How smart printers are getting better results by leading the conversation, not just asking for answers.
If you’re like most print shop owners I talk to, you’ve probably dabbled with AI by now. Maybe you’ve even typed something like:
“Write me a follow-up email for a customer who hasn’t responded.”
And what came back was… fine.
Not great.
Not personal.
Definitely not the kind of thing that makes you think, “Wow, this sounds just like me!”
If that’s been your experience, here’s the good news: It’s not your fault.
You’re just using the wrong playbook.
You Don’t Win the Game By Reading the Playbook Alone
If you’ve ever watched a high school football game—or better yet, had a kid on the team—you know the coach doesn’t just hand out a fat binder of plays and yell, “Good luck out there!”
(At least, we hope not.)
The real value of a good coach is in the conversation that happens before the play gets called:
- “What’s the defense showing you?”
- “What’s working today that didn’t work last game?”
- “How do we adjust so you don’t get flattened again on third down?”
AI works the same way.
Most people are using it like Google—asking for quick, one-and-done answers. But the real magic happens when you treat AI like your assistant coach, ready to work the problem alongside you.
Don’t Just Ask for Answers—Lead the Conversation
Here’s the difference:
What most printers ask AI:
“Write me a follow-up email after a sales call.”
What smart printers ask instead:
“I just had a call with a nonprofit that’s interested in direct mail but worried about their timing. Can you help me brainstorm three ways to follow up without adding pressure?”
Then they keep the conversation rolling:
- “Which of these options builds the most trust?”
- “How could I tighten the message while keeping the warmth?”
- “Is there a question I could ask to get them talking again?”
See the shift? You’re not just asking for an answer—you’re actively participating in the conversation.
And that’s where the good stuff lives.
Why This Works (and Why It’s Faster Than You Think)
You don’t need to become a prompt-writing wizard or a tech guru.
You just need to know how to keep the conversation going.
Think of the AI’s first answer like the first draft of a customer’s print job—it’s fine, but it needs refining to really shine.
When you treat that first response as your starting point (not the finish line), you get better, faster results that sound like you and work for your customers.
Try This Today: A Real Conversation Starter for Your Next Email
Instead of asking:
“Write me a re-engagement email.”
Try leading with:
“I’m trying to re-engage a customer who hasn’t responded since our last quote. They liked the idea, but went quiet. Help me brainstorm three ways to follow up that feel helpful, not pushy.”
Then ask:
- “How could I personalize this knowing their busy season is about to start?”
Quick, simple, and already way better.
Want to See How Printers Are Turning These Conversations Into Results?
This is just the beginning of what’s possible when you stop asking for answers and start leading productive conversations with AI. See where AI can take you today!
