Around the Workstand
Around the Workstand is our podcast where we discuss the work done here at Workstand. Workstand is the only all-in-one commerce solution built exclusively for local bike shops. Our technology powered the ecommerce revolution for the IBD channel and is trusted by one out of four shops. Every subscription includes an optional point of sale at no extra cost. Workstand helps local bicycle retailers leverage the power of our industry-leading data network to run a more efficient business and expand sales opportunities.
We offer the most complete catalog of product data, including images and descriptions, expanded sales potential, and improved efficiency for both retailers and suppliers. Included drop shipping and brand marketing partnerships to build powerful relationships.
To complement our software services, Workstand is also a complete digital marketing partner. We work with over 400 bike shops, including many of the nation’s largest, offering website maintenance, Google Ads, SEO, graphic design, custom websites, and more.
Contact us anytime for more information: podcast@workstand.com
Around the Workstand
AI dos and don'ts for bicycle retailers to use to enhance business efficiencies
Tips for how AI can help in retail - what other ways are you using AI?
- Great brainstorming partner
- Start with clear goals
- Ask for specific results
- Use to break a big project or some event planning into easy action items
- AI tools within other applications are an easy way to begin to experiment - Apple Intelligence, email apps, text apps, etc, Grammarly
Warnings and pitfalls merchants should be aware of
- Images of people and bicycles are hard for AI
- Avoid the uncanny valley:/ - it’s close but not really
- Don’t forget to edit - inject your personality and unique voice
- Remember that if you can prompt an AI to create something that you use to represent you or your business, anyone else can do that.
- Don’t let the machine run unchecked, unintended consequences abound.
Here is the experiment Suzie did so you can try it yourself. Let us know how it goes!
Prompt: What are good dos and don'ts for small businesses interested in leveraging AI for help with marketing?
Using AI for marketing can be a game-changer for small businesses, offering tools to boost personalization, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions. Here are some do’s and don’ts to guide you in implementing AI effectively.
Do’s
- Do Start with Clear Goals
- Do Use AI to Enhance Personalization
- Do Focus on High-Impact Channels First
- Do Leverage Customer Data Responsibly
- Do Experiment with Predictive Analytics
- Do Train Your Team
Don’ts
- Don’t Automate Everything
- Don’t Rely Solely on AI for Content Creation
- Don’t Ignore Data Privacy Regulations
- Don’t Expect Immediate Results
- Don’t Neglect Testing
- Don’t Overlook Costs
Bonus: Tools to Explore
- Email and Social Media Automation
By following these tips, your small business can harness AI’s potential effectively without sacrificing the authenticity and trust you’ve built with your customers.
Be sure to email your questions to podcast@workstand.com. We read all emails sent and we look forward to hearing from you.
If you're a Workstand client with questions about your subscription, email support@workstand.com or call 303-527-0676 x 1. If you are not currently a Workstand client with questions about how our programs work, email info@workstand.com.
Find Us on LinkedIn
Ryan Atkinson, President + Co-Owner
Suzie Livingston, Marketing + Communications
Mark Still, Business Development
We also publish Around the Workstand on our YouTube channel if you'd like to watch while you listen. Here is our Around the Workstand playlist.
If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode of Around the Workstand or if you have ideas for new topics we can cover, schedule a time to meet with Mark Still here or email mark.s@works...