Last week, we told you about some ways in which we’ve used ChatGPT for BIT Services. We provided you with an edited response from that AI engine, which we prompted to provide a summary of recent chats. At the same time, we asked it to discuss its own weaknesses, and it provided the five below (which we’ve edited). We’ve also added some more thoughts of our own below to help give you an idea of what kind of limitations you’ll need to consider if you choose to use ChatGPT for your business. 

What it gave us was useful and mostly accurate. Below are five key limitations of ChatGPT, edited with our own insights to help you make informed decisions about using AI in your business.

1. ChatGPT Is Not a Human Expert

Context Is Everything
ChatGPT works off the details you provide and what it remembers from prior prompts (if memory is active). Without enough context, its responses can be vague or overly generalized. 

No Emotional Intelligence
While it may sound friendly and natural, ChatGPT lacks real-world experience. It doesn’t “know” what your customers feel or how your team thinks—it’s just predicting text based on patterns.

2. ChatGPT Uses Outdated or Incomplete Information

Knowledge Cutoff Dates Matter
ChatGPT’s general training stops at June 2024. That means recent changes in regulations, software pricing, or industry-specific news may be missing or inaccurate. 

Gaps in Niche Tools or Local Laws
If your business relies on specific tools or operates under local ordinances, ChatGPT might not be up to speed unless you provide that information directly.

3. ChatGPT Doesn’t Execute—It Only Advises

Strategy Without Action
ChatGPT CAN produce content, but it can’t actually publish that content, push campaigns live, or connect systems. 

No Backend Access
While it can help you sketch out workflows and automations, it won’t log into your CRM, configure Zapier, or handle real-time integrations. You’ll still need a human to make it all work.

4. There’s a Risk of Over-Reliance

Don’t Let It Dilute Your Brand
Overusing ChatGPT can lead to content that sounds generic, robotic, or like everyone else on the internet. Your brand voice is too important to leave entirely in the hands of AI. 

Creativity Requires a Human Touch
AI is a powerful assistant, but it shouldn’t replace your ideas, stories, or style. The best content still needs a human’s perspective.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns

Treat AI Conversations Like Public Info
Even though ChatGPT doesn’t store sensitive information long-term, it’s still best practice not to share passwords, client data, financial details, or anything confidential through AI platforms. 

How to Use ChatGPT Wisely in Business 

To get the most value out of AI tools like ChatGPT, keep these best practices in mind: 

  • Be Specific: The more detail you provide in your prompts, the better the output. 
  • Verify All Info: AI still hallucinates or fabricates facts, so always double-check data. 
  • Maintain Your Voice: Using ChatGPT to generate content will result in a voice that sounds like everyone else. Work is needed to avoid this generic voice. 
  • Stay In Control: AI should support your workflow, not replace your thinking. Use it as a tool, not a crutch. 

Bottom Line

ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but it has limitations that matter. Treat it like a helpful assistant rather than a crutch, and you’ll see better results with fewer surprises.