You’ve heard the horror stories. A sales deck gets fed into ChatGPT and shows up in a competitor’s pitch. For industrials in IP-sensitive or regulated sectors, that’s a nightmare. So how do you stay smart and safe while using AI?
- Use Enterprise-Grade Tools with Privacy Settings Stick with platforms that:
- Don’t train models on your input (e.g., ChatGPT Team or Enterprise)
- Offer secure cloud storage or internal deployment
- Provide SOC 2 or ISO certifications (Go to ChatGPT and type in “how to get SOC 2 or ISO certifications” for more information)
- Never Paste Sensitive Data into Open AI Tools No price sheets, proprietary specs, or confidential emails. Ever. Use dummy data or train internal models instead.
- Segment What AI Can Touch Use AI for:
- SEO blog topics
- Public-facing content
- Prospect behavior insights
Avoid AI for:
- Unreleased product details
- Private customer conversations
- Strategic roadmaps
- Train Your Team Make sure everyone knows the rules. Create an internal “AI Use Policy” with examples of safe vs. risky behavior.
Bottom Line: AI isn’t risky. Misusing it is. Set guardrails, use secure tools, and treat AI like any powerful software … handle with care.
Action Step: Create Your “AI Usage Protocol” Cheat Sheet
Assign your operations or IT lead to draft a quick-reference, one-page AI usage policy. Include what’s OK to input into AI tools, what’s off-limits, and approved platforms for company-wide use. Distribute it at your next team meeting.
Clarity avoids risk. Make smart AI use part of your playbook … not a gamble.
Want to know more, go to What We Do or Contact Me in the menu above. Or give me a call at 269-375-0349.
