Solopreneurs Must Address AI Use in Client Communications

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more prevalent, solopreneurs are increasingly fielding questions from clients about their AI usage. While client attitudes have shifted from outright rejection to a more nuanced acceptance, it is crucial for businesses and clients to align on their respective stances regarding AI. Misalignment on this issue can strain client relationships.

The drive for transparency in AI use is gaining momentum. Companies like Anthropic are beginning to embed invisible watermarks in text generated by their AI, Claude, to comply with the EU AI Act. Similarly, platforms such as Substack are offering readers options to detect AI-generated posts. Although these tools are not infallible – Anthropic acknowledges its watermark indicates processing by Claude, not necessarily full generation – they reflect a growing demand for clarity on content creation methods.

It is essential for solopreneurs to first establish their own policy on AI. This includes deciding whether AI will be used as a supplement, not at all, or only for internal purposes. Clients may perceive AI-assisted work, where a human is involved throughout the process, differently from work that is entirely AI-generated. For some entrepreneurs, leveraging AI effectively can provide a competitive edge through faster turnaround times or increased output, while other clients may hold more traditional expectations.

Openness and written communication are key. Clauses regarding AI usage should be incorporated into client contracts. An agreement might state that all delivered work is the contractor's original creation, with an added statement specifying any AI assistance in preparatory stages. If contracts haven't been updated recently, consulting a lawyer for appropriate AI clauses may be advisable. Clarifying legal and client expectations upfront helps mitigate misunderstandings later.