The Role AI should play in Strategic Action Planning
It seems like everyone is talking about the role AI should play in just about everything. Well, Strategic Action Planning is no exception. When used correctly, large language models (LLM) can add tremendous value to the process, generating insight and increasing productivity and actionability. I am going to share how.
If you want to listen rather than read, catch our episode on this topic on our podcast Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business here.
Note: For clarity, I am using my other business Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown as the example. But you should easily be able to translate and reapply what I did here to your business. It is a matter of seeking to understand the principles, what to look for, and how to use what you get. I have included all the outputs in the Appendix below for your reference. My LLM of choice for this exercise was ChatGPT.
Competitive Analysis
The first thing I asked ChatGPT: “Can you give me a competitive analysis of tinting companies that are competing with Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown?” What came back is a positioning statement along with competitive advantages, weaknesses, a categorical list of my key competitors and then insights and recommendations. All of this you can see in the Appendix.
What I would like to hone in on are the insights and recommendations (below). I use these to inform points of differentiation to test-and-learn in social posts, ads, sales offerings and sales scripts. I revise based on what gets traction. Once I see angles that are hitting, I put more fuel behind them. By the way, ChatGPT can write the posts and create the images for you, further increasing your productivity and efficiency. Give it your brand guidelines to ensure the posts feel on-brand and consistent.
Industry Trends
Next, I asked ChatGPT: “What are the industry trends for the next 3-5 years?” What came back was a list of trends with explanations. All available in the Appendix. I captured a few for the purposes of his blog (see below).
Now, I could have anecdotally told you many of these, but I wasn’t running this for confirmation bias. I was running it so I could see it all in totality for the purposes of evaluating whether I was focusing on the right things and if I was missing any opportunities. I had already started the upsell (#1) based on my Ideal Customer Profile (ICP – see below). But I saw opportunity in bundling (#2), which I could feed back into ChatGPT to develop content for testing-and-learning. I was also intrigued by the residential and commercial tint (#3), which I have introduced, but now am thinking about putting more behind to get ahead of the competition. Likewise, smart/adaptive tint (#4) intrigues me so much I am considering whether it is a trend I want to amp up so I can lead the industry. This new data aids in refinement of my strategic pillars and business model.
Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)
Finally, I asked ChatGPT: “Give me an ICP for my business considering everything you have given me. What came back was an overview that included a description (both demographic and psychographic), what they want (triggers and emotional drivers) and how to market to them. The full profile can be found in the Appendix.
Let me hone in on a particular portion (see below). When taking this profile in totality, what jumps out at me is that I am dealing with an emotionally-led, more affluent customer. Which means, if I can successfully sell the emotional benefit, I don’t have to try and compete on price. They will pay more for the quality, expertise and experience. And my shop delivers. This has shaped my selling strategy, which has maximized my cost per order and solidified more repeat customers. Note: this has been contrary to what corporate instructs. Which is another lesson, be careful who you are listening to.
Hopefully this has been helpful in showing you how you can leverage LLM can be of value to your Strategic Action Planning process. But I would be remiss if I didn’t also outline a few watchouts.
Watchouts
- LLMs are a tool. Which means you shouldn’t take it all at face value. If something seems weird, validate. If something seems vague, ask the LLM to tell you more. Be curious.
- As I mentioned above, watch for confirmation bias. This is not about proving how smart you already are. It is about being critical with an eye for growth.
- Don’t take everything LLM’s come back with at face value. If something seems weird or off, investigate.
- It is hard to be objective when you are in it everyday. Hire a business consultant to act as a third party accountability and process partner (either us or someone else).
Next Steps
Go try it. That’s it. What do you have to lose? We offer a free 30 minute consultation if you get stuck.
Anne Candido and April Martini are the co-founders of ForthRight People, a leadership performance company focused on building high-performing leaders from the inside out. That is with the leader themself, their team and their business. For more on them, check out forthright-people.com and their podcast Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business available on your player of choice or through their website.
Appendix
Note: Prompts in yellow
Can you give me a competitive analysis of tinting companies that are competing with Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown?
Here’s a clear, strategic competitive analysis of the Cincinnati tinting market around Tint World Cincinnati–Newtown, focused on real local competitors and how they position themselves.
🧭 1. Your Baseline: Tint World Cincinnati–Newtown
Tint World Cincinnati–Newtown
4.9•Window tinting service•Open
Positioning:
- National franchise with 40+ year brand legacy
- Offers full-service automotive styling (tint, PPF, detailing, audio, security)
- Also serves residential, commercial, and marine markets
Competitive advantage:
- Broadest service portfolio (one-stop shop)
- Brand recognition + systems + financing options
- Premium facility experience
Weakness:
- Can feel less “specialized” vs boutique experts
- Franchise perception (vs local craftsmanship)
🏁 2. Key Competitor Categories
A. Premium / Specialist Shops (Biggest Threat to Perception)
Eclipse Window Tinting
4.6•Car Window Tinting•Open
- 25+ years experience and award-winning reputation
- Strong positioning as “#1 tint & PPF shop”
- Focus on precision + premium installs
👉 Threat to Tint World:
They win on craftsmanship credibility and “best in class” perception.
X‑Shield Film Masters
5.0•Window tinting service
- High-end films + certified installer positioning
- Emphasis on quality control + premium materials
👉 Threat:
They compete on technical superiority + niche expertise
Tint Guy
4.9•Home Window Tinting•Open
- 20+ years, LLumar SelectPro / FormulaOne dealer
- Strong trust positioning around top-tier film brands
👉 Threat:
They win customers who value brand-name film quality + expertise
B. Strong Local Independents (Trust + Relationship Driven)
True Tint
5.0•Car Window Tinting•Open
- Emphasis on customer experience + customization
- Focus on education + tailored solutions
👉 Threat:
They compete on personal service + trust
Detail World
2.6•Auto Detailing•Open
- Built from local story → now large facility
- Competitive edge in volume + experience (70K+ vehicles)
👉 Threat:
They combine local brand story + scale
C. Price / Convenience Players (Volume Competitors)
Dealer Tinting Cincinnati
- Aggressive pricing (promos like “from $39”)
- Mobile tinting options
👉 Threat:
They win price-sensitive and convenience-driven customers
Other fragmented competitors:
- Jay’s Window Tinting & Vinyl Graphics
- Pro Auto Tint and Details
- Solar Tint
👉 Threat:
Collectively create market noise + price pressure
⚔️ 3. Competitive Positioning Map
| Segment | Players | Strength | Weakness |
| Full-service franchise | Tint World | Variety, scale, brand | Less niche credibility |
| Premium specialists | Eclipse, X-Shield, Tint Guy | Craft, film quality | Narrower service scope |
| Local relationship shops | True Tint, Detail World | Trust, personalization | Less brand power |
| Price players | Dealer Tinting + others | Cost, convenience | Lower perceived quality |
🔍 4. Strategic Insights (What This Means)
1. Tint World’s real competition isn’t price—it’s perception
- Premium shops win on “best installer” narrative
- Locals win on “I trust this guy” narrative
👉 Tint World sits in the middle unless clearly differentiated
2. The market is crowded—but fragmented
- Dozens of smaller shops exist
- No single dominant local brand
👉 Opportunity to own a category position
3. Clear white space:
Tint World can dominate if it leans into:
- “Most complete solution” (auto + home + business)
- “Professional-grade + lifestyle brand”
- “Upgrade your entire life, not just your car”
💡 5. Strategic Recommendations
Positioning Opportunity:
👉 “The only place that turns your vehicle AND lifestyle into a statement.”
Messaging Angles to Win:
- “More than tint—complete vehicle transformation”
- “Where performance meets personalization”
- “Your car. Your brand. Fully expressed.”
Competitive Counter Moves:
| Competitor Type | How to Beat Them |
| Premium shops | Showcase certifications + install quality proof |
| Local independents | Highlight consistency + guarantees |
| Price players | Avoid race to bottom—sell outcomes, not price |
📌 Bottom Line
Tint World Cincinnati–Newtown is:
- The most versatile player
- Competing in a market where others win on specialization or price
👉 The growth unlock is owning a clear identity:
Not just tinting… but personalization + protection + status
What are the industry trends for the next 3-5 years?
The biggest 3–5 year trends for tinting companies are:
1. Ceramic and IR heat-rejection films become the default upsell
Customers are moving beyond “darker windows” toward heat reduction, UV protection, comfort, and interior protection. Automotive tinting is projected to keep growing, with estimates around 7–8% CAGR through 2030.
2. PPF + tint + ceramic coating bundles grow
The strongest shops will sell protection packages, not one-off tint jobs: window tint, paint protection film, ceramic coating, windshield protection, and detailing. PPF demand is being driven by luxury vehicles, EVs, resale-value protection, and detailing culture.
3. Residential and commercial tint become bigger opportunities
Energy costs, UV protection, privacy, and building efficiency are pushing demand for architectural window film. Forecasts show steady growth in this category, especially for commercial and residential energy-efficiency applications.
4. Smart/adaptive tint is coming, but not mainstream yet
Electrochromic or adjustable tint is likely to become more visible by the end of the decade. In the next few years, it will be more of a premium/early-adopter offer than a mass-market replacement.
5. Local SEO and reviews become as important as product quality
Most customers will continue choosing based on Google ranking, reviews, photos, speed, and trust signals. Shops with strong review volume, before/after content, transparent packages, and fast quoting will win.
6. Price pressure increases from mobile and DIY options
Pre-cut kits, e-commerce tint, and mobile installers will keep putting pressure on entry-level jobs. Premium shops need to avoid competing only on price and instead sell quality, warranty, comfort, protection, and craftsmanship.
7. Customers want personalization
Tinting is increasingly part of a broader vehicle identity/styling purchase. That benefits Tint World because it can position around “full vehicle transformation,” not just tint.
For Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown, the opportunity is to own the premium-but-accessible space: “protection, comfort, and personalization in one place.”
Give me an ICP for my business considering everything you have given me.
Ideal Customer Profile for Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown
Primary ICP: The “Pride-of-Ownership Vehicle Upgrader”
Your best customer is someone who sees their vehicle as more than transportation. They want it to look better, feel better, stay protected, and reflect their personal style.
Who they are
They are typically:
- Income: middle to upper-middle income
- Location: Cincinnati east side, Anderson, Newtown, Milford, Madeira, Hyde Park, Mariemont, Terrace Park, Loveland
- Vehicle type: newer SUV, truck, performance car, luxury vehicle, Tesla/EV, Jeep, work truck, or family vehicle
- Mindset: quality-conscious, practical, image-aware
- Buying style: willing to pay more when they trust the expertise and see the value
What they want
They are looking for:
- A cooler, more comfortable vehicle
- Better privacy
- UV and interior protection
- A sharper, more premium look
- Paint protection, ceramic coating, detailing, or accessories bundled together
- A shop they can trust to “do it right the first time”
Their core emotional driver
They want to feel proud when they walk up to their vehicle.
This is not just tinting. It is about confidence, protection, personalization, and pride.
Best-fit services to market to them
Lead with:
- Ceramic window tint
- Paint protection film
- Ceramic coating
- Detailing
- Vehicle customization packages
- Residential/commercial tint as an add-on audience
Buying triggers
They are most likely to buy when:
- They just bought a new vehicle
- Summer heat becomes uncomfortable
- They notice fading/interior damage
- They want privacy or security
- They are upgrading a truck, Jeep, Tesla, luxury car, or performance vehicle
- They are preparing to sell or protect resale value
Messaging that will resonate
Use language like:
“Protect your investment. Upgrade your drive.”
“More comfort. More privacy. More pride every time you get behind the wheel.”
“Your vehicle should look as good as it performs.”
“Not just tint — total vehicle protection and personalization.”
Competitive positioning
Tint World Cincinnati-Newtown should not compete as the cheapest tint shop.
It should position as:
The full-service vehicle protection and personalization destination for quality-conscious Cincinnati drivers.
Secondary ICP: The Home/Business Protector
This customer owns a home, office, retail space, or commercial property and wants:
- Heat reduction
- Glare control
- UV protection
- Privacy
- Energy efficiency
- A more professional appearance
Best message:
“Make your space cooler, more private, and more comfortable without replacing your windows.”
Bottom line
Your strongest ICP is the customer who says:
“I want my vehicle protected, upgraded, and done right — and I want one trusted place that can handle all of it.”
Need to make changes?
Try sending a follow-up while ChatGPT is thinking.