating toward mobile devices as their primary method for accessing information. That trend is not slowing down, and agencies may want to consider whether their content is mobile friendly. At the same time, research shows that stakeholder attention-spans have grown shorter in our digital-first world. This means content must be instantly engaging and accessible from any device.
Generative AI
The past year will always be remembered as the moment when AI went from being a novelty to a mainstream business tool. Title professionals looking for competitive advantage can consider incorporating these programs into their marketing efforts. While still an emerging technology, generative AI can be used to dramatically accelerate an agency’s marketing via:
Automated content generation
Graphic design
Competitor analysis
Drip email campaigns
AI-powered chat bots
SEO analysis and improvements
Corporate responsibility
Time and time again, research shows that customers care deeply about who they do business with. Corporate reputation is important for attracting and retaining partners. One way for a company to advance its reputation is to commit to corporate responsibility initiatives, and then promote those efforts through marketing.
Some areas to consider, include:
Environmental: Consumers increasingly want to interact with companies that are environmentally friendly. Businesses can respond in a number of ways, for instance by promoting green IT, which involves committing to responsible IT recycling.
Social: A business’s social impact is also important to potential customers.A company that puts equitable pay and volunteerism at the heart of its culture can engender goodwill with its audience andstrengthen its overall brand reputation.
Governance: Last but certainly not least is corporate governance, which refers to the practices and processes by which a company operates. Implementing ethical governance policies can often result in enhanced brand trust and longer-lasting relationships with stakeholders.
Focus on video
As we move into 2024, more and more brands will come to see video as the cornerstone of their marketing efforts. While this can sound costly and intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Check out our blog on shooting high-quality videos on a budget to get started.
Video can be utilized across your different channels and platforms. Whether it be on social media, email or in paid advertising, video can have a dramatic impact on your audience. Video is also increasingly being prioritized on Google’s SERP (search engine results page), which means it is also important for SEO.
Don’t forget the human touch
As you can see, digital tools will continue to define marketing in the New Year. However, technology does have its limitations. Impactful moments of human-to-human interaction are an important complement to digital marketing. For instance, practicing an elevator pitch allows you to clearly articulate your agency’s value proposition in face-to-face settings. This type of marketing often engages prospects in a much deeper and more meaningful way than other mediums.
Data privacy and governance
Customers’ concerns about how businesses use − or misuse − their personal data have been escalating for years.” Recent polling from 2023 confirms this, with over 81% of people indicating they are concerned about what information companies are collecting.[i] To maintain a positive relationship with your customers, now is a great time to review your data collection and governance policies. If necessary, rewrite your privacy policies for maximum clarity and ensure they are readily available on your website.
Let’s seize the New Year
The start of a new year is an excellent time to review and improve your marketing. While our list is by no means comprehensive, leveraging these trends can provide you with a great foundation for seizing 2024 and making it your best year yet.
The machines have risen; now let’s put them to work
In November of 2022, the buzz surrounding ChatGPT and its potential to revolutionize the workforce made headlines. While the predictions of a complete transformation have yet to fully materialize, it’s clear that AI programs like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing AI and Google Bard are here to stay.
It’s easy to see why people are increasingly incorporating AI into work and life. With a few carefully worded prompts, you can create some truly amazing things using these programs. For agents seeking to leverage the potential of AI, one promising area lies in marketing. Let’s discuss some ways you can start harnessing AI’s potential today. As we’ll see, the secret to getting the most out of AI platforms lies in asking the right questions.
Begin at the beginning
One of the best ways to use AI in your marketing is to incorporate it right at the beginning – that is, during the initial planning before you launch a campaign. You can start by asking your preferred AI chat platform to act as a marketing expert that will generate your plan.
Building this prompt requires a bit more than flipping a switch or pressing a button. You need the following information on hand so you can include it in your prompt:
Business overview – Describe your industry and your company’s position within it, including the products or services you offer.
Goals and objectives – Next, describe your marketing goals, which could include anything from building brand awareness, to generating leads, to boosting sales.
Target audience – Include your target audience or customer personas. Don’t limit this to only demographic information like age, gender and location. Add psychological details like interests, behaviors, habits, values and pain points.
Unique selling proposition (USP) – Ask yourself what sets your business apart from competitors. This is your unique selling proposition. Your USP is an important anchor for your plan and should not be overlooked.
Marketing channels – Ensure that your prompt includes the marketing channels you currently have available to you. Separate these by owned, earned and paid media. Some examples of each include social media platforms, email marketing, content marketing and SEO (owned); public relations coverage or press release placement (earned); and advertising (paid).
Budget – All of your marketing initiatives should be tied to a budget.Include an estimate of the resources you have available to allocate to your marketing plan.
Timeline – Remember, a marketing plan should not be on an indefinite timeline. Include all relevant time-sensitive dates.
Content development
The most obvious way an AI chatbot can improve or streamline your marketing is through content development. Whether you need social media posts, a blog or even a full white paper or multi-page guide, today’s leading programs can help. Here are a few things to keep in mind when prompting your chatbot to create a new content asset:
Length – Be as specific as possible about length requirements for your collateral. When it comes to the ideal length of content assets, opinions vary. There’s no guarantee that the AI program you use will automatically create content to an appropriate length for your needs.
Tone and voice – Unless you specify what you’re looking for, chances are an AI program may not deliver your content in the right tone. Be sure to use plenty of adjectives. Provide examples of writing you’d like to emulate. You can also offer additional context. Describe what the content will be used for, and the language model will tailor accordingly.
Trust but verify – One thing to remember is thatAI models, while helpful, are still not an exact science.These programs can and will deliver faulty information. Always verify your outputs against outside sources, and double check any data or calculations.
SEO and Digital Advertising
AI programs can also help with the high-level strategy for search engine optimization (SEO) and digital advertising. Here are best practices for creating effective prompts in this area:
Clear, concise goals – Specify for the program exactly what you want to accomplish: improving organic search rankings, driving conversions or increasing awareness are all perfect examples.
Relevant business information – As with your marketing plan, a bot like ChatGPT needs to understand some basic information about your business to create a relevant and impactful SEO plan. Be sure to include information related to your industry, target audience, products and services and competitors.
Provide some keyword parameters – The success of both your SEO and digital advertising efforts depends on the strength of your keywords. Chatbots can assist you in developing a knockout keyword list when given the right parameters, including:
Industry
Target audience
Specific products and services
Geographic regions
Languages
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are numerous ways to leverage AI in your marketing efforts. Whether you are seeking a fully fleshed out marketing plan or specific deliverables, AI chatbots are certainly worth a try.
However, caution is warranted when using AI chat programs like ChatGPT. They should not be considered “secure,” and prompts should never include nonpublic, private, confidential, or sensitive consumer, business, or other information. As mentioned earlier, AI chatbots can also produce inaccurate, misleading, or even offensive responses. It’s always advisable to carefully review and consider the output generated by these programs.
AI chat tools certainly aren’t perfect, but one advantage of these platforms is the ability for human users to provide feedback on the responses generated. Working with an AI chatbot then becomes something of a collaboration, and that’s when great ideas start to emerge. By using AI tools responsibly and in conjunction with human expertise, you can help ensure the best possible outcomes for your marketing efforts.
