When Suddenly Everything is “Unleashed”

How ChatGPT Could Backfire on Your Business

Can we please talk about how nowadays every single post on social media starts with “unleash” and about a million emojis 🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥?

I mean, I know, you are busy. We all are. We’re all looking for shortcuts, and ChatGPT promises to “unleash” your creativity (yep, there’s that word again!), save time, and take care of all that content creation for your business. So, you give it a try. You pop in a few prompts, and like magic, out comes a perfectly polished blog post—buzzwords, emojis, the whole package. But surprise, surprise: it doesn’t sound like you. In fact, it sounds like someone else—or worse, something else. And just like that, your audience can tell you didn't write it.

Welcome to the world of AI-generated content, where ChatGPT can either be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you use it. And if you’re not careful, it can make your business communications sound generic, impersonal, or, quite frankly, robotic.

The Trap of Repetitive Phrases and Overused Words

If you've ever used ChatGPT for content creation, you may have noticed that certain words and phrases seem to pop up more often than you'd like. “Unleash,” “harness,” “empower”—sound familiar? These buzzwords might seem like powerhouses at first, but when used too often, they lose their punch. And let’s face it, by the third time your blog post mentions how your services “unleash” creativity or “empower” growth, your readers are rolling their eyes.

The reality is, ChatGPT loves to recycle these kinds of terms. It’s great at sounding polished and professional, but that also means it sometimes defaults to the same phrases over and over. And once your audience catches onto the repetitive language, they’ll know something’s up.

This doesn’t just apply to buzzwords, though. ChatGPT also has a flair for adding tons of emojis (🌟💪🔥), making your content look more like a teen’s Instagram post than a professional business communication. While emojis can be fun and engaging when used sparingly, too many can make your message seem overly casual, or worse, automated.

Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever

One of the most valuable things you have as an entrepreneur is your authenticity. It’s what sets you apart from the competition. It’s the secret sauce that keeps your audience coming back for more. So, when you let ChatGPT do all the talking, you risk losing that special connection with your (potential) customers.

Let’s say, you’re a small business owner who specializes in eco-friendly skincare products. You use ChatGPT to write a blog about how to choose sustainable ingredients. But instead of using your knowledge and experience, the blog is filled with generic advice and clichés like “unleash the power of nature” and “harness the benefits of organic oils.” Sure, it sounds fine on the surface, but it doesn’t have you or your expertise in it. And your audience, who has come to trust your know-how, can feel that disconnect.

Worse yet, what if you used ChatGPT to write a blog on a topic you know nothing about—like restoring old cars (because ChatGPT can do everything, right)? The result would be an inauthentic piece of content that neither speaks to your audience nor reflects your brand. And that’s where things can go wrong.

The Importance of Rereading and Adding a Personal Touch

This is where you, the savvy entrepreneur, come in. ChatGPT can be a fantastic tool, especially as it learns your style over time, but it should never replace you and your expertise. The key to using AI-generated content effectively is ensuring it still sounds like you.

Step 1: Always Reread the Content Before Posting

Before you hit “publish,” take a few minutes to go through what ChatGPT has generated. Look for those repetitive phrases and overused words. Are there five uses of “unleash” in a single paragraph? Time to swap some of those out for more personal, varied language.

Remember, ChatGPT doesn’t know the intricacies of your brand voice or your customer’s preferences. It’s up to you to tweak, refine, and make the content truly yours.

Step 2: Add Personal Stories and Examples

One of the best ways to ensure your content stands out and resonates with your audience is by adding personal stories and examples. Did you face a specific challenge when building your business? Did a client’s success story inspire you? Weave those experiences into your content. ChatGPT can generate a great foundation, but only you can fill it with the personality and warmth that will connect with your readers.

For example, if you’re writing a blog about overcoming self-doubt as a woman entrepreneur, share your own journey. Talk about a time when you felt like you weren’t good enough and how you pushed through. ChatGPT can’t replicate that kind of authenticity—only you can.

Step 3: Keep It Conversational

ChatGPT tends to lean toward formal or dramatic language, which can sometimes feel stiff or overly polished. To avoid this, aim for a conversational tone. Write as if you’re speaking to a friend over coffee. Ask questions, share thoughts, and keep it light and engaging.

Let’s be real—your audience doesn’t want to read a stiff, jargon-filled essay. They want to hear from you, the human behind the business, who gets it, and the one they can trust.

How to Use ChatGPT the Right Way (Without Losing Yourself)

Now that we’ve covered the potential pitfalls of using ChatGPT, let’s talk about how you can use it the right way. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re using AI to support your business without giving up your authenticity.

1. Use ChatGPT as a Tool, Not a Crutch

ChatGPT is an incredible tool for brainstorming ideas, generating outlines, and drafting the first version of a blog or social media post. But it should never be your go-to for final drafts. Think of it as a writing assistant that helps you get started, but you still need to be the one steering the ship.

For instance, you can use ChatGPT to outline a blog post on social media strategies for small businesses. It’ll give you some great ideas to work with, but then it’s up to you to shape those ideas into something that reflects your expertise and voice.

2. Stay True to What You Know

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with ChatGPT is using it to write about topics you’re not familiar with. Just because it can generate a blog post on how to restore old cars doesn’t mean you should publish it if you know nothing about cars!

Stick to what you know and what you’re passionate about. Your audience follows you because of your expertise, not because of ChatGPT’s ability to churn out content on any topic under the sun. When you stay in your lane, your content will always feel more genuine.

3. Customize the Output

Don’t be afraid to heavily edit what ChatGPT gives you. In fact, you should be editing! Swap out those repetitive buzzwords, rewrite awkward phrases, and add in details that only you could provide. The more you customize, the more it will sound like you.

For example, if ChatGPT says, “unleash the power of social media,” why not change it to something more fun and personal, like, “Let’s get real—social media isn’t just for pretty pictures. It’s your secret weapon for building a loyal community.”

4. Limit the Emoji Overload

ChatGPT loves emojis. And while a well-placed emoji can add a touch of personality to your content, overusing them can make your message feel less professional. If you’re trying to build credibility as an expert, peppering your content with too many 🎉 and 🌟 can backfire.

A good rule of thumb? Use emojis sparingly and only when they genuinely enhance the message.

Final Thoughts: Use ChatGPT to Support Your Voice, Not Replace It

At the end of the day, ChatGPT is an amazing tool for saving time and generating ideas, but it’s not a replacement for you. Your voice is one of your most valuable assets. It’s what sets you apart in a crowded market, and it’s what your audience connects with on a deeper level.

So, the next time you’re tempted to let ChatGPT “unleash” its power all over your content, take a step back. Reread the text, make it personal, and never forget to add your special touch. Your audience isn’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for you. And that’s something no AI can ever replace.