In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Owner & CEO of Level 9 Virtual, Joe Rare.  Joe Rare talked about the impact of AI tools on the virtual assistant industry. Joe pointed out that while AI tools like ChatGPT can automate low-level tasks, they still require human input to be used effectively. He referred to these individuals as "prompt engineers," who create prompts, rules, and guidance for the AI tools. Joe emphasized that Level 9 Virtual's virtual assistants have adapted to AI tools, enhancing their value by learning how to leverage them for their clients. He also discussed the challenges home service businesses face in the current market. Joe stressed the importance of responsiveness and customer service in gaining a competitive edge. He believes that companies prioritizing customer communication and providing timely responses will be more likely to succeed in the long run, even in unfavorable market conditions. Joe also pointed out the inefficiencies and lack of processes in the home service industry, which often leads to overworked business owners and difficulty finding and retaining staff. He suggested that implementing effective strategies and systems can help these businesses grow more efficiently and provide better customer and employee experiences.   Key Points from the Episode: Specialization in providing virtual assistants for small and medium-sized businesses Differentiation from other staffing agencies and platforms Impact of AI tools on the virtual assistant industry Role of "prompt engineers" in leveraging AI tools effectively Importance of responsiveness and customer service for home service businesses Inefficiencies and lack of processes in the home service industry Level 9 Virtual's solution to communication challenges for home service businesses   About Joe Rare: Joe Rare, a successful serial entrepreneur and investor, is known for his insight into digital businesses and real estate. Starting his career with a door-to-door sales venture, he swiftly expanded it to a 40-person team, selling it after 27 months.  Despite early failures, Joe found his calling in building digital companies, subsequently establishing multiple businesses that generate over seven figures. His portfolio extends to owning five wedding venues and numerous real estate investments.  A devoted family man, he operates his ventures from his Montana home, providing invaluable assistance to small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. His journey epitomizes learning from failures and leveraging growth opportunities.   About Level 9 Virtual: LEVEL 9 Virtual is a premier provider of virtual assistant services, serving small businesses globally with over a decade of industry experience. From modest beginnings as a small VA provider and coaching platform, L9V has transformed into a top-tier provider of high-quality virtual assistants, attributed to their unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.   Their unique approach involves a tailored, unhurried process to ensure an optimal fit between the virtual assistant and the client's needs. This commitment to excellence and personalized client service differentiates L9V in a competitive industry, setting new virtual assistant service delivery standards.   Tweetable Moments: 03:03 - "I look and I go, this is amazing that we can get this kind of staff and get this kind of talent." 17:42 - "The concept of failing fast has been monumental to everything I've been able to do."   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Level 9 Virtual website at  https://www.level9virtual.com/ Check out Level 9 Virtual on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/level-9-virtual/ Check out Joe Rare on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerare/ Check out Joe Rare on his website at  https://www.joerare.com/ Check out Joe Rare on Twitter at  https://twitter.com/joerare Check out Joe Rare on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/joerare/ Check out Joe Rare on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/joerare/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.