This was “The Summer of AI.”
Overnight, it seems AI has woven itself into everything—from search results delivering analytics rather than just links, to boardrooms debating strategy with algorithmic insights on the table.
I dove in — attending AI business strategy workshops. I upped the ante by subscribing to professional-grade ChatGPT and experimenting with other powerful tools like Claude and Perplexity.
I discovered that AI is a force multiplier. It has already transformed the way I deliver some aspects of strategic planning and real estate consulting.
One such breakthrough: Researching competitive intelligence at a speed and scale never seen before.
Business Competitive Intelligence: Seeing the Market Clearly
One client, launching a boutique art and jewelry shop, thought her concept was “one of a kind.” Instead of relying on intuition, I ran her business description through AI.
Within 15 minutes, more than a dozen competing boutiques in her immediate area were surfaced — and dozens more as I expanded the radius to 25, 50, and 100 miles. I was able to produce an insightful competitive intelligence report.
The result? My client was stunned. She quickly realized her market was far more crowded than she imagined. Yet, this wasn’t discouraging. It gave her clarity, allowing her to differentiate her offerings and even identify potential collaborators.
AI-driven intelligence can be a tool to help business leaders transform assumptions into strategy.
Real Estate Competitive Intelligence: Beyond Zillow
Real estate research traditionally has been a slog. Zillow, Redfin, and MLS listings provide raw data, but rarely share insight. With AI, I’ve been able to leapfrog the basics and deliver clients intelligence that feels like a curated advisory report.
Recently, a client wanted to live near his corporate HQ. I asked AI to produce a profile of every neighborhood in proximity, and within a few minutes, I queried and received rental prices, home values, walkability, dining options, and even nearby grocery stores.
What once took days of manual research is now delivered in hours—packaged into a professional-grade briefing that empowers faster, better decisions.
Personal Business Intelligence: Knowing My Own Competition
Curious about my own genre of strategic planning, I asked AI to identify competitors in my core geographic region. Not only did Poore & Associates appear in the search results (a reassuring moment!), but I also gained visibility into firms I hadn’t considered.
That knowledge is gold. It sharpened my awareness of how to position my firm, where to differentiate, and how to communicate value more clearly to prospective clients.
Using AI Without Blind Spots
As a former journalist, I know truth and accuracy are essential. AI can sometimes “hallucinate” or invent facts. That’s why every AI result must be vetted, verified, and sourced. AI is an accelerator, not a replacement for professional judgment.
But when properly managed, I found that its ability to scan, sort, and synthesize global data in real time is breathtaking. What once required teams of analysts and days of research now can be achieved in minutes.
The Takeaway
For me, this summer has been a revelation. AI has delivered a breakthrough in competitive intelligence—faster, deeper, and more actionable than ever before.
For executives, the message is clear: Adopting AI isn’t about curiosity — it’s about competitiveness. Leaders who harness the power of AI as a competitive intelligence research tool can gain sharper market insights and make faster decisions. This summer, I was able to free up more time to help clients focus on strategy rather than data chasing.
AI isn’t just another tool. It’s the new lens for seeing your business future.
